We choose paint for an airbrush

One of the surest ways to give any surface an expressive and unique appearance is to apply images using a special tool called an airbrush. To make them quality and reliable, it is important to choose the right paint for the airbrush. Consider what they are and what features are characteristic of them.

Content:

• The main varieties of paint products for airbrushing
• Features of acrylic compositions
• Nitro enamels - characteristic features
• Watercolor and its features
• Choosing the right primer for the airbrush
• Adhesive compounds
• Epoxy based
• Fillers
• What is important to consider when choosing a paintwork material

The main varieties of paint products for airbrushing

Currently, airbrushing is used not only for registration of vehicles. A variety of drawings made with an airbrush can be found on walls and furniture, on computer equipment and even on smartphones. If you have artistic talent, such images can be done with your own hands. The most important thing is to take a very responsible attitude to the choice of paints suitable for an airbrush. It is equally important to correctly select the soil to perform this process.

All paints intended for use with an airbrush can be divided into three large groups:

• water soluble acrylic compounds;
• base urethane paints;
• multicomponent multi-stage compositions.

It is important to note that they all differ in the method of application. So, water-based acrylics can be sprayed in both one and two stages - depending on what result you want to get. One of the prerequisites for the use of urethane paints is varnishing. A multi-component colorful compositions are always applied in three stages.

Features of acrylic compositions

One of the most popular and sought-after types of paints and varnishes are water-based acrylic paints for airbrushing. They are characterized by many advantages, among which are:

• a wide color palette - from neutral translucent shades to saturated and bright;
• high level of opacity, eliminating the need for multi-layer application of paintwork;
• good adhesion, which in combination with a significant margin of time for hardening allows you to create interesting effects when applied;
• absolute non-toxicity due to its water-dispersed base;
• the ability to use on virtually any type of surface.

High-quality acrylic paints for airbrushing, having a water base, are very convenient for DIY use. They are easy to breed to obtain the desired consistency, mixing with a certain amount of distilled water.

When such a paint is completely dry, a thin plastic layer forms on the surface of the product to be painted, which is at the same time elastic and sufficiently hard and durable.

To wash off such a coating, it is necessary to use special chemicals of high quality. This feature of acrylic paints is very appreciated by many artists, because it makes it possible to perform drawings with interesting effects.

Nitro enamels - characteristic features

The main competitor of liquid acrylic paint for airbrushing is nitro enamel, which is very widely used in the design of automotive equipment.

These funds are also characterized by many advantages and benefits that greatly facilitate the work:

1. They dry out several times faster compared to acrylic products.
2. With their help it is much easier to apply perfect thin lines.
3. Using such tools, you can create translucent fills that look very impressive.

However, they are not without nitro-paint and certain disadvantages. In particular, tones and shades are less vivid and expressive, and their hiding power is far from the best. Using two different colors, it is almost impossible to get a beautiful tone - to prevent the appearance of a grayish tint, you should use a light substrate.

Due to the fact that not all airbrush models are suitable for working with nitro paints, you should carefully study the information indicated on the package of the product you have chosen.

Pay attention to the fact that the compositions of nitro-paints are highly toxic. Therefore, it is recommended to use them in special boxes where high-quality ventilation is provided. In addition, all work must be carried out in special equipment.

Watercolor and its features

One of the types of paints that you can use to apply a picture with your own airbrush is watercolor. Of course, it is suitable exclusively for paper and some types of decorative plaster, so it is widely used in the interior. It is recommended to use such paints for those who wish to acquire artistic skills and improve them.

Watercolors are characterized by such properties as:

• ease of mixing and rinsing;
• absolute absence of harmful substances in the composition;
• ease of spraying.

At present, both dry watercolor paints for airbrushing and those made in the form of a paste based on water are presented. To obtain the required consistency, simply dilute them with plain water.

Choosing the right primer for the airbrush

To make a truly beautiful picture with your own hands, using an airbrush, it is important to choose the right paint, as well as special primer. This concept refers to the basecoat, on which the quality of the paint application, as well as its reliability, depends.

Among the mandatory properties that an effective soil should have, it is necessary to highlight:

• good adhesion;
• the highest degree of hiding power;
• perfect smoothness and silkiness;
• immunity to absorption of paint.

There are several types of soils, in particular:

• adhesive primer;
• epoxy;
• soil filler.

Adhesive compounds

To ensure a high-quality, reliable and strong bond between the surface of the product to be painted and the coat of paint, a special adhesive primer can be used. As a rule, it dries very quickly and is ideally suited for use on any metal and plastic surfaces.

Epoxy based

Epoxy primer, due to its toxicity, requires maximum care when working, as well as ensuring good ventilation in the room. For this type of soil are characteristic:

• significant thickness of the resulting layer;
• maximum long service life;
• simplicity and ease of grinding;
• high resistance to any manifestations of corrosion.

When using epoxy primers, certain rules must be followed.

To prevent problems associated with the drying speed of such a coating, this type of soil can be applied exclusively to a clean metal coating, without first applying acidic soils with an etching effect.

Fillers

Soil fillers are special two-component agents based on a mixture of acrylic and urethane. This product can be applied in two ways - on a clean metal surface or on previously applied epoxy primer. Like other types, this soil is absolutely not compatible with aggressive acidic agents.

What is important to consider when choosing a paintwork material

When choosing paint for an airbrush, you must definitely pay attention to its compatibility with the model of the device you are using. The reputation of the manufacturer and the shelf life of the product also play a huge role. Choose the type of paint for airbrushing, depending on the desired result.

Only in the case of using high-quality and reliable paints for an airbrush can you make an effective image with your own hands. Give preference to those options that do not contain toxic components.