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Airbrushing Water-Base Paints

Lester Breuer
 

I have been asked to explain my process to airbrush freight cars and other models.   I have done my best to provide an answer in my new blog post, “Airbrushing Water-Base Paint and Tools”.  I address choosing colors, matching colors, mixing colors, thinner and tools for airbrushing water-base paint.   If you are interested in my airbrushing methods, photos and write up are now available on my blog I have to share photos and writeup of modeling projects on my Minneapolis & Northland Railroad Company.  If you would like to take a look please do at the following link:

 

http://mnrailroadcab100.blogspot.com/

 

 

Lester Breuer

Ray Hutchison
 

Excellent and very useful post.  Thank you, Lester.

Jeff Skeels
 

Very useful information Lester. Thanks. I'd like to know what method you use to mix Vallejo paints in their bottle ?

cordially
Jeff Skeels

Dean
 

Does anyone have a good on-line source for Vallejo acrylic paints?  My LHS (two hours away) has only a few colors in stock and I haven't been able to locate an on-line source with the colors I see recommended for model railroad use.  Thanks in advance!

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Scott H. Haycock
 

Try Midwest Model RR- https://midwestmodelrr.com/

I've had good luck with them.

Scott Haycock

On 09/18/2022 5:59 PM Dean <d.v.incopero@...> wrote:


Does anyone have a good on-line source for Vallejo acrylic paints?  My LHS (two hours away) has only a few colors in stock and I haven't been able to locate an on-line source with the colors I see recommended for model railroad use.  Thanks in advance!

[ADMIN: Please sign your posts with your full name.  Thanks!]

Kevin Macomber
 

All products from outside the US are still facing stocking issues and I don't see an improvement after two years +. I resell both MIG Ammo and Tamiya, and it took some work to ensure my entire product line was full. My fill rates on product has been in the 50% range which is terrible.

Kevin
NGMC

On 2022-09-18 18:59, Dean wrote:
Does anyone have a good on-line source for Vallejo acrylic paints? My
LHS (two hours away) has only a few colors in stock and I haven't been
able to locate an on-line source with the colors I see recommended for
model railroad use. Thanks in advance!
[ADMIN: Please sign your posts with your full name. Thanks!]
Links:
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[2] https://groups.io/mt/93744344/645454
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[4] https://RealSTMFC.groups.io/g/main/editsub/645454
[5] https://RealSTMFC.groups.io/g/main/leave/11334620/645454/765963421/xyzzy
--
Kevin Macomber
NGMC
(717) 474-8399
www.narrowgaugemodeling.com

Nelson Moyer
 

The local Hobby Lobby started carrying Vallejo when Model Master went away. I don’t remember if it’s Model Color or Model Air or both, since I don’t use acrylics.

 

Nelson Moyer

 

From: main@RealSTMFC.groups.io <main@RealSTMFC.groups.io> On Behalf Of Dean
Sent: Sunday, September 18, 2022 7:00 PM
To: main@RealSTMFC.groups.io
Subject: Re: [RealSTMFC] Airbrushing Water-Base Paints

 

Does anyone have a good on-line source for Vallejo acrylic paints?  My LHS (two hours away) has only a few colors in stock and I haven't been able to locate an on-line source with the colors I see recommended for model railroad use.  Thanks in advance!

[ADMIN: Please sign your posts with your full name.  Thanks!]

Lester Breuer
 

Jeff asked what method I use to mix Vallejo paints in their bottle?

Jeff I mix the Vallejo paint in their bottle by first shaking the bottle as any paint.  And, then removing the top of the dropper bottle and using a stirring tool I put inside the bottle and stir it manually.  I have included photos of my stirring tools.  The three are: the cupped one from a measuring spoon from a chemistry set, one with a slot that do not remember where I obtained and the third a brass wire flatten on one end with a hammer to make the flat and the other end dipped in a plastic tool coating material available at the hardware store.
The other photo shows top remove and one of the stirring tolls inside an empty bottle for photo.

Lester Breuer

Lester Breuer
 

Dean I  purchase mine at the local hobby shop which does do mail order.  They stock both Vallejo Model Air and Model Color.  I also buy Vallejo at Hobby Lobby; however, limited colors available and not always both Model Air and Model Color.


The shop:
Scale Model Supplies
Address: 458 Lexington Pkwy N, St Paul, MN 55104
 
 
 
Hours: 
Closed ⋅ Opens 10AM Mon
 
 
Phone: (651) 646-7781


Lester Breuer
Plymouth, MN

Scott H. Haycock
 

I read somewhere about putting a small nut in Vallejo style bottles to aid in mixing via shaking. Don't use a round object such as a ball bearing- it will clog the tip!

 

Scott Haycock

On 09/25/2022 7:15 PM Lester Breuer <rforailroad@...> wrote:


Jeff asked what method I use to mix Vallejo paints in their bottle?

Jeff I mix the Vallejo paint in their bottle by first shaking the bottle as any paint.  And, then removing the top of the dropper bottle and using a stirring tool I put inside the bottle and stir it manually.  I have included photos of my stirring tools.  The three are: the cupped one from a measuring spoon from a chemistry set, one with a slot that do not remember where I obtained and the third a brass wire flatten on one end with a hammer to make the flat and the other end dipped in a plastic tool coating material available at the hardware store.
The other photo shows top remove and one of the stirring tolls inside an empty bottle for photo.

Lester Breuer

Curt Fortenberry
 


I think the tip for the nut was from Phil Flory (Flory Models UK).  He recommended marine grade stainless steel nuts. I've done that as he suggested.  I think it works great.  

Curt Fortenberry

Jeff Skeels
 

Thanks Nelson,  that's basically, what I have been doing, but my mixing tools aren't quite as sophisticated.  Actually, I have on occasion spilled paint while pulling the dropper portion  off of the bottle. I'm  looking at a method of mixing that avoids pulling the dropper or hand shaking.  I have some thoughts on what I may experiment  with and will share with the group if I succeed.




Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S10, an AT&T 5G Evolution capable smartphone

Jeff Skeels
 

Sorry, my last post was to be a reply to Lester's post on mixing paint.  My apologies  to both Lester and Nelson.



Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S10, an AT&T 5G Evolution capable smartphone

Tim O'Connor
 


Years ago I bought an inexpensive, battery powered paint mixer from Micromark, and I use it for every
brand of paint and it works wonders. In fact, I bought a second one after the first one finally died after
about 15 years of use.

One thing I have learned is never to put un-used paint from a session back into the original bottle. It's
just asking for trouble. This is especially true for acrylic paints -- limit the bottle's exposure to air!  :-)


On 9/25/2022 9:15 PM, Lester Breuer wrote:

Jeff asked what method I use to mix Vallejo paints in their bottle?

Jeff I mix the Vallejo paint in their bottle by first shaking the bottle as any paint.  And, then removing the top of the dropper bottle and using a stirring tool I put inside the bottle and stir it manually.  I have included photos of my stirring tools.  The three are: the cupped one from a measuring spoon from a chemistry set, one with a slot that do not remember where I obtained and the third a brass wire flatten on one end with a hammer to make the flat and the other end dipped in a plastic tool coating material available at the hardware store.
The other photo shows top remove and one of the stirring tolls inside an empty bottle for photo.

Lester Breuer

Attachments:



--
Tim O'Connor
Sterling, Massachusetts

Nelson Moyer
 

After knocking over a few bottles of paint and Tenax, I made  caddies with wide bases to hold the different sizes of paint and glue bottles I use. I drilled through the top piece, then glued that piece onto a base block. I only use Vallejo once to get the right color of red on a Cudahy reefer ends and roof, so I haven’t made a caddie for Vallejo bottles yet. Most of my painting is airbrushing in the paint booth, and I don’t use the caddies there, just when painting at the workbench. I also use a caddie to hold Micro Set and Micro Sol, which are especially prone to getting knocked over without support. The photos shows my caddie collection.

 

Nelson Moyer

 

From: main@RealSTMFC.groups.io <main@RealSTMFC.groups.io> On Behalf Of Jeff Skeels
Sent: Monday, September 26, 2022 11:37 AM
To: main@RealSTMFC.groups.io
Subject: Re: [RealSTMFC] Airbrushing Water-Base Paints

 

Thanks Nelson,  that's basically, what I have been doing, but my mixing tools aren't quite as sophisticated.  Actually, I have on occasion spilled paint while pulling the dropper portion  off of the bottle. I'm  looking at a method of mixing that avoids pulling the dropper or hand shaking.  I have some thoughts on what I may experiment  with and will share with the group if I succeed.

 

 

 

 

Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S10, an AT&T 5G Evolution capable smartphone

 

Tim O'Connor
 


Those are great! You probably could sell them on Ebay (or Amazon!) to modelers -- sized for each brand. :-)

On 9/26/2022 2:08 PM, Nelson Moyer wrote:

After knocking over a few bottles of paint and Tenax, I made  caddies with wide bases to hold the different sizes of paint and glue bottles I use. I drilled through the top piece, then glued that piece onto a base block. I only use Vallejo once to get the right color of red on a Cudahy reefer ends and roof, so I haven’t made a caddie for Vallejo bottles yet. Most of my painting is airbrushing in the paint booth, and I don’t use the caddies there, just when painting at the workbench. I also use a caddie to hold Micro Set and Micro Sol, which are especially prone to getting knocked over without support. The photos shows my caddie collection.

 

Nelson Moyer

 

From: main@RealSTMFC.groups.io <main@RealSTMFC.groups.io> On Behalf Of Jeff Skeels
 Sent: Monday, September 26, 2022 11:37 AM
 To: main@RealSTMFC.groups.io
 Subject: Re: [RealSTMFC] Airbrushing Water-Base Paints

 

Thanks Nelson,  that's basically, what I have been doing, but my mixing tools aren't quite as sophisticated.  Actually, I have on occasion spilled paint while pulling the dropper portion  off of the bottle. I'm  looking at a method of mixing that avoids pulling the dropper or hand shaking.  I have some thoughts on what I may experiment  with and will share with the group if I succeed.

 

 

 

 

Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S10, an AT&T 5G Evolution capable smartphone

 

Attachments:



--
Tim O'Connor
Sterling, Massachusetts

Lester Breuer
 

Jeff there is a commercial solution - vortex paint mixer.    A good one will cost around a hundred dollars.   Since I already have a paint shaker (photo) I have not been willing to make the investment in the vortex type.
Lester Breuer


Brian Carlson
 

Tom you mean like these.  https://motrakmodelsusa.com/products.html#!/Masonite-Products/c/40570092/offset=0&sort=normal

Brian J. Carlson 

On Sep 26, 2022, at 2:14 PM, Tim O'Connor <timboconnor@...> wrote:



Those are great! You probably could sell them on Ebay (or Amazon!) to modelers -- sized for each brand. :-)

On 9/26/2022 2:08 PM, Nelson Moyer wrote:

After knocking over a few bottles of paint and Tenax, I made  caddies with wide bases to hold the different sizes of paint and glue bottles I use. I drilled through the top piece, then glued that piece onto a base block. I only use Vallejo once to get the right color of red on a Cudahy reefer ends and roof, so I haven’t made a caddie for Vallejo bottles yet. Most of my painting is airbrushing in the paint booth, and I don’t use the caddies there, just when painting at the workbench. I also use a caddie to hold Micro Set and Micro Sol, which are especially prone to getting knocked over without support. The photos shows my caddie collection.

 

Nelson Moyer

 

From: main@RealSTMFC.groups.io <main@RealSTMFC.groups.io> On Behalf Of Jeff Skeels
 Sent: Monday, September 26, 2022 11:37 AM
 To: main@RealSTMFC.groups.io
 Subject: Re: [RealSTMFC] Airbrushing Water-Base Paints

 

Thanks Nelson,  that's basically, what I have been doing, but my mixing tools aren't quite as sophisticated.  Actually, I have on occasion spilled paint while pulling the dropper portion  off of the bottle. I'm  looking at a method of mixing that avoids pulling the dropper or hand shaking.  I have some thoughts on what I may experiment  with and will share with the group if I succeed.

 

 

 

 

Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S10, an AT&T 5G Evolution capable smartphone

 

Attachments:



--
Tim O'Connor
Sterling, Massachusetts

--
Brian J. Carlson, P.E.
Cheektowaga NY

Tim O'Connor
 


Not the same thing Brian. A caddy is for one or two items. It has to take up minimal workspace.


On 9/26/2022 3:51 PM, Brian Carlson via groups.io wrote:

Tom you mean like these.  https://motrakmodelsusa.com/products.html#!/Masonite-Products/c/40570092/offset=0&sort=normal
Brian J. Carlson 
On Sep 26, 2022, at 2:14 PM, Tim O'Connor <timboconnor@...> wrote:
Those are great! You probably could sell them on Ebay (or Amazon!) to modelers -- sized for each brand. :-)
On 9/26/2022 2:08 PM, Nelson Moyer wrote:

After knocking over a few bottles of paint and Tenax, I made  caddies with wide bases to hold the different sizes of paint and glue bottles I use. I drilled through the top piece, then glued that piece onto a base block. I only use Vallejo once to get the right color of red on a Cudahy reefer ends and roof, so I haven’t made a caddie for Vallejo bottles yet. Most of my painting is airbrushing in the paint booth, and I don’t use the caddies there, just when painting at the workbench. I also use a caddie to hold Micro Set and Micro Sol, which are especially prone to getting knocked over without support. The photos shows my caddie collection.

 

Nelson Moyer

 

From: main@RealSTMFC.groups.io <main@RealSTMFC.groups.io> On Behalf Of Jeff Skeels
 Sent: Monday, September 26, 2022 11:37 AM
 To: main@RealSTMFC.groups.io
 Subject: Re: [RealSTMFC] Airbrushing Water-Base Paints

 

Thanks Nelson,  that's basically, what I have been doing, but my mixing tools aren't quite as sophisticated.  Actually, I have on occasion spilled paint while pulling the dropper portion  off of the bottle. I'm  looking at a method of mixing that avoids pulling the dropper or hand shaking.  I have some thoughts on what I may experiment  with and will share with the group if I succeed.

 

Attachments:

_._,_._,_

--
Tim O'Connor
Sterling, Massachusetts

Nelson Moyer
 

I read that shaking acrylics introduces fine air bubbles, which is undesirable, and the recommendation was to stir and swirl the bottle to mix. I do both with acrylics, first stir to break up any sediment, the swirl in  a tight circle with the bottom of the bottle resting on the workbench or paint booth. Swirling is a technique for mixing protein solutions where shaking or vortexiing may denature  protein, but it works on all sorts of solutions in the laboratory as well ss for mixing paint. Air is the enemy of paint, and introduction of air reduces shelf life. I use more vigorous mixing for organic solvent based paints, but not for acrylics.

 

Nelson Moyer

 

From: main@RealSTMFC.groups.io <main@RealSTMFC.groups.io> On Behalf Of Lester Breuer
Sent: Monday, September 26, 2022 2:13 PM
To: main@RealSTMFC.groups.io
Subject: Re: [RealSTMFC] Airbrushing Water-Base Paints

 

Jeff there is a commercial solution - vortex paint mixer.    A good one will cost around a hundred dollars.   Since I already have a paint shaker (photo) I have not been willing to make the investment in the vortex type.
Lester Breuer

 

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