Air Brushing Wood Crafts

Airbrush painting offers an artist many options for blending colors through a multinozzel paint gun.

Airbrushing is a method of spraying a fine mist of paint through a compressor-powered air gun onto different types of surfaces. Airbrushing uses short, light bursts of paint to create images. Airbrush artists frequently uses layering techniques for blended or graded color projects, or they apply stencils to make specific designs. Airbrushing wood crafts can transform simple pieces of wood into works of art.

Sunset Wall Hanging

Use a light-colored wood blank, such as a blond oak, to create a layered, airbrushed sunset wall hanging. Use a stencil and black paint to outline solid elements of the design, such as a mountain or treeline backdrop. When the paint is dry, layer overlapping horizontal bursts of airbrushed colors in shades such as red, orange, pink, yellow and lavender. Transparent colors will provide a translucent look, while pastel shades will create a darker, solid appearance with vibrant undertones. When dry, add picture-hanging hardware to the back of the piece and display it.

Stenciled Birdhouse

Purchase or build a simply-designed wooden birdhouse and secure branch and leaf stencils across the lower portion of the box. Airbrush dark brown paint onto the stencils and allow it to dry, then reapply leaf stencils and repeat the process using different shades of green airbrush paint. As a final touch, secure bird stencils on top of the painted branch and airbrush with solid black paint to create bird silhouettes. Embellish the birds, if you like, with hand-painted details. If the birdhouse is to be hung outdoors, apply a waterproofing spray before putting it to use.

Decorative Planter

Brighten up a plain wooden planter box by freehand airbrushing layered abstract designs or by airbrushing stenciled vines, tendrils, flowers and leaves across the base. For a more sophisticated look, airbrush the entire planter with white paint, then stencil airbrush scrolls and floral patterns across the surface in shades of grey and black. You also can airbrush words or names across the surface to personalize the planter.

Jewelry Box

Use a freehand approach to cover a simple wooden jewelry box in overlapping, blended layers of pinks, purples and creams. When dry, apply a large princess crown stencil to the top portion of the box and airbrush with a silver paint. Allow to dry and embellish the crown with self-adhesive rhinestones and crystals. Line the box with a piece of pink velvet or velour fabric and add a scented sachet.

References

• Airbrush Technique Magazine: How to Airbrush
• Airbrush Technique Magazine: Airbrush Using Stencils