Airbrush Technique

So my mother-in-law bought me an airbrush for my birthday. I've never used one before but now that I have one I'm eager to learn. Any recommendations on good videos or books to learn the craft?

just like welding, its all practice, practice, practice! Maybe get with Don on here, he is the air-brush guru. Could be worse, I got a Tattoo gun, where do you practice using one of those!!!!!!


Side note, when will you be up this way next? Have a bus that has the shaft broken for the wipers, need the spare!

pm sent

meinvw wrote: just like welding, its all practice, practice, practice! Maybe get with Don on here, he is the air-brush guru. Could be worse, I got a Tattoo gun, where do you practice using one of those!!!!!!


Side note, when will you be up this way next? Have a bus that has the shaft broken for the wipers, need the spare!

you can pratice tatooing on the dog or kids

The best way to learn is to do it!
Some tips-
There is a balance of air pressure to paint consistency. Whether you use water or solvent based- the mixture should be a little thinner than regular milk....more like skim milk. 20 to 35/40 psi is a good range too. More air means thicker, heavier bodied paint, but more overspray. I prefer using acrylic urethane (basecoat) Why? it dries so much faster than waterbased stuff- I'm too impatient!

Check out "Airbrush Action Magaine' - good how to articles, great examples of art/artists too.
You'll see lots of adds for videos and such in there.
Also check out-
The Airbrush Forum

Hope your airbrush is double action- they're much more versitle once you get used to the trigger action. Push down first (all the way for now), then start to pull back and you get paint- you don't have to pull back much- especially if your a few inches off the surface.
Now go have some fun- and make a fine mess! (Don't forget good ventilation, and a mask too)

What brand/model of airbrush did you get?

It is double action. It's a Crescendo. I think she paid close to $200 for it. It's nothing like the little $20 single action Badger things they sell under the model cars.

Where do you get your paints?

DOODLE BUGG wrote:

meinvw wrote: just like welding, its all practice, practice, practice! Maybe get with Don on here, he is the air-brush guru. Could be worse, I got a Tattoo gun, where do you practice using one of those!!!!!!


Side note, when will you be up this way next? Have a bus that has the shaft broken for the wipers, need the spare!

you can pratice tatooing on the dog or kids

I'm now picturing a poodle with a nice "Dubs4Life" tat somewhere on it.....thanks!

Could be worse, I got a Tattoo gun, where do you practice using one of those!!!!!!


Any where you can reach with the hand holding the gun....self sacrifice!!!