air brushing

[boondocker]

I recently purchased an air brush but am a bit in the dark re techniques, air pressure to use etc any links or other help would be much appreciated.

[AlArchie]

I can give you some tips, but first in mind would be to go to the book store and get a good book on using the airbrush. There are many such books around and will instruct you on techniques and practice procedures. This just ain't gonna happen without some practice.

Now as far as tips go. You will want your air pressure set around 30 PSI. that should give you a good starting point. You will have to experiment a few pounds up or down to find what works best for you. Make sure you have a good moisture trap installed in-line. And I'd suggest you also go to an auto body shop and get an in-line desicant filter. You want your air as dry and oil free as you can possibly get. Make sure you filter ALL your paint before using it. I know some of the paints sold specifically for airbrush use say they are "ready to use". DON"T believe it. Get either some comercial filters or use plain old nylon panty hose material. Thin your paints to the consistancy of milk, but do not use palin water. Get some flow enhancer at the local art supply store. If you do opt for water, make sure youuse distilled water and not the stuff from the tap. that usually has a lot of minerals and chlorine, fluoride, and other chemicals that are apt to build up on the internal parts of your brush.

Pick up some air brush lubricant for the trigger and "O" rings. Make sure you thoroughly clean the needle between uses and do the same with all the orifices. I run a paint cup full of Simple Green through the nozzle after each use, then some clear water, followed bu some of that lube.

If you take the time to make sure your needle and orifices are clean, you will find the whole process a lot more enjoyable.

Then star practicing the techniques you will find in the books you buy. The instructons you get with the airbrush are usually good, but not very complete. I haven't found many books that give you good info on painting carvings, but there are a lot of tricks to using these tools that will apply no matrer what type of painting you do. Masking, friskets, blending, mixing and controlling color application, care and cleaning of the brush, etc. Lots of stuff to learn
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After all that, PRACTICE< PRACTICE< PRACTICE, before you even think about painting your carvings.

Al

[boondocker]

thanks, this is a good start.

[woodwacker]

look at a web site www.howtoairbrush.com. it is helpful and full of info. also look at amazon books for airbrush media. Practice, practice, practice.