by dahlberg » Sun Jan 10, 2016 10:02 am
hey B
sorry to hear the Copic system isn't working for you. It seems most people I've spoken to either love the system or hate it. for me it took some time to get used to beginning with light colors and ending with dark because it takes quite a few color options off the table, but once I got used to it I rarely use my "regular" airbrush anymore.
I'd originally began using the system for soft plastics prior to dipping them in clear, but I got spoiled with not having clean the darn cup and nozzle every time I switched colors, not to mention having to mess with dried up paint and getting it re-liquified to the right consistency for the airbrush!
Of course if you are doing super detail work, the Copic System is not even close to what you can do with a good airbrush, but for me and the kind of finish I need on most lures Ive been more than happy with Copic.
If I need to get a light color over a dark one I will often first apply a thin epoxy clear coat over the copic, then follow it with opaque paint like silver, gold, etc applied with a normal airbrush or even a rattle can!
In the long, long run if you are a casual builder who might let thing go dormant for several months, it's nice to know the Copic markers are always ready to go and never dry up when sitting dormant like paint does. Needless to say, it's also a decided benefit if you don't have a paint booth with ventilation.
I would say the most common problem, and mistake people make is to lay the Copic ink on too thick, and not let it get totally dry before trying to clear coat it.
best,
L
Larry Dahlberg
The Hunt For Big Fish