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I don't know how many painters on Dakka use the hair spray technique to do paint chipping on their models, but figured I would come here for help anyway. I find my results to be very inconsistent when I use this technique. Sometimes it turns out really well and other times I can't get any chipping at all. I also have a hard time finding that 'sweet spot' where you wait long enough for the paint to come off in chips pretty easily but not too soon that you take off huge chunks of it at once. I think it may just come down to my timing. What am I doing wrong? How long do you let your basecoat dry before you hit it with hair spray? How long after hitting it with hair spray do you start the chipping process?

I don't use hairspray but I do use Mig Productions Chipping Fluid, which works the same way (it just doesn't smell).

I always let my base coat dry at least overnight, if not longer. As soon as the chipping fluid is dry to the tough, I spray the next layer of paint on it and as soon as that is dry to touch, I start chipping. I've found that the longer I waited, the harder it was.

Also, what brand of paint are you using?

Hairspray chipping takes practice. However, i have some tips.

Clean your model beforehand and lay down a good primer. This is vital to having a strong basecoat that will resist chipping. You can lay down a satin or gloss varnish art this point to create a barrier and help chipping. But it can reduce adhesion and depending on the look you want it could lead to bigger chips. Use a regular hold Hairspray ( Michel rinaldi recommends tres emme fine mist. I use it) and do1quick pass over each part Rio bee chipped. Dry with hair dryer. Do another coat and dry with hair dryer. Then mist over your next color and dry with hair dryer. This "flash" coat will allow your subsequent layers a better grip. Build up your layers in areas with less chipping and use less in areas that will be chipped more. Dry with hair dryer.

You have a couple hours from this point to do chipping in the most efficient way.

Moisten one area with water. Just enough to get out a little damp. It helps to keep the model in a way that the water can sit on the area to be chipped and activate the Hairspray layer. You should be able to chip now with very little pressure. Thirds allows the most control. Goo slowly and re moisten if you need to. If you do this on a scrap panel/model the rhythm should become more clear as you go.

Also in your chipping layer only thin with water as this will reduce the adhesion you would get from using a more aggressive thinner that will either bite into your base layer or allow the paint to fully set up.

For less chips allow more time but try not to scrub hard the chipping should always be done gently. For more chips use more Hairspray and water and thinner chipping layers.

I learned this on Michel rinaldi tank Art books