Has anyone used nail polish with an airbrush to paint props or models?

[TheSt.LouisKid]

If so, what were the results and what worked well?

 

[robn1]

Not me, but Lou Dalmaso used it recently https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpRWXkA_DPM&hd=1 looks like it worked okay. Though I'm not sure why he couldn't just mix paint for the color he wanted.

 

[Sluis Van Shipyards]

I don't know I think I'd stick with paint. It did make me think of that Home Improvement episode where Jill touched up the paint on the car with nail polish and Tim flips out. :lol

 

[division 6]

It's enamel paint and they do air brush it at salon's.
They have an assortment of iridescent and metallic paints that I don't think you can get with regular model paint.

 

[amouro]

It's enamel paint and they do air brush it at salon's.
They have an assortment of iridescent and metallic paints that I don't think you can get with regular model paint.

I did this 15+ years ago on a model corvette. It turned out real well. I think I used acetone to thin it. Anyway, I don't know if it's just regular enamel. For one it dries a bit faster. I also seem to remember trying enamel thinner first and ending up with a goopy mess. Then again it might vary by brand.

 

[propninja]

Works great, thin with lacquer thinner use light dusting coats till you get a good surface

 

[joberg]

Works really great and dries really fast (acetone used as a thinner will do that for ya) Also, to apply many coats in a short amount of time, you can use baby oil between coats.
The "varnish" component of the nail polish will rise to the surface quicker and dry even faster! Don't forget to remove the oil before each coat, of course.
As for the cleaning of the airbrush, acetone, baby oil and finishing with acetone will do the trick.
Good luck!