How to Airbrush Ghost Flames

Airbrushed ghost flames

Ghost flames can be found on cars, clothes and other accessories. They are interesting when placed on any fabric or material and can make for exciting artwork. Airbrushing ghost flames can be time-consuming because they require specific equipment and skill to complete the task successfully. You can airbrush ghost flames onto most materials that can withstand airbrush paint.

Things You'll Need

• Airbrush machine
• Acrylic paint
• Flames design
• Surface (fabric, wood, metal, etc.)
• Dish detergent
• Tape
• 2000-2200 sandpaper

Instructions

1. Prepare the tools for your airbrushing project. Plug in the airbrush and the air compressor. Press the trigger on the airbrush to make sure that it sprays freely. If there is blockage from dirt or old paint you can pour two or three drops of airbrush cleaner into the cup that is attached to the airbrush. The airbrush cleaner can remove the blockage. Airbrush cleaner can be purchased at your local arts supply store.

2. Prepare your surface for airbrushing. Hotrodders.com recommends that you use dish detergent to wash off the surface to remove oil and contaminants first. This will work well if you are using metal or airbrushing the ghost flames onto your vehicle.

3. Place the layout of the flames on the designated surface. According to Hotrodders.com, you can lay out the flames with fine-line tape, sized at 1/16-inch or 1/4-inch. You will begin by making the flames with the fine-line tape. You can also do the flames free hand if you prefer that option; however, if you don't want to draw the flames on, you can purchased flame stencil designs at art supply stores or online.

4. Cover the areas that you don't want to be painted with tape and paper. Covering these areas will protect them from the paint when you use the airbrush. Mix pearl paint with clear paint. The pearl paint will be used to create the flames' outline. Hotrodders.com states that pearl paint is difficult to see because of its transparent nature. Make sure you shake the clear/pearl paint mixture from time to time, to prevent settling. The clear/pearl paint mixture will be used later.

5. Add three to four drops of the solid color paint into the cup that is attached to the airbrush. Spray the paint in a side-to-side motion to apply the paint evenly. Allow 30 minutes for the surface to dry. Trace the fine-line tape's edge with the pearl/clear paint. It will create an outline. Let it dry for 15 to 30 minutes.

6. Remove the fine-line tape slowly. After you remove the tape, it may leave a raised edge. According to Hotrodders.com, gently sand the edge with wet 2000-2200 sandpaper.

7. Apply clear paint to the whole image. Hotrodders.com states that you can apply as many coats of clear to create a smooth look. Let the paint dry for one to three hours.

References

• Hotrodders: Painting Ghost Flames