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I have a air brush, but don't no anything about the paint to use. I just started to carve and have some fish to paint but don't know what paint to use. I am looking for the easyest paint to use and some thing that is safe to use in the basement.
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Re: air brush paint
In Woodcarving Illustrated, the sponser of this site, spring edition 2002, there is an article starting on page 24 on carving and painting a rainbow trout.
On this project they used tempera poster paints for an undercoat stating that Palmer Prism Tempera paints do a much better job of covering imperfections than acrylic.
(their words not mine)
They also state that these paints can be applied one over the other but not mixed. After painting they gave the carving 3 to 5 coats of spray lacquer.
Just noticed that the first thing they did was apply 2 coats of GESSO before the undercoat.
If you don't have this issue I'm sure you can still order it
Good Luck and I hope this helps.grumpy560 -
Re: air brush paint
Any type of paint can be airbtushed, but some are easier to use than others. For bird carvers I recommend Jo Sonja acrylics. These are actually a guache and are excellent in the airbrush. They dry to a flat finish with no gloss, but can be made glossy with the proper additives. Fish carvers usually prefer a more glossy look, and I have no suggestions. The article in WCI was done by a fish carver who has been carving fish longer than most of us have been alive. His painting method works for him, and there probably were no other paints available when he started carving fish.Comment
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Re: air brush paint
I carve reproduction fish and use airbrush paints that I get from a
taxitermy supply store. These paints are available in acrylic or lacquer
base and they also come in muted earth tones. Good luckComment
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I guess I have more of a question than a reply. I have been carving for 2-3 years and have almost finished my bluegill I have been working on. I am not what I would call a real artist but I am very particular on how the end product looks. My instruction recommend using an airbrush to paint the fish. My questions are. It sounds like airbrushes can be alot of work and pain to use and clean. Are they worth the trouble? Are they hard to use? What would be a good brush and compressor to start with, without spending a lot of money?Comment
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Re: air brush paint
I use both air brushes and brush brushes; whatever works best, and each has it's own advantages and disadvantaGES.
Fish do well with airbrushing and masking. It does take a little practice, but not a terrible amount.
I started with a cheap Chinese single action model that worked fine until it wore out, and I couldn't find parts; about two fish worth. then I discovered the double action type. I don't think the brand is particualrly important if you stick to the major brands.
In Michaels Craft store I found a nice double action model, marked as a (of all things) fingernail painting kit, for under a hundred bucks.
The main thing is to follow the directions for thinning the paint, and if you use acrylic, be sure to use a thinning medium, not plain water. I don't know what it is, but believe me it makes a difference, and you can find that in the art stores, by the pint for a reasonable price. Smaller bottle, bigger price! also be sure to strain the paint through either a special filter medium or a nylon stocking. This get those little microscopic clogging buggers out.
AlComment
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Re: air brush paint
Now I know why I can't airbrush xxx been thinning with water and haven't been straining xxx double stupid xxx time to dig the ol pasch out of the dust heap and try again.Comment
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Re: air brush paint
Also, when you're done with one color, run a cup of plain water mixed with a drop of dishwashing solution through the thing. This will break up any dried on acrylic. Then a cup (paint cup) of plain water. Pull the nozzle and check for build up on the needle. If there is any, carefully wipe it with a soft cloth to remove the residue. This will keep ya paintin and not cussin! there is also a lubricating solution available that I run through before I put it away. WD-40 works as well, but make sure ya run some dishwashing solution through before painting the next time.
AlComment
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Re: air brush paint
I read an article some time ago where the author suggested using Windex to thin acrylic paints for use in airbrushes. I don't have a brush but was curious if any of you tried this or have any comments. I wonder what the effect would be if it was used in conventional painting. ???Comment
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Re: air brush paint
Thanks for the reply on if airbrushes are worth the trouble.
What size of compressor should I start with? Most things I read say 20psi but some require higher.
Can I use an airbrush in my enclosed basement? What about the fumes.
Thanks
Dave KComment
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Re: air brush paint
Dave, if you are using acrylics, you don't have to worry about vapor inhalation, but it is not a good idea to breathe the airborne paint, so a mask is in order. I use a hooded vent that filters the air and returns it to the shop, and also have a ventilating duct to the outside. I'd really be concerned with using lacquer or enamel based paints without a LOT of ventilation capacity, and maybe even a respirator made for fumes (one with a carbon cannister).
As far as compressors go I use two, one is a big 2 cylinder 1 hp garage style with a 20 gal tank. It has a pressure regulator on it that can be set from 0 to 150 PSI. The other is one of these little vibrator types from Campbell Hausfield. Picked it up for about 80 bucks and it works great. It also has a presure regulator on it, but because it is tankless and noisy, I have wired a remote switch to it so I can turn it on and off from my bench. You can buy these compressors dedicated to airbrushing, but they are a bit more pricey and if you use it only for personal use, and not professionally, they are a good way to go. Either way, make sure you get to the auto supply store and pick up a dryer filter, so you don't get a lot of condensation in the air supply. There are two kinds, and I use both. first the mechanical separator bowl, that collects water and oil residue, and finally an in-line chemical dryer. these are cheap and replaceable when the medium turns a bluish green color. differnet brands may have different color indicators.
The big compresor runs extremely noisy, but due to the big tank, it only kicks on once every 10 to 15 minutes, while I'm using it. with a 50 foot supply hose, it sits across the basement from me so it doesn't startle the heck out of me when it kicks on.
check you hardware stores and you should be able to find one of these for between 150 and 400 dollars. Or check the art supplies for special airbrush units, they are quite, smooth and dependable. Oh, ya, did I mention EXPENSIVE!
AlComment
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Re: air brush paint
Donna, can you put up some pics of your fish?
alComment
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