Help with Garage Kits USA Paints

[brandonlowe2]

I picked up two sets of the Garage Kits USA paints this past wonderfest and I have just been able to start trying them out. The color choices (I got two different sets of flesh tones) are amazing. However, perhaps it is that I am not used to this type of paint (super thinned and mostly semi-transparents) but I am having a hard time so far. With too much air pressure i get the spider-vein / paint running problem but with not enough air pressure I get splattering.... I know the paint is great and I just don't know how to use it so I would love to hear some of the setups you guys are using to best utilize this paint line.

just FYI I have 3 airbrushes that I use, Grex Tritiums setup with 0.2mm, 0.3mm, and 0.5mm needle and nozzles.

[derekc62]

I've had a similar problem with some - but not all - of the flesh tones.
My simple and effective solution was to pay close attention to the amount of pressure on the airbrush trigger.
I usually spray at about 15 psi but I adjust the micrometer at the back end of the brush to control my flow of air and paint.

[resin addict]

In your post you mentioned that you bought these at Wonderfest, which was last May, and your just now getting around to using them...that means that paint has sat for 10 months.
One thing I've found is that GK paints can tend to settle, and especially after 10 months, I wouldn't be surprised if your spraying mostly carrier with just a small amount of pigment. Maybe you did, but I'd shake the paint really well after its sat that long...5 to 10 minutes minimum.
I use the GK paints a lot, at all different pressures and as long as I make sure they're shaken/mixed really well I've never had any problems.
The only other thing is if you're trying to spray it on too thick too quickly...by nature it is a thin paint that should be applied in layers to build up the color.

[clayman1976]

I find this works very well for mixing paints that have sat for long periods of time. You just have to be sure to watch how fast ya let it go otherwise paint can start shooting out the top of the bottles. http://www.amazon.com/Norpro-Cordless-M ... B000E39LYO

[Nalissa2]

This is also good for shaking the paints up. http://www.amazon.com/Robart-Manufactur ... aint+mixer

I've made the mistake of storing my paints in a room (my workroom) that is exposed to extreme cold (Winter) and heat (Summer) so my paints tend to settle a lot.
I've had to chuck some of my transparent paints out because they just couldn't mix anymore. This shaker does a brilliant job though.

[Pun13]

This is also good for shaking the paints up. http://www.amazon.com/Robart-Manufactur ... aint+mixer

I've made the mistake of storing my paints in a room (my workroom) that is exposed to extreme cold (Winter) and heat (Summer) so my paints tend to settle a lot.
I've had to chuck some of my transparent paints out because they just couldn't mix anymore. This shaker does a brilliant job though.

I have one and let me tell you it mixes GK paints rather well. The fresh tones mix so well that it takes over
30 mins for them to start to separate, which is more than enough time to paint without having to re-sake.

HIGHLY Recommend this for all.

Tom

[brandonlowe2]

I will give it a shot!

[justinyattaw1]

I've had similar problems with mine... They all seem to gunk up the airbrushes I use (Renegade and Star 20/20) so I'll give them another shot after a good, thorough shake up.

[DoctorG]

Yes, you need to first get the mixing ball loosened up, then shake vigorously for about a minute after that. That should get all the pigment dispersed and ready for your brush. If the ball won't loosen, I've had success turning the bottle upside down and tapping the bottom against a hard surface.

[lorigrey]

My problem has been with the mars red. It seems to bead up on the primered surface.

[OKCmike]

lori, had same problem with Mars Red. Mix a tiny bit of liquid dish soap with it and it'll fix it up.

[Jesse321]

Sorry that I'm only getting to see this thread now, but Iv'e been on vacation this week, and just got back home.

In response to the OP, the Semi-Transparents are made to be used like transparents, they build color very slowly by accumulating layers. It took me a while to get use to them, and more than likely, now that my health is improving, we'll have a PaintFest Class again next year, which will feature these paints and how to use them.

With regard to settling, they absolutely settle, because the pigments weigh so much more than the liquid carrier. This is especially problematic with the heavier pigmented paints, such as whites and Fleshtones. We could make the carrier thicker, but that would necessitate the paints being thinned, or more thinned.

BTW, I got one of those Shakers from RobArt ... they are THE BOMB!! I can't recommend them enough, as a matter of fact before I left on vacation, I contacted them so that we can put the shakers on our website.

[Jesse321]

Yes, you need to first get the mixing ball loosened up, then shake vigorously for about a minute after that. That should get all the pigment dispersed and ready for your brush. If the ball won't loosen, I've had success turning the bottle upside down and tapping the bottom against a hard surface.

You can also just tip the bottle on it's side and the pigment will settle on the side of the bottle.

Another method, squeeze the bottom of the bottle while holding it upside-down and turning in a circular motion.

[Nalissa2]

Just a note, if you are getting the shaking machine from Robart get the AC powered one and not the DC powered model.
It will cost you more initially but will be cheaper in the long run.

[Alamokid]

Here are some thoughts. I have been using GK colors for a while and now that I am doing this, they are working very well. The below issues apply to almost all acrylic paints.
Transparent colors work best at lower pressures. (I think we all know this)
Sometimes, if a surface is too glossy or smooth the transparent paints spider and move around. If you can spray some flat on the surface, performance improves a little.
Don't use too much paint in the airbrush at once. Just a few drops. I find if you use too much it dries out and clogs the airbrush. I found this was one of my biggest problems.
Be aware of tip dry. If you have a guard over the needle sometimes you can't see it.
I clean my cup out and run cleaner through the brush between every color.
Some darker pigments have bigger particles. Black is one. It always requires a little thinning.
Finally, I do not use a fine tip and needle for base-coating or priming. Use a larger one. I only use my fine for details. If you shove lot's of paint for a long period of time, the fine will probably clog faster on you.

Hope this proves useful.

Thanks

[LrdSatyr8]

I find this works very well for mixing paints that have sat for long periods of time. You just have to be sure to watch how fast ya let it go otherwise paint can start shooting out the top of the bottles. http://www.amazon.com/Norpro-Cordless-M ... B000E39LYO

Just seeing this thread for the first time and I checked out that link... isn't that the same mini-drill that AMT/Ertl had in their Fiber Optic Lighting Kit? I could swear it is only with different attachments this time! Something I've been thinking of making for mine are a few those little attachments for 3D printing... was actually thinking of making a drill collett attachment so you didn't have to rely on the cheap bits that they provided and just make a exchangable bit head holder. Just a thought. I'm rambling! Sorry! LOL

[Warped Speed]

I find this works very well for mixing paints that have sat for long periods of time. You just have to be sure to watch how fast ya let it go otherwise paint can start shooting out the top of the bottles. http://www.amazon.com/Norpro-Cordless-M ... B000E39LYO

Just seeing this thread for the first time and I checked out that link... isn't that the same mini-drill that AMT/Ertl had in their Fiber Optic Lighting Kit? I could swear it is only with different attachments this time! Something I've been thinking of making for mine are a few those little attachments for 3D printing... was actually thinking of making a drill collett attachment so you didn't have to rely on the cheap bits that they provided and just make a exchangable bit head holder. Just a thought. I'm rambling! Sorry! LOL

Yes it is! I converted one years ago. I cut a disc and glued it to the top of the plastic case with a whole in it to make a bushing and then glued a brass rod to section of styrene tube. Being sized correctly it just friction fits over the shaft. I then soldered a triangular thin brass piece, one I bent to shape, and voila, great little paint mixer!