A quick experiment with the Hair spray technique

[BlackMike Models 9,315]

I've been putting off long enough, I have a build that is stalled as it requires a winter camo on top of the regular camo. As I have never attempted the "hair Spray technique" before I thought I would give it a go on a test mule to see how easy or not this technique is and if I could get somewhere close to the results I am wanting. 

I profess to not being an expert in this so the quick run through below is simply how I went about testing.

Firstly I painted the test mule with some Mr Hobby green and left to dry (for about 6 months but I think that is a bit excessive lol).

I gave the test mule a couple of coats of hairspray straight from the can (on the real thing I will decant some to spray through the airbrush) and left it to dry for a short while. This stuff flashes off really quickly so I didn't have to wait long.

While I was waiting for the hairspray to dry I had a look in my tub full of paintbrushes for suitable ones to test. I selected a few old ones with varying degrees of stiffness and length to see what difference that might make. I also tested a bit of Scotchbrite and a cocktail stick.

With the hairspray dry I mixed some Mr Hobby matte white (using it's dedicated thinner) and sprayed it on in a random way, I wasn't looking for a uniform coverage.

Using the various tools on different panels I ended up with the results below. I wetted the brushes rather than soak the kit parts as I feel I had more control over the areas I worked on.

From left to right on the wing I used Scotchbrite at the wheel well this is too rough in my opinion. On the hatches I used the cocktail stick to scratch off the paint and then used the stiff long bristle brush to scrub some more. On the leading edge I used the same stiff long bristle brush. On the second most outer panel and aileron I simply used a worn 1500 sanding stick to wear down the paint and on the outermost panel I used a long bristle soft brush.

The whole process only took 45 minutes (not including the original paint drying time lol) and with some more practice I think I should be able to achieve various subtle effects suitable for what I am after. Who knows, I might even get my model finished?

Duncan B

 

[Mad Steve 20,611]

Arrrgh...

Nice one Duncan 

[DC3 3,743]

3 hours ago, BlackMike Models said:

I've been putting off long enough, I have a build that is stalled as it requires a winter camo on top of the regular camo. As I have never attempted the "hair Spray technique" before I thought I would give it a go on a test mule to see how easy or not this technique is and if I could get somewhere close to the results I am wanting. 

I profess to not being an expert in this so the quick run through below is simply how I went about testing.

Firstly I painted the test mule with some Mr Hobby green and left to dry (for about 6 months but I think that is a bit excessive lol).

I gave the test mule a couple of coats of hairspray straight from the can (on the real thing I will decant some to spray through the airbrush) and left it to dry for a short while. This stuff flashes off really quickly so I didn't have to wait long.

While I was waiting for the hairspray to dry I had a look in my tub full of paintbrushes for suitable ones to test. I selected a few old ones with varying degrees of stiffness and length to see what difference that might make. I also tested a bit of Scotchbrite and a cocktail stick.

With the hairspray dry I mixed some Mr Hobby matte white (using it's dedicated thinner) and sprayed it on in a random way, I wasn't looking for a uniform coverage.

Using the various tools on different panels I ended up with the results below. I wetted the brushes rather than soak the kit parts as I feel I had more control over the areas I worked on.

From left to right on the wing I used Scotchbrite at the wheel well this is too rough in my opinion. On the hatches I used the cocktail stick to scratch off the paint and then used the stiff long bristle brush to scrub some more. On the leading edge I used the same stiff long bristle brush. On the second most outer panel and aileron I simply used a worn 1500 sanding stick to wear down the paint and on the outermost panel I used a long bristle soft brush.

The whole process only took 45 minutes (not including the original paint drying time lol) and with some more practice I think I should be able to achieve various subtle effects suitable for what I am after. Who knows, I might even get my model finished?

Duncan B

 

This is quite an old technique but I've never seen anything regarding the longevity of the paintwork.It is obviously great if you're doing it for a magazine or book build but does it last long on models in your collection?

[Gorby 17,213]

I’ve been meaning to try that technique for a while, so thanks for taking us though the process. I did get a very strange look from Mrs Gorby when I asked her if she had any hairspray she doesn't use anymore. 

[Hutch6390 2,153]

I used the technique once, on a Tamiya 1/35 Valentine tank, my results were rough-and-ready - I didn't take the time, as you have done, to experiment.  Thanks for sharing this, I'll (hopefully) do better next time.

[BlackMike Models 9,315]

On 3/4/2023 at 4:18 PM, DC3 said:

This is quite an old technique but I've never seen anything regarding the longevity of the paintwork.It is obviously great if you're doing it for a magazine or book build but does it last long on models in your collection?

I'm not sure of the longevity but if it's sealed under a coat of clear varnish I guess it's as long lasting as the rest of the paintwork?

Duncan B

[DC3 3,743]

21 minutes ago, BlackMike Models said:

I'm not sure of the longevity but if it's sealed under a coat of clear varnish I guess it's as long lasting as the rest of the paintwork?

Duncan B

That's what I thought.