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.

Choosing your Airbrush

Buying an airbrush can appear quite daunting if you have never owned one before. Here are a few things to consider before you buy your first airbrush or upgrade your old one.

These are some of the major factors you will need to consider when choosing your airbrush:

• What type of paint or fluid do you wish to spray?
• What detail or areas require spraying?
• What degree of instant control would you like?
• What may be your future needs?
• What is your price range or budget?

Our list of technical terms may help you to decide which airbrush to choose for your particular application. If you are unable to decide, ask someone with the appropriate knowledge or contact us.

When choosing your airbrush, you will want it to meet your current requirements and probably go beyond those as you progress and you’ll want something that is going to last for a long time. So we’re happy to offer as much assistance as we can until you’re completely satisfied that you’re making the right purchase.

Nozzle and Needle Sizes

Airbrush

The nozzle (or tip) and needle size determines the amount of air/paint mixture that can be sprayed through any given airbrush. These sizes typically vary from 0.10mm to 0.5mm on airbrushes and 0.6-1.5mm on small spray guns. Most airbrushes come with one nozzle and needle fitted and the option to change to a larger or smaller if required. This would be as an optional extra. Airbrush sets often come with other size nozzles and needles. (Fine-0.2mm, medium-0.35mm or heavy-0.5mm). The smaller the size, the finer the work will be achieved. Most airbrush users will own several different sized airbrushes, as one size will not provide the versatility they require.

Having said that, a medium sized set up (for example a 0.3mm nozzle) will give a fine line to around 0.3mm at its finest up to 50mm at the wider end. When changing sizes both the needle and nozzle need to be changed. In most cases the nozzle and needle cap will also need changing.

It is also important to bear in mind the type of paint you will be using as well. All media that are to be sprayed through an airbrush needs to be of a “single cream” like consistency. If it is not already pre-thinned, then it needs to be thinned to this level. The thicker the paint, the larger the nozzle will be needed. Emulsions and Metallic’s for example will typically need a nozzle size of at least 0.6mm.

Internal Mix

The fluid is mixed with the air right at the tip of the head assembly inside the cap, and because the air passes all around the tip the fluid is thoroughly atomised to micro dot size.

External Mix

The paint and air are mixed outside the airbrush as the air passes over the fluid tip. An external mix airbrush will produce a less atomised spray with a larger dot pattern, and is less capable of fine line work.

Single Action

Airbrushes which when the trigger or button is depressed the air flow is turned on and a pre-set amount of fluid will be sprayed. The amount of fluid is controlled by turning, with the other hand, either a fluid tip or cone on external mix airbrushes, or a needle at the back of a handle on an internal mix airbrush.

Double or Dual Action

Airbrushes on which the button or trigger controls both the air and the fluid. The trigger is pressed down for air and pulled back for fluid, the further you pull back on the trigger the more fluid is introduced. This type of action allows the user to change the width of line as well as the volume of paint and its coverage, all with one continuous finger movement.

Gravity feed

Airbrushes which have cups or cut outs in the top of the body. Less air pressure is required as the fluid is dawn to the tip partly by gravity, and is particularly useful for finer and slower detail work.

Siphon or Side feed

Airbrushes which can have either cups or bottles plugged into the side which can rotate allowing the user to work at most angles. Allows fine detail work without the eye been obstructed by a cup on the top. Useful where many colour changes are required as colour can be kept in a bank of cups or bottles, or where a differing amount of quantities are used, from a few drops to large areas, by using different size containers.

Suction or Bottom feed

Airbrushes which have either cups or bottles that plug into the bottom of the airbrush. Particularly useful where large quantities of paint are required, as large bottles can normally be plugged into this type of airbrush, or again where quick colour changes are required.