Step-by-Step Airbrushing On a Metal Surface
The art of airbrushing requires a delicate hand and takes years of practice to master. However, once mastered, the effects produced with an airbrush turn heads and attract admirers. When airbrushing a metal surface, two important factors are a must -- fastidious surface prep and selecting the correct paint. A metal surface requires scuffing before air brushing. Scuffing is just as delicate an art as using an airbrush. The purpose of scuffing is to make the metal surface rough without a scratch to help the paint adhere better. Once the metal is prepared properly, the rest of the work is straightforward.
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Things You'll Need
- 3M Scuff-It
- Scotch-Brite pads
- Water
- Drying cloth
- Metal paint
- Respirator
Instructions
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1
Apply a generous amount of Scuff-It gel to a Scotch-Brite pad. Work the gel into the pad prior to scuffing the metal surface.
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2
Rub Scuff-It gel onto the metal surface by gently pressing the Scotch-Brite pad against the metal and moving it around the surface using a small circular movement.
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3
Apply more Scuff-It gel to the pad as it gets worked onto the metal surface and the pad dries. Completely coat the entire metal surface with Scuff-It gel. Replace the Scotch-Brite pad with a new one as it wears and builds up debris to avoid making deep scratches.
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4
Rinse the metal surface with water thoroughly, and dry it with a drying cloth. Allow the surface to air dry for several hours to make sure no water gets trapped beneath the paint.
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5
Fill the airbrush's paint cup with paint graded to adhere to a metal surface. Fasten the paint cup to the paint valve on the airbrush.
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Put on a respirator, and turn on the air compressor. Point the airbrush at a test wall or testing surface. Pull the trigger until the paint begins to flow evenly.
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Hold the airbrush roughly 3 inches above the metal surface at a 90-degree angle. Lightly pull the trigger, and move the airbrush over the surface in a smooth and sweeping motion.
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8
Continue to spray the metal surface until it's completely coated. Allow the paint to dry, and add another coat if necessary.
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Tips & Warnings
It's not always necessary, but using a metal priming paint to create a base layer will help the primary surface paint adhere better and last longer.
Use scrap metal and wood as practice pieces to get the hang and feel for painting with an airbrush before painting the intended surface.
When choosing paint, match the product specification sheet of the metal surface to the product specification sheet of the paint for the best results.
Wear a respirator graded to the paint you're using to protect yourself.
