The Airbrush is one of the most diverse tools around.
In the hands of an artist, it can produce amazing images. If you have artistic talent and a steady hand and you are willing to dedicate some time to developing your skills, airbrushing can be immensely rewarding.
 Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What is an airbrush?
- A: An airbrush is a small, air-operated tool that sprays fluid (paint, ink, dye, stain, glaze, etc.). It resembles, and is held like, a pen. It applies paint through a process known as atomization.
- Q: What's atomization?
- A: An airbrush takes a fluid and turns it into a directed airborne mist. You can think of it as a sophisticated perfume atomizer or as a controllable spray paint can.
- Q: How does an airbrush work?
- A: The airbrush must be attached to an air source to spray. Airbrushes have two systems that must work together to function properly. The air system provides energy for the atomization of the fluid. The fluid system delivers the paint to the tip of the airbrush to be atomized and sprayed onto a surface.
- Q: I'm confused, why are there so many different types of airbrushes?
- A: Good question! All airbrushes will convert liquid (paint, for instance) into a fine spray. Most models will perform this task to a standard that is way above the beginner's needs, so in most cases your choice of model will be determined by whichever style of paint cup suits your type of spraying. If you want to spray a ceiling, for instance, then you will need a model with a swivelable side cup, so that the airbrush can point vertically, while the paint cup remains horizontal.
If you plan on changing colors often, then consider a model with a removable bottle. These simply pull out of the airbrush body.
If you are using tiny amounts of color, in nail-art for instance, then the smallest of paint reservoirs will be adequate. This has the added benefit of giving a clearer view of your workpiece which is ideal for fine detail.
One other consideration is the type of paint to be spayed. If you plan on using cellulose based paints, then you will require a model that has PTFE (Teflon) seals inside. These are resistant to aggressive solvents, whereas rubber seals are rapidly degraded, and fail leading to poor spray performance.
 Q: What type of airbrush is best for me?- A: This depends on your desired application. Most airbrush users today use single- or dual-action, internal mix airbrushes because they offer the most control and the finest of sprays. However, single-action, external mix airbrushes are very popular for hobby and craft applications, the spraying of ceramic glazes or high viscosity materials, or where cost is a factor. (They are generally less expensive.)
- Q: What is the difference between internal-mix and external-mix?
- A: In an internal-mix airbrush, the air and paint mix inside the paint tip. This produces a thorough atomization or mixing, which results in a very soft, fine spray pattern. In an external-mix airbrush, the air and paint mix outside the tip, producing a coarse spray pattern.
- Q: Why are there different size tips for the airbrush?
- A: Nozzle sizes are differentiated by tenths and sometimes hundredths of millimeters. The different sizes allow for finer or coarser paint (how finely the paint pigment is ground up) while trading off between finer and coarser lines and spray patterns. The line sizes are relative within the different airbrush product lines. A practiced hand and deft touch can accomplish some amazing lines and effects with a .5mm nozzle airbrush.
- Q: What types of surfaces can be worked on?
- A: All surfaces can be airbrushed: paper, canvas, plastic, metal, glass, wood, leather, skin, etc. The key is to insure the proper preparation of the surface prior to spraying and its compatibility with the sprayed material.
- Q: What kinds of paint can I use with the airbrush?
- A: Most paints: acrylics, watercolors, automotive paints, enamels, alkyds, etc., are sprayable as long as they are thinned to a consistency, like light cream, that enables them to flow easily through the airbrush. However, if you're just learning how to paint with an airbrush consider buying airbrush-ready paints. With premixed paints, you can focus on improving your technique rather than worrying about whether or not your paint is going to clog the airbrush.
- Q: What kinds of images can be produced with an airbrush?
- A: An artist can produce any kind of image that he or she can with a brush. The big difference is that by spraying the color, you have the ability to make sharp, crisp lines as well as amazing soft fades, blends and shadows not possible with a bristle brush. Here are some examples:
  
- Q: But I can't draw a straight line. How can I get good results as a beginner?
- A: There are many tricks, textures, and special effects you will learn as you go along. You can learn these through classes, books, videos, instructional websites (such as HowToAirbrush.com) or working with other airbrush artists. Many professional artists use a combination of stencils and common items (such as cotton batting or feathers - both used in the chief's headdress, above right) to achieve the effects that they want. You can make your own stencils or use ready-cut stencils for consistent and professional results.
- Q: Is there any instruction/educational material available?
- A: Yes. Visit our Books/Videos & DVDs site, the Learning Center at http://www.tcpglobal.com/learningcenter/lc020.asp
- Q: I don't see my question listed here? How can I get more information?
- A: You can e-mail your question to us at Support@Airbrush-Depot.com
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