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I didnt thin the paint at all, with water or otherwise. Im afraid of adding too much water and loosing opacity or laying it too thick and loosing detail control.

This is that common flaw you see on minis in pictures with most inexperienced painters like myself. Metallics are esp bumpy and gritty. So how do I get brushed on paint to lay down, smooth out, and dry smooth on smooth surfaces?

My airbrushing on larger areas seems to be a nice matte smooth finish.

I do have Vallejo thinner, Matte, satin and gloss finish and Future.

I really appreciate your help in advance. I realize that this question very beginner--so thanks. MP

AngularDeath wrote:
Give your paints a good shake before use; make sure you're getting the pigments mixed in. Also, use your thinner liberally. Its OK if you have to paint multiple coats. I typically have to do at least 2 coats to layer up to the effect I'm looking for when using Vallejo paints.

Your metallics may need to be thinned with alcohol if they are alcohol based. Again, make sure you give them a good shake but instead of the Vallejo thinner (if the metallics are alcohol based) use isopropyl alcohol or Tamiya X-20 thinner.

Thanks--when you say alcohol based metallics, what brand do you mean? I dont think Vallejos are, just from smelling them. So should I thin the Vallejo metallics with alcohol to help smooth 'em.? Its been my understanding, from airbrushing instructionals, that alcohol and Vallejo paints dont mix and clump them up.

Waethion wrote:
Vallejo has a small alcohol based range called Liquid Gold, numbered 70.790-70.797. They cannot be thinned with water.

Unless using one of these, do not thin with alcohol, it will clump.

I think you answered your own question in your first sentence: You don't thin your paints. Add some water to it and do several layers if needed.

Sounds about right--thanks. Does anyone mix in anything else to improve smoothness?

Also, do experienced painters stay away from the water based metallics like Vallejo's for this reason?

Yeah I think its just drying too fast and "coagulating" as I paint.

Thanks everybody. Tons of good info!

Kinda too late but, heres a pic--ignore the sloppy painting--you can see the problem on the black shoulders and ion the red gun side. barrel too.