Does matt Varnish go off? – Airbrush always getting blocked

[sundancer 42932xp 1]

That badger mixer look awfully a lot like the cheap milk whipping things some people use on their coffee. And those are dirt cheap. The mixing end would need some trimming though to fit into the bottles I’d think.

[lawnor 25928xp 1]

I’d be super interested to see an OTT video/Gerry Can on cheap but effective paint mixers for the financially challenged.  I’m always tempted to get one, but I don’t want to pay through the nose for something I can replace by just shaking my hand about a bit.

On a related note, a list of things you can use as paint mixers that won’t ruin the paint and have suitable heft and can be harvested from around the house or collected from day to day waste might be nice.  I’ve always used glass beads, but they’re a little lighter than I’m happy with.  I tried stainless steel bearings once, but they rusted in every paint pot, so I just don’t trust metal any more.  Stainless, my arse.  I use marbles for larger pots, but apparently, they’re a smidge too large.  I’m curious if I could just use stones, if I gave them a thorough wash, but are they inherently too dirty and would contaminate the paint, and would porosity create issues/waste?

[zorg 18801xp 0]

Glass beeds for jewellery are dirt cheap on the tinternet a pound shops.

[lawnor 25928xp 1]

It’s what I use, but I’m never sure they’re heavy / dense enough to really push through the paint properly.

[lawnor 25928xp 2]

A little feedback.  Thanks for your advice.

Over the past couple of weeks I’ve added a marble to the varnish and a good heavy squirt of Airbrush Thinner.  I’ve been giving it daily shakes, and sometimes leaving it upside down.  Anything to encourage it to mix.  It also spent a little time in hot water.  This weekend I had cause to varnish models again.  When I tried to pour some out the nozzle was blocked.  Unscrewing the cap revealed it was full of sticky PVA-like gunk.  I scraped that out and washed the nozzle and gave in a thorough shake and mix and checked the nozzle again.  All looked good.  I loaded up my airbrush (0.2mm) and it worked well briefly, before gumming up again.  I tried the 0.4mm nozzle and got a few models done, but it happened again.  Nothing would let it flow reliably.  I thought I was going to have to make do as it’s all I had, but I found an old 17ml dropper bottle of matt varnish and that worked fine.  I haven’t bought a 17ml bottle of varnish since before I bought my Airbrush at the least.  That makes it many years older than the Mecha bottle, and it’s been stored under the same conditions.  Looks like I’m going to have to junk my mecha, or perhaps save it for those rare occasions I brush matt on?  Are there other uses for it?  I know Dallas Kemp has recommended using mixing medium to glue basing materials on to bases quickly.  It works well. I still seal with watery PVA after, but when speed is important its a good trick to know.

In short, I’d say the Mecha matt varnish is fine but seems to have issues with shelf life after a couple of years, but the more basic Vallejo ranges are good forever.

 

[sundancer 42932xp 1]

Thanks  for the feedback. 🙂

[lawnor 25928xp 1]

It’s good to learn from each other, and shelf life isn’t something that can be readily tested in a standard review.  Besides, we all like to know how a story ends, even if its not a very exciting story.

[zorg 18801xp 1]

You should try thinning it more an filter out any tiny bits from the bottle of varnish with gauze.

[lawnor 25928xp 2]

I considered filtering it, but I know I’ll just make a mess.  I’ve not got anything suitable to filter it in to, and nothing to filter it with except a tea strainer.  If I’m desperate I might make it work.  That 17ml bottle might go far.  I’m actually running low on things to paint at last (Hint: Gerry, you can really piss on my chips by having me win free models from OTT now my pile of shame is almost empty.  It’s a kind way to be an arse).

[zorg 18801xp 0]

That is a problem what about a glass lemonade drinks bottle with a funnel with a filter to do the varnish.?  Add the thinner to get the last of it from the bottle.

[lawnor 25928xp 1]

I don’t have a funnel anymore.  I destroyed it working with printing resin.  I could save an old squash bottle or something.  I don’t have any filters.  I could try kitchen towel, but that feels like a bad idea.  Actually, I do have a filter funnel!  The printer came with some disposable ones that are crap.  I used one once and it spilled and took forever to drain.  It might be good enough for what little varnish I have left.  I’ll keep my eyes open for a small bottle.

[avernosKeymaster 33947xp 1]

;P

[zorg 18801xp 1]

Any coffee filters @lawnor ?

[lawnor 25928xp 1]

Nope.  That’s the first thing I thought of.  All my coffee is instant.

[zorg 18801xp 0]

Ooh Mmm what about your works? coffee machine?

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