Airbrushes – Understanding Their Key Features

Different airbrushes offer their user different benefits. Most of the time, the airbrush you choose will depend a lot on what you will be using it for. Here is a brief explanation of some of the key features that you should look out for.

Badger Gravity Feed Airbrush

Mix

An airbrush will either have an external or internal mix. An external mix combines the air and paint after they leave the tip of the airbrush whilst an internal mix combines the air and paint whilst they are still inside.

Action

The action of an airbrush refers to the trigger used to control its various functions and overall spray pattern. If an airbrush is single action, the trigger will spray both paint and air. However, if it is double action, the trigger will require two movements; one for the paint and one for the air.

Feed

Unlike the air in an airbrush, which simply requires an air pressure source to work, the paint needs to be fed through before it can be sprayed. The three different types of feeds used are the ‘Gravity Feed’, the ‘Siphon Feed’ and the ‘Side Feed’.

Gravity Feed – This feed relies on gravity to draw the paint out of the colour chamber which is usually located on top of the airbrush. This allows for more precise airbrushing as less air pressure and air suction is required.

Siphon Feed – Also known as the “bottom feed”, it works on the principle of a siphon which draws the paint out of the connected colour chamber, making colour changing quick and easy to do. Siphon fed brushes can typically hold larger amounts of paint and are therefore a preferred choice for larger scale projects.

Side Feed – Side fed airbrushes are popular for their adaptable nature and allow you to work easily at various angles, without obstructing your view.

Papercrafts Airbrush Kit

Airbrush Kits

Kits are an ideal solution for individuals who are new to airbrushing as they contain all the basic equipment for a wide variety of projects including cake decorating, model making and paper crafts.

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.

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.

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.

 

 

Airbrush Paints – The Brands and Varieties

There are a wide range of brands and varieties of airbrush paints available so in order to ensure that you get the right airbrush paints for your specific project, there are a few things to keep in mind.

The first obvious thing to consider is what you are going to paint on as this will hugely affect the type of paint you will need. Also keep in mind which airbrush paints are best compatible with your specific airbrush. Once you are clear on these two things it will be time to decide which brand you will be going for.

• The Kopykake Kroma Kolors brand is the best choice when it comes to food colour paints and is commonly used for cake decorating. All the colours can easily be mixed to create your desired effect to ensure that your final product is as delicious to look at as it is to eat.

• Liquitex Soft Body Acrylic Paints on the other hand are used for body painting as its rich colour and consistency help guarantee a smooth finish with little to no brush marks.

• Medea Body Art Colours are also used for body painting and because they are alcohol based, they are long lasting and will stay on the user’s body for up to five days.

• Medea Textile Colours are suitable for both beginners and professionals and are ideal for textile painting, offering good fabric absorption.

• Medea Nail Art Colour Range is a collection of colourful nail paints that allow users to create unique and eye-catching nail art.

• LifeColor Paints are great for those who enjoy modelling as a hobby as it can be used on various materials from plastic and metal to wood and cloth.

• Createx Paints are well known multi-purpose paints and although they were originally a textile paint they can also be used on metal, wood, canvasses and fibreglass.

• Createx Auto Air Paints are water-based paints which are best used on custom paint jobs such as painting cars and helmets.

• Com-Art Paints are ready-to-use acrylic paints. They do not require thinning, filtering or straining and are literally convenience in a bottle when it comes to airbrush paints.

To buy your airbrush paints online visit the Graphic Air website now. They have a wide variety of other airbrush equipment online to suit all your creative requirements.