If you really got interested in airbrushing, sooner or later you will have to think about choosing and acquiring a high-quality and effective airbrush, with which you can create beautiful images with a variety of effects. Both professional and novice artists are interested in how to choose an airbrush that combines all the best functional properties.
- What to consider when choosing first
- Principle of work and selection criteria
- Main varieties
- External mixer
- Internal mixer
- What is required for airbrushing
Currently, these electric tools are presented in a fairly wide range, so it is quite difficult to make the right choice. But still try to deal with this difficult task.
to contents ↑What to consider when choosing first
First you need to understand what exactly is an airbrush. This pneumatic tool is also called a paint sprayer, or mini-spray gun. It is intended for creating images on various types of surfaces by means of pneumatic spraying: air flow under a pressure exceeding atmospheric is passed through a narrow hole.
Since the spray gun belongs to the category of tools intended for drawing, its selection should be approached almost in the same way as the choice of brushes. However, if, choosing a brush, we pay attention to the shape, size, and type of bristles, then in this case the most important role is given to such components as the needle and nozzle. It is imperative to pay attention to what diameter they have.
The airbrush nozzle must have a diameter of at least 0.15 mm. As for the maximum diameter of this element, it can be 0.6 mm.
It is important to note that to perform different types of artwork, a nozzle for an airbrush with different diameters is required:
- To obtain the finest lines and the highest degree of detail of images, a nozzle with a diameter of 0.15 to 0.18 mm is required;
- A nozzle with a diameter of 0.2 to 0.3 mm is the most common and widely used option due to its versatility. Such nozzles are quite suitable for various purposes, in particular, for drawing fine details, as well as for coloring the background on relatively small surfaces.
- If you plan to perform artwork, which are of significant scale, it is recommended to use a nozzle for an airbrush, whose diameter is approximately 0.4-0.6 mm. Moreover, such devices are often used to apply varnish or special primers to various types of surfaces.
Following the advice of professionals, it is best for novice artists to use an airbrush nozzle with a diameter of 0.2 to 0.3 mm. If there is a need to use devices with smaller diameters, it is important to choose finely dispersed paints of the highest quality for them - otherwise there is a risk of distortion of the picture, as well as the failure of the device.
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Principle of work and selection criteria
Before choosing an airbrush, it is important to determine why you need it and what criteria to pay attention to:
- Technical parameters of the device. These include: jet flow rate, nozzle diameter, and some others.
- An important role is played by the preset operating modes and their number. The cost of a high-quality airbrush is quite high, so it is better to choose those models that have a wide range of diverse functions.
- The most important thing when choosing a reliable tool for creating airbrushing is the type and design of the mechanism for supplying paint and some other materials if necessary.
The main principle of the airbrush is to develop a thin stream of paint material under high pressure. Consequently, the smallest particles of paint mixed with the air stream begin to move in a certain direction. They settle on the painted surface, creating a perfectly smooth and even coating layer.
To achieve the best aerosol atomization, it is important:
- very carefully select material for working with this tool, as well as properly prepare it;
- observe a strict order of work;
- consider the quality and reliability of the mini-spray gun.
Main varieties
Modern mini-spray guns for creating airbrushing differ in the principle of action. They are both automatic and semi-automatic. Semiautomatic devices are characterized by an independent double action, which involves pulling the trigger and then pulling it back. In automatic devices, the trigger is pulled back, after which air and paint are immediately supplied.
Due to its lightness and ease of use, as well as excellent functional characteristics, this type of device is suitable even for beginners who like airbrushing.
When using it, the risks of misses are minimized, which can significantly ruin the picture. In addition, its use is less tiring and requires less effort.
When choosing an airbrush, also keep in mind that mini-spray guns differ in the type of mixer installed, which can be external or internal.
to contents ↑External mixer
This is where the mixing of the two flows from the outside. Low-cost sets of such devices are ideal for beginners. Their other important differences are their simple design, quick setup and ease of use. But mini-spray guns equipped with an external mixer are completely unsuitable for painting miniature areas and those access to which is problematic. But to process large areas, on the contrary, it is very convenient to use it.
to contents ↑Internal mixer
Mini spray gun kits that have an internal mixer installed are best used in hard to reach places. He paints them very carefully and efficiently. Among the characteristics inherent in such a device is far from the largest margin of safety, and therefore its handling should be as accurate and careful as possible.
It is impossible to answer the question which of the mini-spray guns is better - with an internal or external mixer, because each of these types is designed to perform different tasks.
to contents ↑What is required for airbrushing
It is important for each person who plans to engage in airbrushing at a professional level to have an idea of what set of equipment will be required to apply beautiful, durable and high-quality drawings. The following devices are included in this kit:
- airbrush, or mini-spray gun;
- electric, diaphragm or piston compressor;
- device for adjusting pressure;
- moisture trap;
- gearbox;
- hoses for airbrush;
- oil filter.
When choosing an airbrush, pay attention to the reputation of the manufacturer. It is best to purchase sets of these devices made by leading Japanese or German companies.
Compressors are electric, diaphragm or piston. They are designed to supply air directly to the airbrush itself. It is recommended to purchase models that exhibit a low noise level during operation.
A set of equipment would be incomplete without hoses designed for an airbrush. They are the link between the atomizer itself and the air source.
Additional accessories are also needed - in particular, an airbrush stand, as well as an airbrush holder. With the help of a correctly selected holder, the device is protected from falling. Airbrush stand should be made of durable materials and be simple and easy to use. Depending on the level of training, you can purchase an initial, basic or professional kit for airbrushing.
In order for the electric paint sprayer to properly perform its functions, it is important to take into account all its characteristics: nozzle diameter, paint tank design, and the reliability of the levers. You should also correctly select a set of additional equipment, which includes an airbrush stand, hoses and other products. When creating drawings with an airbrush, it is important to take care of effective protection in the form of overalls and a respirator.
