How to Airbrush on a Jeep Wrangler
Airbrushing is a painting technique that utilizes a stream of compressed air to spray mist onto surfaces. Airbrushes work by atomizing dye, ink or paint, which means extracting liquid from a supply and transforming it into a mist by separating particles. Airbrushing can be used in a number of artistic and industrial applications, and is often used to detail motorcycles and automobiles. Airbrushing Jeep Wranglers can prove challenging because the total surface area that can be painted is smaller than on most other car models.
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Instructions
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Ensure that your airbrush is clean. Use a cleaning solution purchased from an art supply store, or make your own. According to HowToAirbursh.com, home-based solutions can be made from mixing ammonia (20 percent) and water (80 percent). No more than 30 percent ammonia should be used because it could damage the airbrush.
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Wash the exterior of the Jeep Wrangler thoroughly. Use a store-bought car-cleaning solution or make a solution of dishwashing soap and water. Dry the Jeep after washing, making sure to use a fabric that is free of lint.
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Put down a line of tape along all the places where the glass meets the Jeep's body. Make sure the tape is sealed by running your finger across it. Put the Jeep's cover on, and if you are a novice or want to be especially careful, cover areas that won't be painted with newspapers or tarps.
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Draw the design you are going to paint onto the body of the Jeep Wrangler. Use a Sharpie permanent marker or a specialized car body-designing marker. To remove the marker, use rubbing alcohol or a car-washing solution.
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Place your can of paint into a dish filled with hot water, and let it sit for approximately five minutes. This warms the paint and pressurizes the can, making the resulting mist that is sprayed from the airbrush finer. Load paint into the airbrush and switch the compressor on.
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Start airbrushing, spraying on darker colors before lighter ones. Beginning coats should be light to help seal the protective tape. Spray on four to six thin coats to ensure an even finish and strong paint bonding. Remember that florescent and metallic paints get darker with every coat.
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Apply backing colors, if desired. Backing colors are sprayed on around designs to help accentuate colors. Once all paint has dried, spray on one or two coats of a clear protective finisher.
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Tips & Warnings
Use a hairdryer to help paint dry between coats. Keep it on for three to four minutes, making sure it is not held in one place for too long.
It is important to take measures to protect the interior of the Jeep Wrangler when airbrushing. Cover the seats, dash and floor with tarp or plastic to avoid getting paint on them.
