Airbrush and Thinner Questions

jaekwong · Post by **jaekwong** » Thu Feb 21, 2008 10:31 pm

1) I use tamiya paints. About to get my Aztek a4709 airbrush. Was wondering if Isopropyl is ok to use as a thinner when airbrushing? Or must i use proper thinner?

2) Does the type of compressor affect my airbrush? was planning to pick up a basic compressor at my local hardware store. Any h/p, psi, or anything that i should look out for specifically?

3) Is a regulator necessary and what does it do?

4) Does anyone live in Vancouver, British Columbia Canada, that can show me how to use an airbrush correctly!

Thanks,
Jessey

Kylwell · Post by **Kylwell** » Thu Feb 21, 2008 11:48 pm

1) Meaning isopropyl is a non-proper thinner? I perfer to use Tamiya thinner but others have had good luck with various mixes.

2) Somewhat. Cheap compressors tend to pulse. Sometimes a long hose will help. An airtank can be the cheapest alternative.

3) A regulator reduces the airflow from the compressor limiting the maximum airflow. Yes, they help a lot. Get one with a build in moisture trap for even more handiness.

DX-SFX · Post by **DX-SFX** » Fri Feb 22, 2008 5:27 am

A regulator reduces the airflow from the compressor limiting the maximum airflow

I think it might have more to do with the pressure the air is delivered at. Airflow suggests the volume of air that passes. I know, Mr Pedantic.

macfrank · Post by **macfrank** » Fri Feb 22, 2008 10:25 am

Most acrylics can be thinned with isolpropyl, denatured alcohol or the cheapest - windshield wiper fluid.

You can also use denatured alcohol to clean the brush and remove acrylics, even after they've dried. Isopropyl alcohol will do the same, but denatured alcohol is much, much quicker.

You'll want a compressor with a tank and a regulator. the regulator does what it says - it keeps the air pressure at what you set it, rather than having it fluctuate as you use up air.

jaekwong · Post by **jaekwong** » Fri Feb 22, 2008 1:47 pm

will something like this
CanadianTire

with a moisture trap and regulator work ok?

macfrank · Post by **macfrank** » Fri Feb 22, 2008 2:05 pm

jaekwong wrote:will something like this
CanadianTire

with a moisture trap and regulator work ok?

Can't tell, because it's asking for a Canadian postal code to show the city. A water trap isn't a necessity for acrylics, but it does help, and it's vital for any other paint type.

Compressor noise is an issue, too.

Post by **TER-OR** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 10:32 am

If the compressor has a tank, you don't really need a water trap. If it doesn't have a tank or regulator, you can get a combination unit. You should, though, be able to buy a compressor suitable for a brad nailer with all the above features. You'll just need a valve to shut the airflow off so you don't have to drain the tank every time you disconnect your airbrush.