Lifecolor FAQ

Lifecolor is ideal for application by both brush and airbrush.  However, in common with most other paints, it pays to become familiar with it's quirks in order to get the best results.  This page is a Lifecolor FAQ which will grow over time as we gather more hints and tips for it's use.

Airbrushing with Lifecolor

• Lifecolor should be thinned before use, with distilled water or a 50/50 distilled water and thinner mix.  Some modellers have reported good results thinning with Windex.
• Thinned Lifecolor will most likely seem watery compared to other makes of paint.  It is best by far to apply it in several thin coats.
• Set your airbrush / compressor to a very low pressure; I've heard that 12 psi seems to be the most common pressure used.  Using higher pressures will blow the paint around and cause "runs".
• A great advantage of the need to apply multiple coats is that Lifecolor works really well if you like a pre-shading technique.
• Make absolutely sure the threads of the jar are clean before you close the lid.  A prime cause of airbrush clogging is flakes of dried paint from the lid falling into your new mix.
• If the cap or threads have dried paint on, it's worth pouring the paint into your mixing container through a fine mesh (or even a piece of muslin or stocking cloth) in order to catch any loose flakes and prevent airbrush clogging.
• Mix the paint thoroughly before use, but it's better to do this by stirring rather than shaking it, to reduce the amount of "frothing" you get.