Hi
Just sprayed Mr Surfacer for the first time and even though I was using the 1000 grade I had to crank my airbrush up to 30psi.
Is this normal or should I thin the stuff and if so what would you guys and girls suggest ?

TIA

Brian

Brian I'm about to try spraying Mr Surfacer for the first time and the research I've done suggests thinning it about 50/50 with Lacquer Thinner. I'm going to try using Mr Surfacer 1200. I'll let you know how it goes.

Cheers, D

It is normal that Surfacer requires higher pressure, just watch out, if the pressure is too high the Surfacer grains will dry in the air and your surface will be rough and dusty instead of being smooth as wanted. It is therefore highly advisable to thin it.

Cheers guys

I will have to see if my LMS has some in stock or have a look at eBay

Brian

Halfords sell cellulose/ lacquer thinner, I think. Probably also available in Wilkinson, B&Q, etc

Cheers Ben.
I will try to grab some tomorrow.

Brian

Hi Brian, I'm not sure about the rules and regs regarding solvents in the UK, but I get my Lacquer Thinner from the local Hardware or Paint store, it is used for thinning timber stains by woodworkers and cabinet makers.

Cheers, D

I sprayed Surfacer 1000 for the first time two nights ago...quite apprehensive about it I was too.

I used lacquer thinner from the local hardware store, thinned about 50/50.

First up I got all these wispy threads coming out of the brush and draping off the edges and protruding pieces such as guns of my aircraft. In addition the airbrush clogged up real quick. Increasing the pressure partially solved this.

I tipped a bunch of the mixture out and added more thinner....probably got down to 75% thinner or three parts thinner to one part surfacer. That is probably a little too thin in retrospect....but it solved the problem. Mr Surfacer now sprayed on beautifully. The only problem from my view was that fumes were going everywhere (forgetting I still had my pressure up high).

It was a learning experience......the lessons being that Mr Surfacer requires quite a heavy thinning. Beautiful result though. I think, however, that I will get a proper extractor fan paint booth before using it again. I had a household fan behind me and an open window, but it was still overpowering, and not something you want to be breathing or impregnating into the walls even if you do have a respirator.

BTW the wispy bits when it hadn't been thinned enough simply brushed aside like cobwebs...no problem at all. Don't worry too much that you might ruin the model.

Hi Ivan
Thanks for the advice I will make sure I use my mask when using it and keep the window open, door closed and fan on high.

Brian