Just my 2 cents here: One thing that many people have asked me over the years is how to get the correct ratio for airbrushing with thinner to paint. I have figured out a good and simple method to get the right consistency every time: Tamiya makes a small 'stirring stick' that comes in a two pack. It is chrome plated and has like a small spoon at one end and a paddle at the other. If you put your paint into a small bottle and add thinner, mix it up and then wipe off the stirring stick and insert the paddle end into the mix and remove (just like a dip stick in your car). Look at the paint on the end of the paddle. When it is too thick the paddle will be covered with paint (opaque). As you add thinner, continue to do this 'dip stick test'. You will begin to see the paint looking more transparent around the edges of the paddle as you get it thinner. Once it looks transparent all around the edge of the dipped paint and only opaque in the center of the paint you have a perfect mix. I know this sounds complicated but try it a few times and you will see what I mean. It works for me every time. BTW, hello Aaron! We met a few times at EagleQuest a few years ago. Sorry to see EagleQuest end...
I get small ball bearings and put 2 in any jar of paint the first time I open it, then just shaking well mixes the paint exceptionally well. Just that extra bit of agitation really helps.
To be sure, yours used to be a fairly common practice, but, over the years, we and readers have encountered rusting, discoloration, and other reactions when using agitators not meant for use with paint. If you've found solution that works for you, that's excellent! We advocate using products that are meant for the use they are intended, especially if there's a possibility of something may be ruined, like paint. Thanks so much for watching!
Years ago I bought a Robart paint shaker, and electric gizmo that shakes the crap out of any small paint container, plastic,glass or metal tin. Still works like a charm. I also use another electric stirer that looks like a cocktail stirer , both work great
Electric tabletop paint mixers are useful gadgets, although they can get expensive. They also take up space on your workbench. Years ago we had a reader send in a tip for making a paint stirrer from an old electric jigsaw. Not recommended!
I recently decanted my Citadel paints to dropper bottles (Best thing I've ever done) & I found heating the unmixed paint pot in recently boiled water made shaking a significantly quicker & efficient process. Ill be heating all my paints before use from now on. I also use a cheap nail polish mixing unit. Its loud but effective.
I had a models store owner once tell me, the paints were always the best straight off the delivery vehicle. So if you know you’ve got a project you can’t start for a while, put the paint in the your car while you drive around. Of course, don’t let it freeze. 🤷🏻♂️
Can you please talk about the different types of paint, their solvent carriers and thinners in another video please? Maybe safety tips too. Thank you great videos!
