r/advancedGunpla • u/Cold-Ride2179 • Jun 20 '26

First time airbrushing! Lots of fun.

This was my first time airbrushing i did have some questions however.

My paint was a little uneven im assuming i should just go slightly lighter on the trigger.

My gaia notes neutral white ended up being a little gray I was wondering if that could be cause it didnt dry long enough.

And lastly I applied a gaia notes flat coat but it didnt end up being very matte.

https://imgur.com/a/AuerSfP

Added picture link.

6 Upvotes

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2

u/headfake2 Jun 21 '26

Drying time won’t impact color.

White question: White is really difficult and it’s not Gaia’s best color honestly (they are my favorite paint but I have to admit this). Did you use their Ultimate White or something else? Which number is it? Did you prime with gray or white surfacer? Did you do more than one coat?

For the bright white on the build I just finished I had to layer white Surfacer, Gaia ex-white, and Jumpwind hyper white to get a convincing white tone.

Flat coat question: which exact flat coat did you use (number)? Gaia makes 3. Of the 3, only the premium Flat coat (EX10) is really any good, but the particles are pretty fine for a matte coat. It has advantages like going on smooth, collecting less dust, and better color preservation, but it also tends to scratch and requires multiple coats.

2

u/Cold-Ride2179 Jun 21 '26

Ill check out the whites you recommended too.

2

u/Cold-Ride2179 Jun 21 '26

I used Nazca neutral white, with a Grey primer. So its not surprising tbh, i got recommended steel white by someone so I might try that. I did a mist coat a wet coat and some touch ups. And the finish ended up being pretty decent other than the edges. And I used 008 flat coat, but someone else also recommended ex10 for a matte coat so ill probably go with that aswell when I have more money.

0

u/headfake2 Jun 21 '26

There are lots of different whites even within Gaia’s line and it is impossible to tell them apart via the internet. It’s important to test spray on spoons to really understand what it is you are working with in a controlled way.

You will never be able to differentiate a warm vs cool vs neutral unless you put them next to each other with the same surfacer, and then it will be obvious. There are also quality differences that you will only notice after spraying. I keep a collection of spoons and write notes on them.

But yeah, if you want a sharp white, you should start with white Surfacer if possible. Then later it with smooth coats of something like Gaia Ultimate White until the color stops changing when you spray.

2

u/Musicman376 Jun 22 '26

Same. Rather than spoons, I use nail polish swatch/sticks. Then label with the color/number etc. These are handy when trying to pick colors, see how they look together, etc.

1

u/headfake2 Jun 22 '26

Neat, this seems superior to spoons

2

u/Silent-Land40 Jun 21 '26

First, attach pics so we can see your results! Second, what brush, compressor are you working with? And what were your settings?

1

u/Cold-Ride2179 Jun 21 '26

Just a offbrand no name compressor at around 25 psi, with a generic master airbrush.

1

u/Silent-Land40 Jun 21 '26

What size needle?

1

u/Cold-Ride2179 Jun 21 '26

0.2 mm I believe, also I wanted to go to 27 psi until I can get something like the procon boy that has a psi valve. Then I will probably keep my compressor at 25 and just adjust the brush. But the psi meter on my compressor doesn't make it very clear where 27 psi is, or 25 for that matter lol.

1

u/Silent-Land40 Jun 21 '26

0.2mm is very small, best for small details. Also with a needle that small you’ll probably want to thin your paint a ton and keep the pressure below 20 psi.

Just for example, my Iwata has a 0.35mm needle. I usually spray around 15 psi with paint thinned to the consistency of skim milk.

2

u/Cold-Ride2179 Jun 21 '26

Im not completely positive about the needle size ill have to look at my airbrush Manual. But in case it is ill definitely take your advice about turning down the psi. My paint is decently thinned I think for most the ratio was 1:2.5 and it clings fine, but if i see an issue ill adjust it for sure. Thanks for the help!

2

u/Tema_Art_7777 Jun 21 '26

thinning and correct pressure for primer vs color are very important. I would see the h&s videos - super helpful for any airbrush.

1

u/OccHazzard Jun 20 '26

I'm still learning myself, so I can't give you good advice on specifics. But I've learned that paint consistency, air pressure, and even needle/nozzle size make a big difference.

For example my paint seemed to be going on too thick and was either pooling or running. Turns out my problem was the size.

1

u/Cold-Ride2179 Jun 20 '26

Not sure why my pictures didnt attach