How-To Effectively Use 3G Acrylic Paint

How to Effectively Use 3rd Generation Acrylic Paint

Overview

3rd Generation Acrylic Paint offers a lacquer-like hard finish, self-leveling properties, and no tip-dry issues. While it provides excellent results, its unique formulation requires specific thinning, application, and cleaning practices for optimal performance.

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Thinning & Dilution Rates

• Colors: Mix 1:1 to 7:3 (3G Acrylic Thinner to Paint).
• Metallics: Mix 8:2 (3G Acrylic Thinner to Paint).

Recommended Thinners

• AK 3G Acrylic Thinner: Provides optimal results.
• Distilled Water: Reduces brush wake but less effective than dedicated thinner.

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Primer Recommendations

For best results, use compatible primers, ensuring a smooth, adherent surface for painting.

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Airbrush Cleaner Tests

To evaluate cleaning solutions for 3G Acrylic Paint, a skin-over drying test was conducted. A drop of paint was allowed to dry partially to simulate real-world conditions.

Findings:

1. Vallejo Airbrush Cleaner: Creates a semi-soft sheet that can clog airbrushes.
2. AMMO Cleaner: Turns paint into gelatinous clots, causing blockages.
3. TAMIYA Airbrush Cleaner: Marginally effective; still likely to plug an airbrush.
4. Lacquer Thinner (Recochem – Solvable): Dissolves dried paint effectively, minimizing clog risks.
5. Water: Rehydrates wet paint but ineffective on dried paint.

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Airbrush Cleaning Tips

To prevent clogging and ensure smooth operation:

1. Back Bubble: Push cleaner and residue back into the paint cup and discard. Repeat several times.
2. Brush Cleaning: Use a long-bristle paintbrush (e.g., a rigger) to clean the paint cup and channels.
3. Flush: Spray airbrush cleaner or water through the nozzle until clear.
4. Nozzle Maintenance: Clean with cotton buds (preferably with hollow shafts to avoid bending or damaging the needle).

Best Practices:

• Clean immediately after use with water to prevent hardened paint.
• For overnight-dried paint, soak in Recochem Lacquer Thinner to emulsify and remove.

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Technical Insights

• Unique Thinner Composition: Contains isopropanol and other ingredients that instantly mix with paint but differ from traditional thinners like X-20A.
• Odd Back-Bubbling Behavior: Forms geometric bubbles rather than round ones, hinting at a viscous membrane in the formulation.
• Curing Properties: Once cured, the paint resists most cleaners except Recochem Lacquer Thinner.

Cleaning Challenges:

• Water-soluble acrylics form an insoluble residue when dry, unlike lacquer-based paints that can be reactivated.

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Final Thoughts on 3rd Gen Acrylic Paint

3rd Generation Acrylic Paint stands out for its:

• Tip-dry resistance.
• Quick drying and self-leveling.
• Easy cleanup with water immediately after use.

Pro Tips for Usage:

1. Clean with water immediately after painting to avoid hardened residues.
2. For dried paint, use Recochem Lacquer Thinner to emulsify.
3. Always back bubble and flush thoroughly between colors.
4. Use a 250mL Right Angle Bent Tip Squeeze Bottle for quick and easy water flushing.

Summary:

• 230 Colors: Wide selection of water-based acrylics.
• Durability: Resistant to enamel thinner and masking tape shear.
• Ease of Cleaning: Minimal effort required with the right practices and tools.

What to Avoid:

• TAMIYA Airbrush Cleaner: Ineffective for 3G Acrylic Paint.

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By following these practices, you’ll maximize the performance of 3G Acrylic Paint while minimizing maintenance hassles.

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