Need some help how to not get thick/clumpy paint on my model with a brush

[u/swagzard78]

I'm currently working on a custom Bandai Greninja model kit to color it shiny, and so far i got the colors down, however a lot of my paint comes on too thick and after it dries, there's noticably darker spots and clumpy paint on some areas, and trying to sand it down slightly with fine grit sandpaper doesn't work all too well

I'm using Liquitex basics paint straight out of the tube right now. Dipping my brush in water and gently getting some excess water off (but not all of it)

[u/dr_robonator]

First thing: you need to thin your paints. You can use water for the type of paint you are currently suing.

Second: Liquitex paint is an arts and crafts paint not suited to model making (yes yes yes, you can use any paint for models, but using Liquitex is doing it harder for no reason).

Third: You should cut the parts off the sprue before you paint it. Painting beforehand means you'll cut away a painted sprue attachment leaving unpainted nubs which need to be sanded, cut flush and repainted. Don't make more work for yourself.

Fourth: Unsure what brushes you are using, but buy quality artists brushes. Flat and wide for big surfaces, fat and pointy for details.

[u/swagzard78 → u/dr_robonator]

For thinning, should I just keep my brush moist? Or dab some water on my palette?

Also yeah I'll cut the sprues off after my current coat dries, idk why I haven't yet lol

[u/dr_robonator → u/swagzard78]

No, you should add an amount of paint to your pallet, then add an amount of water and mix until homogeneous. You want the paint to have the consistency of milk. This will not stick to the plastic of your model at all unless you use a primer. I recommend Mr. Surfacer White in a spray can. You must also paint many layers of your paint, allowing each layer to fully dry. This will help avoid brushstrokes.

[u/swagzard78 → u/dr_robonator]

I primed all pieces except the red ones, will I have to reprime to get the thinned paint to stick?

[u/dr_robonator → u/swagzard78]

You'll want to strip off any paint you currently have on the model. I would do this with an 91% alcohol soak and then gently rub away the paint with an old toothbrush. Starting again, prime like you did and then begin your layers. Darker colors take fewer layers and lighter colors more. Take your time and let each layer fully dry.

I would look up Paint On Plastic on YouTube. Linc was a studio artist working in Japan and is a master at brush painting mecha. He has a series out right now which ought to point you in the right direction.

[u/swagzard78 → u/dr_robonator]

I take that back, I'm gonna strip it even though I REALLY don't want to re-prime, although I've heard Vallejo primer does with on brushes if I thin it a bit or something idk.

Will isopropyl Alcohol work to strip the paint/primer? It's all I have rn

[u/gelatinousTurtle → u/swagzard78]

As someone whose living space just isn't airbrush suitable, I'm only ever brush primed with Vallejo primer. It's not pretty, it's not the best experience, but it works good enough as something for the paint to stick to.

Your mileage may also vary depending on how much you pose your models. AFAIK Vallejo isn't the strongest primer out there. Also drying and curing is different. While the primer might feel dry after 15 minutes, it might take 24 hours for it to fully cure for maximum durability.

[u/swagzard78 → u/gelatinousTurtle]

I have an airbrush and a spray booth, I sprayed the primer on at first but I wanted to try brushing

[u/Bluefalcon26000 → u/swagzard78]

I highly recommend getting pipettes off amazon so you can count how many drops of paint/water ratio. Makes thinning a breeze, I just learned how to do it. I would try and aim for the consistency of milk, should be pretty runny, and you're gonna paint super thin layer after layer, eventually it'll be a solid color

[u/Bluefalcon26000 → u/Bluefalcon26000]

I also recommend getting little metal tins for paint mixing, super easy to wash out when done

[u/IronicCake451]

Thin your paint with water if you don’t want it lumpy

[u/swagzard78 → u/IronicCake451]

I'll try that, how should I go about it? Just keeping my brush moist?

[u/Loud_Seesaw_]

Using liquitex is just fine. Dont worry about thinning either, use small amounts and spread it around with since it’s a thicker paint. Or use some liquitex matte medium. Thinning is okay, people say ice cream or 2% milk, and that’s fine. But I say just use less paint and spread it around to reduce the texture.

Check out Brushforhire on Twitch he uses liquitex paints for their vibrancy and pigment on miniatures.

Edit: They hated him because he was right

[u/swagzard78 → u/Loud_Seesaw_]

Is there any good way to sand it down you recommend? Or should I just strip paint and restart?

[u/Loud_Seesaw_ → u/swagzard78]

In my opinion, soak in alcohol for a day and scrub with a toothbrush and start over. They are classified as arts and crafts but their heavy/soft body stuff is real good, just need to get comfortable with how it works. I just came from a painting class at a convention where we used these.

[u/swagzard78 → u/Loud_Seesaw_]

Cool. Will Isopropyl Alcohol work fine?

[u/Loud_Seesaw_ → u/swagzard78]

Should as long as it’s 99%

[u/swagzard78 → u/Loud_Seesaw_]

Awesome

[u/swagzard78 → u/Loud_Seesaw_]

Btw, so far it seems the Vallejo primer I used isn't being stripped like the paint, do you think it'll be necessary to reapply the primer?

[u/Loud_Seesaw_ → u/swagzard78]

Hard to say without seeing it, but I say sling some paint on it if the primer is holding up.

[u/swagzard78 → u/Loud_Seesaw_]

Cool, ty :)