The airbrush is held much like a pen (insert) or paintbrush. You want to use the thumb and middle finger to support the body of the airbrush and use the index finger to activate the trigger. When airbrushing try to cusp your hand with the airbrush in the palm of your opposite hand for extra support and steadiness.
This is the incorrect way to hold or activate a airbrush. Many beginners start of trying to work the airbrush in this manner.
The first thing you need to do is to learn to use the trigger properly. The trigger can be damaged very easily by applying too hard of pressure or forcing it down or back. Practice gently depressing the trigger and pulling it backwards. The springs should compress and release smoothly.
This part is what a "Duel or Double Action" airbrush is all about. With the trigger depressed, begin pulling it slowly backwards. Here is when the paint and air mix internally and begin spraying out the tip. As you pull the trigger further backwards, even more paint will be added to the mixture.
When the trigger is pulled all the way backwards, the greatest amount of paint will be released. This is not a good practice while trying to learn to airbrush . Practice by not fully depressing the trigger and gradually pulling it backwards. As you are applying paint to a surface, practice returning the trigger to the off position. Do not just let off the trigger when you want to stop. This may cause paint to splatter. In reverse order, bring the trigger forward to stop the paint delivery and gently release the trigger upwards to stop the air flow. It is wise to clear the tip of the airbrush with just air flow before you begin to start applying paint again. This will clear the tip of left over paint residue that may spit onto you work.
Sorry about the dry, dirty hands for this article. When I shot the pictures I was also working on a big paint project and did a no-no by wiped my hands off with laquer thinner. So go ahead and laugh.
Back To Basics
The Basics for Beginners
Written By Steven Craig
ARTIST PROFILE
STEVEN CRAIG
DATA
Steven Craig is the owner and head painter of SKC CUSTOMZ in Lake Havasu City, AZ. In the past Steven has won the House of Kolor Prestigeous Painter Award and was a 1st Place winner of Dupont's Hot Hues Awards. He most recently was awarded the Matrix System's FX Grand Prize Award. Steve paints a wide range
of jobs from guitars to large off shore boats. Visit his web site at
Airbrush
:
Iwata HP-BH, Custom Micron B
Spray Guns:
Iwata LPH400 and Iwata LPH300
Paint Media:
PPG, Xotic Colours, Dupont and Matrix Systems
Surface Media:
Everything I can get paint to stick to.
Masking
:
R-Tape and 3M Masking Tapes
Projector:
Artograph
Lighting
: Natural and Florescent. Spray-Line and Spray King Paint Booths
