When using Testor Enamels or Model Master Enamels we suggest Testor No. 1148 or No. 1156 Thinner/Brush Cleaner. See question no.39 on "Paint Thinning" for additonal information for paint clean up.

Single Action: Air Supply is regulated via a simple on/off trigger. A separate roller, commonly located at the rear of the airbrush, adjusts paint supply generally. With the roller all the way to the right, the paint is released by just pressing down. This roller allows variable line widths to be selected, by slightly easing to the left. Be careful not to go to far to the left or you will find yourself in double-action.

This YouTube Video shows you how to use your Aztek Airbrush in Double Action

http://youtu.be/f9iocSTRe0I

Double Action: Pressing the trigger regulates the air supply. The further down the trigger is pressed, the more air is expelled. By pulling back on the same trigger, paint is introduced into the air stream. The further back one pulls, the more paint is injected. You may also adjust the flow pattern by slightly easing the roller, at the rear of the airbrush, to the right. You must do this carefully; if you continue all the way to the right, you will find yourself back in single action.

Internal Mix airbrushes such as the A320, A430 and A470 are all capable of using the same interchangeable nozzles, but the double-action controls of the A430 and A470 allow you to exploit the finer points of airbrushing.

Thinners, cleaners and solvents for Testors & Model Master paints. 

Acrylics
Acrylic Thinner can be used when the paint is wet. See below. When cleaning wet paint from an airbrush, use the acrylic cleaner listed below. If Acrylic paint dries on or in your airbrush, use one of the cleaners to remove the dried paint. 

Acrylic Thinners & Cleaners
Model Master Acrylic 50496A 4 oz. 
Model Master Acrylic Cleaner 50497A 4 oz. 

Dried Paint Solvents
Model Master Dried Paint Solvent 50495 1-3/4 oz.

Enamel
All enamel thinners are usable with other enamel paints. Model Master and Testors are all interchangeable.  When cleaning wet paint from the airbrush use thinner. To remove the dried paint use enamel thinner or lacquer thinner.

Enamel Thinners & Wet Cleaners
Model Master Thinner 8824  8 oz.
Model Master Thinner 1156XT 1-3/4 oz.
Model Master Airbrush Thinner 1789X 1-3/4 oz.
Testors Thinner 1148TT & 1148C2 1/4 oz. 
CREATEFX Thinner 79256 1-3/4 oz. 

Lacquer Thinner
There are two types of lacquer thinners in the Testers line of products: Model Master Metalizer and Model Master Lacquer.  The thinners for these products should not be intermixed.  If too much of the wrong thinner is added to the paint, the paint may separate and form non-sprayable goo.  When cleaning always use the formula made for that brand. Dry paint can be removed with any lacquer thinner.

Lacquer Thinners & Cleaners 
Model Master Auto Lacquer Thinner 28016 ½ oz.
Model Master Lacquer Thinner 2018 1 oz.
Metalizer Lacquer Thinner 1419 1-3/4 oz.
Testors Lacquer Thinner for Dullcote/Glosscote 1159X 1 oz. 

 

Airbrush Thinning Ratios
In general when spraying paints through Aztek airbrushes, the paint should be the consistency of whole milk or thinner.
    
Never add thinner to the paint jar.  If the paint is over thinned, the paint cannot be thickened. Do not to over thin flat Enamels, as they can turn to a gloss if over thinned. Fine detail airbrushing requires practice and varies greatly with the equipment and air pressure being used. Experiment on scrap material before you begin painting an actual project.

notE: the numbers listed below are only a guide and may vary from color to color.

Model Master Testors Enamel Paint
Gloss; 3 parts paint to 2 parts thinner
Flat; 3 parts paint to 1 part thinner,  
Air pressure setting should be around 20-25 PSI
Enamels require 48 hours for a full cure
Thinner: - all enamel solvents

Model Master Testors Acrylic 
Most Model Master and Testors "Acrylic" paints are pre-thinned for airbrushing. Thin paint by adding thinner drop by drop, until your consistency has been achieved. 
Air pressure should be approximately 18-20 PSI
Acrylics will dry to the touch in minutes; they require 24 hours for a full cure
Thinner: - all acrylic thinners

Metalizer
Model Master Metalizer is pre-thinned for spraying and will not need thinning.
Air presser should be around 18-20 PSI
Metalizer will dry to the touch in minutes; they require 24 hours for a full cure
Thinner: - 1419 metalizer thinner

Model Master Auto Lacquer
Model Master Auto lacquer is not thinned to spray add 2 parts thinner to 3 parts paint increase drop by drop.
Air pressure setting should be approximately 20-25 PSI. Too much high-pressure air will cause cob webbing.
Auto Lacquers will dry to the touch in minutes; they require 24 hours for a full cure
Thinner: - 28016 thinner only

Testor Enamels
Gloss; 3 parts paint to 2 parts thinner
Flat; 3 parts paint to 1 part thinner
Air pressure will need to be sprayed approximately 21-25 PSI
Enamels require 48 hours for a full cure
Thinner: - all enamel thinners 

MODEL MASTER ENAMEL PAINT:

Enamels require 48-72 hours for a full cure. To avoid possible wrinkling, recoat withing 3 hours or after 48 hours.

MODEL MASTER ACRYLIC: 
Acrylics will dry to the touch in minutes; they require 24 hours for a full cure.

MODEL MASTER AUTO LACQUER:
Auto Lacquers will dry to the touch in minutes; they require 24 hours for a full cure.  Hold can 10" to 12: from work. Use full strokes. Spray 3 to 4 light mist coats. After 1 to 2 minutes dry, spray 2 to 3 even coats. Must be clear coated in 2 hours.

Model Master Metalizer
Please see FAQ 5 for full Model Master Metalizer instructions.

TESTOR ENAMELS:
Enamels require 48-72 hours for a full cure.  To avoid possible wrinkling, recoat within 3 hours or after 48 hours.

notE:  Dry times may vary depending on humidity and environmental conditions.  You can check the humidity in your area at http://www.weather.gov and enter your zip code.