Types and rating of airbrush paints, how to do it yourself and apply
To give a surface a spectacular and unique design, it is worth applying a picture to it using a special tool called an airbrush. In order for the drawing to be high-quality and clear, it is important to correctly choose materials and strictly observe the technique of their application. Using special airbrush paints allows you to achieve excellent results.
Characteristics and scope
Most often, the airbrush is used in the automotive industry. However, today images with such a tool apply not only to cars. They are often found on walls or furniture. Sometimes drawings in this technique are used to decorate computers or phones.
If a person has artistic talents, you can apply the image with your own hands. However, it is important to choose the right materials. In order for the drawing to be durable and of high quality, you will need special paints and a primer.
The colorants that are used to work with an airbrush are divided into several broad categories:
- water-dissolving acrylics;
- base urethane formulations;
- multicomponent substances.
All these products differ in the methods of application. It is permissible to apply water-based acrylics in 1 or 2 stages - it all depends on the desired results.
Urethane colorants generally require varnishing. Multi-component substances are always applied in 3 layers.
Advantages and disadvantages
The advantages of using airbrush paints are:
- unique design;
- the ability to make the object recognizable;
- ease of restoration of the damaged area;
- variety of patterns;
- the ability to hide flaws on the surface of an object;
- high drying speed;
- lasting effect.
At the same time, the use of dyes for airbrushing also has a number of disadvantages:
- high price;
- the need for careful cleaning of the painted object;
- the need to use protective equipment.
Varieties of airbrush paints
Today there are many paints on sale that can be used for airbrush application. Each of the varieties has certain advantages and disadvantages.
Acrylic
This is one of the most popular and in demand varieties of paints and varnishes. These substances are characterized by an aqueous base. These products are easy to apply. They can be easily diluted to achieve the desired consistency. In addition, the formulations help to obtain an elastic and durable coating.
The advantages of acrylic paints are:
- wide range of colors - neutral translucent tones or saturated shades are on sale;
- high covering power - thanks to this, there is no need to reapply the coating;
- good adhesion - in combination with a long curing time, it helps to achieve unusual effects;
- lack of toxic properties - this is due to the water-dispersion base;
- the possibility of using on different types of surfaces.
At the same time, the materials differ in some drawbacks:
- the need to use high quality chemicals for rinsing;
- high price.
Urethane paints
These dyes are perfect for painting on cars, boats, motorcycles. In addition, they must be diluted with special solvents, which can be harmful to health.
In many ways, urethane paints are superior to acrylic materials. They can be of 2 types. So, both one- and two-component dyes are on sale. The first variety must be varnished.
The advantages of these materials are:
- high degree of adhesion;
- high pigment content - this has a positive effect on the hiding power and strength of the layer;
- economic consumption.
At the same time, the materials differ in some drawbacks:
- the need to use organic solvents considered hazardous to health;
- strong smell;
- high price.
Nitro paint
This tool is in second place in terms of popularity. At the same time, learning how to apply a drawing using nitro enamel dyes is somewhat more difficult. However, this experience can be very rewarding.
In most cases, this type of paint is used to paint cars. Nitro paint has the following advantages:
- quick drying - it helps to significantly speed up the process of completing the work;
- the ability to convey thin lines - other types of paints do not help to create a drawing so clearly;
- translucent fill - this decorative effect appears during certain manipulations with an airbrush and makes the drawing three-dimensional.
At the same time, nitro paint also has a number of disadvantages. These include in particular the following:
- insufficiently pronounced shades and halftones;
- low covering power settings;
- difficulties in achieving a light decorative tone when using 2-tone;
- the need to use a light substrate when gray tones appear.
It should be borne in mind that not all airbrushes are suitable for applying nitro paint. Therefore, it is important to purchase a special model that has a high cost.
Nitro paint is highly toxic. It is recommended to use this substance in a special room. There is a risk of negative health effects when such dyes are sprayed into the air.
Such a room has an excellent ventilation system and is dust-free.
It is allowed to work with nitro paint only with special clothes. Be sure to use a respirator so that the composition does not enter the respiratory system.
Based on epoxy resins
An epoxy-based composition is applied before painting. However, it has many advantages:
- ease of grinding;
- corrosion resistance;
- long operating time;
- impressive layer thickness.
At the same time, the following disadvantages are characteristic of an epoxy primer:
- high degree of toxicity;
- the need to use protective equipment;
- the need to clean the metal surface before applying the substance.
Watercolor
This type of paint can also be used when using an airbrush.Watercolors can be applied exclusively to paper or to certain types of decorative plaster. Therefore, it is often used indoors.
These dyes are suitable for people who want to learn artistic skills or improve them. The advantages of the material are:
- ease of mixing;
- ease of rinsing;
- lack of harmful components in the composition;
- ease of application.
The disadvantages of the material are:
- the possibility of applying to a limited number of coatings;
- the need for certain artistic skills.
Today watercolors are sold dry or in the form of a water-based paste. To achieve the desired texture, they must be mixed with plain water.
Adhesives
To improve the adhesion between the paint layer and the surface, adhesives are used. The main advantages of this type of flooring are:
- short drying period;
- the ability to apply to metal and plastic;
- wide range of applications.
Disadvantages of adhesives include:
- the need to follow the instructions for use;
- the need to use protective equipment.
Alkyd paint
Such dyes are widely used in airbrushing. Their main advantages are:
- affordable price, which is of great importance with a limited budget;
- rapid polymerization - it takes several days for the paint to dry completely;
- moisture resistance;
- absence of reactions with chemical elements.
At the same time, the materials differ in some drawbacks:
- fragility;
- sensitivity to mechanical factors;
- lack of resistance to ultraviolet light;
- the content of components hazardous to people.
Ranking of the best airbrush paint brands
Today on sale there are many paints and varnishes that can be used for airbrushing.Popular brands and products are:
- Wicked materials from Createx are very expensive. They are suitable for professional use. Due to the high degree of adhesion, the pattern is very durable. Bright colors are suitable for different types of surfaces.
- ExMix paint is a polyurethane dye produced by a Russian company. The material is water-based and affordable. At the same time, a limited palette is characteristic of paintings.
- Airbrush Sector is a popular brand that offers budget airbrush paints.
- Pro-Color is a company that offers a wide range of economical dyes. They are characterized by economical consumption and high quality.
- Policolor are paints produced by the Italian brand Maimeri. They are characterized by an affordable price, a variety of colors and a dense texture. The dye must be carefully diluted to facilitate application.
Principles of thinning paints
It is quite easy to thin the paint. In this case, it is worth using the composition recommended by the manufacturer. Thanks to this, it will be possible to achieve the maximum quality of the coating and avoid the occurrence of various problems.
At the same time, it is difficult to give universal recommendations for diluting a substance. When thinning the material, it is not the model of the airbrush that must be taken into account, but the air pressure that is created at the outlet. A normally dilute substance needs a pressure of 1.5 to 2.5 bar. For delicate work, parameters from 0.3 to 0.5 bar are suitable.
When properly diluted, the dye has a consistency similar to milk. However, it is important to take into account that this rule only applies to enamel and nitro paint.It is not relevant for water-based acrylics.
Features of work with material
To properly use airbrush paints, consider the following:
- Select a sketch.
- Prepare the surface for paint application.
- Select the material. The brightness, structure and durability of the pattern depend on it.
- Apply paint to the prepared surface.
- Dry the coating and, if necessary, varnish it.
Coating drying time and durability
The drying time depends on the type of material. On average, it takes several days. In order for the coating to last as long as possible, it is important to follow the rules of its application.
Security engineering
Gloves and a respirator are recommended when using dyes. Work is required in a well-ventilated area.
How to make DIY airbrush painting
To prepare the tint for work yourself, you need to set the pressure in the airbrush to 1.5 bar. Then mix the paint and drain it into the device. If the material does not swell, the pressure can be increased. Then mix the paint with the solvent. This is done in equal parts. At the next stage, the composition is poured into an airbrush and the transparency of the layer is checked.
There are many airbrush paintings today. They differ in composition and application features, which allows you to choose the appropriate option.