cunninji

Hi All, I hope this explanation will help others. I am in the midst of my first major paint modelling project to recreate the 1937 Coronation Scot train; it is now progressing well bit plenty of snags on the way! In the past I have only needed to paint brass signals (so brush painting was fine) but now I am painting Comet coach bodies with Aluminium roofs and Brass sides and I need to use an airbrush to achieve the finish I am looking for. I have spent some time searching forum and struggled to get a clear steer on airbrushing with etch primer. I finally found the answer in the Right Track DVD series (part 3) and talking to an experienced painter at an exhibition. In my experience, brush painting Phoenix etch was fine both 1 part and 2 part but I really struggled with airbrushing Phoenix 2 part - it would cobweb and wouldn't stick. This is confirmed in books that I have read but the answer wasn't included! I can't get on with aerosol - Phoenix do one. I can't control the flow and I end up with runs on the model - it does stick though! I recommend the book by Ian Rathbone (Painting and Lining). He has a recipe for airbrushing with Phoenix 2 part that actually works! 1 part paint, 2 parts acid activator and 1 part cellulose thinner. The extra acid presumably improves the etching/adhesion power and the cellulose thinner helps the flow and stops the cobwebs! Cleaning the model is very important. For metal models, wash in an alkaline solution (such as flash) to neutralise solder flux, rinse throughly with water, leave to dry (a hairdryer can speed the process) and then degrease using cellulose thinners (plenty of ventilation and don't breath the vapours; I wear my respirator when doing this stage). Don't use cellulose thinners on plastic. Degrease plastic models with white spirit. Incidentally, I have seen something on RMWeb suggesting that etch primer is designed for steel which is nonsense. Etch primer is designed for ferrous and non ferrous metals. Phoenix 1 part is non ferrous and 2 part is ferrous and non ferrous. Stainless steel won't etch which is why I have doubts about the advice that you need to reserve an airbrush for etch primer (but I do so just in case!). I hope this helps!