Thursday, 2 May 2013

Decanting paint from an aerosol.

I usually use acrylic car primer on my models straight from the can. Most of the time this is fine, sometimes however I want a bit more control than just pointing and squirting would give me, which means using my airbrush. So with the aid of a jointed drinking straw (79p for 120 from my local supermarket) and a couple of pieces of masking tape I decanted paint straight from the can into a paint jar;



Note the clingfilm covering the jar.

This method is apparently quite common, I've seen it described in at least three books, including this one, but I thought that I'd share it on here anyway. The great thing about it is that the paint is ready thinned for airbrushing!

I will admit to being quite sceptical when I first came across this method, I had visions of being covered head to foot in primer, but after trying it its actually very easy. It is probably worth doing this outside and wearing old clothing though...

Paul.
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5 comments:

  1. Deathwatch16 May 2013 at 01:32

    I read about this method myself in George Dent's airbrushing book, but the Halford's 'plastic' primer is so god-tier that I have not tried it yet. It does seem that the automotive canned primers are superior though, ones aimed at the hobby market never seem to spray as well or give the same quality of finish (with the honourable exception of Games Workshop).

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  2. Paul B.17 May 2013 at 09:22

    I've only tried automotive primers so far (apart from Phoenix Precision etch primer, which I won't put through an airbrush) but I have heard that the Games Workshop range are top quality. Perhaps I'll try them one day.
    Games Workshop and auto paints do have the advantage of ready availability, most of the larger towns have a motor factors and a toy/hobby/model shop stocking the GW range.

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  3. Phil Parker6 September 2015 at 14:54

    Halfords do a very nice etching primer in a can. For small work, I like Hunbrol acrylic primer which brushes very well - better than car touch-up primer.

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    Replies
    1. Paul B.6 September 2015 at 15:09

      I've yet to try Halfords paint, but the general impression seems to be that its good stuff. My nearest branch is a fair drive away, and if I happen to be in it I'm usually too busy being distracted by bicycles and spanners to look towards the paint aisle. The Hycote primer that I usually use is good stuff though, and I should really look to see if there's an etch primer in the range.

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  4. Wayne30 May 2017 at 05:04

    I have an even simpler method. Hold the spray can upside down. All the paint now flows to the nozzle end of the can. Press the nozzle and keep the can inverted until all the propellant is expelled. Now there is no pressure inside the can. Turn the can upright and using a sharp nail or pricker pierce the can in two places around the domed top.
    Now all you need to do is pour the paint into a suitable jar.

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