With all the time I've had on my hands, I figured I'd do a little update on how I went about touching up the chips and scrapes on my Ironman with an airbrush. I had one spot left to do, so I took some pics and did a short (and very amateurish) video of the process. First, of course, is getting the area ready to paint - then the steps are as follows:
- Tell your Alexa or other device to play Steely Dan music
- Cut out and tape on a "frame"around the area you're painting
- Add a small amount of paint to the airbrush cup you borrowed from your son
- Adjust the spray power/flow to about half of full blast
- Slowly and carefully spray the area through the hole on the "frame"
- Let it dry, then rub out with light rubbing compound followed by polishing compound and wax
Here are the pics from today. In all, it took me about 5 hours to get the paint right and learn how to use and adjust the airbrush, and about 5 minutes to actually do the work today. As the paint dries, it will blend in better. Also, rubbing it out will also help with the blend.
Here is the little YouTube video I made of the spraying part. Sorry for the quality - first time and all.
This is the spot on the top tube that needs the touch-up
This is the "frame" around the spot
Thank you, Andy!
Through the cutout.
Immediately after spraying.
Ten minutes after spraying.
Results from two feet. The little flaw will rub out with compound.
Interesting process, and I learned something new! I'll definitely use this technique again and maybe do a whole paint job with the airbrush.