How to Use an Airbrush Gun

Paints and watercolors don't always do the trick when you're trying to get a particular shade of a color. The best thing to do is to use an airbrush gun. Especially is you're wanting a specific color for edible items, like frosting, fondant or gum paste, an airbrush gun is the perfect way to finish your work of art

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• airbrush gun
• airbrush gun colors (you can purchase at any craft store)
• open space (garage, counter top, etc.)
• item you are airbrushing
• newspaper or parchment paper (to place item on and not get paint on other things)

1. In order to properly use an airbrush gun, you need to first determine the color you are going for. A lot of times you can use paints, watercolors, food coloring, etc. to start the base of your color; but if you want a deeper color (such as red, purple, and most darker colors) or a gradient affect, an airbrush gun is what you'll need.

2. Once your color scheme has been established, create a space that you can place the item being airbrushed. Set up some newspapers or parchment paper (paper towels work too) so that you don't get paint everywhere. Getting the airbrush paint off can be frustrating! You will also want to have a small bucket of water to rinse the nozzle when you want to change colors. Now that you have created your workspace, you're ready to go!

3. Place a little bit of paint in the top part of the airbrush gun. There is a little cup at where the lever is that releases the paint. You can put the paint in here. It's important to test out the paint to make sure it's coming out properly with no splatters or clumps. Based on the effect you're looking for, you can get as close or as far from the item you are airbrushing as you'd like. The safest and best way to cover the most area is to hold the airbrush gun about 6-8 inches away to avoid any darker spots. The closer you get to the item the darker the color. If you want a gradient look, start off further away then work your way closer to create that light to dark affect (or vice versa!)

Tips & Warnings

• Clean your nozzle out every time you change colors.
• Experiment on paper before you start on your project so you get a feel for the gun
• Don't fill up the paint all the way
• Don't start too close to avoid irreversible coloring

[georgelarson]

on 3/9/2009 This type of decorating sounds like a great artistic touch. Thanks for explaining this technique.