Lena Rivera
When using Humbrol enamel paint with an airbrush, it is important to thin the paint first. The usual ratio is 1-2 parts paint to 1 part thinner. However, some people have found that a 50/50 ratio works well for them. It is recommended to use Humbrol's own enamel thinner or a substitute such as white spirit, although some people have also used lacquer thinner with varying degrees of success. It is important to constantly stir the paint when spraying to ensure a consistent finish and always spray parallel to the surface.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Thinner | Enamel Thinner, Acrylic Thinner, White Spirit, Lacquer Thinner, Synthetic Turps, Lighter Fuel |
| Thinner Ratio | 50/50, 60/40, 40% thinner for metallics, 1:1 @ 20 psi, 2:1 |
| Stirring | Constantly stir the paint to keep it uniform and ensure a consistent finish |
| Spraying Technique | Spray parallel to the surface and not too close to avoid paint running and sagging |
| Air Pressure | 8-25 psi |
| Drying Time | Surface dry in 1 hour, fully dry in 24 hours (may vary with temperature and humidity) |
| Cleaning | Clean airbrush immediately after use with Humbrol Enamel Thinners, Humbrol Acrylic Thinners, or water, depending on paint type |
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What You'll Learn
Thinning ratios
Humbrol's own enamel thinner is recommended by some, although it is more expensive. White spirit is a cheaper alternative, and some modellers use a 50:50 mix of Humbrol paint and lacquer thinner.
The thinning ratio will depend on the colour and finish of the paint, as well as the air pressure and distance from the model. A ratio of 60/40 (thinner/paint) may be suitable for some colours, but a 50/50 mix is more common.
It is important to thoroughly mix the paint and thinner in a separate container before decanting into the airbrush cup. The paint should be constantly stirred to keep it uniform and ensure a consistent finish.
When thinning Humbrol enamel paint, it is also important to consider the drying time. Thinner paint will require more coats, and each coat must be allowed to dry thoroughly before applying the next, to avoid a 'wrinkling' effect.
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Thinner types
Humbrol Enamel Thinner: Humbrol offers its own dedicated enamel thinner, specifically designed for thinning their enamel paints. This thinner is known for its fine refinement and compatibility with Humbrol enamel paints. While it may be more expensive than other options, many users recommend starting with this thinner to establish a baseline for comparison. It typically mixes at a ratio of 1:2 or 2:1 (thinner to paint), but some users have reported success with a 1:1 ratio.
White Spirit (Turpentine Substitute): White spirit, also known as turps substitute, is a commonly used thinner for thinning Humbrol enamel paint. It is a more affordable alternative to Humbrol's own thinner and can be found at hardware stores or paint shops. Some users have reported successful mixing at a 50/50 ratio or starting at around 40% thinner, depending on the paint's consistency.
Lacquer Thinner: Lacquer thinner is another option for thinning Humbrol enamel paint. However, some users have reported mixed results with this thinner. While it can work for some, others have experienced issues with atomization and separation of the pigment. It is important to test and adjust the ratio to find the right balance to avoid splatter and ensure proper atomization.
Synthetic Turpentine: Synthetic turpentine, also known as turps substitute, is generally considered safe to use with Humbrol enamel paint. It is important to note that real turpentine should be avoided as it can cause separation of the pigment and oils, especially with metallic paints. Synthetic turpentine is a more suitable alternative for thinning metallic Humbrol enamels.
Enamel Thinners from Other Brands: Some modelers have experimented with enamel thinners from other brands, including local DIY shop house brands, and have reported satisfactory results. These alternatives can offer cost savings, but it is important to test and compare them with Humbrol's own thinner to ensure comparable performance and finish.
It is worth noting that the choice of thinner may depend on personal preference, availability, and cost considerations. However, it is always recommended to test different thinner types and ratios on a small scale before proceeding with a full project to ensure optimal results.
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Stirring techniques
When thinning Humbrol enamel paint for airbrushing, it is important to constantly stir the mixture to ensure a consistent finish. Here are some stirring techniques to achieve the best results:
- Thorough Stirring: Before beginning the thinning process, ensure that the paint is thoroughly mixed. This is especially important for matt paints, as inadequate stirring can cause issues with the matting agent, resulting in a white misting effect on your finished product.
- Separate Container: Prepare the thinning mixture in a separate container. Combine the paint and thinner in the recommended ratio, usually 1-2 parts paint to 1 part thinner, and stir vigorously until the mixture is uniform.
- Consistency Check: To ensure proper thinning, check the consistency of your mixture. The thinned paint should flow like milk when poured. This indicates that the paint is sufficiently thinned and ready for airbrushing.
- Constant Stirring: During the spraying process, constantly stir the paint in the pot to maintain uniformity. This is crucial for achieving a consistent finish on your project.
- Stirring Tools: When stirring, you can use various tools such as a toothpick or a small stirrer. Ensure that your stirring implement can reach all areas of the container to thoroughly mix the paint and thinner.
- Experimentation: It is advisable to experiment with stirring techniques and thinning ratios on a small scale before applying them to your main project. This allows you to perfect your stirring technique and find the ideal thinning ratio for your specific paint and thinner combination.
By following these stirring techniques, you can effectively thin Humbrol enamel paint for airbrushing, ensuring a consistent and high-quality finish on your project. Remember to adapt your stirring approach based on the specific paint and thinner you are using, as well as the requirements of your airbrushing project.
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Spraying techniques
When thinning Humbrol enamel paint for airbrushing, it is important to consider the spraying technique to achieve the desired results. Here are some spraying techniques to consider:
Spraying Distance and Angle:
Always maintain a consistent distance and angle while spraying. Avoid spraying too close to the surface, as it can cause the paint to become heavy and run or sag. Spraying parallel to the surface is generally recommended.
Thinning Ratio:
The thinning ratio plays a crucial role in the spraying technique. Most users recommend a thinning ratio of 50/50 or 60/40 (thinner/paint) for Humbrol enamel paints. However, some users have achieved good results with a 40% thinner ratio, especially for metallic paints. The key is to stir the mixture thoroughly in a separate container before decanting it into the airbrush cup.
Spraying Pressure:
Adjusting the air pressure is essential to achieving the desired spray pattern. Experiment with different pressure settings, typically between 8 psi and 25 psi, to find the optimal pressure for your specific setup.
Spraying Multiple Coats:
When applying multiple coats of paint, allow sufficient drying time between coats. This will prevent a "wrinkling" effect and ensure a smooth finish. Stir the paint mixture between coats to maintain uniformity.
Testing and Experimentation:
Always test your spraying technique on a spare piece of plastic or cardboard before applying paint to your actual project. This allows you to adjust the thinning ratio, pressure, and distance until you achieve the desired spray pattern and consistency.
Needle Selection:
Airbrushes come with different needle sizes, including thick, medium, and fine. Selecting the appropriate needle size can improve your spraying technique. For Humbrol enamel paints, a medium needle is often recommended as a versatile option.
By following these spraying techniques and adjusting your approach based on your specific equipment and paint type, you can achieve successful results when thinning and airbrushing Humbrol enamel paint.
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Cleaning the airbrush
To clean your airbrush after using Humbrol enamel paint, you should first pour out any remaining paint from the cup. Then, spray the airbrush until only air is coming out. Next, run enamel thinner through the airbrush while cleaning the cup with cotton buds. Clean the tip, then disassemble the airbrush and clean the components individually, including the needle, seals, and main paint feed.
It is important to note that you should always clean your airbrush immediately after use to prevent clogging. In addition, different types of paint require different types of thinners or cleaners. For example, enamel paint should be cleaned with enamel thinner, while acrylic paint can be cleaned with water or acrylic thinner.
When choosing a thinner or cleaner, it is recommended to start with the weakest solvent and work your way up as needed. For example, odorless mineral spirits can be used for enamels and other oil-based paints, while water or rubbing alcohol can be used for acrylics.
Some people recommend using hardware store lacquer thinner for cleaning airbrushes, as it is effective, inexpensive, and works on all kinds of paints. However, it is important to be cautious when using lacquer thinner, as it can damage nozzle seals and o-rings.
- Pour out any remaining paint from the cup.
- Spray the airbrush until only air is coming out.
- Run enamel thinner through the airbrush to clean the inside.
- Use cotton buds to clean the cup and tip of the airbrush.
- Disassemble the airbrush and clean each component individually, including the needle, seals, and main paint feed.
- Ensure that all parts are thoroughly cleaned and dried before reassembling the airbrush.
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Frequently asked questions
The usual ratio is 1-2 parts paint to 1 part thinner.
Humbrol offers its own enamel thinner, which is recommended. However, you can also use enamel thinners, lacquer thinners, or white spirit.
Let the mixed paint run down the side of the paint jar. If it is thinned correctly, it should flow like milk.
Thinning the paint ensures a consistent finish and prevents the paint from becoming too heavy and running or sagging.
Some common issues include pigment separation, under-thinning, and using the wrong type of thinner, which can lead to clogging and inconsistent results.
