Marcus Chen
Vallejo Game Air is a range of acrylic colours designed for airbrushing models and figures for fantasy, wargames, and sci-fi applications. While the paint is formulated for airbrushing, some users have reported success in using Vallejo paints without an airbrush by thinning the paint extensively and using airbrush flow improvers and paint retardants. However, it is important to note that not all colours in the Vallejo Game and Model Colour lines are suitable for airbrushing, and the manufacturer recommends their Model Air and Premium lines for airbrush applications.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can you paint Vallejo Game Air without an airbrush? | Yes, but it depends on the colors. While some colors in Game and Model Color are not suitable for being dispersed in the air, the ranges of Game Air and Game Color are perfectly compatible, allowing the use of colors in both airbrush and brush applications. |
| How to paint Vallejo Game Air without an airbrush | Game Air is pre-thinned but does need further thinning to work well. You need to use airbrush flow improver, paint retarder, and airbrush thinner. |
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What You'll Learn
Vallejo paints are designed for airbrushing
Vallejo's Game Air range is a set of acrylic colours for airbrushing, designed for painting fantasy, wargames, and sci-fi figures and models. The range was developed to maintain popular shades and introduce new colours that allow the use of the BSL chromatic grouping system (Base, Shadow, and Light). The Game Air and Game Colour ranges are compatible, with identical colours in both formulations, allowing for both airbrush and brush applications. The new formula increases ultra-fine pigment loading, improves opacity, and provides exceptional adhesion on previously primed surfaces of plastic, resin, or metal figures and models.
The Vallejo Model Air range is pre-thinned for airbrushing but may require additional thinning for optimal performance. Similarly, the Model Colour range needs extensive thinning to work through an airbrush. While it is possible to use the Model Colour range with an airbrush, it requires a complex mix of airbrush flow improver, paint retarder, and thinner.
Vallejo paints are user-friendly and can dry smoothly and evenly, as one user found when airbrushing with Vallejo paints for the first time in over ten years.
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Vallejo Game Air paints can be used without an airbrush
The Vallejo Game Air formula includes ultra-fine pigments, improved opacity, and strong adhesion to primed surfaces made of plastic, resin, or metal. This formula is designed to be fast-drying and self-levelling, resulting in a smooth, matte finish.
Although Vallejo Game Air can be used without thinning, thinning the paint may be necessary when using it with an airbrush. Thinning the paint can improve its flow and spray pattern. When thinning Vallejo paints for airbrushing, it is recommended to use a combination of airbrush flow improver, paint retarder, and airbrush thinner.
It is important to note that the Vallejo Game Air range does not include metallic or fluorescent colours. These colours are available in the Game Color range, which is formulated for direct use with an airbrush.
Additionally, some colours in the Vallejo Game and Model Color ranges may not be suitable for airbrushing due to health and safety concerns. Therefore, it is recommended to refer to the specific health and safety guidelines provided by Vallejo for their products.
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Vallejo Model Air paints are pre-thinned but require further thinning
Vallejo Model Air paints are designed for airbrushing and are pre-thinned, but they may require additional thinning for optimal performance. While it is possible to use these paints without thinning, thinning the paint can improve its flow and spray pattern, resulting in a smoother and more even finish.
Thinning Vallejo Model Air paints involves mixing them with a suitable thinning medium, such as water, airbrush flow improver, or a specific thinner designed for airbrushing. The exact ratio of paint to thinner may vary depending on the desired consistency and the specific requirements of the airbrush setup. However, as a general guideline, a ratio of 50% paint to 50% thinner is often recommended as a starting point.
It is important to note that thinning the paint too much can also be detrimental. Over-thinning can lead to issues such as reduced opacity, decreased adhesion, and prolonged drying times. Therefore, it is crucial to thin the paint gradually and test the mixture on a small area before proceeding with the full application.
Additionally, when thinning Vallejo Model Air paints, it is essential to consider the specific characteristics of the paint and the desired finish. For example, metallic and fluorescent colours in the Game Colour range have a formula that allows for direct use with an airbrush, without requiring thinning. On the other hand, some colours in the Game and Model Colour ranges may not be suitable for airbrushing at all due to their chemical composition and potential health and safety concerns.
In conclusion, while Vallejo Model Air paints are pre-thinned and can be used without thinning, further thinning can enhance their performance in airbrushing applications. By thinning the paint appropriately and considering the specific characteristics of the paint and the desired finish, users can achieve optimal results and create high-quality, smooth, and even coatings on their models and projects.
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Vallejo Model Color paints need extensive thinning for airbrushing
Vallejo paints are available in a variety of ranges, including the Game Air and Model Color ranges. While the Game Air range is specifically designed for airbrushing, some colours in the Game and Model Color ranges are not suitable for airbrushing and will need to be thinned.
Vallejo Model Color paints, in particular, need extensive thinning for airbrushing. It is recommended that you thin Model Color paints to a 3:1 ratio of thinner to paint to achieve the right consistency. This is in contrast to Model Air paints, which only need a small amount of thinner. Thinning the paint too much can have the reverse effect, making it harder or impossible for the paint to adhere to the surface.
It is important to note that not all colours in the Game and Model Color ranges can be thinned and used with an airbrush; it depends on the pigment. To thin Vallejo paints for airbrushing, you can use a variety of thinners, including airbrush thinner, water, or an airbrush cleaner. However, it is recommended to use distilled water over tap water as tap water contains impurities and minerals that can negatively impact the paint and cause clogging.
Additionally, it is suggested to add a flow improver to Vallejo paints before using them in an airbrush to improve the flow and prevent clogging. When thinning paints for airbrushing, the key is experimentation to find the right consistency, which should be similar to that of skim milk. For Model Color paints, it is recommended to use an air compressor with a pressure setting between 15 and 20 PSI to achieve the best results.
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Vallejo paints can be used with a brush
While Vallejo paints can be used with a brush, some colours in the Game and Model Color ranges are not suitable for airbrushing. The Model Air and Premium ranges have been formulated especially for airbrushing, and the Model Air range is pre-thinned for this purpose. However, even the pre-thinned Model Air paints may need further thinning to achieve the best results with an airbrush.
Thinning Vallejo paints for use with an airbrush can be a complex process. In addition to thinning the paint, you may need to use an airbrush flow improver and a paint retarder. Even with these additional products, the paint may not spray as well as a Tamiya + lacquer thinner. Vallejo paints are, therefore, better suited to brush applications than airbrushing.
Vallejo paints are a good option for those who wish to use both brush and airbrushing techniques in their work, as the Game Air and Game Color ranges can be used interchangeably. For those who primarily use an airbrush, a different brand of paint may be preferable.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Vallejo Game Air can be used without an airbrush as it is compatible with both brush and airbrush applications. However, some colours in the Game Air range are not suitable for being dispersed in the air.
Vallejo Game Air can be used directly with a brush without the need for thinning. The paint has a self-levelling matt finish and is fast-drying.
Yes, other Vallejo paints such as Model Color can also be used without an airbrush, but they require extensive thinning. You will need to use airbrush flow improver, paint retarder, and thinner to get a good spray pattern.
