How to Paint With Airbrush
Do you want to know how to make awesome, cool, and professional drawings with an airbrush? It is elementary and easy; keep reading and learn everything you need to become a great artist.
It is not the same technique to paint on a motorcycle or nails as on the skin, but it is to learn how to execute it well.
Learning to paint with an airbrush is an art, but it is simple; the result of a drawing painted with this instrument is impressive, and the results are exceptional.
Before using the airbrush, we have to take a series of measures to do a quality job.
Prepare yourself to paint with an airbrush?
Before we start learning how to draw with airbrushes and then know which airbrushes are the best for the work we want to do, we have to take a series of precautions to go well.
More information about the airbrush beginners guide.
Prepare the work area.
This is a critical aspect, prepare all the materials you need clean and operational, and in a clear area so you don't stain other objects while painting. Dress in clothes that you can stain.
Group these materials together on your table or work area:
- A double-action or single-action Airbrush, with which we will do all the work.
- Container with water for cleaning while we work.
- A Compressed air compressor is connected to the airbrush to expel the ink.
- Ink or paints of different models, later we have a section on different types of paint.
- Assorted rags to clean everything and, if you want it, also kitchen paper to dry the water and inks.
- If you want a pressing plate to dry the paint.
- A pencil and paper to paint the prototype before we get down to work.
- If you are going to cut the pieces instead, you will need a box cutter; if you paint directly on a canvas, you won't need it.
- A can of Fixative, with this you fix the paint on the surface.
We haven't yet explained which airbrushes are best for the type of work you want to do, but you can see that on our main page, where we've put a detailed breakdown of all the types and models out there,
Prepare your paint.
Choose the type of paint you are going to use depending on the surface you are working on. Brands come out with different paints to suit the job to be done. At the bottom of this page, you will find the most sold paints on Amazon.
The ideal would be to buy one that is already diluted to work directly on the airbrush, but if not, you will have to dilute it following the instructions on the can.
Pre-test beforehand
Before acting on the surface to be painted, it is always advisable to do some tests on some paper or cardboard.
We can see if the color is correct, the paint is good, and everything works correctly with these tests.
Put your finger on the lever and start practicing the use of the lever and the piston of the airbrush. Practice a little by moving the airbrush closer and further away from the test board. This is the best way to begin to understand how to use them.
Let's start learning how to paint
.
First, make a sketch of what you are going to paint. In the end, check that it is what you have in your mind. It is important to make the sketch add the types of colors that go in each part.
Create several sheets if you are going to paint something big like a vehicle or wall. If you are going to make a big drawing, it is better to make the sketches in different sheets to handle them better and draw by working areas.
As we have already put the paint to do the preliminary tests, we first adjust the cap of the needle in the airbrush so that it does not touch the cap. We must leave enough space for air to escape.
We begin to paint, choosing first the lighter colors and then the darker ones. Even if you clean the airbrush well after using each color, it is better in this order.
While you paint, if you are looking for a softer effect, you should move away from the target point, and if you want a wonderful line, you should bring it as close as possible; you can even draw letters and numbers as if it were a pencil.
If you see that the drawing or illustration needs many details, then it is better to try with a thinner needle and low viscosity. Over time you will learn the different types of needles for each special detail you need.
The hand movements have to be smooth, following the outline of the drawing, experiment with distances and paints. You will see that with time this movement will come out manually.
While you are working, try to start from the bottom layer upwards. Start with the larger areas first, and then go into the details.
Finish the details using the fine needle.
Apply the paint fixative twice. Let the first one dry and repeat the process again.
Don't forget to clean the airbrush right after use.
We put a youtube video at the bottom of the page to have everything much clearer.
Types of paint
At this point, it's time for you to know the types of paint an airbrush can work with.
The type of paint and viscosity will affect the atomization of the colors and the drawing. It is good to try different types and consistencies to find the desired effect on your drawing.
Why does it have to be this way? Because not just any will work. Besides, knowing them will help you choose the best ones for your work and achieve your artistic or professional goals.
❲ Inks ❳
Inks are transparent and have very vibrant colors. One of the main advantages they present is that they come ready to work with.
There is a type of food dye, not to be confused with ink used in food.
Special inks for tattoos, makeup, or nails can also be used.
❲ Watercolors ❳
These paints are water-soluble; they greatly facilitate the cleaning of the airbrush. One of their most outstanding advantages is that they can create layers of colors due to their transparency.
❲ Gouaches ❳
Those types of paints are also water-soluble. They are ideal for obtaining excellent and saturated colors. They are used exclusively on paper or boards prepared for watercolors.
❲ Acrylic paints ❳.
These paints dry very quickly. They come ready-made.
However, they present a weak point: their use is complicated, so they are designed more for experts.
They are ideal for models; if they come already diluted, you don't have to do it, so you save a lot of work time.
Professional cleaning tricks
To clean the airbrush to paint again, you must follow the following steps:
It is important to clean as soon as possible the airbrush because there are some types of paint. If a long time passes, there may be traces difficult to remove.
If the paint is similar, you can do it only, without disassembling it, using solvent instead of paint, and use it in the test area. Also, test by pressing the needle against a rag. It is not a total cleaning, but effective to continue working with similar colors.
Make the apparatus cleaning in bowls and put the pieces separately and the airbrush in a larger one. You can use water or a solvent.
Bring the airbrush tube close to the airbrush and blow air to remove the paint.
Some professionals use an electric guitar string; you can find them anywhere, they are cheap, and the smaller ones fit perfectly in the mouthpiece hole.
Choosing a Single or Double Airbrush
It is good to know which type of airbrush is the most ideal.
The double-action device gives the painter more control over the work; since it regulates both the paint and the air intake, it is more difficult to control; it is not recommended for beginners, but it gives the best results once controlled.
Painting with a single-action needle is simpler and easier to use, and because it has fewer parts, it is easier to clean and reassemble.
What type of needles to choose for painting
It is important to choose the type of needle you want to use for painting.
If you want to paint with a lot of detail, very cool drawings, the thinner, the better, but if you are going to paint cars or walls, use the thicker ones.
But if you use thinner ones, be careful with the paint; it must be very well diluted; if not, the big pigments will obstruct the exit duct, and the drawings will not come out well.
A good size for almost all types of drawings is 0.4. You can look for smaller sizes 0.3 or 0.2 for details.
Final summary: We hope that you have already become an airbrush enthusiast; from now on, learning to paint with an airbrush is just a matter of practice and lots of practice, but you will surely get it in a short time.
