Trial #1 in Airbrushing

So, yesterday, I posted something about the addition to my ever growing arsenal for building a GunPla. Click here

Now, at around 10:30PM Manila time, yes I am the man from Manila, I figured that I should be testing the airbrush, which was dirt cheap, to see if it will deliver according to its description being "professional".

And this post is about the results.

So on the previous post, way below the end, I've added this photo.

These are the tools that I've bought to maintain my airbrush after using it.

Denatured alcohol - $1 (46Php) and disposable spoons $1.32 (66Php)

Funnel - 3 Different sizes for $1.32 (66Php)

Condiments dispenser - 3 pieces for $1.76 (88Php)
You will probably just need one so you can just store the rest somewhere in your house.

Oil and sauce dispenser - $1.76 (88Php)

First off, I've modified the cap of the oil and sauce dispenser, BTW, this was bought from a Japanese surplus shop.

I've cut some plastic from the cap and sanded it to remove the sharp edges using my mini electric drill that has a sanding attachment.

I've done this so that the airbrush can effortlessly be aimed inside the jar so the the denatured alcohol that was used to clean the airbrush can be collected safely.

Then for the filter, I salvaged a DVD storage pouch, ripped off the plastics and cut the cloth like sheet to cover the larger hole.

This will serve as the filter and the whole jar will serve as the cleaning pot for after I've done using my airbrush plus, since it has another dome-like transparent cover, I can close the transparent cover to reduce the fumes (if there's any) from the denatured alcohol.

Now, on to the test run for the airbrush.

Of course, I need several things.

And since I was already doing some hand painting on my GunPlas before, I already have the necessary things at my disposal.

Brushes - multiple if possible

Paint stirrers

Paint thinner - since I am using acrylic based paints, I will also be using thinner for acrylics

Dropper

And of course, the paints.

For this test, I've used 4 colors, Red, Black, Yellow and Gold.

For the ratio, I've read some articles that we should be using 2:1 paint to thinner ratio when dealing with an airbrush.

However, for this test, I've used 3:1 paint to thinner ration as someone commented that 2:1 ration might make my paint run.

So after mixing the paint and the thinner in the airbrush with the brush I've been using in hand painting, here are the results.

Before anything else, please consider the following:

• The paint used isn't pre-thinned or pre-formulated to be used in an airbrush
• It's already night time when I tested painting these
• It's a bit chilly here
• I am a complete beginner in airbrushing

Yes, this is the purpose for that bag of disposable spoons.

As they are plastic and has a surface almost the same as that of the gunpla's, disposable spoon is the safest testing material you can use when testing to paint with an airbrush.

I think everything else went well except for the yellow one.

And I think it's safe to say that the airbrush works just fine.

Also, always remember that before storing the airbrush, be sure to clean it using the denatured alcohol.

Remember that condiment dispenser?

What I did was to pour some denatured alcohol in to that container with the help of the funnel and I used the dispenser to pour in some denatured alcohol in to the airbrush to rid it of left over paints.

Note that you will burn through the denatured alcohol like you were drinking it as you will be constantly cleaning the airbrush specially if you will paint the model kit with different colors.

Also note that denatured alcohol is flammable and toxic, so be sure to not leave it somewhere where your kid can reach.

With that, I think we're done here. Happy painting and building!