Airbrushes

[woodenleg]

I have a friend (not a woodcarver) who has a new airbrush and loves it. He keeps thinking that it would be good to use on carvings. Does anyone on this board actually use an airbrush on their carvings? If so, what size are the pieces you paint? Any other thoughts on this? :-/

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Airbrush does beautiful painting! especially on fish and birds.

[woodenleg]

Does it do so in a manner that would allow indoor use?

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

yes, need ventilation like anything, but an airbrush puts out a very fine spray, you can draw with it, even write with it.

Ventilation is an absolute necessity if you are using lacquer or enamel type paints. If you use acrylics, there is no volatile vapor problem, but you should at least wear a dust, particulate mask, to keep the tiny paint particles out of you airways. A simple low power fan, that does not disrupt the spray pattern can remove a lot of the particulates from your work area.. Like any skill, it takes a while to learn the ins and outs of the airbrush, but they can be a very helpful tool in painting. there are masking and frisket techniques that should be learned to enhance the results, but there are many books and instructional videos on the process of airbrushing.

I use it mainly on fish and it works great for me, in this area.

Al

[Bandaid]

I'm sure that airbrushing is a subject of interest to a lot of the group so I thought I would throw out a couple of questions. With regard to airbrushing with acrylics, I'm curious as to what brand of paint some of you favor. Can a craft paint such as Delta be used? Also could you share any tips with regard to any prep., e.g. thinning, prior to use?
Thanks guys.

I use craft store acrylics (Delta is one). They need to be thinned to the consistancy of milk; skim or 2% doesn't make any difference. Best result are achieved by thinning with a thinning medium, available in art/craft/ceramic shops. This has a flow enhancer in it....some mysterious stuff that I don't know what is, but it works.

Next, before you put this stuff into the airbrush cup, make sure you filter it threough a suitable medium, such as a nylon stocking. That will get out all the little hunkers that gummy up the needles and nozzles. You can buy regular filters, but a nylon works fine and cn be washed out and reused.

Al

[Kenny_S]

Wife in the stocking or out? Couldn't resist! I could just hear my little bride,' You want to do what. Are you crazy'? Of course she already knows that answer. :
Straining to avoid chunks which can clog the sprayer. Guess that is one way to recycle hosery. Kewl ALA, Thanks for the tip.

NO, NO, Kenny, ya gotta TAKE THE WIFE OUTA THE STOCKINGS FIRST! Â*(unless she's into body painting)

hehehe

Al

[Kenny_S]

Nah, she is in to painting mine black and blue with a hint of purple. Never knew body painting hurt so bad. Theach me to turn a rolling pin out of oak. When will I ever learn. :