How to Paint With an Air Brush
An airbrush uses compressed air to spray a liquid, such as paint, onto a surface. Airbrushes are primarily used to paint thin lines, cover large areas with even coats of paint or add smooth, finishing touches to models and other projects. Beginner airbrush users should ideally start with a single-action, external mix compressor unit before moving on to more advanced double-action airbrushes, in which paint volume and air volume are controlled with a single lever.
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Things You'll Need
- Airbrush gun and supplies
- Airbrush paints
- Fan
- Protective eye wear
- Scrap materials to paint on
- Tape
- Respiratory protection
- Latex gloves
Instructions
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1
Construct a basic airbrushing workspace or booth. Install a fan to help circulate air and remove fumes.
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2
Use a paint respirator to protect you from inhaling harmful dusts, fumes, vapors and/or gases associated with airbrushing. This is especially important if you are in a tightly enclosed space.
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3
Check if you need to apply primer to a surface before painting. Depending on what you will be airbrushing, you may or may not need primer.
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4
Spray with an even stroke and hand to get a uniform finish. When painting large swaths of color with an airbrush, start at one side of the painting area and move across it at a slow and steady pace. Don't release the airbrush trigger until you are entirely across the target area.
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Use tape to conceal certain areas from getting airbrushed. Artist's tape, drafting tape or strong masking tape work well to protect an area from airbrush paint. When airbrushing over tape, try not to spray at at angle or with intense force, as this may cause paint to leak under the edge of the tape.
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Clean the airbrush tip by spraying it with water and a little liquid dishwashing soap when you are done painting. Use rubbing alcohol to get out any leftover paint that didn't come out.
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Tips & Warnings
Practice using your airbrush on scrap materials such as metal and plastic. Some useful exercises you can work on include painting thin lines and shading and blending colors.
Paint with an airbrush in a well-ventilated or outdoor area to avoid inhaling paint fumes.
References
- Photo Credit graffiti figur with headphone, twinkling image by Wamsler from Fotolia.com
