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Archive for October, 2011

8 Different Types of Airbrush Kits

Custom Graphics Airbrush Kits

When you use the right types of airbrushes and equipment for your specific projects or applications, they are bound to be a success.

If you are new to the world of airbrushing, an airbrush kit is the best way to get all the equipment you will need without having to buy each piece individually, making it both a convenient and cost effective option.

Here are the different types of airbrush kits to choose from;

  1. Custom Graphic Kits – These are mainly for graphic applications and usually consist out of an airbrush, compressor, paints and airbrush cleaners with a choice of stencil and airbrushing book.
  2. Cake Decorating Kits – These will provide you with everything you need as far as cake airbrushing and sugar crafts is concerned. Each kit generally contains an airbrush, compressor, paints, an airbrush cleaner, stencil and instruction booklet.
  3. Textile Kits – These include all the necessary equipment for airbrushing on various fabrics such as leather and cotton. Each basic kit includes an airbrush, compressor, paints, a stencil and DVD.
  4. Papercraft Kits – These are the ideal choice for anyone looking to take up card making or scrapbooking as they are made up of an airbrush, compressor, all the necessary paints and stencils as well as some blank cards and instructional booklet.
  5. Art & Craft Kits – The selection of art and craft kits are perfect for all your art and graphic airbrushing needs and include an airbrush, compressor, paints, cleaner, stencil and video.
  6. Model Making Kits – These are great for all your model making requirements, with each base kit including a different type of airbrush, compressor and selection of paints.
  7. Beauty Kits– These are ideal for professional, mobile and home use. The kits come in different varieties which each specialise in a specific type of application such as nail art, body art, airbrush make up and spray tanning.
  8. General Hobby Kits – These are suitable for model and mural painting as well as other general airbrushing applications. Because the kits are very basic they are best suited to beginners with a tight budget and include an airbrush and airbrush propellant rather than a compressor.

    Beauty Airbrush Kits

GraphicAir is a top UK distributor of airbrushes as well as a wide range of other related products. Visit their website today to view their full range of airbrush kits and other handpicked art and graphic design equipment.

The Safety Importance of Using a Spray Booth

There are various health and safety risks involved when it comes to airbrushing which is why it is important to use a spray booth.

Filtration and Extraction Units

When dealing with potentially hazardous substances on a regular basis, various control measures are legally required to be put into place to ensure the safety of those involved. The booths offer a safe place for airbrushing professionals to work, without causing any damage or harm to the surrounding area.

Aerosol adhesives, airbrushing and spray tanning solution overspray, solder fumes, resins and varnish odours could all potentially pose a threat to the quality of air you breathe. So whether you are airbrushing at home or at work, make sure you are aware of the safety measures involved to prevent any unnecessary accidents from happening.

Spray booths come in various shapes and sizes including filtration and extraction units which can be used for the containment, filtration and extraction of potentially harmful fumes. They are often used in marketing departments, car workshops, graphic art studios and even schools where things like modelling and graphic design classes are taught.

Because this type of equipment is of a combustible nature, it is vital that it is properly maintained. Therefore, in addition to the necessary legal safety measures surrounding spray booths, regular maintenance checks must be done and filters should be changed regularly. If the equipment is kept in a good, clean condition there will be less chance of dust or other particle build up, which will also help lessen the risk of static discharge.

Static discharge can occur during the preparing and cleaning of the booths plastic parts and can, in severe cases, cause burns. For this reason it is important that all metal parts of the booth be properly grounded. As a precaution it is also advised that fire safety equipment be kept nearby. In addition, personal protection equipment such as gloves and masks can be worn to protect both the user and operator from any overspray.

SolarEx

GraphicAir manufacture and supply GraphicAir, SolarEx and TechFlo spray booths, as well as air filtration and extraction units and replacement filters. For all your art, graphic, design and airbrushing requirements visit our website today for a wide choice of top quality equipment.

Create the Ultimate Model with Top Quality Model Airbrushing Supplies

Whether you’re latest project is a Spitfire or the newest sports car to hit the modelling circuit, you will need some top quality airbrush paints to finish it off to the highest specifications.

LifeColor Paints

The LifeColor range is made up of a distinct selection of model airbrushing colours and additives to help you accomplish this. The LifeColor brand is an industry leader when it comes to offering top quality paint perfect for hobby and model brushing and airbrushing on various surfaces.

LifeColor Basic Matt, Gloss and UA Mimetic Paints

These paints come in a wide selection of colours which can all be used on plastic, vinyl, wood, cloth, resin and ceramic surfaces. The surfaces must be clean before the paints can be used on them and applied in thin coats at time. If you will be using the colours for airbrushing purposes, be sure to dilute the paints with water or LifeColor thinner first before airbrushing at a low pressure.

LifeColor Tensocrom Weathering Paints

Tensocrom is made of a solution of pigments in a special medium which can be glazed over any other paint or model to enhance its appearance or create the desired effect. The paints can be mixed or used individually to create various weathering shades. The paint can be used as it is or diluted with water, however it must be almost transparent and airbrushed at a very low pressure to ensure the best possible results.

Tensocrom Weathering Paints

LifeColor Sets & Additives

This product selection includes sets of the various colours and themes for a number of scale models such as wartime military vehicles and tanks, air force, railway and navy sets. Additives such as paint thinner, primer and cleaner are also available as well as a mixer set which includes everything you will need to mix and store your own shades and prepare your colours for airbrushing.

Primer will need to be applied before your first coat of paint to ensure whilst cleaner is used after. To keep your model airbrushing equipment in top condition, clean your airbrush with airbrush cleaner and rinse thoroughly with water.

GraphicAir offers an extensive range of water soluble acrylic LifeColor products ideal for modelling and hobby use. For all your art, graphic, design and model airbrushing supplies, visit our website today.

Learn More about Bambi Air Compressors

Bambi Air Compressors are high quality and high performance systems that can be used in various environments where quiet and sterile air supply solutions are required.

The comprehensive range of systems includes a selection of effective low noise and oil free air compressors to suit everyone’s unique requirements. Here is a brief explanation of the various models available;

Bambi Budget Range

The main benefit of Bambi Budget compressors are their ultra low noise feature which allows them to be placed in the work area without causing any noise disruption. This does not interfere with their high performance capabilities as they can run effectively without with minimal vibrating. The compact design of the compressor also makes it ideal to use in smaller work spaces as well as for all types of airbrushing projects and anywhere else that compressed air is required.

Bambi HT Oil Free Range

The HT Oil Free compressors are quiet to use and benefit from a 100% oil free design. These systems are compact in size, require little maintenance and can be used for oil free applications as well as those that require a portable and strong air supply. The HT Oil Free is available in a 2 pole motor alternative that can deliver a higher output with only a slight increase in noise level.

Bambi VT Oil Free Range

The VT range features the latest Vee Twin pump which makes it one of the quietest oil free compressors on the market. It is also designed with what is called “tilting piston” technology which allows it to provide the highest possible air quality for applications in dentistry’s, laboratories, food packaging factories and other medical environments.

These Bambi compressors are available with the innovative Dry Air technology which can dispense ‘desert dry’ air, whist at the same time dramatically reducing the air temperature. The compressor requires little maintenance and is fitted with a unique start system which enables it to run off a 20 amp single phase power source.

Bambi MD Range

The MD range is ideal for applications that require the perfect combination of high performance and low noise levels. They offer a high quality air supply with an oil lubricated T75 high performance pump that can deliver up to 50% more air than other silent compressors. It is also the only silent compressor that is fitted with piston rings to prevent oil residue from interacting with the air supply. This makes the unit ideal for use in places such as laboratories and dentistry’s where cleanliness and quietness are vital factors.

GraphicAir is a top UK distributor the Bambi Air Compressor Range. Our website contains all the information you will need on these high quality air supply units as well as a wide range of other innovative equipment.

 

What You Need for Railway Model Airbrushing

Railway enthusiasm has remained a popular pastime over the years from trainspotting to railway model making.  And although both are still popular hobbies, train modelling has now taken a more modern approach with a wide range of technologically improved equipment and techniques.

Iwata Airbrushes

If you are interested in train model making or are already a serious modeller looking to update your kit, here is a list of what you will need;

Airbrush and Compressor

There is a wide range of airbrushes and compressors available to make the process of painting your models smooth and easy. There are a number of top brands to choose from, however when it comes to airbrushes specifically Iwata are the best choice for all experience levels as they boast a higher level of quality, performance and control than any other airbrush.

Paint

LifeColor offer a selection of colours perfect for railway and train model airbrushing with their water soluble acrylic colours. LifeColor paints can be used for brushing and airbrushing on plastic, resin, metal, vinyl, wood, cloth and ceramic. Other brands such as Createx AutoAir also offer a durable automotive airbrushing paint solution with their water-based and non-toxic colour technology which can be used to achieve even the most detailed of custom paint jobs.

Model Making Airbrush Kit

Spray Booth

Regardless of the size of your work area there is a booth to suit your specific needs. There is a wide choice of spray booths and filtration cabinets that can be used for protection against even the most harmful odours, fumes and particles from paints, solder and aerosols. Internal or external venting options are available as well as easy filter exchange options that are quick and sample to install.

Accessories

X-Acto model making tools and Daylight lamps such as the Slimline Magnifying Lamp are commonly used in model making. X-Acto tools have been used for over 75 years by modellers to perfect their precision and accurate cutting techniques while Daylight lamps will light up your workspace and direct light to where you need it.

Model Making Airbrush Kits can also be purchased with each basic kit containing an airbrush, paint, thinner and compressor. This will get you everything you will need to get started on your model airbrushing.

GraphicAir offers an extensive range of airbrushes, paints, spray booths and accessories ideal for modelling and hobby use. For all your art, graphic, design and model airbrushing requirements visit our website today for a wide choice of top quality hobby and modelling equipment.

How to Achieve Pinstriping and Automotive Airbrushing Effects

When custom auto modification first became popular, so did the need to add finishing touches and imagery to one’s vehicle. This was all done by hand by skilled artists who could add fine attention to detail to any car with their expert hand.

Now you can also transform your car into something unique with a wide range of automotive airbrushing equipment.  With the correct paints, stencils and tools you will be able to create custom painting graphics of your choice, giving your car, truck, motorcycle or helmet the ultimate finish.

Createx Auto-Air Colors

Auto Airbrush Paints

Createx Auto-Air Colors are the latest breakthrough in water-based, non-toxic automotive coatings technology. They are highly durable and come in a selection of bright colours to achieve the ultimate car art imagery.

Auto Stencils

Airbrush stencils also have a wide range of uses and are perfect for nail and body art, illustrations, cartooning, airbrush tattoos and auto graphics. The stencils are available from various top industry brands including Medea, Artool Flame O Rama and Craig Fraser.

The majority are made from solvent proof polymer material and can be easily cleaned with solvents and bent around irregular surfaces without being damaged. Various visuals are available to choose from including skulls, flames, tribal, shapes and pin up girls.

Auto DVDs

Pinstriping can be described as the application of a thin line of paint used for decoration. This is usually combined with airbrushing to create automotive art and imagery. Custom Auto DVDs can be used to demonstrate and teach various pinstriping and airbrushing techniques as well as offer other helpful advice such as the best paints to use and how to create the perfect line.

Pinstriping

If this is going to be your attempt at car airbrushing, remember to practice your techniques before airbrushing on a real car. This will give you a chance to familiarise yourself with your brush and the other equipment you will be using. Like any canvas, make sure the surface is clean before you start. Then once you start your airbrushing, try to spray as carefully and slowly as you can.

GraphicAir offers an extensive range of airbrush paints and stencils ideal for modelling and hobby use for all experience levels. For all your art, graphic, design and auto airbrushing requirements visit our website today for a wide choice of top quality equipment including Createx Auto-Air Colors and airbrush stencils.