Next question is usually “what kind of compressor should I
A word or two about air pressure settings… Most “new-
get?” Again, kind of hard to say specifically, but “where” you
bie’s” make the mistake of not setting the pressure high
will be painting can help you decide. If you are in an apart-
enough because they are afraid of damaging their brush. A
ment, or going to be painting in a house where noise would
good place to start is a “working pressure” of around 35-
be a factor, then you will probably want to get a “silent” type
40 psi. Working pressure is set by pressing the trigger of
compressor. There are several brands on the market, or if
the airbrush and checking the pressure gauge on the com-
you are the handy type, you could build one yourself (direc-
pressor. Adjust the knob to get the pressure around the
tions for this project can be found elsewhere).
35-40 psi mark while air is blowing thru the airbrush. You
If noise is not a big concern for you, a regular home garage
may need to adjust up or down from that point depending
type compressor works great. A compressor with an air stor-
on what you are painting and the type of paint being used,
age tank is best; the compressor won’t need to run as often.
but this is generally a good starting point.
Whichever type of compressor you get, you will want to add
Another question that comes up frequently is “What kind of
a second moisture filter to the system. Compressing air cre-
paint?” Here again, it is more a matter of choice - and what
ates heat, as the air cools, it condenses, or creates mois-
you plan to paint on. There are two basic types - acrylic
ture, and that moisture needs to be removed before the air
paints (water based), and solvent based paints (urethanes,
reaches the airbrush.
or “uros”). For most projects there is an acrylic paint avail-
Yeah, yeah, I know, there is a moisture filter built right on to
able that will do the job, and for a beginner - acrylics are
the compressor, right? Well, guess what, it is too close to the
probably the best way to go.
source of the heat to do any good at all. You need to give the
That being said, for the beginner needing a cheap “practice
air time, and distance, to cool off. Adding at least 8 feet of line
paint” there are a couple of very economical options. One
and then a moisture trap will remove MUCH more moisture
is food coloring & water - super cheap and easy to get. The
than the trap that is right on the compressor. You should
other is “India Ink” - not quite as cheap as food coloring, but
be able to purchase a second moisture trap, filter from the
still very reasonable. It also has a little more “substance” to
same place you get the compressor. You may also need to
it than food coloring, water, making it a very good choice for
purchase some additional fittings, adapters to get everything
practicing with - a bit more like “real” paint.
put together. Also, it is recommended to “seal” the threads
Don’t go buying the cheap craft paints at Wal-Mart or
on all fittings with either Teflon tape, or beeswax to prevent
Hobby Lobby and think they will work in your airbrush - they
leaks - just be careful to not get it in the air passages.
don’t work very well at all. The pigment in these paints is
Here is a picture of my “indoor” compressor with the second
not ground fine enough for airbrush use, even when thinned
moisture trap installed. The coiled hose that runs between
down, and will cause you more frustration than anything.
the compressor and the trap is about 8 feet long and came
Save your money and get paints that are intended for air-
with the compressor. brush use, there are plenty of them out there. Figure out
what you want to be painting on - T-shirts, autos,motorcycles,
fine art (canvas or illustration board) and purchase the ap-
propriate type of paint for that surface.
A few other tips… Where ever you plan on painting, take the
time to protect the walls and floor against paint spills and
overspray if needed - and take my word for it - there will be
spills and overspray! A basement or garage it may not be
needed, but a spare bedroom - you may want to use a drop
cloth or two.
Keep your painting area well ventilated - we want you to
stay healthy! An open window with a box fan blowing out will
help keep the air clear. Get a good respirator - a cheap dust
mask is NOT enough!! Breathing paint fumes and overspray
is not a good thing! Again, we want you to stay healthy!!
And most of all - Have FUN!! Sure, practicing the basics is
important, but you can have fun with those basic strokes,
too!
Jill of all trades, mistress of none
Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36