Esthetics Texture from Airbrush

I got youuuu. I know exactly what you're talking about.

I've got an airbrush and when I first started color matching I got this horrendous sandpaper texture. Gritty and unpleasant to try and work on. I've got a few old pics of this:




Found out that I was...
1. Using gouache which is awesome for fine painted details, but dries WAY TOO FAST to be sprayed out of an airbrush.
2. Also my pressure setting on my airbrush wasn't quite right and I had to toy with it to get a consistency I liked.

I started using acrylics thinned out with a Tamiya paint thinner and paint like Golden brand Fluid Acrylics. They don't dry in mid air and leave a crusty film all over your doll.

I'll be doing some more resin matching via airbrush within the next few weeks or so, and I'd be more than happy to get you up close pics that show the difference when correctly thinned paint + pressure settings are used.

I also usually use MSC or ZM Finishing Spray on my last layers for that good ol' UV protection so that can add a nice layer of softness.

I saw on Volks site that they carry a Mr. Super Smooth Clear that is supposed to feel... well... smooth. I've never tried it but I wonder if it would mask some of the "tooth" you get from both airbrushing and regular sealant.

*** EDIT also, I sometimes handle my dolls with soft cotton gloves cause I have the world's clammiest hands. perhaps something like that could help you too? most painted dolls will always have some sort of texture, and the gloves both help you avoid the sensation and keep your doll sparkly clean!

 

If anything airbrushed resin should feel smoother than msc! I have an airbrush and use it to paint various dolls and there’s no noticeable texture. Airbrushing is notable for being smooth as long as the person doing it knows what they’re doing. If you want some up close detail shots of what airbrushing looks like on resin then try looking up garage kit painting videos on YouTube, garage kits are made of resin. Sukima Sangyo I’d recommend for pics. Hope this helps, I also have texture issues ^^

 

I concur with the previous posts- texture on an airbrushed surface will be a result of the paint drying before it actually hits the surface. I also use thinned down acrylic paints. You may also consider looking at gunpla videos for an example of airbrushing as well.

Definitely recommend practicing on some primed plasticard or if you have some spare resin to experiment with!