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For those into airbrushing, is there a line of acrylic paints that you use that are available from local "hobby" or craft stores that you would recommend? I am just starting to experiment with airbrushing, and would love to use Tamiya acrylics, but a round trip to HTUSA is 1.5 hours, whereas closer craft stores (Michaels, HobbyLobby, JoAnn, etc) area about half as far and carry multiple lines of acrylic paints. Just wondering if anyone has found that diamond in the rough for great paints at an affordable rate, on top of being logistically closer.

That "I use XXX paints + XXX thinner, super cheap from XXXX (local chain craft store) and it is a great combo with no issues" response would be most awesome!

Thanks

Can't answer exactly as you requested but here is what I got.

The Michael's near me doesn't have anything I would use in my airbrush. I have bought it for crafts with the wife and kids and don't think much of it.

I have heard some Hobby Lobby's have cool stuff but the one around here only had a tiny paint and model section and the rest is home decor junk.

Last time there they had this Vallejo Model Color paint. I recognize the name from hobby shops with Warhammer and other mini stuff. I painted a lexan Sand Viper body with it and it went on well and looks good. Down side was the bottles are tiny 17 ml and like $4.

I grabbed the big 16oz bottles of Createx online for like like $15 and they are also pretty nice.

I use clear Windex instead of thinner. I'm not sure why but I remember reading about it when I got my setup and it got positive reviews.

I have used Apple Barrel acrylics for a long time on my rc bodies. They tend to have a huge lack of metallic paints. I also thin the paint with windex or alcohol.

You should visit your local body shop. Most shops nowadays spray waterborne paint which is the same formula that airbrush paint was based upon. A few years back ppg bought auto air colors I think that was the name of it... (been a minute) and did so solely for the reason to get the formula about the time the epa started crashing down on the collision industry. Anyhow most shops will have leftover paint that they will willingly give to you if you ask nicely instead of paying to dispose of it.

I use Vallejo airbrush paint, or Createx, both work really well.
Apply in thin layers to get good adhesion.
Then finish it off w a spray can paint Like the Tamiya PS series.
This really helps to protect the body.

This one was done with Vallejo Candy Orange, then a Tamiya PS silver