Isabella Flores
Vallejo offers a wide range of paints, including the Vallejo Model Air and the regular Vallejo Model Color. The Vallejo Model Air is an airbrush-friendly version of the Vallejo Model Color, with 348 colours available. The Vallejo Model Air paints have atomically smaller pigments, resulting in a smoother finish. While the Vallejo Model Color range is not designed for airbrushing, a few colours are mildly toxic for this purpose. Both ranges are popular among scale modellers. Vallejo paints are also available in larger bottles, such as the Vallejo Metal Colour line, which can be used with both airbrushes and paintbrushes. When using Vallejo paints for brush painting, the Air Line is a popular choice as it comes pre-thinned, making it easier to work with. Ultimately, the decision between using Vallejo Air or regular Vallejo paints depends on the user's preferences, the desired finish, and the intended application method.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of colours | Vallejo Model Air: 348; Vallejo Model Color: 207 |
| Toxicity | Vallejo Model Air: Safe; Vallejo Model Color: Mildly toxic |
| Thinning required | Vallejo Model Air: No; Vallejo Model Color: Yes |
| Consistency | Vallejo Model Air: Thin; Vallejo Model Color: Thick |
| Ease of use | Vallejo Model Air: Easier; Vallejo Model Color: More difficult |
| Smoothness | Vallejo Model Air: Smooth; Vallejo Model Color: Not as smooth |
| Drying time | Vallejo Model Air: Longer; Vallejo Model Color: Shorter |
| Applicability | Vallejo Model Air: Airbrush and brush; Vallejo Model Color: Brush |
| Bottle size | Vallejo Model Air: Standard; Vallejo Metal Color: Larger |
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$21.94
What You'll Learn
- Vallejo Model Air is pre-thinned and can be used with a brush for touch-ups
- Vallejo Model Color is not recommended for airbrushing due to toxicity
- Vallejo Metal Color is formulated with aluminium pigments and is suitable for airbrushing
- Vallejo Game Air Colors are safe for airbrushing and can be thinned with a medium
- Vallejo Premium paints come in bigger bottles
Vallejo Model Air is pre-thinned and can be used with a brush for touch-ups
Vallejo Model Air is a range of airbrush-friendly paints with 348 colours. The pigments used in these paints are atomically smaller than those in Vallejo Model Colours. Vallejo Model Air paints are pre-thinned and can be used with a brush for touch-ups.
When using Vallejo paints, some users prefer to use their Air Line, as it works fine for brush painting and comes pre-thinned, unlike non-air paints, which are thick and require thinning. Vallejo Air paints can be used straight out of the bottle, and users have reported being pleased with the results.
Vallejo Air paints can be used with a regular brush for touch-ups, and many users report doing so with good results. The paint goes on smoothly, and no thinning is required. However, some colours, such as orange, may need multiple coats as they are quite thin.
While Vallejo Air paints are suitable for brush touch-ups, some colours may not match their non-air equivalents. For example, the Gunmetal Air paint is reportedly lighter than the Gunmetal Model Colour. Therefore, it is recommended to test the colours before use to ensure they meet your requirements.
In addition to the Vallejo Model Air range, Vallejo offers other paint lines suitable for airbrushing, such as the Vallejo Game Air and Vallejo Metal Colour lines. These paints are also safe for airbrushing and can be used for hand painting as well.
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Vallejo Model Color is not recommended for airbrushing due to toxicity
Vallejo Model Color is a range of acrylic paints designed for true-to-life model makers, helping to recreate historical color schemes from different eras. They can also be used on gaming miniatures for a more realistic look. While some colors in the range are safe for airbrushing, others contain toxic pigments, such as cadmium, which is both toxic and a carcinogen. Cadmium is commonly found in red, orange, and brown shades, and while Vallejo has removed it from their Model Color range since 2014, older versions may still contain this toxic substance.
It is worth noting that Vallejo offers two specific ranges of airbrush paints: Game Air and Model Air. These ranges are designed for airbrush use and are safe to use. However, if you wish to use Vallejo Model Color for airbrushing, it is essential to check the labels and refer to the "pigments used" PDF on Vallejo's website for detailed information.
When airbrushing with Vallejo Model Color, always prioritize your health and safety. Use a respirator mask, such as a P100 or N100 mask, to protect yourself from inhaling paint particles and toxic compounds. Ensure you have proper ventilation or a spray booth to direct the vapors away from your breathing space. It is also recommended to wear nitrile gloves to prevent skin contact with the paint and to maintain good hygiene practices, such as not licking your brushes.
In conclusion, while some Vallejo Model Color paints may be safe for airbrushing, it is crucial to exercise caution due to the potential toxicity of certain colors. Always refer to the latest information and safety guidelines provided by Vallejo and prioritize your health by taking the necessary precautions when working with any paint, regardless of its toxicity claims.
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Vallejo Metal Color is formulated with aluminium pigments and is suitable for airbrushing
When it comes to choosing between Vallejo Air and Vallejo regular paint, there are a few factors to consider. Vallejo Air is specifically designed for airbrushing, with a range of colours that are safe for airbrush use. On the other hand, Vallejo regular paint, also known as Vallejo Model Color, is not designed for airbrushing and some colours are mildly toxic for this purpose.
If you're looking for a paint that can be easily used with an airbrush, then Vallejo Air is the better option. It is important to note that while you can use a paintbrush for touch-ups with Vallejo Air, it is not necessary to have a separate, non-airbrush version for this purpose. The Vallejo Air range offers a wide variety of colours, with 348 colours available.
However, if you're looking for a high-quality metallic paint that can be used with an airbrush, Vallejo Metal Color is a great choice. Vallejo Metal Color is formulated with aluminium pigments and is suitable for airbrushing, offering a wide range of shades to imitate the metallic finish of aircraft. It is designed to adhere well to plastics and metal and can be applied directly to models without the need for a primer, although a glossy black primer is recommended for airplane models to enhance the aluminium finish.
Vallejo Metal Color dries quickly and can be tinted directly in the airbrush cup with colours from the Vallejo Air or Game Air ranges. It can also be applied with a brush and is available in larger bottles than the regular air colour line. The recommended compressor settings for airbrushing with Vallejo Metal Color are around 15-20 PSI or 0.5-1 kg.
Overall, if you're specifically looking for a metallic paint that is suitable for airbrushing, Vallejo Metal Color is a great option with its aluminium pigments and quick-drying formula.
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Vallejo Game Air Colors are safe for airbrushing and can be thinned with a medium
Vallejo Game Air Colors are designed for airbrushing and can be used straight out of the bottle, without the need for thinning. This makes them a convenient and easy-to-use option for airbrushing. The Vallejo Game Air range includes 76 colours, all of which are safe for airbrushing. The pigments in these paints are atomically smaller than those in the regular Vallejo Model Color range, making them ideal for airbrush use.
While the Vallejo Game Air Colors can be used without thinning, some users choose to thin them with a medium such as the Vallejo thinner or V Flow. This can improve the flow of the paint and make it easier to work with. When thinning Vallejo Game Air Colors, a ratio of 1:1:8 of thinner, V Flow, and paint is typically recommended. However, it's important to note that lighter colours may require less thinning as they are less opaque.
In addition to their airbrush-specific range, Vallejo also offers their regular line of paints, known as Vallejo Model Color. These paints are not designed for airbrushing and can be toxic if used in an airbrush. Therefore, it is not recommended to thin and use the Model Colors for airbrushing.
Vallejo Air paints can also be used with a regular brush for touch-ups and detailing. They perform well with a brush and can be used without thinning, although some colours may require a small amount of thinning. Overall, Vallejo Air paints offer a versatile and user-friendly option for both airbrushing and brush painting.
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Vallejo Premium paints come in bigger bottles
Vallejo offers a wide range of paints, including the Vallejo Model Air, Vallejo Model Color, and Vallejo Premium paints. Vallejo Premium paints are available in larger 60ml bottles compared to the standard 17ml bottles of the Model Color range. This larger size offers better value for money, especially for those who go through paint quickly when working on larger pieces.
The Vallejo Premium paints are known for their strong adhesion to various surfaces, including polyethylene, fiberglass, polycarbonate, metal, and lexan. They are super-strong polyurethane paints that are commonly used for projects such as motorcycle helmets and surfboards. The larger bottle size ensures that you have enough paint to complete your project without running out.
In contrast, the Vallejo Model Air range is designed specifically for airbrushing and features 348 colours with a high number of earth, grey, and green shades. The Model Air paints have smaller pigments than the Model Colors, making them more suitable for airbrushing. However, it's important to note that a few colours in the Model Color range are mildly toxic, so Vallejo does not recommend thinning and using them for airbrushing.
The Vallejo Game Air range, designed by Angel Giraldez, is another option for airbrushing and hand painting miniatures. These paints are safe to use with an airbrush and can be thinned using a thinner and V Flow. The Vallejo Metal Colors range, which includes metallic paints with aluminium pigments, is also suitable for airbrushing and offers a smooth, real metal finish.
While the Vallejo Premium paints offer larger bottles, it's worth noting that they currently have a limited selection of colours. However, they are highly recommended for projects that require strong adhesion and durability. For those seeking a balance between bottle size and colour options, the Vallejo Metal Color line offers bigger bottles than the regular air colour line and works well with both airbrushes and paintbrushes.
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Frequently asked questions
Vallejo Air is the airbrush version of Vallejo Model Color. Vallejo Air has 348 colours in its range, whereas Vallejo Model Color has 207 colours. Vallejo Air paints are pre-thinned and have atomically smaller pigments, making them smoother and easier to apply. Vallejo Model Color paints are thicker in consistency and may contain toxic chemicals, so Vallejo does not recommend thinning and using them for airbrushing.
Yes, you can use Vallejo Air paints with a regular brush for touch-ups. You do not need to thin the paint when using a brush. However, some colours may not have the same properties as regular paint when thinned down.
Vallejo Air paints are specifically designed for airbrushing and are a better choice for airbrushing than Vallejo Regular paints. Vallejo Air paints are pre-thinned and have smaller pigments, which makes them easier to work with when airbrushing.
