How to Airbrush as a Hobby

Airbrushing offers hobbyists the chance to experiment with many different types of paint.

Airbrushing is one of the most versatile artistic mediums. The vast array of paints and the ability to paint on multiple canvases makes airbrushing a favorite among hobbyists. In addition, the airbrush offers the enthusiast a chance to experiment with different types of paint and different ranges of value. In order to obtain efficiency with an airbrush, the user must understand how the tool works and learn the basic techniques. By learning the basics of airbrushing, you can transform a fleeting interest into a full-on hobby.

Things You'll Need

• Airbrush
• Hose
• Air compressor
• Paint
• Air mask
• Art board
• Easel
• Masking tape
• Rubbing alcohol
• Airbrush cleaning solution

Instructions

Set Up

1. Choose an airbrush. Art supply stores sell many different types and styles of airbrushes. Decide which type of airbrush suits your needs.

2. Learn the parts and components of the airbrush. Airbrushes contain many parts. Read the manual and learn about the parts of the unit.

3. 

   Decide what size of air compressor suits your needs.

   Decide on the type of compressor you need. Use a smaller compressor for personal artwork or clothing. Purchase a larger compressor for vehicles and large-scale work.

4. 

   Decide what type of paint suits the project.

   Decide on the type of paint you want to use. Think about the project and decide if you want the blending quality of oils, the fast dry time of acrylics or the glossiness of lacquer paint. According to Librarium Online, "Almost anything can go through an airbrush." Purchase the best quality paint you can afford.

5. 

   Find a large, well-ventilated room.

   Find a well-ventilated area or room to use your airbrush. Make sure there are plenty of open windows and a good air supply.

6. 

   Purchase the best quality breathing mask you can afford.

   Purchase a breathing mask. Use a high-quality mask if you plan to airbrush for more than an hour at a time.

Getting Started

1. Set up the airbrush. Connect the hose to the compressor. Attach the air gun to the hose. Plug in the compressor and slowly turn on the pressure valve.

2. 

   Set up an area to paint your projects.

   Set up an easel or painting table. Tape a piece of paper to an art board or pressed hardboard.

3. 

   The trigger pressure controls the line size.

   Play around with the trigger of the airbrush. The amount of pressure exerted on the trigger controls the size of the paint line and the tone of the color.

4. Move the airbrush closer to the paper to get a thinner line and farther away to create a bigger line. Practice keeping the airbrush stroke smooth and steady. Once you feel comfortable with the trigger and the paper distance, try to work with the trigger pressure while playing with the distance from the paper.

5. Use the gun to create a range of value from dark to light. Practice this technique by shading spheres, squares and different geometric shapes.

6. 

   Use tape for sharp lines or lettering.

   Use tape for sharp lines or lettering. Tape off any letters, straight lines or corners with masking tape, and paint the taped-off area.

7. Clean the airbrush after each use. Make sure you use all of the paint in the paint cup and fill it with an airbrush-cleaning solution. Spray the entire cup of solution through the airbrush. Unscrew the tip of the brush and clean all of the components with rubbing alcohol.

Tips & Warnings

• Many hobby or art stores offer airbrushing classes.

• Always follow all safety rules and precautions when using compressed air.

References

• Airbrushing Basics
• Advanced Airbrushing: Hobby Airbrushing: Helicopter, Plane Art

Resources

• "Airbrush Technique Magazine": Home