How close do YOU spray

[BattleshipBob]

Yes it's the pain again

I consider myself to be ok with a airbrush and have painted many StuGs with no problems BUT every ship has given me problems with grainy paint.

Cannot explain why suddenly I have gone all wonky, not sure if its the length and size of the hull, or because I should be sitting down. Do not think its the pressure or paint

So how close do you get when spraying ??

 

[Mr Bowcat]

There's so many variables involved (paint thickness, pressure, nozzle size, etc). But as a general answer, graininess in the paint is most likely caused by the paint drying in the air. Try a lower pressure but closer to the model. If the paint runs, you are too close.

 

[AlanG]

Or use a paint retarder to stop it drying so fast

 

[Jim R]

I think Bob is right. A grainy finish is usually the paint being dry or at least too dry to level out as it hits the model. His remedies should work although a warm environment won't help. Alan makes a good suggestion as well.

 

[BattleshipBob]

Thanks all, so frustrating, swear bucket near to overflowing lol

 

[Mr Bowcat]

Paint drying in the air is not always a bad thing, I've recently used it too add texture to a sports car seat.

 

[BattleshipBob]

Will try 10 psi, same as I use for Mr Color lacquers, on a plastic spoon first

 

[Dave Ward]

Bob,
in summer, I always have to make allowances for the weather - spraying above 20C, I usually add a drop of retarder, that's if I have to use the a/b, If it's that warm, I usually only spray early in the morning, or late evening, when it's a few degrees cooler.
As to distance, using a 0.3mm nozzle @ 1.5bar, I would say 50 - 75mm.............
Dave

 

[Tim Marlow]

Not going to help much Bob, but my answer is close enough that I can see the paint landing wet, but not so close that I can see it sag and run…..usually around 6 - 9 inches….

 

[Jim R]

Spraying large areas doesn't help. Because you want to cover the large area you tend to increase the spraying distance so you get a bigger spray pattern. There's a tendency to up the pressure, increase the distance and pull the trigger back further. Like Dave said warm weather doesn't help.

 

[BattleshipBob]

Spraying large areas doesn't help. Because you want to cover the large area you tend to increase the spraying distance so you get a bigger spray pattern. There's a tendency to up the pressure, increase the distance and pull the trigger back further. Like Dave said warm weather doesn't help.

That's probably what I am doing Jim, and as Dave says warm weather does not help. Got a fan lined up for the new room.

 

[JR]

So many variables to consider Bob. Think Jim has a good answer along with Dave.
To stop tip drying I add a spot of retarder to the mix. So many small spaces on your type of build as well to make matters worse.

 

[BattleshipBob]

So many variables to consider Bob. Think Jim has a good answer along with Dave.
To stop tip drying I add a spot of retarder to the mix. So many small spaces on your type of build as well to make matters worse.

Thanks John, I think Jim hit the nail on the head!