Coming back and... bubbles while using Vallejo Gloss Coat

[TheArturro]

Hi,
I've recently got back to modelling after 1,5 year, and because back then I've sold most of my stuff, including airbrush with an air compressor. I'm back to basics - brush painting. I've done an Airfix Spitfire, painted it using Vallejo Model Color and Acrylic Humbrol 90 (worst paint I've used... so chunky like it was sand in it ).

I was painting it today with a gloss coat (Vallejo one) and while I was applying it, it formed small bubbles. Most of them did pop, but some have stayed. Gloss coat was thinned with a bit of water.

Is it bad paint or have I done something wrong? And if it's my fault, what could've caused such an effect?

[Lysus]

I can't speak to Vallejo gloss coats as I've never used them, but I'd suggest grabbing some Alclad Aqua Gloss or Mr Color GX100 or some Tamiya X-22 for a gloss coat. The Alclad sprays right out of the bottle, the Mr Color and Tamiya are best mixed with some Mr Leveling Thinner (MLT) at 50/50. All three can be sprayed at low pressure, 12-15 PSI and will self level, dry rock hard and clear.

Any one of those should be available in most shops or online easily enough.

[TheArturro]

I have sold my airbrushing equipment, and for now I can't afford a new one (and don't want to waste money on cheap one). Can Tamiya one be brush-painted as well?

[Lysus]

Sorry, missed that detail

It can, maybe test it on an inconspicuous spot first to make sure it goes on like you want it to. Though you can also get spray cans of top coats in gloss and matte for Tamiya. A few passes with one and you're set.

[TheArturro]

Ok, thanks, gonna order these spray cans and see how it goes.

I guess one more reason to save for an airbrush ASAP...

[digger303]

I have sold my airbrushing equipment, and for now I can't afford a new one (and don't want to waste money on cheap one). Can Tamiya one be brush-painted as well?

I have seen it done, but it is difficult. It dries so quickly. I believe it has been done by thinning it a lot and putting many coats on.

[schweinhund227]

if you start using either spray cans or later on an Airbrush to apply your clear coats... either a dull or gloss !
make sure all your glass surfaces (clear parts) on your model are protected...from over-spray.

good luck and welcome back to the hobby; remember to have fun !

[TheArturro]

I have sold my airbrushing equipment, and for now I can't afford a new one (and don't want to waste money on cheap one). Can Tamiya one be brush-painted as well?

I have seen it done, but it is difficult. It dries so quickly. I believe it has been done by thinning it a lot and putting many coats on.

So it's spray cans or an airbrush then...

if you start using either spray cans or later on an Airbrush to apply your clear coats... either a dull or gloss !
make sure all your glass surfaces (clear parts) on your model are protected...from over-spray.

good luck and welcome back to the hobby; remember to have fun !

I'm painting clear parts separately and I mask the interior by putting a piece of sponge inside but thanks for the tip! It's good to be back