How to Decide Between Sprays in Airbrushing

An airbrush artist has must decide which spray, or airbrush, to use early on. There are several differences between the two different types, each with their own pros and cons. Once you know how they both operate, you can pick the spray and feed that works best for you.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Single Action Airbrush

1. Push down on the trigger of a single action airbrush and you get both paint and air. It operates much like a can of spray paint.
2. Adjust the amount of paint applied by turning a knob on the airbrush. Most knobs turn clockwise for more paint and counterclockwise for less paint. You must stop painting to adjust the amount of paint being released.
3. Consider the ease of use for a single action airbrush. There are fewer adjustments to make.

Double-Action Airbrush

4. Push down on the trigger to get air pressure, and pull back to paint. This action is a learned technique and takes practice to control.
5. Control the amount of paint by how much you pull back on the trigger. You can use more or less paint without having to stop and adjust your settings. It allows you to continuously paint.
6. Manage the amount of air you use at the compressor. Avoid feathering the trigger to apply different air pressures.
7. Use a double-action airbrush for fine detail work. It is easy to control width of spray and volume of paint with this type of spray.

Types of Feeds for Airbrush Sprays

8. Use a side feed for working anywhere. A side feed will rotate 360 degrees giving you the ability to get in anywhere with your airbrush spray.
9. Purchase a siphon feed cup for the ability to change the amount of paint you are using. It also allows you to changes colors quickly.
10. Utilize a gravity feed for detail work. It provides the most consistent feed of paint to your needle. This gives you the ability to do fine detail work.