SnJ Spray Metal Paints FAQ's
Do I need to prime the surface before applying Spray Metal?
What type of Airbrush do I need?
What air pressure should I be using?
SnJ Spray Metals are ENAMEL based. Not lacquer.
Do I need to thin the Spray Metal before applying?
Are there any warnings I should be aware of?
Can I use different colored Polishing Powders over different colored Spray Metals?
How long can I store my paints and powders?
What kind of masking tape do you use?
Preparation
Do I need to prime the surface before applying Spray Metal?
No. It is not required but modelers have different methods to the way they build. I don’t prime, I feel it just adds more layers to cover the subtle details you are trying to highlight. Since Spray Metal will cover putties such as Squadron Green & White Putty I choose to polish all the seams and joints to a smooth surface, then re-scribe if needed.
Application
Do I have to use an airbrush?
Yes. SnJ Spray Metal’s consistency is too thin for brush application methods.
What type of Airbrush do I need?
Either a siphon feed or gravity feed airbrush is suitable. However, using small paint cups can sometime be messy, since it is important to keep the contents mixed between coats to ensure even distribution of the product.
What air pressure should I be using?
Start with the airbrush manufacturers recommended air pressure, generally I use 15-18psi for siphon feed and 25-30psi for gravity fed airbrushes that I have. Individual techniques vary. Distant from nozzle to surface, angle of deflection and flow settings will affect coverage and usage.
Product
SnJ Spray Metals are ENAMEL based. Not lacquer.
Do I need to thin the Spray Metal before applying?
No. The product is ready to spray straight from the bottle; you only have to shake well enough to suspend the metals in the carrier. Shake bottle until there is no residue on the bottom of the bottle.
Are there any warnings I should be aware of?
YES! Read the label on the bottles and follow the instructions! Spray Metals are EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE use only in well ventilated areas. Take all precautions associate with painting with enamel based paints.
Polishing Powders are Flammable as well and pose an inhalation hazard. A dust mask and proper ventilation are required.
Can I use different colored Polishing Powders over different colored Spray Metals?
Of course you can. In fact doing so will give you a nice variety of color contrasts and tints.
How long can I store my paints and powders?
Well, if you store your paint in a cool dry and dark place it will last longer. We recommend that you purchase your paints shortly in advance of your planned application. I have had satisfactory results from paint as old as eight years, but results could vary. We’re in the business of manufacturing and selling paints for use, not for an anthropologist’s excavation a thousand years from now. :-p
Addendum: We have upgraded our bottles and caps to help increase shelf life of our products.
What kind of masking tape do you use?
My prefer using two types of masking tape. I generally use Scotch Brand masking tape for large areas and straight lines or large radius curves. For fine lines and tighter curves I use Tamiya masking tape. In small quick painting situations I use Post-It Notes. Any of these can be applied shortly after application of Spray Metal.