Scale Model Tips - How To Airbrush Vallejo Air Paints The Correct Way - Great Results !! 

I use these paints all the time. I start with a little flow improver in the cup first before mixing in the paint and when painting I always keep the air going. Seriously, don't let off the air and you'll almost never get a clog. I use even more flow improver with primers, maybe that's wrong. Love your videos; your paint/ let dry/ paint technique is the way to go!

Finally a model making channel that’s making current videos. Looking forward to going back to watch all ur vids and all the coming vids as well.

I love these videos, it's great for me as a relatively new person to air brushes, especially when it's not that clear on the bottle in terms of usage. This channel deserves way more views, thank you.

100% agree with this man. I jammed one of my airbrushes with Vallejo air until my friend suggested I use the flow improver. Best advice yet.

@1:01 - I finally had a chance to try this, and an fairly impressed with how forgiving they are at 30 psi and 1:4~7, flow improver to paint. Sometimes I have added 1~2 drops of airbrush thinner to the above ratio and it makes it easier to spray a gradient. Thanks a bunch for sharing this! Like so many others, I was lamenting my vallejo purchases.

I cannot begin to explain how useful this video was. As someone who was getting into airbrushing, this was invaluable. Thank you tremendously :)

Vallejo is my favorite company for paints these days. I migrated to acrylic from Testors enamel paints. I had used Testors my entire life, since I was a boy about 10 or 11 years old and I'm going to be 37 this year. I started with Vallejo because that was what they had at Hobby Lobby and a number of channels I watched for how to paint World War II soldiers or do this or that camo pattern was using Vallejo or AMMO by Mig. Once I started with these paints, I never looked back. I have over 150 of the colors in a variety of Model Color and Model Air. One of my favorite things they do is release 8 packs and 16 packs of paints for specific things like RAF pre-war to 1943, or Soviet colors for the air force from certain years, it's so easy to paint my kits now.

I just started airbrushing. My airbrush has a .5mm needle.I your it from the bottle then add 2-3 drops of flow improver per 10-15 drops of paint. 20psi and never had an issue with model air paint.

You are correct. Vallejo is "heavier" and "thicker" than the lacquer paints we are use to. Over thinning them makes controlling them much harder. Higher PSI, 0.3mm nozzle with Japanese type airbrushes like Iwata, Mr.Hobby, Master etc. However I find the best airbrush to use on these Vallejo paint is the Harder & Steenbeck. Due to the fact that H&S sprays heavier by default and thus their 0.2mm and 0.4mm are both excellent for spraying Vallejo paints. Also, Vallejo paint becomes "flaky" when they dry in the paint well walls OR can develop in the bottle itself if you keep them around for long period. If not careful when cleaning them (especially after extended use). These flakes can easily end up getting into nozzle clogging the airbrush (especially their black primer). I suggest straining them (older paint) before pouring them into the airbrush. Here the H&S airbrush has another advantage, because it is so easy to take them apart and clean them thoroughly. For beginners, I recommend the H&S Evolution or Infinity 0.4mm.

Wow, I would have never thought that thinning my Vallejo paint was the culprit... Thank you for this video, I tried your solution and it did go on sooooooooo much smoother.

I just got back into scale models after a 20 year break. I never had an airbrush until recently as well. I basically don't know my ass from a hole in the ground when it comes to this stuff. I'm really glad I stumbled across your channel to get pointers and how to's! Thanks!

Your tests are some of the best on the internet. Thanks for a great 2020. Happy New Year!

I like your process... thin coats, let flash in between. That's how any type of "spray" painting should be done. And airbrushing acrylics especially, since they dry quickly, people should also take into account the temperature and humidity in the room as well. It plays a huge role in how paints lay down and cure. Patience is key. Not to mention, using Vallejo paints is a science compared to other brands. 🙂 I'd be very interested in the durability of the paints on the different spoons. How easily they scratch, or lift. How well they can be handled a day later.

Excellent Video, and yes, new to airbrushing and I’m using Vallejo paints and increasing my psi and going to a larger needle made all the difference ! Thank You …..

That was a great and thorough test. I appreciate the time and attention that you give to make this a complete and methodical evaluation.

Fantastic model channel mate , no faffing around, straight in 👍 luv it and many thanks 😊

Thanks for doing more acrylics. I'd love to see more Mission Models colors in the future. Also looking forward to the decal video. Would be great if you did a comparison on all the of the plastic cements you have and maybe different brands of putty as well. Oh, and more finished Gunpla! Thanks again for all the great videos.

Well I just tried using VMA with nothing added to my Iwata .3mm and it sprayed just as good as my laquers. I was able to paint really fine lines and could get as close to a hair away and no runs or spiders nothing at all. Amazing, now I have to try Model Color.

You make everything look so easy...thanks for sharing your knowledge.

Awesome. I just bought a 5 needle for my Eclipse. Going to test this out on a spare body.

Glad someone put out a video on how to use there paint. I was in the same boat. Hated them but now i have hope that I can use them. Thank You!

I love Vallejo Air paints, been using them for almost 2 years now. You should try Mecha Pure Black and Pure White. Also, be sure to test the Vallejo Metal Color range (both airbrush and brush). Those are just fantastic.

I painted a 1/24 Focke Wulf with Vallejo model air with a 0.15 needle and no problems at all. every 10 drops of paint I put 2 drops of their paint retarder/flow improver and 1-1.5 bar airpressure and once every while I clean the needle tip with a cotton swab with airbrush cleaner on. I also put a stainless steel ball or nut in the bottle, shake it and let it set for 10 minues to get the bubbles down from shaking then swirl the bottle a bit for the pigments again and no trouble using Vallejo in my airbrush

Yup same here. Shoot Vallejo air out of my patriot with .5 needle 30 psi. Was using my Iwata HC with .3 and 20 psi. Was terrible. Washing everything off. Just tried the patriot for the hell of it and presto perfect results. Love this stuff now.

Barbatos Rex you are right about the airbrush. But let me add. Most airbrush from 0.18 to 0.35, their needle are sticking out from the air cap. And that exposed needle contributes in the dreaded tip dry. My Iwata HP-TH is a 0.5 needle. And the needle barely stick out from the air cap. So I don't experienced any tip dry. I have 2 Iwata Eclipse SBS that is 0.35 needle. And one of them I converted to 0.5 mainly use for Vallejo paint. Since then I have no problem using Vallejo paint on a 0.5 needle at 15-18 psi. Maybe you can do a video on this. "A Closer Look On The Tip Of You're Airbrush".😉

Happy new year to you too! I'm so glad to have found your channel! Excited to see more excellent videos from you!

Great tips, I have just bought some model air and haven't used it before. Now I have a good starter tip, thank you.

Mate you are doing some amazing work on your channel. All the best from Australia. Dan

Started airbrushing my first gundam kit today after watching your videos yesterday. Thank you for the encouragement and great video my friend! Happy new year !

I've seen ppl use them with .2mm needles. But when i tried to duplicate this i had major issues. Probably the same as you had. Many clogs, a bad overall flow and it drove me nuts. The .3 mm on was still to small. Had a major breakthrough with the .4 needle as well but yeah. Beautful color but a little tricky. Thank you for this video. Having someone with the same problem is REALLY reassuring.

RU-vid recommended this video about 6 hours too late. But now I don't have to throw away that bottle of model air, thanks!

Great information - I haven't used Vallejo paints (Yet) - but now I will try them. (I Have been using Tamiya acrylics)

Great to see a video on acrylics, definitely have to learn to use them better!

Thank you for this. The videos you post do help tremendously. They do help.

Thanks for this. I have a tone of Vallejo air which I have stopped using because of the flow and application problems. Will try this to see if I can get a better result! Again many thanks for making this.

You can add polymers like Createx 4030 or MinWax polycrylic or even floor polish to any acrylic paint to make it flow better and much more scratch resistant. I use both. It works especially well with craft paints.

Never had a problem with Valejo paints, even with my .15 needle. Just Flow improver + thinner + the paint. Mix outside the cup so you get a better feel for the consistency of the paint. I highly suggest getting an adjustment valve on the airbrush. Crank your compressor up and test air pressure and paint consistency on the back of a gloved hand... Works every time, no worries.

Wow...You nailed it!!! I was having a heck of a time with the Model Air paints and had decided that it was terrible paint. I just couldn't get it to spray properly. I tried the .5mm needle, no thinner and a slightly higher pressure as you suggested and BINGO!!!... the paint works like a charm and I have now grown to love the stuff. I have not seen the need yet for the flow improver but I may try it just for the heck of it. New subscriber here...Thanks Rex!!! 😁

I Had the same issues happened to you stick in the needle fast dry all problems i love Vallejo color for one reason no smell ..and just now i know from you i Can straightaway airbrush it,, 🙏🏽thanks because Almost to hate them

You sir, may have saved me a load of heart ache with these paints. I use many by brush and am now moving onto airbrush.

Thanks mate. I am just starting out and using Vallejo. Your videos are very clear and helpful. PS happy new year from Australia!

I got those same brushes at the local Hobby Lobby (not a sponsor). I use them for painting my miniatures. Actually, because you mentioned on several occasions that you get things at Hobby Lobby, I started buying things from there. They should give you a little kickback :) Btw, I just got that little dinky bottle of Testors decal set, though I haven't used it yet.

Thank you sir. I solved my Vallejo paint flow problems by upping the pressure to 2 bar. Would have never thought of it. Now, the pain runs fast like this! I'll need to practice with your "spoon technique" to be more restrained and apply in lighter coats ;)

I have been looking for a channel like yours! Today it came in as a recommended page, definitely worth it! Thank you!!

Good, I have struggled with acrylics as they clog the tip very often!

What a job! Thank you for all your efforts. Really useful info.

I was using only Vallejo paints for over 20 years. It's always good to see people reviewing their products, and using them! Their paints have been amazing, whether using the Air or Colour ranges. I've just added some Pro-Acryls to the mix, and they really compliment them. With the primer talk - always primer and clean the models, as the colour you choose has an impact on the look of the paint. Also it allows you to do some zenithal highlights on the mini which helps with painting (especially gaming minis).

I know this is over two years kid but it seems like Vellejo is along the lines of wicked or house of color acrylics. Dudes painting bikes and such run at 30 PSI and the thin accordingly. I found thinning the model colors down to the same consistency is great. I love the pigments of Vallejo. I even use the model air for some small area brush work. Things like canopy frames or small stuff. One painter said it isn’t the airbrush but the artist using it. Ordering a master airbrush to get a true gravity feed. Running a pache VL which is a great unit but want other options. I did watch the vid on the neoeco and it is tempting. Sort of debating at this point.

Thanks for the imperial blue showcase (and the others too of course)!

Happy New Year!! Man, talk about an awesome video! My first paint booth is on the way soon, then the compressor and airbrush will be on order after that. Nice to see that the Vallejo air paints can turn out so nice. Really looking forward to the decal setter/softer video! Thank you for giving us so much great information in 2020! Stay safe in 2021.

what do you clearcoat the Vallejo paint with????

Nice paints I have a couple bottles of metals, but I use for brushing. I like the ease of use and metal colors your tried, especially the gun metal and copper. Thanks

I was gonna say I really like the Model Air and never had an issue with my Neo at 25psi..and then realized it had a 5mm needle...so I was ahead of ya 😆

I’ve been waiting for this review!

Great tips for air pressure and needle size. Thanks

I've been using the Flow Improver for a while now and it really helps with paints that need thinner.

Vallejo Model Air, or Game Air. 5 drops of paint, 1 drop of AB thinner, 1 drop of flow improver, and it will spray like a dream at 18-20psi with a 0.2mm needle. Been using them for years, never an issue. As far as the decal solutions, the 2 Tamiya's ones are the same, just the "strong" is stronger than the regular, so a one part system, not a 2 part. They are apparently also coming out with a Mark Fit Extra Strong in the future

Great tutorial. Artist does very good job explaining. Thanks!

I really enjoy watching your videos. Very informative.

Funny. Exactly my conclusion this morning while spraying some wagons with Vallejo. Changed the needle, upped the pressure and kaboom: everything worked.

I'm no expert but I eventually settled on about 25psi and a 0.5mm needle with Vallejo too

Thanks for this review. I found it very helpful, as I was having a lot of issues with Vallejo paints. I am going to try your recommendations and see if I can improve my painting. I’m glad I found your channel, and look forward to future posts. Subscribed strait away!

Yes i would agree on a larger size needle..i use a Badger Patriot with a fine needle..which is still larger than most...the Gunmetl is great for use with a brush as well

The vallajo air is awesome and sprays the best with the flow improver it don't even dry and clog.

huh, I spray model air with a .2 needle no problem... it could be linked to climate?

amazing channel and reviews, you deserve more followers , waiting for decal softeners test

well i follwed your recommendations and the vallejo air paints flow really easy and have great coverage. i use a portable airbrush and once i adjusted and fine tuned the airbrush everything flowed great. thanksfor you help with this as im a beginner and on my F86 vallejo dull aluminum looks fantastis. keep up your great videos. next im going to try cheap acrylics and follw your recommendation for thinning.

From their page. an be airbrushed directly or diluted with Vallejo Airbrush Thinner or Flow Improver, and the colors can also be applied by brush. The compressor adjustment recommended is 15 - 20 PSI o 0.5 to 1 kg. For best airbrush maintenance we recommend using the Vallejo Airbrush Cleaner.

Another great and informative vid my friend. You do all this hard work so we don't have to, thanks.

Man let me tell you your videos are so helpful

Hey, Im new in the model world and did everything with a handbrush. My parents bought me a cheap airbrush kit with a mini compressor as a present because they see I like to model do u have any tips for me with a cheap airbrush kit 😅😅 I want to buy a better one but I’m very new so I don’t want to spent a fortune yet

the thing is with Vallejo Thinner, is that it is not a "thinner", it is an Acrylic Medium (colourless paint) used to dilute colour and create transparent colours (like 'candies' used in the automotive paint trade), not an acrylic solvent (which is what "thinner" generally means). the Flow Improver is more akin to what people mean when they say "thinner".

I might need to get those reds for Char's Zaku or Johnny's. Gorgeous colors

i just bought one of those new Casubaris Cordless Aribrushes that you tested - its 20psi will i be able to get the Air Paints to work with that setup and a .5 needle or will i need to add the flow improver? I had to come back a little ways to see your test on the right paints - I'm glad you are here my friend.

Alright! So glad I discovered your channel recently. I use Vallejo Model Air paints and have experienced some difficulty. Now I'll go to a bigger needle, up the air pressure a bit and add some Flow Improver. Cool. You've really helped me. I wish you a nice New Year's Eve. Congrats on hitting 5K subscribers. Great things to come for your channel in 2021. From Switzerland - Andrew 🍁👍

Thank you for the tips ! I just bought my first airbrush (Iwata Neo) and a whole bunch of Game Color and Model Air paints from Vallejo, and this is gonna be very helpful. I will let you know if they spray well on the .35 needle with no Flow Improver.

Thanks again for the excellent video, can't wait to see your next one with Mecha color. Most Vallejo's videos use around 15-20 psi on 0.2 or 0.3 airbrush, but you keep saying 25-30 psi on 0.4 or 0.5 airbrush. I wonder what happens if you follow Vallejos instructions. It would be great to see the comparison for that.

I use the air colors with my infinity and my hansa 281 for some years now and I never ran into the problems you had. I use them for painting miniatures, fine detail work. And the work fine. Still prefer the regular paint range a little more and thin them myself...leaves you with way more paint in the end and the same results, that is if you got some experience in thinning.

Great video again thanks for all the very informative videos ,have a great and happy new year !

Amazing content as usual! I loved it. This hit the nail right in the head for me. It is decided I'm gonna wait for my provider to get this paints and order as mush as I can. Thank you and happy new year!

Thank you and happy New Year !!

I wonder how the new line of paints holds up. N/M found your review!

Thank you for this review. I am sure I will get better results now.

I would really love to see you review some of the acrylics made by Vallejo, Citadel, Army painter, etc that ARENT designed for airbrush. I was raised on Warhammer 40K and for years I've watched tutorials where these paints are used exclusively with brush and airbrush (with proper thinning techniques). These were the only products I've ever known until I found your channel and others like it focusing more on Gundam/Scale modeling and an entirely different set of paints than what I am used to. I think it would be neat to see a different perspective on these products.

5k subscribers!!!! Time flies by so fast... great video, very informative and extensive as always! I can’t wait to see how you continue to get bigger as a channel! Happy New Years!!

Thank you! Now I know what I’m doing incorrectly!

THANK YOU !!!!!!!! Vallejo Driving me nuts!

The best content as usual! I love the ilumination of your table! ¿What do you recommend for achieve that quality of light on the painting table?. Thanks!!!

Hello , do you have a video on using a wash, brick work, I am a HO modeller, painting buildings , want to highlight the brick joints

Just a personal note, I had been having issues with using regular vallejo paints and airbrushing, I had been adding an airbrush mix to let it work with my airbrush but it tended to clog. In the end I found that using some 50 micron micro mesh filter to filter the paint before mixing it improved things greatly as even fresh from the bottle there were some clumps or small balls of acrylic.

I’m struggling to get a smooth finish through an Iwata Revolution with both AK Interactive and Vallejo matt/satin/gloss varnishes. Hopefully you tackle airbrushing varnishes in an upcoming video!

This video was very useful. Thnxxx!! 🙌

Do you have a video instruction for brush painting and airbrushing Vallejo Model Color paints? I really enjoy your RU-vid videos. Thank you.

I use VMA paints using 2/3 thinner and 1/3 flow improver mix. Then mix that to 70 % paint to 30% thinner/ flow improver mix. Will go through a .2 H&S silverline airbrush no problem.

This video is dated 2020 that's ok with me ... at the start you hinted that you use Vallejo for leather. can you tell which ones. ? thanks.

I don’t understand what I’m doing wrong ? I use like a 50/50 mix with the reducer / thinner. And my brush is still getting clogged up and stops spraying . What am I doing wrong?

I’ve never had trouble with ModelAir other than one dodgy bottle of Interior Green and I use a H&S EVO with a 0.2 needle. It’s my go too paint 90% of the time

Thanks for sharing my friend really helpful video have a great new year and stay safe 👍👍

Beautiful colors.

Thanks, this was really helpful!