Airbrushing

[CanadianScroller]

Several times airbrushing has been mentioned as a method of adding color or finish to a project.
I am sure there are forum for airbrush artists but that might be a little intimidating to enter a new realm. After all not every forum on the net is as warm and inviting as this one.
I did some searching this morning and came across a few links that may help.
The first is a quick and simple tutorial for model makers

Next we have one that is a little more advance and covers some more specific techniques, along with an airbrushing T shirts tutorial.

Finally we have one that is very extensive and should answer almost any question you can dig up.

Hope this helps.

[Marcel in Longueuil]

Cool,

I was just thinking of buying an airbrush lately.

I saw some as 25$ at Rona and that gave me the idea to buy one, but I figured I'd probably cuss at it more than anything else.
We have a specialized art store nearby, so I thought maybe that's where I needed to look. (I think I saw some at up to $250)

Your links will probably help me make an educated choice of tool, instead of going for a gut feeling.

Thanks Carl!

Regards,
Marcel

[Gill]

I bought a cheap airbrush a couple of years ago but I wasn't very good - I couldn't even get it to spray . Goodness knows where it is now, but I'm going to hunt around for it and try again, following the advice on these links.

Many thanks, Carl .

Gill

[CanadianScroller]

I have three cheap airbrushes. I couldn't justify the $250 and up for a pro model.

Two I bought at garage sales one of which came with an air supply.
it was a model makers kits which unfortunately broke...because I didn't clean it well enough. This was BS....that's before scrolling..... I may see if I can fabricate a new handle. It was an internal mix where the air was constant and the needle controlled the paint flow not the airflow. It was handy because you could dry the paint with the air blowing.

The second was a syphon bottom feed with an external mix. The air blows over a tube drawing the paint up as it flies by.
The trigger controls the airflow.

The last one is made by Testors and it is called the Aztek.
I really like this one because you can snap on your paint bottles and change colors instantly.
The orifice of each cup is mounted with the cup. It too is an external mix.

All of these work well for me. I do need to learn a little more about paint viscosity though. I do get occasional runs.......in the paint people, in the paint!

As for an air source. I am lucky enough to have a couple of compressors.
You can by propellant in small cans but it is EXPENSIVE.
You are further ahead picking up an inner tube and an adapter and running out to the gas station when you need a refill.

[Dusty Buffalo]

I have three cheap airbrushes. I couldn't justify the $250 and up for a pro model.

Two I bought at garage sales one of which came with an air supply.
it was a model makers kits which unfortunately broke...because I didn't clean it well enough. This was BS....that's before scrolling..... I may see if I can fabricate a new handle. It was an internal mix where the air was constant and the needle controlled the paint flow not the airflow. It was handy because you could dry the paint with the air blowing.

The second was a syphon bottom feed with an external mix. The air blows over a tube drawing the paint up as it flies by.
The trigger controls the airflow.

The last one is made by Testors and it is called the Aztek.
I really like this one because you can snap on your paint bottles and change colors instantly.
The orifice of each cup is mounted with the cup. It too is an external mix.

All of these work well for me. I do need to learn a little more about paint viscosity though. I do get occasional runs.......in the paint people, in the paint!

As for an air source. I am lucky enough to have a couple of compressors.
You can by propellant in small cans but it is EXPENSIVE.
You are further ahead picking up an inner tube and an adapter and running out to the gas station when you need a refill.

Once again Carl is the information man.

With your links I may become a real artist after all

I have a small compressor for my airbrush but that visual of using an innertube made me laugh.

PS - Carl, I figured out the smilie thing. Thanks a bunch. You the man

[MacS]

An airbrush alternative...

There is no doubt, that you can do many interesting things with an airbrush, it is a great tool to have regardless if your a finisher, turner, carver, or a scroller.

Airbrushes, are expensive, and a compressor is a must to use the airbrush, for those of you who may not want to spend that kind of money, or those of you who don't want spend that kind of money at this time.

There is another tool that you can buy for less then five dollars, its no airbrush but it does work to add color in a special way., I call it a low tech spraying tool. It is called an "atomizer," sometimes, referred to as a blow pipe.

Rather, then to take up any more space here, you can go to this web site and read an article on atomizers.

http://www.iswonline.com/cwb/200606/funfin_atomizers.cfm

[Gill]

At last, I've got an airbrush that works .

I tried using it on some segmented pieces and it covered them instantly in runny paint - I'll add less water next time. More serious was the way in which it blew the workpieces across the room . Next time I'll use blu-tack mounts to hold the workpieces securely, but it's still pushing out a lot of power and I'm not sure blu-tack will be sufficient.

I'm using a can of compressed air whilst I learn how to brush. Is it possible to reduce the air pressure? Would an air compressor give me more control over airflow?

Gill

[Minnesota scroller]

Actually, one of those mini compressors would allow you to regulate the pressure. I used to own one when I had my fishing tackle business. I used it to attempt to paint plastic crank baits. However, I sucked at it. I always had a devil of a time getting the ink viscosity right. It would either be too thin and run or it would be too thick and keep plugging up my airbrush. I finally got frustrated and sold it all on Ebay. I envy people who do possess the talent to operate one of these tools.

Good luck Gill

[CanadianScroller]

An aircompressor would regulate much better. You can buy inline regulators. Best bet would be from a surplus store rather than an art store.
You can buy premixed colours at the correct viscosity.
The viscosity required will depend somewhat on the air pressure.
PS Congrats Gill!

[owler]

Carl,

For $38 bucks I don't think the AZTEK can come with an air supply but the details don't day. Does it a seperate compressor? What pressure does it use?

[CanadianScroller]

it comes with propellant. I use a compressor it doesn't need much pressure. I honestly cannot remember the pressure setting. I haven't used it in a while but here is a page with settings for various paints, inks and tips

http://www.walsers.com/artsupp/text/aztekacc.htm

[Marcel in Longueuil]

Good for you Gill,
You will get better control from a compressor and regulator. If you already have an air compressor for your shop you only need to add a regulator and a moisture trap. But be aware that they can be expensive in themselves. A small specialized compressor for airbrushing is also an option, but they are expensive too.

Carl, the AZTEK is regarded as an excellent airbrush, right up there with the top IWATA models.

Pressure can vary from 20-40 PSI depending on the paint viscosity and the model of the airbrush used.

I have a double action model where the air flow and the amount of paint are both controlled by the trigger and I set my regulator in the 35-40 PSI range, and I have obtained good results in the exercises I started doing with this setting.

I can't wait to get back to it as I see a lot of potential in the tool for finishing. I hate having a workshop and not being able to use it because there are other priorities in the house right now (taking down a fireplace to be replaced by a slow burning woodstove) and then moving the shop from one end of the basement to another in order to have more room for my stuff.

In the meantime I keep reading and gathering information.

Regards,
Marcel

[Rolf]

I have an assortment of airbrushes that I have played with of and on for years, even took a class, only to realize that I have NO artistic talent.
But I can spray paint.
I have the Aztec with easy interchangeable nozzles one of which is a spatter tip. I used that on a couple of projects.
I have 2 commpressors one of which I picked up for $30, a twin tank unit for pneumatic nailers etc.
I got surplus small regulator and run around 10-20 psi depending on viscosity and type of paint.

Like the rest of you I will drag it out and try to pint my Christmas ornaments with it. I will post pictures if I create anything good with it.

You really need a steady regulated air supply to be successful

[MacS]

Airbrush repair

Speakng of airbrushing, it just so happened I was working on an article on coloring wood with ammonia. #1- I had a panel where part was sap wood and part was heart wood, #2- I had brushed on some ammonia and the two colors were very obvious.#3- So, I first spray a clear seal coat to seal the wood, I used my trusty airbrush, #4- I then mixed up two colorants in my clear coat and made up a shading stain which I used to shade and blend in the two colors. #5- The final repair.

I don't think, this photo will work, that is why I detailed each step in the process. This process is used when wood is chemical fumed and there are variations in their colors. Here goes....

[pete00]

At last, I've got an airbrush that works .

More serious was the way in which it blew the workpieces across the room . Next time I'll use blu-tack mounts to hold the workpieces securely,

Gill

Gill

LOL im sorry, all i can picture is you running after the pieces trying to shoot and paint them in the air like Anne Oakly....

ok you can yell at me now.....but let me stop laughing first.....pete