What types of airbrush paints are there? How to choose, features, and recommended products
What types of airbrush paints are there? How to choose, features, and recommended products
Many people are interested in airbrush painting as a new hobby. To do airbrush painting, you need to prepare paint and solvents. However, many people may not understand what exactly they need.
In this article, we will explain the main types of paints used with airbrushes, as well as other solvents and dilution methods. We hope you will find this article useful as a reference for those who are trying their hand at airbrush painting.
table of contents
◾️Main types of airbrush paint
A wide variety of paints are used for airbrush painting. Here we will explain the main types of airbrush paints.
◾️Lacquer paint
Lacquer paint is especially popular for airbrush painting. It is an oil-based paint known as an "organic solvent-based acrylic resin paint." Lacquer paint has several advantages, and a wide variety of products are available. The characteristics of lacquer paint and representative products are explained in detail below.
◾️Characteristics of lacquer paint
Lacquer paint has the characteristic of drying quickly after application. Therefore, it can be applied quickly and efficiently. After applying lacquer paint, it is also possible to apply other paints such as acrylic paint or enamel paint.
Lacquer paint is also resistant to rubbing and scratches, and leaves no fingerprints when touched with your hands. It spreads well and does not easily become uneven, so it is easy to paint neatly even if you are new to airbrush painting. It also has excellent color development, so you can expect a satisfactory finish.
◾️Representative products
A representative lacquer paint is "GSI Creos Mr. Color." It has a wide variety of colors and is popular as a standard lacquer paint. If you are looking for a rare color, we also recommend "Gaia Notes Gaia Color." It also has pearlescent and fluorescent colors. "Tamiya Lacquer Paint," which has been released relatively recently, is also attracting attention.
◾️Acrylic paint
Acrylic paint is also often used as airbrush paint. It is a water-based paint called "water-soluble acrylic resin paint". Acrylic paint has different characteristics from lacquer paint. The characteristics of acrylic paint and representative products are explained in detail below.
◾️Characteristics of acrylic paint
The appeal of acrylic paint is that it doesn't have much of a smell. After applying acrylic paint, you can apply enamel paint over it. However, you should avoid applying lacquer paint over acrylic paint, as it may damage the paint film.
Compared to lacquer paints, acrylic paints take longer to dry after application. Because they are water-based, they dissolve easily in water before drying, so tools can generally be cleaned with water. However, the coating film remains water-resistant after drying. Modern water-based paints have high performance, and the possibility of them hardening cannot be denied. There are many cases of handpieces being clogged with water-based paints, so we recommend using a tool wash to clean them just in case.
◾️Representative products
Representative acrylic paints include "Tamiya Acrylic Paint Mini" and "GSI Creos Water-Based Hobby Color." Both are available at a variety of stores and are easy to obtain. They come in a wide variety of colors and can be used to paint a wide range of parts.
◾️Enamel paint
Enamel paint is a paint used as a supplement. Specifically, it is used for brush painting of small areas after painting the entire surface, or for weathering or washing to make it look dirty or uneven. The characteristics of enamel paint and typical products are explained in detail below.
◾️Characteristics of enamel paint
Enamel paint takes the longest time to dry compared to lacquer and acrylic paints. It does not dry quickly and spreads well, which helps prevent unevenness when applying with a brush. It also has excellent color development, resulting in a beautiful finish.
However, it is important to note that the paint film after drying is relatively weak and easily peels off. After applying enamel paint, other paints cannot be applied over it. It also has a unique odor.
◾️Representative products
A representative enamel paint is "Tamiya Enamel Paint." It has long been a popular domestic enamel paint and comes in a wide variety of colors.
Gaia Notes Gaia Enamel is also available as an enamel paint. It comes in basic colors such as cyan, magenta, yellow, white, and black. There are also fluorescent colors and colors for dirty painting, but the overall number of colors is not that large.
◾️How to choose airbrush paint
As we have explained so far, there are various types of airbrush paints. Each has different characteristics, and you need to choose the right one according to the purpose and use of the painting. Each paint has both advantages and disadvantages, so understand the differences and use them appropriately. If you can use the paint well, you can improve the quality of your painting.
◾️Other solvents and paints used in airbrush painting
As we have explained so far, there are various types of airbrush paints. Each has different characteristics, and you need to choose the right one according to the purpose and use of the painting. Each paint has both advantages and disadvantages, so understand the differences and use them appropriately. If you can use the paint well, you can improve the quality of your painting.
◾️Solvent (thinner/tool cleaner)
A thinner is a solvent used to adjust the paint concentration to the optimum level. Thinners must be selected according to the painting method and type of paint.
Also, after painting with an airbrush, you will need a tool cleaner to remove the paint from your tools. Tool cleaner is a strong solvent and cannot be used together with thinner.
◾️Surfacer/Primer
Surfacer is a paint used as a base for painting. It is used to hide the color of the parts to be painted when the color is easily visible. Using a surfacer makes scratches and unevenness easier to see and to correct.
Primers are also used to help paint adhere better, for example when painting over paint-repellent surfaces or when using paint with a weak coating.
◾️How to dilute paint when airbrushing
As mentioned above, when using paint, it is necessary to dilute it with thinner, taking into consideration the type and painting method. The dilution ratio varies depending on the manufacturer and the compressor's discharge pressure. For example, when using RAYWOOD's NITRO-COMP V2, it is a good idea to start with "1 part paint: 1 part thinner" and then perform a test spray to adjust. The best dilution ratio may change depending on the painting environment, so it is necessary to adjust it little by little.
◾️Points to note when airbrushing
When painting with an airbrush, wear a mask and goggles. This is because when using an airbrush, the particles expelled from the airbrush may enter the body. Don't forget to ventilate the room and take care to prevent particles from entering the body as much as possible. Since the airbrush can affect more than just the person painting, make sure there are no other people around when using the airbrush.
◾️If you want to buy the paints and tools you need for airbrush painting, we recommend "RAYWOOD"
If you want to buy paints and tools necessary for airbrush painting, RAYWOOD is recommended. RAYWOOD is a company that operates airbrush business, RC car business, hobby supplies business, etc. It also carries a wide range of Tamiya paints, which will help you get everything you need for airbrush painting.
In addition, PROFIX, a brand of airbrushes operated by RAYWOOD, offers airbrushes that can be used for a long time. With a wide range of models available, you will be able to find an airbrush that suits your purpose and use.
◾️Summary
When painting with an airbrush, lacquer paint, acrylic paint, and enamel paint are mainly used. Each has different characteristics, so choose carefully. Also, when using paint, it is necessary to dilute it with thinner. To improve the finish of the paint, it is important to dilute it little by little to the optimal dilution ratio.
RAYWOOD is a company that handles a variety of products necessary for airbrush painting. In addition, the airbrush specialty brand "PROFIX" offers a wide variety of airbrushes. We provide high-quality products at reasonable prices and have a comprehensive support system. Please use it to enjoy airbrush painting.
《ABOUT RAYWOOD》
PROFIX
PROFIX is an airbrush brand that aims to become the next generation standard. With the concept of "long-lasting use," we provide products that users can use with peace of mind for a long time. We offer a wide variety of items, including paint booths, compressors, and airbrushes.
