idk if neone still reads this thread, but ill pass my knowledge on about airbrushing etc.... one thing ill do to is basics for those who r new to the airbrush and check this out...
~compressors/accessories etc...u can use the testors mini air comps etc...but also those $40-60 brad nailer comp etc... u see work great too! just make sure it has or u add a pressure regualtor too it!! depending on what type of fluid ur spraying u need as low as 10psi-35psi ( from inks, dyes to enamals ,laquers etc..) most paint u spray is used between 25-35psi (make sure u read the manufactures min- max psi for ur brush!), and make sure u always add a MOISTURE TRAP!! u can add one to ur air comp or "in-line" on ur hose. this makes a world of difference not only in avoiding spatter buy catching all the moisture that passes through, but keeps debree from going into ur hose or into the valve seat of ur airbrush, and can/will ruin it ( which if u drop 100-200 on a nice one, a $14 dollar inline is well worth it!) a braided hose is also recomended to use it wont get kinks etc...
~ paints, thinners etc.....as far as paint goes, what kind u r using depends on the "medium" u need to thin out ur paint. if ur using enamels use thinner for enamels etc.. dont use a thinner for acrylics w/ enamels and vice versa. this will make sure ur paint will thin properly and also wont casue and harmful chemical reactions! how much u thin out ur paint will depend on certain things too. some paint at hobby stores or art supply can come ready to airbrush, most dont. and still even some that says ready to airbrush still needs to b thinned. ive found that most enamels and laqures need to be thinned for sure, a safe bet is usually 1:1 ratio......i still thin my acrylics as well, and depending on what brand ive used ive thinnned anywhere from 1:1, to 1:4 (1 part paint to 4 parts thinner), also a good tip when using acrylics to to add "acrylic retarder". acrylics dry fast as ur using them and this will help keep it from clogging ur brush while in use and also prevent "tip drying", this is the build up that starts making the paint drip at ur airbrush tip,or the spatter that ruins ur project.. also if u notice ur paint spattering or ur brush clogging after a couple min. of use,( this is with all types) ur paint is still too thick, and needs to be thinned more.... always thin out ur paint in a seperate jar, and also before u pour ur paint into the jar or cup ( syphon fed, or gravity fed brush) its a good idea to pour it through a strainer of some sort to prevent chunks or debree from getting in there....... and its in my opinion, what ever brand of paint u r using, use the same thinner also, what compaines do is make there paint molecules adhere and break down with there thinners, and what happens is if u mix & match, the paint might not thin out properly or it may not stick to the surface ur painting so well, or at all.............
alot of the time ur thinners also contain a lubricant in them to help flow really well, and also aid in not clogging in ur brush, so tricks like using windex, rubbing alcohol, windshield washer fluid work good to clean color jars and cups, and even to clean ur brush, i still buy airbrush cleaner to use to clean the brush out in between color changes and to clean the brush after im done ( i still use windex w/ amonia to clean my color cups and jars, im just cleaning them , and windex is a buck or two!)
~tips and needles......also its a good idea to find out what type of tip & needle size the brush ur buying/have comes with, or can also be purchased ( most of the hobby brushes are made to spray paint). but like badger or paasche etc.. may come with one,2 or 3 sizes, or u can buy all the sizes seperate. usually MEDIUM tips & needles are best used for painting base coats and details when spraying paints from small to lager surfaces, i find that LARGE tips&needles are best for certain primer or really large surfaces, and SMALL being best for inks, dyes, and really light fluids......
MOST IMPORTANT: make sure u clean ur brush when ur done!, and if ur gonna set it dwn for a bit, take off ur color jar/cup, run cleaner through the brush, even 5 min idle can casue clogging and drying where u end up having to disassemble the whole thing and some brushes can be very complex on the inside to some ppl...
ok, well theres some basics for ppl new to airbrushing, or just curious about things. if u have any questions about different types of brushes, (internal/external mix, single/double action, gravity/syphon fed ) or any other questions etc.... feel free to ask or PM me.. if i no or can help i will gladly!! :cheers
No more airbrush propellant!!!!
