| The airbrush is a popular choice for painting craft and | | | | nozzle, it will sometimes make a big mess. If possible, |
| hobby projects. This tool is versatile enough to paint | | | | spray on something similar to your actual subject; that |
| plastic models, rc airplanes, t-shirts, nails, and other | | | | way you can test for color and chemical compatibility, |
| items. | | | | as well as spray pattern. |
| Equipment and Materials: | | | | 6) Now that you've test sprayed, time for the real |
| A single action airbrush is the simplest design. It is | | | | thing. Always start and stop the spray off or away |
| easier to learn to handle, and economical as well. So it | | | | from the work piece. This will result in even paint |
| makes a great beginner's airbrush. However, the | | | | coverage, and alert you to any spray issues. |
| double action airbrush gives you much greater control | | | | 7) Hold the airbrush at an angle to the work piece |
| over the paint process. | | | | (vertical is not practical), about 6 to 18 inches away. |
| Your best air source is a good compressor. | | | | The distance will depend on the size of the part and |
| Disposable air cans are a good introductory air source, | | | | the volume of the spray. |
| but these will become costly in the long run. | | | | 8) Apply Multiple Coats. Your first coat will be just a |
| Use the manufacturer's recommended thinner, and thin | | | | light dusting. For this first coat, make several passes |
| the paint to the recommended ratio. | | | | but do not attempt to cover completely with color. |
| How to Airbrush: | | | | Follow the manufacturer's recommendation on length |
| 1) Prepare the work area. Lay down plastic sheets to | | | | of time between coats. Expect to take at least 3-4 |
| protect the area from over-spray, if necessary. | | | | coats to get good even color coverage. |
| 2) Prepare the work piece. Use gloves to handle it. | | | | 9) Clean Up. Do not omit this step! Do the |
| 3) Prepare the equipment. Turn on the compressor | | | | recommended cleaning when changing colors, and |
| and set the spray pressure. Assemble the needle and | | | | when you're done for the day. Many airbrush problems |
| nozzle into the airbrush if necessary. Attach a color | | | | are caused by improper cleaning methods; dried paint |
| cup or bottle as appropriate. | | | | can result in clogs that make it difficult to achieve |
| 4) Mix the paint, following the maker's directions. Use | | | | proper performance. |
| plastic droppers to dispense paint and thinner into a | | | | Visit the RC Airplane Advisor for more information |
| small mixing container. Mix the paint with a toothpick or | | | | about |
| similar. | | | | How to Airbrush. |
| 5) Test spray! Make this a part of your routine. You | | | | This article may be reprinted if proper credit is given |
| never know how the initial spray will come out of the | | | | and all links leftintact. |