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.

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.

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.

Learn More about the Different Brands of Airbrushes

If you are currently on the search for an airbrush, there is a wide selection to choose from. The best place to start is to select a brand with a good reputation.

Airbrush

Most brands specialise in different types of airbrushes which will help you make your final choice a lot easier too. Here are 4 popular airbrush brands to choose from;

1. Iwata

   The Iwata brand has a very high reputation and is often referred to as the most trusted name in the industry, with a selection of the latest and most technically evolved designs on the market. The Iwata airbrush range consists of a selection of top quality brushes, each with their own unique specialities and application uses when it comes to airbrushing. For example, Iwata Eclipse brushes are renowned for their versatility and multi-purpose nature, while the Iwata Revolution brush is popular for being fantastic value for money and the fact that it can be used by individuals of all skill levels.

2. Paasche

   Paasche makes use of only the most superior quality materials in the manufacturing of their brushes. All of their products are tried and tested by professional craftsmen to ensure they offer an extremely high standard of finish. One of the latest additions to the Paasche range is the Talon Double Action Airbrush which is designed to offer the ultimate control for fine detail airbrushing.

3. Badger

   Badger brushes are perfect for beginners with a unique selection of both Single Action and Double Action brushes to choose from. They are perfect for model making, nail art, illustrating and ceramic painting.

4. PremiAir

   PremiAir is another popular name in the world of airbrushing and has been around for many years. Their range of airbrushes includes the G35 which can be used by both beginners and professionals on applications such as nail and body art, cake decorating, model painting and much more.

Before you make a final decision on which airbrush is best for you, be sure to take into consideration what you will be using the airbrush for, the level of quality you require and how much you want to spend on it.

GraphicAir is a top UK distributor of these airbrushes as well as a wide range of other related products. Visit our website today to view our entire range of airbrushes and other handpicked art and graphic design equipment.