Things You'll Need:
- Airbrush
- Airbrush paints
- Mailbox
- Safety equipment (e.g. face mask and goggles)
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Step 1
Choose the type of airbrush with which you would like to create the airbrushed mailbox design. The two main types or airbrushes are single action and double action airbrushes. This refers to how the trigger is utilized in order to dispense the airbrush paint and airbrush air. Beyond the two types of airbrush, there are also three styles: Gravity feed airbrushes, siphon feed airbrushes and side feed airbrushes. The type and style you choose will not affect the design and creation of your airbrush mailbox.
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Step 2
Familiarize yourself with the airbrush parts by comparing the airbrush to the manufacturer's manual. Read the instructions that come with the airbrush carefully before attempting to airbrush mailboxes. Airbrushing isn't difficult, but you need to know exactly where the trigger and paint supply inlets on the airbrush are.
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Step 3
Hook the airbrush to your air compressor. The compressor creates pressurized air which propels the airbrush paint and allows you to airbrush your mailbox.
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Step 4
Cover the floor and walls of your airbrush work area with plastic sheeting to protect it from the airbrush paint. Because airbrushing uses high levels of air to project the paint onto the surface of the mailbox, some of this paint will invariably float into the area.
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Step 5
Put on the safety equipment, such as a face mask (so you don't breath the airborne paint) and goggles.
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Step 6
Load the airbrush paint into the airbrush. You can use acrylic or solvent paint. Most beginning airbrush artists use acrylic paints. It is also suitable when airbrushing a design onto your mailbox.
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Step 7
Squeeze the trigger on the airbrush and begin to airbrush the mailbox. Take your time and don't rush, as it will take a while to get used to squeezing the trigger and regulating the amount of paint that is sprayed out. Allow the airbrushed mailbox to dry before coating it with varnish and placing it outside.
