airbrushes

An airbrush is a small, air-operated tool that sprays liquid by atomizing it with compressed air. It consists of a body, needle, nozzle, trigger, and a paint cup (gravity-feed or siphon-feed). The paint and air mix to form a fine mist, enabling precise control of coverage. Most airbrushes are single-action (fixed paint flow with a press of the trigger) or dual-action (trigger also modulates paint flow for shading).

Types and feeds: Gravity-feed cups sit on top and offer easy viewing and light paint use; siphon-feed cups draw paint from below and can hold more. Nozzle sizes commonly range from 0.2 to 0.5 mm for detail work, with larger sizes for broad coverage. Materials include brass, stainless steel, or plastic.

Applications: Airbrushes are used in fine art, makeup, automotive refinishing, model painting, cake decorating, and textile art. They are also employed in photography and special effects to apply gradients and textures.

Operation and maintenance: Connect to a suitable compressor, ideally with a moisture trap. Typical spray pressures range from about 15 to 40 psi, depending on tip size and paint. Thin paints as recommended and test spray on a scrap surface. After use, flush and disassemble the tip and needle for cleaning; lubricate seals as needed.

Safety and technique: Spray in a well-ventilated area, use a protective mask or respirator, and follow paint manufacturer safety guidelines. Practice and adjust distance, speed, and edge control to achieve the desired effects.