How to Airbrush Surfboards
Airbrush painting results in vibrant, colored designs, which makes it an ideal way to paint a surfboard. Airbrushing isn’t as simple as painting with a paintbrush. It requires more time and attention to detail to create an attractive design. In spite of these difficulties, the process of painting a surfboard using airbrushing requires few tools, other than the airbrush itself. Through careful planning of the layout and working without rushing, a work of art can be created on a surfboard using airbrush.
Things You'll Need
- Paper and pencil
- Wax comb
- Soap
- Acetone
- 300-grit sandpaper
- Masking tape
- Box cutter
- Tarps
- Airbrush
- Paint
- Paint thinner
- Disposable squeeze bulbs
- Cardboard scraps
Instructions
-
-
1
Plan the design and sketch it on a piece of paper.
-
2
Clean the surfboard so that it is free of wax, grease and dirt. Use a wax comb to scrape off the wax. Use soap and water to remove dirt. Wipe the surfboard with acetone.
-
-
3
Sand the surface of the board with 300-grit sandpaper. Scuff the entire board. This will cause the paint to stick.
-
4
Apply masking tape to areas of the surfboard that are not being painted. To create a design in the masking tape, apply the tape in overlapping strips and use a box cutter to cut out the shape for the painted area.
-
5
Prepare the work area by laying out tarps over all exposed surfaces. Failure to cover exposed surfaces will result in them receiving overspray.
-
6
Put the needle into the nozzle and attach this to the airbrush. Turn on the air compressor. Adjust the pressure. Place the color cup on the airbrush.
-
7
Use a plastic squeeze bulb to suck up paint and add it to the mixing container. Use a different plastic squeeze bulb to suck up paint thinner and add it to the mixing container. Mix the paint and thinner according to the instructions given by the paint's manufacturer. Stir the paint with a toothpick or wooden dowel.
-
8
Lay out a large section of cardboard to use for test spraying.
-
9
Position your body so you can comfortably hold the airbrush steady while painting. Do not stoop or bend over the surfboard. Stooping or bending while painting is likely to result in an uneven pattern of spray. Sit down while painting, with the elbows supported, if possible.
-
10
Make a test spray on the cardboard. Look at the paint on the cardboard to make sure the paint has come out with the desired effect. Adjust the pressure as necessary and make another test spray.
-
11
Spray the first coat of paint on the surfboard using even, light sprays. Spray the surfboard using long strokes that travel the length of the surfboard. Begin spraying before the edge of the board has been reached. Move the nozzle to spray the surfboard. Continue to spray toward the other edge of the board so that the spray ends off of the board. Spray the first coat of paint so lightly that it is hardly visible. Allow the first coat of paint to dry completely before applying the next coat.
-
12
Apply additional, light even coats of paint until the color intensity is reached.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Paint the underside of the surfboard, first. This way, mistakes are more likely to occur on the less-viewed surface of the board.
Work in a well-ventilated area.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Thinkstock/Comstock/Getty Images
