PURPLE HEART SPRAY

Purple Heart Spray — a paint in a spray can from AK Interactive

Purple Heart Spray is a modeling paint in a pressurized can from the AK Interactive brand. Unlike bottled paints for an airbrush and a brush it is not thinned and is applied straight from the can — you simply shake the can and spray. That does away with mixing with thinner and with cleaning an airbrush, so a spray is a quick route to an even base layer on a model, a figure or an accessory.

The shade and its use

The name aims at purple — the color modelers reach for on wizards' robes, hoods, banners and magical effects, and one that often appears in science fiction color schemes as well. Purple builds up reluctantly from a brush and easily goes muddy toward brown, so a clean purple base from a spray saves both work and paint. Over it, glazes toward blue in the shadows and a lightening of the edges toward pink then stand out. It also serves well as a surface under transitions to blue or to magenta.

Preparing the surface and applying

The result stands or falls with the surface. First free the parts of grease and fingerprints with lukewarm water and detergent and let them dry; on resin and printed parts remove any remains of mold release agent. To even out materials of different colors use a primer — over a primer the shade sits evenly and holds better. Shake the can for at least a minute before work and make a test spray on an offcut: that checks the working of the nozzle and how the shade looks once dry. Spray in short passes from a distance, in several thin layers with a pause to flash off — a single heavy layer floods the engraving and the fine detail. Work in the warm and away from a draft, and when you have finished spraying turn the can upside down and press briefly, so that the nozzle is cleared. Before you lay varnish, decals or products from another range over the paint, test compatibility in a hidden place.

Who the paint is for

• Modelers who want a quick and even base layer without an airbrush
• Figure painters and tabletop players who paint a larger number of pieces at once
• Collectors of fantasy and science fiction subjects, where purple carries a magical or science fiction theme
• Beginners — a spray forgives more than an airbrush, you only have to keep the layers thin

The paint is applied straight from the can and is not thinned. The model, a base and other accessories are not included in the package.

A pressurized can with a flammable content. Spray in a well-ventilated space or outdoors, away from open flame and sources of sparks, protect your eyes and airways, do not expose the can to heat and keep it out of the reach of children.