Vallejo Model Air 71038 Camouflage Medium Brown (17ml) - Instruction Manual

Product Overview

Vallejo Model Air is a range of acrylic colors specifically designed for airbrushing. This particular product, Model Air 71038, is a Camouflage Medium Brown shade, supplied in a 17ml dropper bottle. The paint is formulated with a new generation of acrylic resins, offering excellent adhesion to various surfaces, including plastic, metal, and resin. Its matte finish is ideal for scale modeling and miniature painting, providing a durable and uniform coat.

Image: A 17ml dropper bottle of Vallejo Model Air 71038 Camouflage Medium Brown paint. The label clearly shows "MODEL Air" and "vallejo" with the color code and name.

Setup and Preparation

Before using Vallejo Model Air paints, ensure your workspace is clean and well-ventilated. Proper preparation of the model surface is crucial for optimal paint adhesion and finish.

Surface Preparation:

• Cleaning: Ensure the model surface is free from dust, grease, and mold release agents. Wash plastic or resin parts with mild soap and water, then rinse thoroughly and allow to dry completely.
• Priming: For best results and improved adhesion, especially on bare plastic or metal, apply a thin, even coat of a suitable primer. Vallejo offers a range of primers compatible with Model Air paints.

Paint Preparation:

• Shaking: Shake the paint bottle vigorously for at least 30 seconds to ensure the pigments are thoroughly mixed. The dropper bottle design allows for easy dispensing without contamination.
• Thinning: Model Air paints are pre-thinned for airbrush use. However, depending on your airbrush nozzle size and desired consistency, a small amount of Vallejo Airbrush Thinner (71.261) may be added. Start with a ratio of 1-2 drops of thinner per 10 drops of paint and adjust as needed. Do not over-thin.

Operating Instructions (Airbrush Application)

Vallejo Model Air paints are optimized for airbrush application. Follow these guidelines for effective use.

Recommended Settings:

• Air Pressure: Typically, an air pressure of 15-20 PSI (1-1.4 BAR) is suitable for most airbrushes and applications. Adjust based on your specific airbrush and desired spray pattern.
• Nozzle Size: Model Air paints perform well with nozzle sizes from 0.2mm upwards. For finer details, a smaller nozzle can be used, potentially requiring slight thinning.

Application Technique:

1. Loading the Airbrush: Dispense the desired amount of paint directly into the airbrush cup using the dropper.
2. Test Spray: Always perform a test spray on a scrap piece of material to check consistency and spray pattern before applying to your model.
3. Layering: Apply paint in thin, even coats. Multiple thin coats are preferable to one thick coat, as this prevents pooling, preserves surface detail, and allows for better control over color intensity.
4. Drying Time: Model Air paints dry quickly to the touch, typically within minutes. Allow sufficient time between coats (5-10 minutes) to prevent lifting or smudging. Full cure time may vary but is generally within 24 hours.
5. Cleaning During Use: If the airbrush clogs or sputters, it may be due to paint drying on the needle tip. Use a cotton swab or brush with airbrush cleaner to remove dried paint.

Brush Application:

While primarily designed for airbrushing, Model Air paints can also be applied with a brush for small details or touch-ups. For brush application, it may be beneficial to add a drop of Vallejo Flow Improver (71.597) to improve brushability and reduce brush strokes.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Proper cleaning of your airbrush and tools after each use is essential to maintain their performance and longevity.

Airbrush Cleaning:

1. Initial Rinse: After painting, empty any remaining paint from the airbrush cup. Spray clean water or Vallejo Airbrush Cleaner (71.099) through the airbrush until the spray runs clear.
2. Deep Cleaning: For thorough cleaning, disassemble the airbrush according to its manufacturer's instructions. Clean all components (nozzle, needle, cap) with airbrush cleaner and appropriate brushes.
3. Drying and Storage: Ensure all parts are dry before reassembling. Store your airbrush in a clean, dry place.

Paint Storage:

• Sealing: Always ensure the dropper bottle cap is securely tightened after use to prevent the paint from drying out.
• Temperature: Store paints in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Do not allow paints to freeze.

Troubleshooting

Common issues encountered during airbrushing and their solutions.

Specifications

• Product Name: Vallejo Model Air Camouflage Medium Brown
• Model Number: 71.038 (val-71038)
• Volume: 17 ml (0.57 fl oz)
• Paint Type: Acrylic (Water-based)
• Finish: Matte
• Application Method: Primarily Airbrush, also suitable for brush application
• Compatibility: Designed for plastic, resin, metal, and other common modeling materials.
• Safety: Non-toxic, non-flammable. Conforms to ASTM D-4236.

Warranty and Support

Vallejo products are manufactured to high-quality standards. For specific warranty information or technical support regarding Vallejo Model Air paints, please refer to the official Vallejo website or contact their customer service directly.

Official Website: www.vallejo.com

Customer Service: Refer to the contact section on the official Vallejo website for regional support details.