How to Airbrush Plastic

You have greater control over your painting when using airbrushes.

In the world of painting, spray paint is like an ax, while an airbrush is like a scalpel. The precision of airbrushes makes fine detail and professional painting possible. When painting plastic with an airbrush, you have control over the flow of paint hitting the object's surface. If you master using an airbrush, you will never have to worry about paint drips or splatters on your plastic models.

Things You'll Need

• Rubber gloves
• Disposable droppers
• Old newspaper
• Paint mixing cup
• Toothpicks
• Paint
• Paint thinner

Instructions

1. Place several layers of old newspaper on your work area to keep paint from bleeding through to your table.

2. Turn your plastic item upside-down so you can start spraying the underside first. For example, if you have a model car, you should place it on its roof to spray the bottom panels of the vehicle. Spraying the bottom first leaves room for error. You can correct your painting method before spraying the top of the vehicle.

3. Flip your compressor to the "On" position and adjust the air pressure entering your airbrush. Connect your paint bottle and needle at this time. Press the spray button on your brush to move some air through the nozzle.

4. Use disposable droppers to pick up and transfer paint and thinner to your mixing bowl. You must mix your selected paint with a certain amount of paint thinner so the airbrush does not clog during operation. Both the label on the paint thinner bottle and the directions that came with your airbrush usually provide an idea as to the proper paint-to-thinner ratio. When the proper mixture is in your bowl, stir it with a toothpick. Pour the concoction into the airbrush bottle.

5. Spray a small section of the old newspaper to test the spray characteristics of your airbrush. You want to have a feel for the brush before making your first pass on the plastic.

6. Hold the airbrush approximately 6 to 18 inches away from the plastic, and begin your painting. Sweep across the plastic in even strokes. If you must stop the flow of paint, do so when the brush is away from the plastic surface. Hold the airbrush at an angle, avoiding any vertical positions. Holding the airbrush vertically will result in paint drips.

Tips & Warnings

• Sit down when painting plastic with your airbrush. Painting may take several minutes, which can strain your neck and back.

• Clean your airbrush thoroughly immediately after you are done with it. Spray paint thinner through the nozzle, and soak any detachable parts in paint thinner.

References

• RC Airplane Advisor: Airbrush Lessons