Airbrush Fire attempt

[SgtM]

So, here's my second attempt at fire. Tell me what ya think.

Medium - Top of an old computer case
Paint - Auto Air. Flame Red, Flame Orange, Flame Yellow, White. No candies.
Clear - Rattlecan. (Still Drying)
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/airbrush%20stuff/DSC03848.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/airbrush%20stuff/DSC03847.jpg

My workshop, which is in need of some TLC.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/sgtm_usmc/airbrush%20stuff/DSC03850.jpg

I know it looks really stenciled, but I learned a lot on this project. Better trigger and air control being the biggest. Oh, and I didn't have a reference picture. Just straight from my head.

[mittelmeier]

I like it. That's a lot better than I can do. I like the choice of colors, it really pops. +rep

[Liquid_Scope_99]

Hey man that is some sweet aribrushing in my bood looks really cool after it dries and you buff should be nice effect +rep

[Bopher]

That is awesome. I need to get myself an airbrush. +rep

[TheMainMan]

I like the effect, it's different from most hot rod flames yet still obvious as to what it is.
What psi are you using on your compressor? I've got the same one and can't quite get it right.

[SgtM]

Thanks for all the replies guys. This actually going to be sanded down and redone. I'm still practicing. I've always heard that the clear really brings out small details you don't see otherwise, so I wanted to try it. MainMan - I'm using 40 psi which is what's recommended for the paint I'm using. I've found that the regulator isn't always correct. The gauge sticks. So turn it up slowly and tap it a few times to make sure it's reading right.

[OvRiDe]

Looks like a hella good second attempt to me. Looks like you got the concept down, now its probably just a matter of refining your technique. Keep up the great work!

Are you still using the Harbor Freight airbrush, or did you upgrade?

[SgtM]

Yeah, I think I hit the refinement stage. I'm still on the same cheapo Harbor Freight brush. Would love to get a Dagr, but for my needs, this one fits for now.

[crazybillybob]

Sgt,
It looks pretty good, the orange and yellow have that nice diffused look, the white has a few hard edges, but over all good work!

I've got one of the HF cheapy airbrushes (http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=47791) (black plastic with the glass jar cup) It's ok for big areas or base coats, but the difference in control between it and my Paasche airbrush is night and day. The Paasche has better control and a much finer mist, makes blending so much easier, use some thinned paint or candy, and you can soften those hard edges in no time. (it also wasn't too expensive like $50, which isn't cheap but it's cheaper than some!) Also HF Started carrying some newer Airbrushes recently Their listed as Deluxe Airbrush kits (http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=95810) I've never used them but they've got to be a step in the right direction and @ $15.99 they'll not break the bank.

Now I am no expert with the airbrush (takes forever for me to get stuff done :) ) but Even with the HF airbrush, your doing good work, and I think you'll have it perfect soon ;) Practice is every thing!

Good work!

CrazyBillyBob

[SgtM]

CBB - yeah, I'll sand this down over the weekend and try again. I think this was more of a proof of concept than anything. I would really like some candies, but I'll try and thin some paint down a lot more and see how that covers. The first brush you linked to is a single action brush.. pull back and you get paint and air. The second one (the Deluxe) is the one I have. Nice dual action (push down for air, back for paint). I'm really glad I got this air pressure thing squared away. Now maybe I can start spraying more. It felt really good spraying that paint last night.

[Commando]

Killer work.

I learned a cool technique that helped me. Think of the edges. You can have two fuzzy edges next to each other but not 2 sharp edges. So on the edges go around and sharpen no more than every other one.

This was a trick that helped me.

TD

[SgtM]

Thanks Tony. Look for Ver 3.0 soon.

[ContraptionMaker]

Looking good Sarge! The only thing I would work on is the bottom of the flames. Kinda looks like they are going the wrong way. Seems like the should be convex on the bottom not concave???? Just my opinion.
+rep on the attempt though...more than I've done.

[SgtM]

Yeah, I pretty much messed this one up. However, I learned a lot from it. Most importantly is that my compressor was lying to me. I was spraying with too much pressure which made my paint splatter all over. I have much better air/trigger control now. I get off work in about 40 minutes, and don't come back until Friday morning. I'll see about getting this sanded and re-sprayed over the next 2 days.

[Drum Thumper]

Can't wait bud. Enjoy your weekend.