How to Airbrush Letters

Practice is the key to airbrush lettering.

The key to learning airbrush lettering is practice. The amount of time put into repetition of lettering will be directly proportional to the skill you acquire. There are many styles of airbrush lettering; some are particular to the artist. Find examples that you find attractive and try imitating them. Airbrushing is an old technique that continues to be refined and expanded upon with each passing year. Have confidence that you can create your own special lettering. With applied practice, your skill will grow as will your delight in the accomplishment of airbrush lettering.

Things You'll Need

• Airbrush
• Paints
• Scrap paper

Instructions

1. 

   Practice makes perfect.

   Decide which style of letters you want to practice. Some examples are script, single stroke, block, bold and bubble.

2. 

   Practice on scrap paper.

   Draw a word on scrap paper using big, fat letters that are connected.

3. 

   Shadows add depth.

   Put a drop-shadow outline on the bottom of all the letters.

4. Fill this area in with a dark color. The closer your nozzle is to the paper, the thinner the line, so draw back from the paper surface to get thicker lines.

5. Position your airbrush an inch further away from the surface and create a fine mist around all the lettering. This can be placed on one side of the letters only as shading, if desired.

6. Add irregular drips to the letters. These could be off the bottom or inside the letters at the top. There are no rules; practice all styles and see what appeals to you.

Tips & Warnings

• Use spray paints in a well-ventilated area and wear a mask.

References

• West Coast Airbrush: Freehand Lettering
• How to Airbrush: Airbrushing Fine Lines, Detail