Getting back on track with a folding hobby table

 It's past mid-September and I've yet to do any significant paint work in 2021. So far I've been entangled in an endless loop of assembly, prep, and priming work. Any painting I've done has been trifling busy work comprising color tests and simple base coats. So what went wrong? One word, three syllables ... pandemic. Apart from devastating 'normal' life as we know it and taking away what little free time I had for the hobby, it also resulted in my usual hobby table for one becoming a work-from-home table for two. Having the missus beside me during the work day is the one silver lining in this pandemic, but space for painting via hand-brush/wet palette was compromised, until now ...

All folded up, a folding table for use as a temporary hobby work area

Once opened up, the table has two-tiers: a narrow one stacked above the main area

Each tile on the floor roughly measures 1x1 feet, so the work area is less than 3x2 feet 

 As you would've gathered by now from the photos above, the solution came in the form of a fairly compact folding table. Costing slightly more than RM100 (roughly USD25), this was the cheapest option I could find online to solve my workspace problem. I got it via Shopee, a local online shopping portal. Incidentally it was the first furniture I had bought online which was non-Ikea. For the price, the compact and stable folding table is definitely value for money. But more than that, I hope it pays back above and beyond what it cost by enabling me to resume detailed paint/weathering work.

Here the folding hobby table is stacked up against my dedicated airbrushing space

 While I do retain a small dedicated workspace for airbrushing (see above) that is set apart from my normal hobby work table (now a work-from-home table) due to the issue of toxic chemicals and fumes; that very reason makes it unsuitable for prolonged periods of slow hand brush painting of miniatures. With the acquisition of this folding hobby table, I now no longer have any valid excuse to procrastinate anymore when it comes to finally painting a miniature or scale model kit.

Above is the exact dimensions provided by the online furniture supplier

 This folding hobby table is spacious enough to place the required materials e.g. wet palette, reference images, elbow room for steadying the painting hand, a work-lamp, magnifying lamp (rarely used now), brush cleaning material, water container, etc. etc. And it's also close to the same height as my current work-table which helps. Speaking of the pandemic, there is a bit of a good news for my family in that my son has finally been able to get vaccinated. Thankfully he qualified to receive the Pfizer Biontech jab. The missus and I could only get the Sinovac jabs ourselves. Regardless, please get vaccinated if you haven't done so already. Until next time, stay safe always. 

Going oil crazy

With the local art supply store having a 30% discount on Winsor & Newton products, it was a now or never moment for me to finally stock up on oil paints and add this medium to my painting aresenal. Every other item in my hobby-to-buy-list was put on hold and limited funds were channeled into creating a respectable inventory of oil paints for use in my scale model/miniature art. Because the ringgit is weak, the budget oils paints were unfortunately still quite pricey. But at least the sale puts Winton Oil Colour paints into the 'buyable with some belt tightening' rather than 'oh hell no' category.

Winton Oil Color - Winsor & Newton's more affordable range of oil paints

If I could I actually would've preferred to get paints from the Winsor & Newton Artists' Oil Colour range which have a higher proportion of finer pigments. However paints from this range are insanely expensive with certain hues costing up to RM200 per 37 ml tube. That's the price of an average scale model kit and then some. So adding Artists' Oil Colour paints to my collection is a no go, for now.

An excellent medium for oil paints especially for use in scale modelling

Meanwhile, in addition to the Winton oil paints I also bought a one liter tin of Winsor & Newton Artists' White Spirit (see above) which is a medium for oil paints. To give you an idea of the savings involved, the price for this 1000 ml tin - before factoring in the discount - is similar to a 100 ml bottle equivalent being sold under hobby company labels. That's just insanely skewed economics. Anyway, I've used the Artists' White Spirit before for weathering purposes and they seem to work just as fine as the hobby labeled ones if not better. It's a necessary ingredient just like water is to acrylics.         

So many whites and blacks to choose from but only one grey

Variety of yellows is even more impressive ... overkill to all but an avid painter

Going forward it'll be important to know the combination of pigments used for each oil color, red or otherwise

As I rarely see these oil paints on sale in my local art supply store, I went a little bit oil crazy and perhaps purchased more than I may actually need for current projects. Then again, we painters can never have too much colors. While it's good to know how to mix (almost) any hue you want using primary colors, which for Winton oil paints are Cadmium Yellow Hue, French Ultramarine and Permanent Rose, there are times it's far more convenient to just use a per-existing hue. And yet my collection remains incomplete because a lot of blue hues were out of stock during the sale.

Blues in my Winton collection is incomplete as many bluish hues were out of stock during the sale

Winton also has a good range of greens from the natural greens to the turquoise hues

Arguably the most important range of oil colors (apart from blacks, greys and whites) for an AFV modeler

Of course there are oil paints specially formulated for miniature painters and scale modellers such as Abteilung 502. Incidentally I also stocked up on those too quite a while ago when a local hobby store had a clearance sale on all its Abteilung products citing a severe lack of demand. As such I might do a comparison between these oil paints and Winton ones in the future. In terms of hue variety, Winton is better as Abteilung tailors its products primarily to the scale modelling community. In my limited experience of both, I suspect the latter is closer in quality to the Winsor & Newton Artists' Oil Colour range. Regardless, I now have no more excuses to not paint with oil for future projects.

Setting up an Airbrush Spray Booth for a Test Run

So when am I going to airbrush something other than a plastic spoon? Forgive this old dog and his new tricks but I'm getting there, slowly. In fact, I've taken a big step by setting up an airbrush spray booth to ensure a less toxic painting environment. Retailing for RM420, the HSeng Spray Booth with LED Light (Model: HS-E420DCLK) isn't overly expensive but it's still a big investment for most modellers to make. Having bided my time in order to secure the best possible deal, I finally took the plunge and bought one at a local hobby store sale for 20% off. So starting now, a huge obstacle to regular airbrushing sessions -  i.e. overexposure to paint/thinner fumes - have been overcome.    

An airbrush spray booth at last ... yet another item ticked off in my things-to-get-before-airbrushing-actual models  

HSeng Spray Booth with LED Light (model HS-E420DCLK) obtained during a recent sale at my local hobby shop

This particular spray booth model conveniently comes with its own LED lights. While it's possible to set up a separate lighting system using IKEA work lamps, the existence of internal LED strip lights allows for a less cluttered work environment. And because the spray booth is designed to be portable, the LED strip lights can actually be detached and disassembled into three separate pieces. Apart from portability, this just means you can choose to disable the internal lighting if you so choose.

My airbrush spray booth setup inclusive of a cheap do-it-yourself exhaust hose extension

When the airbrush spray booth is switched on, both the LED lights and suction fans will come online together

Also included in this spray booth model is an exhaust duct system that serves to channel air - that is being sucked from the spray booth - away from the immediate area. There was, however, one DIY modification I had to make before the system could be of any use to me. The issue stemmed from the length of plastic hose provided which wasn't long enough for my purpose. To rectify this, I purchased a flexible aluminium foil hose from the local hardware shop in order to extend the overall length of the exhaust duct system. The ends where aluminium foil met plastic was secured using cling wrap. 

Gray plastic exhaust hose came with the booth while the shiny aluminum foil extension was obtained separately

In yet another nice touch, this spray booth model came with a round black plastic turntable roughly 192 mm in diameter. This should be useful especially when priming or when painting large surface areas in a single color as each part of the model kit can be exposed to paint just by spinning the turntable. In keeping with the booth's portable design, the turntable isn't fixed rigidly to it. Instead, the turntable is a separate piece that sits securely in place thanks to rubber-like tabs underneath it.

A small black turntable is included as an accessory to the spray booth

Spray booth with all three of its LED lighting bars swtiched on

A 100 ml Tamiya spray can and a 17 ml Vallejo Model Color paint bottle are used as a scale comparison

To keep things tidy and clean, I layered the spray booth's lower section with some plain white A3 paper. Disposable and easily replaced, the papers help to collect most of the paint overspray as well as prevent heavy buildup of paint on the inner walls of the spray booth.  

Pieces of white paper form disposable protective layers to prevent buildup of paint on the spray booth

Noise level specified in the instruction booklet at maxing at 47 dB, supposedly similar to the sound level generated by the air compressor. But this can't be right because the noise generated by the spray booth is rather loud and easily drowned out the noise emitting from the air compressor. Below is a quick one minute YouTube video showing the noise level generated by the spray booth. 

In a quick test run, black primer - in this case Mr Hobby Mr Finishing Surfacer 1500 Black diluted with Mr Color Leveling Thinner in a 50:50 ratio - was used to prime and preshade some plastic spoons. Thankfully, the spray booth worked like a charm with paint overspray effectively eliminated by the filter and suction fans. All in all I was very please with the performance of this spray booth. In fact, the only negative I can think of is the noise generated by the booth. While barely noticing the sound when I was deeply focused on airbrushing, it's still loud enough to be irritating to some. 

Airbrush spray booth worked like a charm when a test run involving black primer was carried out

With the spray booth having passed the test run with relatively flying colors, the path to more regular airbrushing sessions is now open. Actually not quite. With my existing equipment, airbrushing AFV or Sci-fi kits shouldn't be much of an issue going forward. But that's not the case for resin miniature figurines. These require a finesse in paint application that my cheap low-end airbrushes can't provide. So I got myself a mid-range airbrush, for use especially when painting skin tones. I'll do a review of the said airbrush and then the pandora box of airbrushing will finally be opened for good.

Toyo Safety Gas Respirator [Unboxing and Review]

Airbrushing lacquer paints can be a nasty experience. Lacquer thinners used to dilute the paint not only smell bad but aren't good for your health if inhaled frequently and in large quantities. Because I don't have a portable airbrush spray booth - the ones that come with a filter and hose/suction fan combo - the overspray tends to linger around for awhile even in a well ventilated room. So to make the painting session bearable, not to mention safer, I opted for a gas respirator/mask.   

Guess I'm as prepared for the eventual zombie virus contagion as I will ever be

After some research I eventually bought a Toyo Safety Gas Respirator/Mask from Japan. What attracted me to this product was its claim to effectively protect against lacquer thinner components such as toluene. While not carcinogenic, toluene is nevertheless hazardous to your health. Prior to taking up biochemistry in my undergraduate studies I had worked as a lab assistant. One day, I had accidentally dropped a 2.5 liter glass bottle of benzene to the floor (toluene is a derivative of the much deadlier benzene). Long story short - I've been careful with organic chemicals ever since.

Toyo Safety Gas Respirator/Mask

Made in Japan as the packaging obviously shows

Gas respirator comes in a few separate parts that need to be assembled

Instructions are entirely in Japanese thus making it difficult to figure out how to put it all together

Because the instructions are solely in Japanese I had a hard time figuring out how to assemble the gas respirator/mask. However, using a combination of the Google Translate mobile app as well as diagrams in the instruction, I managed to slowly piece everything together. Parts were assembled in the following order: filter cap, dust filter, absorption cartridge, and last but not least the respirator (with an absorbent strip inside). I'm pretty sure there is a lot of information I'm missing out on as the Japanese instructions are so detailed. But at least the gas respirator/mask works. 

Most visible and prominent part was the antidust filter

Here the antidust filter is placed inside the filter cap

Absorption cartridge which I assume filters out the toxic vapours

Closeup of the absorption cartridge when removed from its packaging

Initially I was mystified as to the purpose of a black colored round flat disc which was included in the set (see below). It turned out to be a fit checker whose purpose was to test if the gas respirator/mask is sized and donned correctly. Essentially when I wore the respirator/mask with the fit checker on and tried to draw breath, I couldn't. This showed that the respirator/mask was air tight and there were no leaks occurring. While it was a bit disconcerting to not draw breath, this is a necessary safety check. 

A fit checker (round black disc) is provided as a tool to test the fit of the mask

Fit checker should fit snugly over the opening before the gas mask/respirator is tested

A pair of what I assume to be moisture absorbing strips were provided as accessory parts to the gas respirator/mask. I placed one inside the fold on the bottom of the respirator/mask. I believe they are meant to capture moisture from your breath as you are breathing through the respirator/mask.

Absorbent strips whose objective I presume is to absorb water vapors from your breath

Placement of the absorbent strip on the lower innards of the gas respirator/mask

So this is how it all looked prior to being put together (see below). Not that complicated really with just three main parts to it i.e. the filter cap and accompanying antidust filter; the absorption cartridge and the breathing apparatus itself. I guess the detailed instructions made the whole assembly process look much more complicated than it actually was. 

Toyo Safety Gas Respirator No.1880 with its main parts laid out

With the exception of the fit checker, I placed all the parts in the order that I mentioned earlier. It was done using the diagram below as a guide. In a moment of sheer stupidity I nearly pulled out both air valves from the gas respirator/mask because I thought the instructions required me to do it. D'oh! Luckily after a few tentative half-hearted pulls at the valves, I decided to leave them alone. A clear plastic drawstring bag is even provided for easy storage of the gas respirator/mask.

Gas respirator/mask was put together with the help of the diagram above and Google Translate

Toyo Safety Gas Respirator No.1880 after being fully assembled

A clear plastic carry bag is also provided to store the gas respirator/mask

Toyo Safety Gas Respirator No.1880 is available from Japan-based online retailers such Hobby Search and HobbyLink Japan. Both are my primary go-to online sources for Japan-made hobby products. I had bought mine from the former as the latter didn't have stock at the time of my purchase. So far it works like a charm whenever I use it. It fits snugly and I can't smell the paint and thinner overspray at all during my practice airbrushing sessions. It takes a bit getting used to but soon you won't even notice you're wearing one. I for one am glad I invested in the respirator/mask. Better safe than sorry ... especially if you frequently work with toxic materials and/or chemicals.    

Airbrush Setup and First Use

Few of the reasons I'm adding airbrushing skills to my painting repertoire is to acquire the ability to paint smoother transitions as well as paint faster and more efficiently. This skill set is especially crucial when working with larger scale sci-fi/military scale model kits and garage kit figurines. And if you are serious about this hobby, then after a while an airbrush setup becomes a necessity rather than a luxury. Moreover, learning new painting techniques with new paint products should keep things fresh for a miniature hobbyist previously limited to only the good old hand brush and spray paint can.

HSeng AF186 Mini Air Compressor, piston type with an air tank and regulator

Getting an air compressor with a tank is the better option in the long run

With this being my initial investment in an airbrush setup, I had to forgo the expensive branded stuff. Getting tools and accessories to use superseded any personal wish for top of the range equipment. So with the perennial issue of a tight budget up front and center in my thoughts, I bought the affordable Haosheng (HSeng) airbrush setup during a store sale for a further discount. This made-in-China ensemble seems functional enough. But I honestly have no idea how good the setup actually is as I don't have a better system to compare it to. For now though, it will have to suffice.

Made in China Haoseng airbrushes of the 0.3 and 0.2 mm variety

Cheap, no-brand 0.3 mm airbrush - a no-frills basic tool for beginners

Similarly priced, the 0.2 mm version is slightly better as it comes with a needle stopper and an air adjuster

This being a cheap, no-brand airbrush meant imperfections were to be expected in the build quality (see immediate photo below). In addition, the various screw joints seem a bit rough on the edges (not shown) but thus far it hasn't been to the extent that performance of the airbrush is compromised. Meanwhile, the air compressor works like a charm. It's fairly quiet even when the motor kicks in to fill up the tank with air. Getting an air compressor with a tank is recommended as you will be able to work without the incessant sound of motors compressing air. You would also get to airbrush for longer periods simply because there is not need for the motors to run continuously thus overheat.

Imperfections in the metal are evident as can be seen inside the paint cup of the 0.3 mm airbrush

 
To make the airbrushing process a little bit more hassle-free, I bought a pair of quick release valve couplings (one of which is shown in the photo below). This piece of accessory makes is easier and quicker to disconnect an airbrush from the hose that itself is connected to the air compressor. I'm certainly game for anything that makes for a less stressful painting experience. I'm extremely clumsy as it is, so not having to fumble with unscrewing an airbrush from the hose in the middle of a painting session is most welcome. An airbrush would be disconnected from its hose for a variety of reasons e.g. for a quick clean in between colors; to switch between different sized airbrushes; etc.   

Generic no-brand airbrush quick release (disconnect) valve coupling: top and bottom connectors

Airbrushes with top connector of the quick release valve attached (bottom connector is fixed to the hose; not shown)

My first airbrush spray test was with a mixture of Tamiya Acrylic Paints. This particular paint mix comprised equal portions of XF-58 Olive Green and XF-4 Yellow Green resulting in one of the many types of Russian green evident on their tanks during World War II. Initial results were terrible due to a combination of paint not thinned enough coupled with a ceiling fan being switched on during the airbrushing session. And the fact that it was also a hot day that day meant the paint dried well before it hit the primed plastic spoon. But after a bit of trial and error I managed to better results.       

Mixing a form of Russian Green for initial test sprays with the 0.3 mm airbrush

Adjustments to air pressure, working conditions, paint mix ratio, etc. eventually yielded a smooth coat

After getting used to mixing the correct ratio of paint-to-thinner-to-retarder as well as mitigating windy (i.e. quick drying) conditions, other variables then came into play in my search for a smooth airbrush application of paint on a primed subject matter. These include distance of airbrush from the subject matter and level of pressure/pull-back applied to the airbrush trigger. The latter is based on the fact that both airbrushes are double action types i.e. pressing down on the trigger controls air flow while pulling back on the trigger determines amount of paint flowing into the air stream.    

Mixing a darker hue for testing out the fine line capabilities of a 0.2 mm airbrush

Squiggles and fine lines achieved with the generic 0.2 mm airbrush

After awhile I had gotten the hang of layering a smooth coat of paint with the 0.3 mm airbrush. I then proceeded to paint fine lines with the 0.2 mm airbrush using a darker hue (Tamiya XF-65 Field Grey). I loved that the 0.2 mm airbrush had a needle stopper that determines how far back you can pull the trigger. This in turn controls how much paint is released and makes painting fine lines easier. So far I've only toyed with Tamiya Acrylic Paints which are easy to work with and forgiving to beginners. Going forward, more practice is in store with lacquer paints as well as water-based acrylics.   

I'm itching to start painting figurines and model kits with the airbrush but I can't, not yet. It's doubly hard to continue practicing especially when the stuff being sprayed on are just plastic spoons, pieces of Tamiya Pla Plate or plain paper. However patience is key so I'm going to have to soldier on with the practice sessions until I'm fairly comfortable using the airbrush with different types of paint. It's better to bungle a paint job of a spoon than an expensive figurine/kit. Well, I had better get to it then.