Painting Armor. . .What size airbrush needle do you use???

[Keith_Rob]

Now I am a very raw airbrush rookie and I have not even opened the box yet to begin practicing but I have a question about size of airbrush needles.  I notice there are different sizes like .02 .03 and .05.    Was curious what other more experienced airbrush users use?  I am going to be building some armor kits. 

 thanks!

[Dukemaddog]

The number indicator on your needle sizes determines how big a cone of paint your airbrush will shoot and how much paint goes through. If you are building 1/35th scale armor, then you use the .05 needle for broad, basecoat applications. It is the widest cone and will cover a lot of model at one time. For some of the secondary camouflage colors or smaller parts, use the .03 and masking if you wish. This will also give you finer control of your paint application. My preferred masking agent for camouflage on my armor is Silly Putty, but your mileage may vary. Finally, the .02 brush is for very fine lines at very close range to the model and will most likely be used very rarely by you. In fact, I'd just stick with the .05 and .03 needle sizes first until you become very proficient with your airbrush.

I hope this helps in some small way. Others with more experience will be able to explain better.

[bravo1jon]

May 15, 2023 14:51:34 GMT -6 Dukemaddog said:

The number indicator on your needle sizes determines how big a cone of paint your airbrush will shoot and how much paint goes through. If you are building 1/35th scale armor, then you use the .05 needle for broad, basecoat applications. It is the widest cone and will cover a lot of model at one time. For some of the secondary camouflage colors or smaller parts, use the .03 and masking if you wish. This will also give you finer control of your paint application. My preferred masking agent for camouflage on my armor is Silly Putty, but your mileage may vary. Finally, the .02 brush is for very fine lines at very close range to the model and will most likely be used very rarely by you. In fact, I'd just stick with the .05 and .03 needle sizes first until you become very proficient with your airbrush.

I hope this helps in some small way. Others with more experience will be able to explain better.

My exact setup. I use the no-nonsense IWATA NEO, its alot of airbrush for the money plus parts are cheap and available. I do have a special airbrush for painting cars or large surfaces.  Don't forget to keep them clean, Happy brushing.                     

[Robbo]

I use a NEO most of the time, like Jon said, no nonsense. I never do free hand camo I always mask up

This Tiger was the only one I didn't mask as you can see

[JCON]

Nice looking kitty there Ian!!!

[Robbo]

Thanks Joe

[WardWorks]

I use a Testors Modelmaster (so shoot me !), with the fine (tan) tip for general coverage and camo colours. Its all in how you mix the paint and thinners, I generally set the air to 16-18 PSI. For line camo, I switch to one of a couple of airbrushes I have with 02 needles fitted, but that's only til I get my skills back up to par with the Testors

I never mask anything on 35th armour, never used masking on 72nd armour either, the real ones were not masked.

These 3 are 35th.All 3 were painted and weathered entirely with the Testors.







Best
Gomez 😉🙃

[JCON]

Nice builds Gomez!!!

[WardWorks]

Cheers Boss 😆👍

[BUCKY]

Nice looking airbrush work displayed here, fellas!

[Keith_Rob]

Thanks for all the replies. All the information is very helpful.

[JED]

May 16, 2023 6:13:21 GMT -6 Robbo said:

I use a NEO most of the time, like Jon said, no nonsense. I never do free hand camo I always mask up

This Tiger was the only one I didn't mask as you can see

Great result with this mate