Introduction to Airbrush
Airbrush is a distinctive way of applying very thin color to a multitude of surfaces. Inks and dyes can both be used in airbrushing, but the most popular is very fluid acrylic color. Many acrylic paint manufacturers, including AV and Golden, have created fluid color to the required viscosity for airbrushing. Airbrushing was once the preferred method for correcting photos before digital photography and imaging software.
Airbrushes work by passing a stream of fast moving compressed air through a venture (chamber), creating a reduction in the local air pressure that allows paint to be pulled from an interconnected reservoir at normal atmospheric pressure. The high speed causes the paint to travel in tiny droplets; this is known as atomization. The airbrush can control the amount of paint being applied by varying the amount of pressure applied on the trigger.
Airbrushing is particularly good for the following:
- Blending of 2 or more colors seamlessly
- Photorealist painting
- Bold shapes using stencils and masking (Frisket film)
- Coloring and decorating 3D models
- Painting murals
- Decorating and coloring cars, motorcycles, helmets, and other vehicles
What do I need to get started with airbrush?
To start airbrushing you need your airbrush equipment and your airbrush colors, as well as the surface you wish to apply your color onto, which could be paper, card, canvas, or metal. You may also wish to invest in a spray booth to keep your spraying work contained.
- Airbrush
- Compressor
- Adaptor
- Needle caps and nozzles
- Valves
- Face mask
- Airbrush color
Useful tools:
- Frisket Film
- Airbrush stand
- Airbrush mediums
- Airbrush varnish
- Uni-Booth studio extraction system
Airbrush tools and equipment explained
Airbrush
The airbrush is the tool that the paint is dispensed from. It has the trigger which you apply pressure to in order to dispense the color. It connects to the paint source and the air compressor.
A double-action airbrush offers much greater control and is essential when producing fine lines and thick-thin strokes (the classic ‘dagger stroke’). These are also known as ‘internal-mix’ airbrushes because the air and paint mix inside the nozzle. The double-action airbrush has two trigger movements. As with the single-action, airflow is controlled by pressing the trigger down; however, the amount of paint can also be controlled by pulling the trigger back. The farther the trigger is pulled back, the more paint comes out. T-shirt lettering is much easier with this type of airbrush. Experienced ‘freehand' (painting without the aid of masking materials) airbrush artists can control a double-action to produce photorealistic artwork. The finer the atomization of the paint the greater the ability to create the smoothest blending effects.
Compressor
The compressor is a source of compressed air that forces the paint through the airbrush. It looks like a canister or an aerosol.
Adaptor
The adaptor connects the airbrush to a hose and its compressor. An adaptor must have the correct diameter and length for compatibility with your equipment – this is something to check before you buy.
Needle cap and nozzles
The needle is required for fine line spraying. It fits into the nozzle which is attached to the airbrush, reducing the hole that the paint passes through in order to leave the brush. The nozzle and the needle should be tapered in the same way.
Valves
A valve acts as an aerosol can regulator. The higher the air pressure the finer the ‘mist’ of paint, also known as atomization. In an airbrush with a fine needle, less pressure is required to produce good atomization. The valve can regulate the air pressure supplied by the compressor.
Uni-Booth
Uni-Booths are a studio extraction system for safe spraying indoors. They let light in from the top, so that your view of your work is not compromised and you can maintain accuracy when spraying. The Uni-Booths possess a powerful centrifugal blower with polyester intake filter and dual activated charcoal impregnated filter for the greatest possible solvent and odour removal.
Face mask
Another important piece of equipment, face masks are as good for protecting your lungs from fine paint particles as well as for dust.
Airbrush color
Viscosity is measured in centipoise: 1cP describes the viscosity of water. Airbrush color has been developed to have the optimum viscosity for airbrushing techniques, primarily suited to illustration and fine art application, which is 40-60cPs. Acrylic ink and watercolor dyes can also be used for airbrushing, but you may need to experiment with how much pressure you apply with these as they may have a finer viscosity.
Airbrush Mediums
Airbrush mediums allow you to achieve the right consistency color for airbrushing. You can mix these mediums with regular acrylic color, even heavy body color, and providing the ratios are right you will be able to create your own airbrush color mixes. Ensure that you follow the advice of the manufacturers.
Frisket film
Frisket Film is a fantastic tool for any airbrush artist for masking off areas of work in order to achieve crisp, clean lines and sharp edges in your work.
Varnish
Acrylicos Vallejo offers a range of airbrush varnishes. This is a great way of evenly applying a protective cover that can unify or alter the surface sheen to gloss, matte or satin.
Airbrush Inks
Airbrush inks are the lowest possible viscosity ink, guaranteeing consistent flow and maximum control of application, with minimal risk of clogging. Airbrush inks are acrylic based and can be applied to any surface. They dry waterproof, and can also be used with dip pens and brushes.
The paint you use in your airbrush needs to be very fluid so that the components of your airbrush can be easily washed and the flow of the paint is uniform and consistent to enable you to apply even layers of color on to your work. Thick or lumpy paint will not give an even spread of color and it will make cleaning your airbrush a more laborious process. Airbrush paint is the thinnest consistency acrylic paint available on the market – it is even thinner than regular fluid acrylics. Acrylic paint manufacturers have found a way of grinding pigment particles to the finest possible state and then suspending them in a binder that is adhesive enough to hold the paint together without the pigment separating from it, yet thin enough to possess excellent dispersion.
What is the difference between acrylic ink and acrylic airbrush paint?
The differences are pretty marginal in fact, but generally, the inks tend to be more transparent and dry with a greater sheen than acrylic paint. All acrylic inks and airbrush paints can be mixed with other ranges of acrylic medium and acrylic color, but remember this may impair their compatibility with airbrushing techniques.
It is also possible to use shellac-based inks (Winsor & Newton Drawing Ink, AV Vallejo, Sennelier, and Jackson’s Indian Inks). Although the color is very lightfast and the colors intensely saturated, there may be some issue with cleaning these inks from your airbrush – you will have to use pure acetone, but it is possible.
Airbrush sundries
Zest-It Airbrush Reviver
The Zest-It Airbrush Reviver is ideal for cleaning and releasing an airbrush clogged with acrylic paint or a water based media.
If your airbrush is clogged and has dried paint blocking it, then a soak in the Airbrush Reviver will restore it back to full working order. Put a small amount of the Zest-It Airbrush Reviver into a shallow tray. Having disconnected the airline, disassemble the airbrush and place it in the fluid. Once the airbrush parts are clean, wash with water, dry and re-assemble the airbrush.
The Airbrush Reviver will make your fingers slippery, so it is best to use nitrile gloves for grip and hand protection or a bowl of water and hand-towel to clean and dry your hands as you work. You may otherwise find the small parts of the airbrush slipping out of your grip. Working with a paper cloth or a towel also helps. Most acrylic, gouache, watercolor and ink products can be cleaned and released from the airbrush after a 10 minute soak. Different products may require a longer soak.
The Airbrush Reviver can be re-used by allowing it to stand and then filtered (using cloth or paper) into a clean container. Label and store the used Zest-it Airbrush Reviver for reuse.
Grafix ‘Edge’ Bandana Masks
A lightweight fabric mask that protects the face and neck from overspray. Easy to take on and off.
Airbrush propellant
For economy and occasional use, the simplest route is to use disposable aerosol propellant cans – MAXIMAIR. Containing 750ml of ozone friendly airbrush propellant, the only other items you require are a control valve and airline – you can then spray anywhere.