SPA Modeler

Ok, I am going to try out Vallejo Model Air paints for the first time in the next couple of days. Who has experience with the product line, and what sort of advice can you offer? I know that they are supposed to be used straight from the bottle with no additives. But, in your experience, have you deviated from that, or added anything to the paint for better results? What sort of air pressure do you work with for best results?
Please do tell.

Pick them all up........throw them in the trash. I've used them for a while and I've never gotten them to spray right. They always dry up and it feels and looks like rubber paint on the model.

If you still want to try and use them a few tricks I have found
1. Don't have to much in the paint cup at a time
2. Don't thin with alcohol it will turn the paint to goo
3. You will have to thin them unless you have a huge needle and are spraying at 30+ PSI
4. Use either Vallejos own thinner or distilled water filtered tap water would also probably work
5. After all that if you still have not thrown them in the trash they are decent for brush painting not as good as Vallejos model color line but still decent.
6. Use Tamiya or AK Real Color and save yourself the headache.

I second both Mike and Clint,

Not worth the money as you can find better and easier to use stuff.

I have some VMA paint bottles left, that I only use when painting deails with a brush.
Works best for me as that, which is such a paradox as these are designed for airbrushes.

- Kari

I have to agree with everyone else. I've a few Vallejo colors as well - not the Model Air though. After reading and hearing lots of horror stories, it's not worth the hassle.
Very few folks have mastered using them for airbrushing.

Woooooo.... tough crowd! Sounds like you guys do not like the paints. Well I am going to give them a run, just to see for myself. I have the paints already, so I’m not gonna just throw them away without an honest test. The two points that I am getting are: 1, use higher air pressure; and 2, thin with their thinner or water if needed.

Might I suggest trying them out on the bottom of your surfboard? Just a suggestion based on the reviews above.

From these reviews, the inside of the terlet may be better. Save a step on disposal? I am curious to see how Carlos makes it work, though.

I dunno...I've never had any of the above issues...maybe it's the airbrush? I've used water but I've also had success using them as is...they're definitely better than AMMO by Mig paints which I tried using the other day with bad results. I use my two Badger airbrushes and spray around 15-20 psi..