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Is it okay to run metallics through an airbrush? I've been airbrushing for quite some time but have never used metallic paint in the brush for fear of something happening to the paints that are run through it later on like using one water pot for all your painting.

I've run VGC metallics through a .5 nozzle at about 20 psi with no problem so long as paint is properly diluted. The VMA metallics are designed for airbrush use and can be used with a smaller nozzle and lower psi.

Make sure you clean properly! I would not go from airbrushing metallics to non-metallics without stripping down and cleaning properly. I run two airbrushes so I can have one in the ultrasonic cleaner while getting on with work.

Yes you can airbrush with acrylic metallics, it won't harm your airbrush or leave metallic flakes so long as you do the normal maintenance. For me that's largely just a windex spray through after each colour change and once every month or so, taking the needle out and cleaning and lubing it.

Vallejo Model Air metallics airbrush beautifully. Other acrylic metallics will work but will generally require substantial thinning and ... VMA are just better imo. Don't airbrush Vallejo Liquid Golds, not worth the much larger hassle supposedly.

I've only ever run metallic through my airbrush once and it ended up look like rain water on the model. But it was a GW paint so it's probably something to do with that. Ones that are made for airbrushes I would imagine should be grand.

I have used vallejo model air (decent) and allclad (expensive laquer based) metallics with no issues.

Heck, even thinned (with airbrush medium) boltgun metal before with no issues.

I have only tried a couple of the minitaire metallics - so no strong opinion on them yet.

As others have stated, make sure to do a good cleaning afterwards.

Properly mix the paint with thinner and you'll have no problems.