Using GW Metallic paints in an airbrush

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**Leigen_Zero**

I have an old airbrush from my dad (he works in upholstery repair, and they use them for covering scratches and scuffs on leather furniture) when he got sent a new one.

It's not a real fancy one, the likes of which cost insane sums and I doubt I will be able to achieve the huge levels of detail some airbrushers showcase here on dakka^2, but will serve perfectly for basecoating and more large-scale things (I play orks, so the ability to insta-paint green and black washes sounds promising

). It uses cans of compressed air and is the type with the tank at the bottom.

I am yet to bust it out, but a friend recently asked me to paint one of the old metal grey knight things (can't for the life of me remember the name), which is essentially a huge block of GW chainmail washed black then worked back up!

So, to save me some time, I've been considering using the airbrush to basecoat the entire thing, but as it's a metallic I am unsure what exactly the effect will be on the airbrush?

did some searching in the P&M forum, but no relevant threads.

So, people of dakka, can you use metallic paints (specifically GW) without ruining the airbrush?

**Redbeard**

Yes

**Leigen_Zero**

Well that was simple, thanks Redbeard!

**JudgeXa**

Well, I'd caveat that "yes". Every airbrush is going to be different, and I've had some clog on some metallics, but not others. You won't ruin the airbrush by trying it out though, you'll just need to clean it with some airbrush cleaner (which you should have already) and then you'll be good to go again.

I'd also recommend thinning the metallics either with an airbrush medium (liquitex airbrush medium is available here in the states, not sure what's available in the UK), or I've heard others using windex window cleaner or even types of rubbing alcohol (though I'm not sure of the ratios used).

As before, experiment with it. You're not going to ruin your airbrush, worst case scenario you'll just have to clean it.

**Redfinger**

In my experience with airbrushing metallics it varies...You may need to thin the metallic paint down a bit more than your typical paint, those particles can glob together sometime and clog your brush, easy fix, but frustrating none the less. Practice first.

Ashton