Ultimate Airbrush 101 Final
Ultimate Airbrush 101 Final
Ultimate Airbrush 101 Final
A simple guide to understanding airbrush terminology, types of airbrushes, and their recommended uses
This guide is offered to help airbrush users select the best airbrush for their application, and to provide important usage/maintenance information.
www.BadgerAirBrush.com
Nozzle sizes - There are varying airbrush nozzle sizes for spraying a range of materials. Although they have some effect on the line an airbrush produces, nozzle sizes (Fine, Medium, Heavy or 1, 3, and 5) apply more to the material that should be sprayed through the airbrush than the fineness of line an airbrush will produce. The line fineness is ultimately determined by multiple factors nozzle size, the needles linear air flow angle, pigment/base ratio of paint, pigment size, operating pressure, etc. NOTE: You need to have the right nozzle/needle size with the right spray medium for optimum airbrush performance. Fine/1: Best suited to spray thin, low viscosity mediums (inks, water colors, dyes, stains and gouache). Medium/3: The most popular choice; will spray airbrush ready paints, properly thinned acrylics, lacquers, enamels, urethanes, and special application materials (food airbrushing colors, tanning solutions, airbrush cosmetics, body paints, etc.). Heavy/5: Best for heavily pigmented and higher viscosity materials (glazes, gesso, latex, and varnish)
Spraying
The key factors in properly spraying an airbrush are operating air pressure, amount of material being released by the airbrush, and the distance the airbrush is being held from the surface being sprayed. For fine lines the airbrush should be held as close as possible to the surface with a small amount of material being released, for broader spray coverage the airbrush should be held 4 to 6 from the surface being sprayed with a larger volume of material being released. NOTE: The airbrush will produce overspray. This is the fuzz of dots that sprays outside of or around the sprays desired focal point. If a sharp edge is desired, a masking medium (stencil, frisket, low-tac masking tape, spray shield, etc.) must be utilized when airbrushing. There are some simple learning exercises that can be practiced to help develop skill, comfort, and confidence in using the airbrush: creating a grid of dots (on a blank sheet) with your airbrush then going back and connecting the dots, drawing figure eights, and/or simply writing your name with the airbrush. These are all basic, but effective, airbrushing exercises. To practice airbrush technique on three dimensional objects, paint items such as scratch plastic/metal, pop cans, shampoo bottles, or other contoured items that are of little or no value. THE ONLY THING THAT CANNOT BE TAUGHT RELATED TO USING AN AIRBRUSH IS PRACTICE.
Cleaning
Step one: The key to keeping an airbrush clean is to not let material set up (dry) in it. This can be done by simply spraying the appropriate cleaning agent through the airbrush with reasonable frequency (when changing color and when setting the airbrush to rest for any period of time). Three important things to remember: 1. Your cleaning agent should be determined based on the material you are using, not the airbrush you are using 2. Material dries as fast in an airbrush as it does on the surface it is being sprayed on to. 3. Anything you think will take 2 seconds will take 2 minutes, and anything you think will take 2 minutes will usually take at least 20 so spray the cleaner. Step two: Should material set up (dry) in the airbrush, it may be necessary to back flush the airbrush. This is done by suffocating the air flow of the airbrush at the nozzle (while spraying cleaner) by carefully pinching a soft cloth over the nozzles end. This deflects air back into the airbrush chamber - loosening dried material and sending it into the cleaning bottle/color cup. If done correctly, the cleaner will bubble during back flushing. After back flushing, dump/remove back flushed material from the airbrush dont spray it out of airbrush. Spray fresh cleaner through the airbrush after you have back flushed it. Step three: On what should be rare occasions it may be necessary to disassemble some parts of the airbrush for more thorough cleaning. This should only be necessary if the previous cleaning steps are not done regularly or are unsuccessful in cleaning the airbrush. If disassembly is required, it should only be of parts that come in contact with the sprayed material; from the materials point of entry into the airbrush and forward. This includes are the nozzle assembly and the needle. To thoroughly clean the nozzle assembly, use an ultrasonic cleaner or denture cleaner (yes, denture cleaner follow the directions on the package). The needle should be wiped down with a soft cloth saturated with the appropriate cleaning agent. If residue on the needle is still apparent it may be removed by gently rubbing a fine steel wool over the residual deposit area. While the needle and nozzle are removed from the airbrush it is OK to run a pipe cleaner saturated with cleaning agent through the chamber of the airbrush, following the same path as sprayed material, and out the airbrush front. For bottom feed airbrushes that is up the jar adaptor stem and out the front, for gravity feed airbrushes it is down the color cup and out the front. Only do this when the needle and nozzle are removed - forcing anything through the nozzle will damage it. A cleaner saturated cotton swab can also be used to clean the airbrushs jar stem and the airbrushs paint tip housing. Be careful not to scratch or damage any seal requiring surfaces. After using the pipe cleaner/cotton swab, blow out the airbrush to remove any fuzz. After all nozzle/needle cleaning steps are complete the airbrush can be reassembled and will be ready for use. This disassembly process should be rarely necessary if steps one and two are followed, but it is recommended if storing your airbrush for an extended period of time.
Art - Mural Painting/Large Canvas (see Automotive custom painting for mural/large canvas detail)
Best airbrush type: Double/Dual action, bottom feed, internal mix Badger 150, 155 Anthem, 175 Crescendo, VEGA 2000, OMNI 3000 Mural painting is an application that involves the use of varying types of airbrushes for different aspects of the job. As mural painting is a large scale application there are aspects of it that are best done with a spray gun rather than airbrush simply due to the large spray needs for most mural backgrounds. Due to work size, spray gun applications aside, the larger airbrush oriented task in mural painting are usually best done with a bottom feed airbrush that can accommodate a larger color reservoir and perform more efficiently for larger area coverage needs. Regardless of the scale of work, mural artist still need to vary spray patterns while spraying to better create realism effects and color gradations, so a double/dual action airbrush is usually preferable for mural painting applications. Usage of a double/dual action airbrush dictates the usage of an internal mix airbrush for mural painting airbrush applications, which is preferable nonetheless for more accurate spray control and image creation. Additionally, within many murals there are areas of finer scale detail (the art within the art), for these aspects of mural painting the recommendations above related to Automotive/Hard Surface Custom Painting can be applied to airbrush selection. Commonly Used Media Acrylics, Enamels, Lacquers, Urethanes, Imagineaire, Mural-Air
Automotive - Hard Surface Custom Painting (cars, motorcycles, helmets, skateboards, snowboards, etc.)
Best airbrush type: Double/Dual action, gravity feed, internal mix Badger 100LG, 105 Patriot, Renegade Velocity, OMNI 4000 Custom painting is about details. For quality custom finishes a detail capable airbrush is critical. Detail for an airbrush artist relates to two key factors the first being the quality and precision of the airbrush itself and the second being the control the artist has with the airbrush. There are other contributing factors, but these two factors are paramount in a custom painting airbrush. Regarding airbrush quality, there are various precision made and performing airbrushes, including the Badger and Thayer & Chandler models listed above. In regards to control, a gravity feed airbrush will always provide better user control thus making a gravity feed airbrush a more proficient custom painting airbrush. Because a gravity feed airbrush utilizes gravity to pull color into the airbrush, rather than the siphon process of a bottom feed airbrush, the gravity feed airbrush can be operated at a lower air pressure. This lower operating pressure allows for a more deliberate hand movement when airbrushing thus giving the artist greater airbrush control, making detail easier to achieve. Additionally, for many custom painting effects it is necessary to adjust spray pattern while spraying. Such spray pattern adjustment is more easily accomplished using a double/dual action airbrush. And as a finer softer dot/spray pattern is more desirable for the fine detail custom painting, an internal mix airbrush is also a better choice for custom painting airbrush applications. Commonly Used Media Lacquers, Urethanes, Water Bourne Enamels, Imagineaire
Automotive Mobile Tech (Nick/Scratch Repair and Touch Up, Interior Vinyl Repair)
Best airbrush type(s) Interior Vinyl: Single action, bottom feed, external mix - Badger 250, Badger 350 Easy Exterior large surface area repair: Single action, bottom feed, external mix - Badger 350 Easy Exterior small nick/scratch repair: Single action, bottom feed, internal mix - Badger 200 Precise, VEGA 600 The key to quality nick and scratch repair is smooth color gradation/build up and undetectable repair blending. Some of this is accomplished through fine spot sanding and buffing, but a precise uniform spray pattern is a must when doing quality nick and scratch repair. As this application is simplified by finding and setting a spray pattern relative to the repair size, it is much easier and more efficiently done using a single action airbrush. Additionally, as nick and scratch repair often involves the mixing of color to properly match an existing finish, most mobile techs find it more efficient to use a bottom feed airbrush so they can mix the desired color in a mixing jar and then attach it directly to the airbrush to perform the repair. As generally vinyl repair involves the usage of a higher viscosity media it is more easily done using an external mix airbrush, like the Badger 250 or 350 Easy. The 350 Easy is also suitable for larger exterior repairs that involve larger areas of spray coverage. Smaller exterior nick and scratch touch up is best done using properly reduced automotive paints, which can be sprayed through an internal mix airbrush, like the 200 Precise or Vega 600 to better minimize overspray and enable easier color blending. So for smaller finer scratch repair an internal mix single action airbrush is best for the job. Commonly Used Media Lacquers, Urethanes, Water Bourne Enamels
Bakery - Home/Small Bakery Decorating (cup cakes, cookies, round cakes, some sheets)
Best airbrush type: Single action*, gravity feed, internal mix w/ free flow air valve 100GB/LGB, BakeAir 4000/5000, VEGA 1000B *the term single action when referring to specially set up bakery airbrushes differs from than the conventional airbrush related definition of single action. Whereas single action usually means the triggers only function is the on/off for air (passing through the airbrush), in the case of specially set up bakery airbrushes the air is continually on, and flowing through the airbrush, and the triggers sole function is adjusting color volume and spray pattern width by its being moved back and forth by the decorator. The airbrush is the only effective tool for applying creative color gradations and stencil designs on bakery treats. Whether adding color to cup cakes/cake edges or stenciling a name or team logo on to fondant ice cookies, the airbrush is a fun and useful tool. As finer softer spray is preferable for creative control, an internal mix airbrush is the best choice for home or small bakery decorators. Additionally, most small bakery and home decorators airbrush projects are smaller in size and require small amounts of airbrush food color making a gravity feed airbrush, that only needs a few drops of color, ideal for small bakery/home decorating applications. For small bakery decorators who may have occasional larger or production oriented projects, a larger cup gravity feed airbrush (100LGB or BakeAir 4000) is a better choice than the smaller cup airbrushes (100GB, BakeAir 5000, or VEGA 1000B). Gravity feed is also beneficial for many bakery airbrush applications because it allows for low pressure operation of the airbrush, thus eliminating any possible disturbance of frosted surfaces that higher air pressures might cause. The continuous flow of air through the airbrush aids in preventing airbrush food color from drying while the airbrush is not being sprayed. For this reason, a bakery single action airbrush is a better and more common selection for small bakery/home decorators. Commonly Used Media Airbrush Food Colors
*the term single action when referring to specially set up cosmetic airbrushes differs from than the conventional airbrush related definition of single action. Whereas single action usually means the triggers only function is the on/off for air (passing through the airbrush), in the case of specially set up cosmetic airbrushes the air is continually on, and flowing through the airbrush, and the triggers sole function is adjusting color volume and spray pattern width by its being moved back and forth by the technician. The airbrush is the most effective tool for applying beautiful natural appearing make-up. For the salon cosmetologist, theatrical make-up artist, or mortician, whether applying undetectable foundation or perfect blush tones, an airbrush is the most efficient tool for applying perfect make-up. A fine soft spray is required for creative control. Thus an internal mix airbrush is the best choice for cosmetic/make-up airbrushing. Additionally, it takes a very small amount of airbrush cosmetic to complete a cosmetic/make-up application, so a small cup gravity feed airbrush (100GC, Air Elegance 5000, or VEGA 1000C) that only needs a few drops of cosmetic, is ideal for cosmetic/make-up airbrushing. Gravity feed is also beneficial for cosmetic airbrush applications because it allows for low pressure operation of the airbrush, thus eliminating any discomfort for the client that higher air pressures might cause. The continuous flow of air through the airbrush aids in preventing airbrush cosmetic from drying while the airbrush is not being sprayed. For this reason, a cosmetic single action airbrush is a better and more common selection for cosmetic/make-up airbrush applications. Commonly Used Media Airbrush Make-up, True Air (mortuary), Air Elegance (salon/glamour), Pixel (HD/theatrical)
Because of the detail nature of fingernail airbrushing a gravity feed, internal mix airbrush is the best, easiest to use, airbrush type for fingernail airbrushing. A gravity feed airbrush allows better user control, and an internal mix airbrush provides a fine precise spray pattern, which is more desirable to fingernail airbrush artists/technicians. As many fingernail airbrush artists/technicians do some freehand airbrush design, most prefer double/dual action airbrushes that allow them to vary their spray pattern while spraying. Because of the small amount of material (only 2 or 3 drops of color at a time) and minute size of the artwork, most fingernail airbrush technicians use airbrushes with very small or no color reservoir. These small color reservoir airbrushes allow the artist to visually work right over the needle/nozzle tip, giving them better creative control as their fingernail airbrush art develops. (If exclusively using stencils to create fingernail airbrush designs, a single action airbrush is easier and simpler to learn and use) Commonly Used Media Acrylics, Air-Opaque, Nail Flair
Dental
Best airbrush type: Single action, bottom feed, internal mix Badger 200 Precise, 200-20, VEGA 600 Badger 350 The airbrush is used by many dental laboratories for the proper coating of crowns and implants with porcelains and veneers. This application requires a precise uniform spray pattern to ensure even and complete coverage of the dental enhancement. This is best accomplished using a single action airbrush that provides a fixed pre-set spray pattern. As the spray media for this application is sometimes of heavier viscosity many dental lab technicians use external mix airbrushes, which are easier to spray heavier viscosity materials through. However, this generally means more material will be used and the application control is less refined because of the larger atomization process of the external mix airbrush. Other dental lab technicians prefer to use an internal mix airbrush that has a more precise atomization pattern, which will use less material and provide a finer coating. In either case, because of the amount of material required in the coating of most dental enhancements, it is most common and efficient for the dental laboratory airbrush technician to use a bottom feed airbrush. Commonly Used Media porcelain, veneers
Hobby Model Finishing - fine scale detail (figures, z/n scale RR, museum/competition finishing)
Best airbrush type: Double/Dual action, gravity feed, internal mix
100G/LG, 105 Patriot (Arrow), Renegade Velocity (Jet), SOTAR 2020, VEGA 1000, OMNI 4000/5000
The detail aspect of model finishing equates to that of a fine illustrator who has selected a static model as his work surface. Precise detail model finishing requires maximum airbrush control and fine soft microscopic dot patterns that can be controlled and manipulated by the artist to form the exact detail finish the artist desires. A gravity feed airbrush, that can be operated at low air pressures, is necessary for maximum control. An internal mix airbrush, that sprays fine hair-line dots, is necessary to achieve maximum spray pattern precision. Additionally, as many detail finishing applications require the ability to vary spray pattern while spraying, it is recommendable that the artist use a double/dual action airbrush for detail oriented fine scale model finishing applications. Commonly Used Media Acrylics, Enamels, Lacquers, MODELflex (freakflex, Marine & Military MODELflex)
Hobby Model Finishing - prototypical finishes, simple color coat application, figure base coating
Best airbrush type(s): Single Action, bottom feed, internal mix Badger 200 Precise, 200-20 detail, 200 gravity feed, VEGA 600 If only applying prototypical finishes on models or base coating figures, an airbrush that can apply simple even coats of color is best and most cost effective. This makes a single action airbrush that provides a pre-set spray pattern for uniform color coverage an excellent choice for this application. In order to achieve model detail enhancement, rather than hide model detail, an internal mix airbrush that provides finer color atomization is preferable. The choice of bottom feed or gravity feed is dependent on the scale of model being finished. Medium to large scales are most efficiently finished using a bottom feed airbrush, whereas small scales can be done using a gravity feed airbrush with a small color reservoir because very little paint is required to finish an entire small scale model or base coat a miniature figure. It is not uncommon for small scale modelers to use bottom feed airbrushes with color cups instead of jars, rather than trying to locate sometime hard to find single action gravity feed airbrushes. Either gravity feed or bottom feed airbrushes can be used to properly apply precise even coats of color for prototypical model finishing or figure base coating. Commonly Used Media Acrylics, Enamels, Lacquers, MODELflex (freakflex, Marine & Military MODELflex), RC-Air
Remember because of the greater control enabled by a gravity feed detail airbrush; you are generally more able to adapt a detail airbrush to a general purpose task, than you are able to adapt a general purpose airbrush to a detail task.
Hobby Model Finishing - Radio Control (lexan bodies/canopies) Best airbrush type(s) - Single Action, bottom feed, internal mix Badger 200 Precise, Vega 600
Double/Dual action, bottom feed, internal mix Badger 150, 155 Anthem, 175 Crescendo, Renegade Rage, VEGA 2000, OMNI 3000 The same airbrushes that are best for static model prototypical finish applications are also the best airbrushes for airbrushing Radio Control (RC) car/plane bodies and helicopter canopies. The difference in painting RC subjects is that the application of color is in reverse meaning the color to appear on top is the first color applied. RC subjects are painted on their underside with the first color applied being the most visible when the body/canopy is viewed from its outside. The actual application of color is most similar to applying nice even coats of color as in prototypical static model finishing. This is best done using a single action airbrush that provides a pre-set spray pattern for uniform color application. Much of the graphic art effects applied to RC bodies/canopies is done through the use of masking mediums that create the graphic image to a greater extent than the airbrush does. For RC body/canopy finishes having artistic color gradations and freehand effects, usage of a double/dual action airbrush is highly recommended. The fine dot pattern of an internal mix airbrush is most preferable in RC body/canopy painting so the color depth can be carefully built up to the painters desire. As most RC body/canopy painting is medium to large in its scale, a bottom feed airbrush is usually more efficient. The primary exception is smaller slot car bodies, which require much less paint and can be efficiently done with a gravity feed airbrush. Many slot car painters simply use bottom feed airbrushes with color cups instead of jars. Commonly Used Media Acrylics, Enamels, Lacquers, MODELflex (freakflex, Marine & Military MODELflex), RC-Air
Sign Painting
Best airbrush type: Double/Dual action, bottom feed, internal mix Badger 150, 155 Anthem, 175 Crescendo, VEGA 2000, OMNI 3000 Every complete service sign shop should have and use an airbrush. In sign painting the airbrush can be used for highlights, color gradations, and free hand art - such as airbrushed lettering or image creation. Sign painting applications are very similar to both mural painting and T-shirt airbrushing. The same airbrushes that are best for those applications are also best for sign painting. Double/dual action triggering enables spray adjustment while spraying, which is necessary for most sign painting applications. An internal mix airbrush provides a finer more precise atomization, which is preferred for many of the artistic effects used in sign airbrushing. And lastly, because of the sizable nature of most sign painting projects, a bottom feed airbrush that can hold larger amounts of material is best for sign airbrushing applications. Commonly Used Media Acrylics, Enamels, Lacquers, Urethanes, Spectratex, Imagineaire
Taxidermy Base Coat Applications (see base coating) Woodworking and Antiquing
Best airbrush type: Single action, bottom feed, internal and/or external mix Badger 350 Easy, Badger 200 Precise, VEGA 600 The airbrush is an excellent tool for applying base coats and properly reduced sealers to woodwork. It provides a far more controlled spray than spray cans, and enables precise color gradations for artistic effect and antiquing. The airbrush is also an efficient controlled spray tool for stenciling patterns often used in woodworking as well as lawn ornament production. As most woodwork applications are most efficiently done with a controlled pre-set spray pattern a single action airbrush is best suited for woodwork applications, and as there is little if any finite detail in these applications a bottom feed airbrush, accommodating larger jars, will allow for more efficient work at a faster pace. The type of mix for the airbrush is dependent on the users need for a finer dot/spray pattern (internal mix) versus a larger broader spray pattern (external mix) for faster heavier color coverage. For antiquing, an internal mix airbrush will provide better spray control and more precise color gradations. Commonly Used Media Acrylics, Enamels, Lacquers, Urethanes, Wood Stains, Spectratex, Air-Opaque
2) Off-center spray:
A. Bent needle tip / Carefully attempt to straighten the needle tip. A grooved sharpening stone is an effective device for straightening bent airbrush needle tips. If you are unable to straighten the needle tip, a replacement needle will need to be installed to correct the off-center spray concern.
5) Spray will not shut off and/or occurs without sliding the trigger back:
A. Improper seating of the needle in the paint tip / Re-seat the needle by loosening the needle locking nut and sliding the needle forward until it stops and seats in the nozzle tip, then re-tighten the needle locking nut. DO NOT USE FORCE when seating the needle in the nozzle tip, when it stops it should be seated properly. B. Flared paint tip / It is necessary to replace the nozzle tip. C. Partial tip dry / Remove the dried paint from the needle/nozzle tip by picking it off with your finger nails or spraying cleaner through the airbrush. If tip dry occurs frequently in your application, it may be helpful to keep a paint brush and small container of water nearby to wet the nozzle and get your airbrush spraying properly again when necessary. Tip dry will occur more frequently in detail airbrushing applications.
8) Grainy spray:
A. Media not properly thinned / Media should be the viscosity equivalent of skim milk to spray properly. Add the appropriate thinning agent to reduce the media to a spray-able viscosity.
B. Inadequate air pressure / make sure your air source is supplying adequate air pressure: Gravity feed airbrush 10-30psi / Bottom feed airbrush 20-40psi
11) Barbell spray patterns, flared spray pattern ends, and/or curved spray pattern:
A. Improper triggering technique / be sure to begin hand movement before sliding trigger back to release color, and do not stop your hand movement before returning trigger to the forward position to turn off color flow. This can only be corrected through practice of proper triggering techniques. B. Turning wrist at end spray stroke or arcing closer to the surface during the spray stroke / learn proper triggering technique and practice, practice, practice!
www.BadgerAirBrush.com