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» RAILforum » » Model Railroading » airbrush vs spray painting cans

   
Author Topic: airbrush vs spray painting cans
usbureaucrat
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What are the advantages and disadvantages of using an airbrush to paint model RR locos vs using spray paint cans? In particular, is the quality of the airbrush painting noticeably better, on a metal steam loco? Thanks.
Posts: 17 | Registered: Nov 2002  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
Kennedy Model Trains
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I would say it's noticably better. With a spray can, you either get a really thick orange peel-type surface, or a thick chalky layer that won't adhere. Airbrushes can be regulated to provide just enough air and paint to get a layer of color on the model, and not obscure details like a spray can does.

Jared


Posts: 61 | From: New London, CT, USA | Registered: May 2001  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
usbureaucrat
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Interesting. I have noticed that even thin coats sprayed from a can give this orange-peel roughness. So, an airbrush would avoid this, even with gloss paints? If so, it would be worth it. What does an inexpensive airbrush setup (brush and air compressor) cost?
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Tom H
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Using an airbrush AND MODEL RAILROAD PAINTS (such as scalecoat) will give a much better looking paint job as the pigment is ground much finer than what is in a paint can. Scalecoat and others that are designed for model railroad work will give an ALMOST scale thickness to the paint. Call a nearby craft supplier (such as Michaels) and ask there, they will be able to give a better answer.

Tom H
Keep on Railroading.

[This message has been edited by Tom H (edited 02-03-2003).]


Posts: 57 | From: Hudson, Fl USA | Registered: Jul 2000  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
Challenger
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I am a custom painter of model trains. I have long ago learned that an airbrush is far superior to spray cans. On a good airbrush, you can control sevarl variables that allow you to have precise control over the paint. With a spray can you get a giant burst of paint that you can adjust and have to compensate by manouvering the model. Its akin to washing a car with a Garden hose (Airbrush) and washing it with Niagra Falls (Spray can). A cheap airbrush is also not the way to go as it does not allow a good amount of control. A good airbrush I reccomend and happens to be the one I use is the Badger "Model-200 C" I have seen it recntly in the Micro Mark catalog for about $60.00 It is a Single action airbrush. Single action are simple to operate. Just push the button to run the air. It also has a needle to control the paint flow and paint spray. This gives you a fair amount of control over the painting subject. In addition to the airbrush, you are going to need an air compressor capable of 35-40 psi, and a resivour tank. This provides a continous suply of air and you dont have to worry about running out of canned air that you find at the hobby shop.
Posts: 315 | From: Lander,WY USA | Registered: Jan 2002  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
rfcomm2k
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To Challenger,

There should also be a regulator in the line to maintain a constant pressure to the brush. If your compressor is old I also recommend an air drier because older tanks tend to have a lot of moisture in them.


Posts: 8 | From: Coatesville,PA,USA | Registered: Feb 2003  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
Challenger
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To rfcomm2k,

Thanks for catching that. I totally forgot about the regulator. DUH! I however live in the dry climat of Wyoming. I find ,here, that a moistior trap is more of a maintainence hassle than a benifit. However it would probably be necessary in more humid areas.


Posts: 315 | From: Lander,WY USA | Registered: Jan 2002  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
   

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