Airbrushing deer eyes

[Deer Search]

wondering which type of paints taxidermist recommend  (lacquer or acrylic) and which colores they prefer to use  around the eyes of deer.  I have read and watched videos and still haven't found the right colors I like yet.  I understand its personal preference, but I'm looking for any suggestions. In the past I've used Base color followed by flesh, medium brown and then black.

[eott]

I like Jonas waterbase paints. They seem to spray better than others and look better. Just my choice

[EJ]

I like polytranspar lacquer. I started out using water base paint then switched and added an exhaust fan. Lacquer works better for me.

[kebees4]

I also started with waterbase and switched to Lacquer. Lacquer is a lot less trouble to spray. I didn't believe the differance until I gave it a try.   

[TrailsEnd]

I do things opposite. I started with lacquer then switched to water base. Waterbase is easier for me to use and to clean out my airbrush.
Chuck

[KBauman]

This is  a good topic and I wish some of the big names in whitetail taxidermy would tune in with some opinions.  I have tried various method to finish whitetail eyes.  I have used lacquer and water based paints.  I like the way the lacquers blend.  To me it is easier to spray through my Iwata.  It does have an unnatural sheen that I have to kill with matte mod podge.  A few of my whitetail taxidermy buddies swear by water base paint.  I do like it in the areas with hair, but I am not crazy about its blending abilities and it is tough to maintain consistant flow in my airbrush.  The softest look I can achieve is with oil paints.  I like the look, but it is time consuming, especially for commercial work.  I would love to hear some opinions from some of the big whitetail guys like Rick Carter, Bill Yox, Mike Rohanna (sp - sorry Mike), and so on.

[TrailsEnd]

I agree with KBauman about the oil paints being too time consuming for commercial work.Although the results are fabulous with oils, it just takes me way too long to finish a deer head.
Chuck

[EJ]

Hey guy's,
               I've never tried oils. How do you apply it and what colors are you using? Is it a brush on and wipe off method? Do you thin it and spray?

[hobbes]

Yox had an article in Breakthrough a while back on finishing deer.  I use his suggestions with my own adjustments as I see fit.  I also adjust my colors to fit the deer due to individual color differences and time of year.  I also prefer laquer, but I use water base on my turkey heads.

[jwj4856]

I agree with KBauman, I started with water base and switched to lacquer because it is easier for me to blend the colors I like. I do occasionally use some water based paints at times though.

[Todd K]

 I start out by whiting out the whole area around the eye. just a very light coat to lighten up the area. Then I use a color mixed by Hilton Eppley that he sells. Next I use dark brown and really just very lightly to tone down a little. Then a little black just around the edge where the glass eye and the eye lid meet. Thats for my commercial work. As far as competition stuff goes, I have'nt competed in like seven or eight years so I dont have a clue what guys are doing!

[Todd K]

      Sorry, I forgot to mention that I spray Lifetone laquers

[mcole]

Ben Mears had an article in breakthrough several years ago and he gave his tips on finishing wt deer with oil base paints.
I use this tech to finish all of my commercial deer it takes me about 10 min. to paint the eyes,nose,and lip. One of the most common mistakes with using oils and airburshing is painting to heavy. It's more like dusting with the paint rather than painting .....Find a system that works best for you.....

[KBauman]

Mike, I found Yoxy's article in issue 59, but according to the index from Breakthrough, Ben doesn't have any finishing articles.  Are you sure it wasn't Taxidermy Today?  It seems like I read the article years ago.  I would like to locate the article, but I am not for sure what issue it is in.  Any ideas?

[Steve]

Breakthrough #63