If you are a beginner, airbrushing may seem daunting at first glance. However, if you are fine art professional or hooked on do-it-yourselfers, you will have to leave behind rattle cans and paint tubs behind at one point.
Whether you are a full-time cake decorator who wants to delve into airbrushing or simply trying airbrushing for a cool car makeover, buying an airbrush kit will make your airbrushing journey relatively facile rather than going out and fretting over buying all the parts separately. However, a slew of various airbrush kits is available in the market ready to send you running back home, overwhelmed. So here are a few things to consider before buying the airbrush kit best suitable for you!
What are the different types of airbrush guns?
The type of airbrush gun you go for will be per your personal choice and professional demands. The two main types of airbrush guns are based on the action, that is, how the triggers of an airbrush function.
Single-action airbrush
As the name suggests, the single-action airbrush gun has a single knob near the tip of the gun which controls the amount of airflow when the trigger is pushed. The mechanism is very similar to spray paint and therefore, the single-action airbrushing gun is very user-friendly for beginners or occasional users.
The simplicity of the single-action airbrush comes at a cost of limitation of precision. It is a perfect choice if you want high coverage and no fine lines and gradients like applying ceramic glazes or viscous paints, but it may not be suitable if you are a t-shirt designer or you are working on a project that requires fine details.
The learning process as well as cleaning ad maintenance of a single-action airbrush is relatively trouble-free.
Double-action airbrush
A double-action airbrush is for the pros! With multiple controls, it allows the user to control both airflow and the volume of paint. With a double-action airbrush, you can produce a variety of opacities, lines, color gradients, and punctilious details. It also offers a snug hold so you can work comfortably for many hours. The added precision control makes it the quintessential choice for freehand artists, logo designers, and makeup artists.
The complexity of results comes with a drawback of complexity in usage. It requires time and skill to master the double-action airbrush. It may also not be the best choice for people who want to paint large surface areas.
What are the different types of airbrush feeds?
There are three ways paint can be fed to the gun. The way the paint is fed leads to diverse results.
Gravity-feed
Gravity-feed airbrushes use the principle of gravity to feed paint. The paint cup is on the top and it drops paint in small amounts in the mixing chamber. A functionality worth mentioning is that a gravity-feed airbrush can work on all pressures. Hence, for artists working on low pressures to get finer details, it is a life-saver.
Some gravity-feed airbrushes allow interchangeable cups but many do not. These cups hold lesser paint than siphon-feed or side-feed airbrushes but they are easier to clean as there are fewer parts.
Siphon-feed
Siphon-feed or suction-feed airbrushes have a bottle of paint attached to the bottom of the airbrush. The siphon-feed airbrush is ideal for bigger airbrushing projects as it stores more paint, a convenience, so you do not have to stop for refills.
Side-feed
Side-feed airbrushes offer the best of both worlds. They can hold a large volume of paint as well as work at low pressures. A suction or gravity-feed cup is attached to the side of the airbrush which can be revolved by 360 degrees to offer comfort while working at difficult angles.
Despite the multiple features of the side-feed airbrush, it is unpopular among artists because cleaning them is a strenuous job and there have been occasional leaks reported.
What are the different airbrush mixes?
Airbrush mixing is differed by the location of where the paint and air are incorporated.
External mix
External mix airbrushes mix the paint and air outside the airbrush. These are not very good at producing diaphanous and fine patterns as the paint is not well atomized. However, they are productive in atomizing viscous paints.
Internal mix
Popular than its predecessor, the internal mix airbrush produces delicate patterns and atomizes paint more effectively.
Which compressor should you go for?
In an airbrush kit, a compressor is included. However, the compressor is the most expensive part of the kit as well as significant. So choosing the kit with the right compressor should be a priority. Following are some things to keep in mind when choosing the compressor in your airbrushing kit.
Pressure gauge and regulator
A pressure gauge and regulator are a must for novices. Experienced users don’t need a gauge as they can interpret the airflow by the opacity of paint however, a gauge is very helpful for newbies. A regulator on the other hand will assist in regulating the pressure between 1.5 to 2.2 bar.
Tank
A compressor with a tank is naturally more pricey and is not a necessity for those working on small projects. Without a tank, a compressor will work continuously while the airbrush is working but with pulsations. A tank will eradicate any and all pulsations and are suitable for those working on bigger projects.
Water separator
A water separator is an essential add-on to a compressor. It will prevent distortion of paint patterns due to the mixing of condensed water in the paint.
Noise
Compressors with an auto-off function reduce noise by 75 percent however, these compressors are over-priced.
Which nozzles should you have?
For a professional, a range of different-sized nozzles in an airbrush set is ideal to have. A range of 0.2mm to 0.5mm is available in the market and 0.5mm is the most common one among users.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What surfaces can be painted using an airbrush kit?
A: Any and all surfaces can be painted depending on the paint you use. On some particular surfaces, you may have to apply a base coat before airbrushing.
Q: How do I clean my airbrush kit?
A: The airbrush must be cleaned in two instances, after every use, and after every paint change. To clean, you will detach the container and use a cotton swab to get rid of all the paint. Then fill the container with a cleaner and re-attach it. Operate the gun until clear fluid is seen and leave the container out for drying. And you’re done!
Q: What are the safety concerns associated with airbrushing?
A: Keep the room ventilated to avoid inhaling paint droplets and be cautious while using needles. Also, safely dispose of paints.