SPRAY OR BRUSH - Aircraft of World War II

ellis995 · 07-01-2009, 09:58 AM

Hi Guys and Girls

I have been thinking over weather to go for a spray gun kit or stick to the brush

. As i have seen some master pieces on here with spray gun.I have seen a spray gun kit with 2 bottles, the head,hose,spanner and canister thing ( that attaches to the canister ) for £ 3.99 plus £2.45 p&p.

Also could you use enamel's thinned down in the spray gun.

Maximowitz · 07-01-2009, 12:44 PM

I've recently bought an airbrush and compressor myself Keith, but that said I've seen some excellent models painted with brush alone. I think to get that amazing look an airbrush would be essential.

I'll let Wojtek, Wayne and Ron give you the good advice though!

ellis995 · 07-01-2009, 01:32 PM

thanks Max

Airframes · 07-01-2009, 01:33 PM

Hi Keth. Personally, I wouldn't bother with the particular one you've seen, as it is more than likely a small spray gun, rather than an airbrush. Humbrol and Badger used to produce similar units. There's nothing wrong with these, but they are designed to cover larger areas, where a full-sized commercial spray gun would be too big, if you get my meaning! It will spray fine, but the coverage will be around 2 inches or more across (50mm), and you will not be able to adjust down to a finer spray pattern. This type is ideal for achieving an even, smooth finish on, for example flying models, but not paricularly suitable, overall, for the scales you will work with.
I mentioned in Trackend's 'Wellington' post about a source for inexpensive airbrushes, and a good starting point is the Badger 350, which will look similar (probably) to the one you have seen, but, depending on the nozzle fitted, will go down to about 4mm width spray pattern. Model Hobbies do a copy of this, which is fine, for around £7 I believe, and it can be used with propellant cans. An inexpensive, simple compressor, will cost you about £40, and will be more than adequate for your needs.
However, call me 'old school', but I believe in being able to walk before you can run, and think that being able to master the use of paints with a brush is a better 'education' when it comes to painting models. This helps to understand paint and how it behaves, and it doesn't take that long, with practice, to achieve various effects. The limitations are few, and it's only really when trying to achieve, for instance, mottle camouflage on Luftwaffe types, and some 'special effects', that the good old paint brush becomes really limited in its abilities.
I recently wrote a simple brush-painting guide for Karl, and Igor (Imalko) has asked if he can have a copy. I'm currently doing a bit of 'tidying' on this, and will be posting it, in PDF form, hopefully later this week. This might give you some pointers on how to achieve good results with a brush.

ellis995 · 07-01-2009, 02:23 PM

Thanks Terry

thats brilliant i'll have a look on model hobbies web site

Airframes · 07-01-2009, 03:47 PM

No probs mate. If by any chance it isn't there anymore, let me know, and I'll find the actual company who supply them to MH. If you 'phone them, they can tell you which nozzle is fitted - it'll either be Medium of Fine. The Medium is ok for most jobs, but limited for mottles and, for a really good job, you'd be better off paying a bit more, and getting a fine-line capable 'brush. Again, I can let you have details if you want them.

ellis995 · 07-01-2009, 05:12 PM

Hi Terry

this is on at £8.64 without p&p it's a Mantura 350

as i have no idea what is good or bad

Mantua 350 Air Brush.jpg

Airframes · 07-02-2009, 03:05 AM

That's the one Keith. Looks like the price has increased a couple of quid. Mantua Models are the supplier, and they will deal direct. If you send them an e-mail, or call, they'll tell you which nozzle it is. The 'brush is a direct copy of the Badger 350, which is adequate for most jobs with the 'Fine' nozzle, I used one for almost twenty years until recently, and with cans!
It is pushing it a bit to do a Luftwaffe mottle in 1/48th scale though.
I know you're in a similar position to me, re DLA etc, but if you can save a bit, maybe ask relatives to contribute for birthday or early Christmas prezzies, it'll be worth paying a bit more and getting the realtively inexpensive type I bought recently.
It's a dual action, very fine line brush, all metal construction, and is a joy to use, and easy to clean. I spent a long time looking at various 'brushes, deciding what to go for, and I have to admit, for the price, I have absolutely no complaints.
If you'd like more details, drop me a PM, and I'll sort it.

Maglar · 07-02-2009, 03:51 AM

Airbrushes can work wonders Keith, but don't let the brush get away from you, you're an artist.. not a trigger puller!

ellis995 · 07-02-2009, 05:32 AM

thanks Maglar

So its just like shooting ( you squeeze the trigger not pull it )

badbear · 07-02-2009, 05:42 AM

Most of my swordfish was brush painted so don,t write the brush off just yet but iwould say save a bit and get a good quality airbrush they do come in handy.BB

ellis995 · 07-02-2009, 05:55 AM

Thanks BB

Don't get me wrong i do enjoy using brushes but fancy a new challange

Crunch · 07-02-2009, 08:56 AM

Both the brush and the airbrush have different applications, produce different results and work in different ways. Just remember that and don't be afraid to experiment with all sorts of applications and equipment.

I've only done 3 models with my Airbrush and could not live without it now. Probably the one thing that blew me away and I was not expecting was that the paint goes on so much thinner and shows a lot more detail.

Also makes you a better modeller in that because it goes on so thin, you really have to work your prep before you paint, because EVERYTHING shows up! (Little scratches, sand paper scouring, excess glue....)

ellis995 · 07-02-2009, 09:40 AM

thanks Crunch

Maglar · 07-02-2009, 02:57 PM

Yeah Ellis, I always find the "spot" on the trigger i'm looking for on cardboard then move it to the model. Also, sometimes paint splotches jump out of the tip so if you start on cardboard it gets them out of the way (Always clean the tip, frequently!!)

07-01-2009, 09:58 AM	#1
ellis995 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Easington Lane UK Posts: 676	SPRAY OR BRUSH Hi Guys and Girls I have been thinking over weather to go for a spray gun kit or stick to the brush. As i have seen some master pieces on here with spray gun.I have seen a spray gun kit with 2 bottles, the head,hose,spanner and canister thing ( that attaches to the canister ) for £ 3.99 plus £2.45 p&p. Also could you use enamel's thinned down in the spray gun. __________________ The Fighters are our salvation,but the bombers alone provide the means of victory. Winston Churchill September 1940

07-01-2009, 12:44 PM	#2
Maximowitz Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: London, England. Posts: 838	I've recently bought an airbrush and compressor myself Keith, but that said I've seen some excellent models painted with brush alone. I think to get that amazing look an airbrush would be essential. I'll let Wojtek, Wayne and Ron give you the good advice though! __________________

07-01-2009, 01:32 PM	#3
ellis995 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Easington Lane UK Posts: 676	thanks Max __________________ The Fighters are our salvation,but the bombers alone provide the means of victory. Winston Churchill September 1940

07-01-2009, 01:33 PM	#4
Airframes Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 9,030	Hi Keth. Personally, I wouldn't bother with the particular one you've seen, as it is more than likely a small spray gun, rather than an airbrush. Humbrol and Badger used to produce similar units. There's nothing wrong with these, but they are designed to cover larger areas, where a full-sized commercial spray gun would be too big, if you get my meaning! It will spray fine, but the coverage will be around 2 inches or more across (50mm), and you will not be able to adjust down to a finer spray pattern. This type is ideal for achieving an even, smooth finish on, for example flying models, but not paricularly suitable, overall, for the scales you will work with. I mentioned in Trackend's 'Wellington' post about a source for inexpensive airbrushes, and a good starting point is the Badger 350, which will look similar (probably) to the one you have seen, but, depending on the nozzle fitted, will go down to about 4mm width spray pattern. Model Hobbies do a copy of this, which is fine, for around £7 I believe, and it can be used with propellant cans. An inexpensive, simple compressor, will cost you about £40, and will be more than adequate for your needs. However, call me 'old school', but I believe in being able to walk before you can run, and think that being able to master the use of paints with a brush is a better 'education' when it comes to painting models. This helps to understand paint and how it behaves, and it doesn't take that long, with practice, to achieve various effects. The limitations are few, and it's only really when trying to achieve, for instance, mottle camouflage on Luftwaffe types, and some 'special effects', that the good old paint brush becomes really limited in its abilities. I recently wrote a simple brush-painting guide for Karl, and Igor (Imalko) has asked if he can have a copy. I'm currently doing a bit of 'tidying' on this, and will be posting it, in PDF form, hopefully later this week. This might give you some pointers on how to achieve good results with a brush. __________________

07-01-2009, 02:23 PM	#5
ellis995 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Easington Lane UK Posts: 676	Thanks Terry thats brilliant i'll have a look on model hobbies web site __________________ The Fighters are our salvation,but the bombers alone provide the means of victory. Winston Churchill September 1940

07-01-2009, 03:47 PM	#6
Airframes Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 9,030	No probs mate. If by any chance it isn't there anymore, let me know, and I'll find the actual company who supply them to MH. If you 'phone them, they can tell you which nozzle is fitted - it'll either be Medium of Fine. The Medium is ok for most jobs, but limited for mottles and, for a really good job, you'd be better off paying a bit more, and getting a fine-line capable 'brush. Again, I can let you have details if you want them. __________________

07-01-2009, 05:12 PM	#7
ellis995 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Easington Lane UK Posts: 676	Hi Terry this is on at £8.64 without p&p it's a Mantura 350 as i have no idea what is good or bad Mantua 350 Air Brush.jpg __________________ The Fighters are our salvation,but the bombers alone provide the means of victory. Winston Churchill September 1940

07-02-2009, 03:05 AM	#8
Airframes Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 9,030	That's the one Keith. Looks like the price has increased a couple of quid. Mantua Models are the supplier, and they will deal direct. If you send them an e-mail, or call, they'll tell you which nozzle it is. The 'brush is a direct copy of the Badger 350, which is adequate for most jobs with the 'Fine' nozzle, I used one for almost twenty years until recently, and with cans! It is pushing it a bit to do a Luftwaffe mottle in 1/48th scale though. I know you're in a similar position to me, re DLA etc, but if you can save a bit, maybe ask relatives to contribute for birthday or early Christmas prezzies, it'll be worth paying a bit more and getting the realtively inexpensive type I bought recently. It's a dual action, very fine line brush, all metal construction, and is a joy to use, and easy to clean. I spent a long time looking at various 'brushes, deciding what to go for, and I have to admit, for the price, I have absolutely no complaints. If you'd like more details, drop me a PM, and I'll sort it. __________________

07-02-2009, 03:51 AM	#9
Maglar Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 1,149	Airbrushes can work wonders Keith, but don't let the brush get away from you, you're an artist.. not a trigger puller! __________________

07-02-2009, 05:32 AM	#10
ellis995 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Easington Lane UK Posts: 676	thanks Maglar So its just like shooting ( you squeeze the trigger not pull it ) __________________ The Fighters are our salvation,but the bombers alone provide the means of victory. Winston Churchill September 1940

07-02-2009, 05:42 AM	#11
badbear Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 358	Most of my swordfish was brush painted so don,t write the brush off just yet but iwould say save a bit and get a good quality airbrush they do come in handy.BB

07-02-2009, 05:55 AM	#12
ellis995 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Easington Lane UK Posts: 676	Thanks BB Don't get me wrong i do enjoy using brushes but fancy a new challange __________________ The Fighters are our salvation,but the bombers alone provide the means of victory. Winston Churchill September 1940

07-02-2009, 08:56 AM	#13
Crunch Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Central Coast, NSW, Australia Posts: 355	Both the brush and the airbrush have different applications, produce different results and work in different ways. Just remember that and don't be afraid to experiment with all sorts of applications and equipment. I've only done 3 models with my Airbrush and could not live without it now. Probably the one thing that blew me away and I was not expecting was that the paint goes on so much thinner and shows a lot more detail. Also makes you a better modeller in that because it goes on so thin, you really have to work your prep before you paint, because EVERYTHING shows up! (Little scratches, sand paper scouring, excess glue....) __________________ In the build; 1/72 Hurricane IIc -DONE!- Click here! 1/72 Do28 Skyservant - Decal stage 1/72 Do17 - Underway 1/72 Sarvioa Marchetti SM 79 - In the box still 1/72 RAAF DHC4 Caribou - In the box still

07-02-2009, 09:40 AM	#14
ellis995 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Easington Lane UK Posts: 676	thanks Crunch __________________ The Fighters are our salvation,but the bombers alone provide the means of victory. Winston Churchill September 1940

07-02-2009, 02:57 PM	#15
Maglar Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 1,149	Yeah Ellis, I always find the "spot" on the trigger i'm looking for on cardboard then move it to the model. Also, sometimes paint splotches jump out of the tip so if you start on cardboard it gets them out of the way (Always clean the tip, frequently!!) __________________

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