How to Airbrush Metal Panels
An airbrush enables you to have fine control over the flow of paint by using air to create a misting effect that is difficult to achieve with any other paint application device. Using an airbrush on metal panels requires similar technique used when airbrushing any other surface, which consists of pointing the airbrush where you want the paint to go, then pressing the airbrush trigger. In addition, you must prepare the metal panel so that the paint has a smooth surface for adhesion.
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Things You'll Need
- Car washing liquid
- Bucket
- Sponge
- Scrub brush
- Degreaser
- Cloth
- Masking paper
- Masking tape
- Drop Cloth
- Respirator
- Safety goggles
- Orbital sander
- 300-grit sandpaper
- Tack cloth
- Spray can of self-etching primer paint
- Spray can of high build primer
- 320-grit wet/dry sandpaper
- Airbrush
- Paint
- Paint thinner
- Cardboard
- Clear coat paint
Instructions
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Mix liquid soap in a bucket of warm water until suds form. Dip a sponge in this mixture and clean the metal panel thoroughly from top to bottom, removing any traces of dirt, debris or grease that could interfere with paint adhesion. Use a scrub brush if the dirt proves difficult to remove with the sponge, and use a degreaser wash away any oil present on the metal. Rinse the surfaces clear of cleanser or degreaser with clean water. Pat the surface dry with a clean, dry cloth.
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Cover adjacent surfaces of the metal panel with masking paper secured with a strip of masking tape along the edges to avoid spraying paint onto those surfaces. Place a drop cloth onto the floor under the panel to catch any dripping paint. Put on a respirator to avoid paint inhalation, and wear a pair of safety goggles to prevent paint mist from blowing into your eyes.
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Sand the metal panel with an orbital sander containing 300-grit sandpaper to remove any previous finish and to create a slightly scratched texture on the metal. This texture will aid in paint adhesion. Wipe the surface clean with a tack cloth.
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Spray the surface of the panel with a thin coat of self-etching primer. Use primer contained in a spray can for quick application. Shake the can vigorously before spraying to mix the primer for consistency. Cover the surface completely with the primer, spraying from the top of the panel downwards to avoid creating runs on the surface. Allow the self-etching primer to dry for about two hours before continuing with the next step.
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Cover the layer of self-etching primer with a coating of high build primer, also from a spray can. Use two layers of the high build primer to cover the panel with a thick coating sufficient for sanding. Wait about 15 minutes after applying the first coat before applying the second. Allow the second to dry overnight.
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Sand the primer coat smooth with a 320-grit wet/dry sandpaper saturated in water. This creates a smooth level surface for airbrushing. Wipe the surface clear of residue with a tack cloth. Allow the dust in the room to settle overnight. Remove masking paper and tape, and then reapply to remove any dust. Wipe the panel surface with the tack cloth a second time.
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Fill the airbrush’s paint reservoir with a paint that’s compatible with metallic surfaces. Thin the paint with a compatible paint thinner if necessary. Test the thickness of the paint by spraying test sprays onto a piece of cardboard. You want your paint thin enough to come out of the airbrush nozzle in a consistent mist, covering the surface of the cardboard evenly where you direct the spray.
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Aim the nozzle of the airbrush at the metal panel’s surface, holding it about six inches from the panel’s surface. Press the trigger of the spray to direct the paint onto the panel’s surface, moving the location of the spray by moving the wrist of the hand holding the airbrush.
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Use long even strokes with the brush for wide coverage, and short controlled bursts for covering small areas. Apply the paint in light layers, building up solid color coats through placing several layers on top of each other. Move the nozzle closer to the panel to create thinner lines of paint, and further away for more widespread coverage. Switch colors as desired during the painting process until you have the image you want on the panel. Allow the paint to dry overnight.
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Cover the painted panel with clear coat paint to protect the colors. Apply three separate, thin coats, drying for two hours in between each layer. Dry the last coat overnight before removing the masking tape and paper surrounding the panel for panel use.
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References
Resources
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