Airbrushing

Selecting the Right Airbrush

Before choosing an air brush, consider the factors unique to your particular situation. What type of work will the air brush be used for? What type of materials will be sprayed through the air brush? What is the scale of the project? What is your level of experience? The list of terms below, the cut-away air brush diagram, and the reference chart will help you select the best air brush for your intended application.

INTERNAL MIX

Indicates that air and paint mix inside the air brush. Air and paint come together inside the head assembly to produce a thoroughly atomized fine dot spray pattern.

EXTERNAL MIX

Indicates that air and paint mix outside the air brush. Air and paint come together outside the head, or fluid assembly. External mix air brushes produce a larger dot spray pattern than internal mix air brushes.

DUAL ACTION

Refers to air brushes on which the trigger controls both air and colour (down for air, back for colour). This simple manoeuvre allows the artist to change the width of the line, the range of value and the opacity of paint without stopping their hand motion.

SINGLE ACTION

Refers to air brushes on which the trigger controls only the air flow. When the trigger is depressed, a pre-set amount of fluid is sprayed. The amount of fluid is regulated by turning the needle adjustment screw at the back of the handle, or in case of an external mix air brush by turning the fluid cap on the paint tip at the front of the air brush.

GRAVITY FEED

Refers to air brushes with top-mounted colour cups in which gravity draws paint into the air brush. Less air pressure is required enabling slower hand movement which creates excellent control for fine detail applications.

BOTTOM FEED

Refers to air brushes on which paint enters through a siphon tube or colour cup attached to the bottom of the air brush. Removable jars or various size colour cups can be connected to and utilized with bottom feed air brushes. This configuration is generally more versatile and enables the user to change colours quickly.

SIDE FEED

Refers to air brushes on which a small colour cup fits into the side of the air brush. The side feed colour cup rotates enabling the user to work on either a horizontal or vertical surface. The side feed configuration also permits the user to achieve fine detail without the possible sight obstruction of a top mounted colour cup.