PAINT INFO - BADGER ACCU-FLEX/MODELflex
fl...@airplane.org
pamphlets for BOTH the older Accu-flex and the newer and current
MODELflex line of acrylic paints. NOTE: Any references to or
illustrations of specific airbrush parts apply specifically to Badger
Air-Brushes.
ACCU-FLEX / MODELflex INSTRUCTION MANUAL
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WARNING - ALTHOUGH ACCU-FLEX / MODELflex IS A NON-TOXIC WATER BASED
PAINT, ADULT SUPERVISION IS ALWAYS RECOMMENDED WHEN USING SPRAY
EQUIPMENT AND PAINT COATINGS OF ANY KIND.
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1. ABOUT ACCU-FLEX / MODELflex
Accu-flex / MODELflex is or has...
1. Non-toxic
2. Non-irritant
3. Non-carcinogenic
4. Non-flammable
5. Sprayable and Brushable
6. Colorfast
7. High adhesion
8. Superior flexibility
9. Accurate color replication
10. Fine (.5 to 1 mil* [0.0005" to 0.001"] thick) coat coverage
11. No foul odor
12. Long shelf life
* 1 mil is one thousandth of an inch.
2. SURFACE PREPARATION
Be sure all substrates are free of dust, rust, dirt, oil, grease,
mold release, chipping paint, and body oil. Any of the above foreign
materials can obstruct the adhesive properties of
Accu-flex/MODELflex. To remove oils and grease use a dish detergent
with warm water. Scrub with a toothbrush, or soft yet firm bristle
paint brush. Allow to air dry or use a hair dryer. Never dry with
cloth, paper tissue, or towel. This will cause static
electricity and attract dust onto the surface.
A. If just removing dust or lint use the air from your airbrush, or a
2 inch or larger fine hair paint brush.
B. It is not necessary to etch or abrade any substrate surface to
increase adhesion quality.
C. Be sure to use a very fine sand paper to finish any body putty or
filler. Accu-flex/MODELflex will emulate any surface imperfections.
D. To prevent body oil getting on the clean surface, wear a pair of
light latex gloves or plastic disposable gloves.
E. When painting over other painted surfaces be sure to feather the
edges of pad printing so it won't show an outline.
Accu-flex/MODELflex will cover, but will also accent any high spots on
the surface.
3. PAINT PREPARATION
A. Accu-flex/MODELflex is bottled in jars that fit directly on all
Badger Air-Brushes. This allows you to attach the paint to the
airbrush without any messy pouring.
B. Before you attach the jar of paint to your airbrush, shake well
(about 15 - 30 seconds). After shaking always check the bottom of the
jar with a stir stick or small piece of tubing or 1/8" wooden dowel.
If paint seems thick on the end of the stick, stir for an additional
10 - 15 seconds, replace the jar cap, and shake again. (This will
prevent any settled pigment from plugging the paint siphon tube). The
paint is now ready to spray or brush.
4. APPLYING ACCU-FLEX / MODELflex
A. Spraying. Accu-flex/MODELflex can be applied with most airbrushes
and spray guns. The internal mix type provides a fine dot pattern.
External mix type airbrushes can also be used. The external mix dot
pattern will be larger and more material will be applied much faster.
Accu-flex/MODELflex is a water borne paint film, and requires more air
pressure than much lighter petroleum coatings. Accu-flex/MODELflex
requires 28 to 38 psi (Pounds per Square Inch) of air pressure.
B. Appearance of Accu-flex/MODELflex. Since water-borne paints are
heavier by nature, the way you see it flow out and lay down is much
different than much lighter lacquers or enamels.
As Accu-flex/MODELflex is sprayed on, it will appear heavy and thick;
this is to be expected. What you are seeing is just the water. As
Accu-flex/MODELflex dries, the water evaporates and the acrylic
pigment subsides down to a nice thin coat of paint. The best
experiment is to practice with this paint on several different
substrates to see how it conforms to those substrates. A good rule of
thumb is not to practice on any finished or final pieces, but to
practice on comparable surfaces. NOTE: When spraying for any long
periods of time, paint may build up inside the spray regulator. This
will change the shape of the spray pattern and may spit un-atomized
paint on the model surface. Careful and attentive airbrushing will
prevent such circumstances from occurring.
C. Accu-flex/MODELflex may be applied with other conventional means
as well (paint brush, cotton swab, sponge, etc...).
5. AIRBRUSH CLEANING DURING PAINTING PROCESS
A. After finishing with your first color, remove the paint jar from
the airbrush, unscrew jar adaptor, and replace and seal the paint
jar's original cap. Place the jar adaptor on a second jar containing
warm water and all purpose cleaner, or any ammoniated window cleaner.
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The following appears in the MODELflex instructions only:
You may create your own cleaner by following this recipe. NOTE: This
recipe yields over 1 gallon of cleaner. Please make certain adequate
storage containers are available before mixing.
Add 2 oz. of ammonia and 5 oz. of Liquid "Spic & Span" Household
Cleaner to 1 gallon of water, 120 degrees F or hotter. Mix the
ingredients with a mixing stick.
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Reconnect the jar to the airbrush and spray until a clear spray is
observed. This will clean out the syphon tube and airbrush. Once a
clear spray is obtained, slightly loosen the spray regulator at the
front of the airbrush and spray again for 5 to 10 seconds. This will
"back flush" the airbrush. Once you have back flushed your airbrush,
re-tighten the spray regulator and again spray the airbrush with your
cleaning solution. Direct the spray into your spray booth or waste can
(lined with tissue or crumpled newspaper). These steps should be
adequate for in-process, or color change cleaning of the airbrush.
6. POST PROJECT CLEANING
(Illustration 1 - shows cotton swab about to be inserted into the
regulator of a Badger Air-Brush.) Remove spray regulator from head of
airbrush. Dip cotton swab in cleaner and place swab inside of air
regulator and spin around until clean.
Remove the needle and use another cotton swab to clean any paint
residue from the needle. Replace spray regulator and needle. It may be
advisable to remove entire head assembly and clean ultrasonically,
(Denture cleaner may be a sufficient alternative).
(Illustration 2 - shows front and side views of regulator and needle
of a Badger Air-Brush.) Paint may build up inside.
A. If you forget to clean up right away (within 15 to 20 minutes),
paint may set up and clog the paint tip, and the entire head assembly.
To loosen up the paint place the head assembly in very hot water. Let
stand for about 15 minutes, then remove from water clean as stated
above and reassemble. Please take extra care to make sure cleaning is
done thoroughly and promptly.
7. MASKING WITH ACCU-FLEX / MODELflex
A. To tape areas of any substrate, the first layer of paint must be
dry and hard. If paint is not completely dry, the adhesive may join
with the coating in a bonding action and will lift the coating when
the tape or mask is removed.
There are several types of masking films available. Of all the
available, the 3M Fine Line automotive striping tapes work very well.
A 3M high grade masking film for drafting use is also available. If
you choose to use another brand or type of masking material, be sure
the adhesive is not too strong, this can lift the paint coating. To
weaken the adhesion properties of a different masking medium rub your
finger along the adhesive side of the tape. The body oil will reduce
the tape adhesion qualities.
B. When removing masking film from a painted substrate, there is a
specific method. (See illustrations 3, 4, and 5 - Illustration 3 shows
the proper method of removing masking tape; pulling it off correctly,
backwards over and close to the remaining tape. Illustration 4 shows
improper method, pulling tape upward and outward from remaining tape.
Illustration 5 shows another improper method, pulling tape straight
upward from substrate.)
(Illustration 3) The correct procedure - ALWAYS pull straight back on
the mask itself.
(Illustration 4 & 5) - NEVER - NEVER - This method increases the
surface area being lifted, therefore increasing the probability of
lifting the paint coating from the substrate.
C. NEVER allow tape or masking films to stay on any substrate longer
than 5 to 10 minutes. When tape is applied to any uncured paint
surface, the tape adhesive may bond or settle into the uncured paint;
this will lead to the lifting off of attached layers of paint. To keep
your tape in clean and good condition, store it in a plastic zipper
type storage bag.
(Illustration 6 - shows detail of masking tape that has not been kept
clean and as a result, has picked up debris on its adhesive and is now
'fuzzy' at the edges) - Sticky edges can and will collect dust, lint,
hair, etc... Keep a piece of wax paper on your work area to lay your
tape on. Never lay it down on paper, cloth, bench top, sanding area,
etc. This is where it will get the "fuzzies". If your tape has "fuzz"
and you place it down and paint over it, the "fuzz" will be buried in
the paint and will tear and lift the edge of your paint line.
(Illustration 7 & 8) - Saw edge: Bad edge when tape is removed. Fuzzy
edge before painting.
D. Take the time to look over the edge of your tape with an ordinary
magnifying glass. This will show any "fuzz" and prevent the saw edge.
When cutting tape use very sharp or new blades in your hobby knife.
This will prevent tape from snagging and saw cutting the edge of your
tape. Remember - never allow children to use sharp knives without
adult supervision. Be sure to store knives and spare blades out of
reach of children.
8. DECAL APPLICATION
A. Decal application can be performed as soon as the paint coating is
dry, (1 to 2 hours by air drying or 5 - 10 minutes by using a hair
dryer).
You may use decal setting solution after applying decals. NOTE: Some
decal solutions may attack the Accu-flex/MODELflex paint film. We
recommend Solveaset and Micro-set decal setting solution. After decals
are set you may cover with ANY clear coat.
NOTE: Accu-flex/MODELflex can be sprayed over any other brand or type
(Enamel or Lacquer) of paint coating. Also, if you paint
Accu-flex/MODELflex as a base or first coat, other paint coatings can
be applied over the Accu-flex/MODELflex without cracking, wrinkling,
lifting, or distorting the substrate surface.
9. STRIPPING ACCU-FLEX / MODELflex FROM METAL AND PLASTIC
A. If you are just practicing, you may remove the paint immediately
with hot water (over 120 degrees but not over 128 degrees), dish
detergent, and a light scrub brush. This will work usually within 5 -
10 minutes after application.
B. If, while painting, a flaw, speck of dust, dirt, or grease is
discovered after 20 minutes, place the painted piece in very hot water
for about 5 minutes. Then scrub as stated above and rinse with warm
clean water. Allow to air dry or dry with hair dryer. Once dry and
clear of any debris, a fresh coat of paint may be applied.
C. An alternative for removal of Accu-flex/MODELflex is to purchase a
safe water soluble commercial paint stripper. Check your local hobby
or hardware store. NOTE: Remember, when using materials designed for
paint removal, be sure to have an adult present to supervise.
10. AIR SUPPLY
A. An air supply with a minimum capacity of at least 28-38 psi air
pressure is required. With the exception of the 80-2, all BADGER
compressors will meet this requirement; however, a 180-22 or larger
version compressor is highly recommended. An accurate air pressure
regulator and adequate moisture trap are also recommended. Use the air
regulator on larger compressed air sources to maintain accurate
pressure while spraying. A good moisture trap will eliminate any water
in the airline produced by the heat of a compressor. Without a
moisture trap, water may condense in the airline and interfere with
the spray pattern.
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11. SCALE COMPARISON FOR MODEL AIRBRUSHING
For small (Z, H, H.O.) scale models, use of a medium head assembly
and needle is recommended. For large scale (3/8-1/2 or larger) models
a heavy head assembly and needle or a touch up gun may be considered.
SCALE RECOMMENDED BADGER HEAD & NEEDLE
AIRBRUSH MODEL
Z 100, 150, 200 Gravityfeed MEDIUM
N 100, 150, 175, 200 MEDIUM
H.O 100, 150, 175, 200, 350-M MEDIUM, HEAVY
O 100, 150, 175, 200 HEAVY
G 175, 200, 400 TOUCH UP GUN HEAVY
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12. ACCU-FLEX / MODELflex COLOR AND COLOR SELECTION
A. When the colors of Accu-flex/MODELflex were selected, we chose the
most popular and most requested colors. Our colors are matched only
from original drift cards or actual color chips and fluid paint. We
give you our assurance that we will not produce any color we cannot
substantiate with accurate data.
Accu-flex/MODELflex colors are very opaque and in most instances will
cover in one coat. The bright colors; red, yellow, orange, should be
undercoated with a light grey or white. If painting over black
plastic, test the color over a black sample first. If the color turns
too dark, then undercoat with a light colored paint.
We are confident that your recent purchase of MODELflex will provide
you with plenty of fantastic results and enjoyment in your hobby
painting. If you have any further questions regarding
Accu-flex/MODELflex or any of our other fine Badger products, please
call toll free 1-800-AIRBRUS(H), and ask for the product information
or the MODELflex paint departments.
Bringing creative ideas together since 1963.
Our Quality Makes a Lasting Impression
BADGER AIR-BRUSH CO.
9128 W. Belmont Ave. - Franklin Park, IL 60131