Airbrushed flat clear coat frustrations

[Stupot]

Hi all,

With flat coats is it best to spray it on wet or to mist from a distance? How long should I wait between coats? What sort of paint/thinner ratio and psi should I be using?

I've been using Tamiya XF-86 which I always seem to have to experiment with. I've been lucky and achieved good finishes so far but yesterday I got some frosting that will delay the build while I fix it. It got me thinking about set up and technique with flat coats so I thought I'd ask the experts!

Any tips or advice appreciated.

Thanks
Stu

[iggie]

I don't use Tamiya for spraying but I've found that using AK and Mig flat matt varnishes it pays to keep the coat fairly wet ( without runs obviously ) and try to get it done in one coat. Whether this works with Tamiya though...

[Stupot]

I don't use Tamiya for spraying but I've found that using AK and Mig flat matt varnishes it pays to keep the coat fairly wet ( without runs obviously ) and try to get it done in one coat. Whether this works with Tamiya though...

Thanks iggie, yeah I guess it's difficult as they're all different and what works with one won't work with another. I think the area affected was probably covered too many times so that could be the issue and it sure would be good to get it done in one coat.

Thanks again
Stu

[AndrewR]

With Vallejo matt varnish, misting is much better.

[JamesPerrin]

I agree with Andrew. With flat coats you are just trying to change the surface finish, don’t try to seal the model in a layer of varnish.

[Stupot]

Thanks guys, I'm going to try and have another go at this over the weekend. Fingers crossed!

Stu

[Stupot]

Right, I'm back on track. I tried the wet and misted on approaches and it seems that the wet application works best with the XF-86. Starting at 50/50 mix I added a little more thinner and a few drops of flow improver. Spraying at 15psi, this covered the model very nicely. Another coat would probably have given a more matt finish but I'm happy with it.

I have made a note for myself so hopefully it'll work with the next model too.

Thanks again for the advice!

Stu

[iggie]

That's the key to these things: write down what works!