I'm working on my first fish mount and when it comes time to paint I was wondering if I needed to thin the paint. If so what to use.
thanks
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but you might want to make sure it's mixed up real well and strain it through a screened paint funnel. Sometimes you will want to thin it more depending on if you are spraying small spots or working on other detail. Adding retarder slows the drying time slightly so it doesn't load up your airbrush tip as fast when doing repreated spot patterns.
It helps to purchase some of the extra airbrush bottles and for special mixes. Those cups are only good for straight paint through a #3 or larger tip. #1 tips tend to plug up quick unless you are using them full open or have added retarder and extra thinner.
My opinion only.
You must have a dry air supply, this means more than one filter or seperator. I use three, the oil sep at the tank outlet, a throwaway at the end of the air hose, then the small metal one from Passhe'.
Next you will need retarder for the paint you plan to use, water base or lacquers. This slows the drying time and also allows the moisture to escape that the paints may have picked up traveling thru the air.
In my reading of the archives I have seen many people say to thin paints, DONT do this! It only speeds the drying.
There are some thinners available at the Auto paint store that are slower drying.
From my personal instructor I have learned its best to use the proper tempature thinner and the proper retarder for the paint.
There are some bulk thinners that are cheaper and can be used for cleanup. These are recycled and not good for painting and gloss coats.
About the only time I don't thin and retard my paint is when I am doing the broad coverage colors, white, pearls and the darker colors that I put on to shade the fish after detailing. I prefer to build my color slowly with several coats than to try to put it all on at once, that requires the thinning and retarding.
Always use the recommended thinner and retarder from the manufacturer of your paint. Buy the hardware store thinner for cleaning, but never for painting. If you want to try the higher quality automotive thinners, make sure that they are compatible with your paint.