Purchasing an Airbrush
Once the artist has decided
the primary uses for the new airbrush, the quest for one that
meets the artist's requirements begins. There are over a dozen
airbrush manufacturers, each with several airbrushes for the most
exacting applications. Some manufacturers have in excess of 40
models from which to choose.
As overwhelming as this may be,
keeping focused on one's individual criteria narrows the choices.
The two trade magazines available to the American market, Airbrush
Action® and The Airbrush Magazine®, have frequent
product reviews and buyer's guides that can aid in making a decision.
Prices range from approximately $50 to $500: this may also play
an important role in buying an airbrush. See our airbrush category.
Seek Professional Advice
The best source for a
beginning airbrusher can be to ask artists who currently do airbrushing
professionally. They can offer insight on how to get started and
what equipment they prefer. After all, they too were beginners
at one time, and know exactly what one goes through making these
decisions. Personal acquaintances, art teachers, and local professionals
will usually give free advice and may even know of local classes
that offer beginning airbrush lessons. Airbrushing magazines have
many articles and artist reviews that cite what equipment they
prefer. Keep in mind that these professionals have very exacting
requirements and typically use several airbrushes to meet all
of their spraying needs.
AIRBRUSH TYPES
Single-Action vs. Double-Action
Airbrushes
"Single-action"
and "double-action" refer to the way the air and paint
flow of the airbrush is controlled. Single-action means
that it sprays much like an aerosol can: just push down the trigger
to get it to spray. The amount of paint that comes out is controlled
by twisting a knob or screw located near the tip. This type of
airbrush is also referred to as an "external-mix," because
the air and paint actually mix in front of the needle. There are
fewer moving parts that need cleaning, therefore it is an easy
airbrush to maintain. The single-action airbrush does not have
the precise control offered by a double-action; however, a single
action is a great beginner's brush that will always have uses
no matter how advanced an artist becomes. Smooth gradations are
easily accomplished, and for many artists, this will be the only
airbrush they will ever need.
A double-action airbrush
offers much greater control and is essential when producing fine
lines and thick-thin strokes (the classic "dagger stroke").
These are also known as "internal-mix" airbrushes because
the air and paint mix inside the nozzle. The double-action airbrush
has two trigger movements. As with the single-action, airflow
is controlled by pressing the trigger down; however, the amount
of paint can also be controlled by pulling the trigger back. The
farther the trigger is pulled back, the more paint comes out.
T-shirt lettering is much easier with this type of airbrush. Experienced,
"freehand" (painting without the aid of masking materials)
airbrushers can control a double-action to produce photo-realistic
artwork.
Siphon-feed Vs. Gravity-feed
Airbrushes
These terms refer to
how paint is supplied to an airbrush. Although this feature does
not directly influence how an airbrush performs, it does indicate
the paint capacity allowed before refilling.
Siphon-feed means that the
color-cup attaches from underneath the body of the airbrush. Air
suction pulls the paint from the cup to the nozzle area, where
it comes in contact with the air. This type of airbrush is useful
when spraying for extended periods of time because the color-cup
(typically 1/4 ounce capacity) can be taken off and a bottle can
be attached, normally with a capacity of 3 fluid ounces or less.
Gravity-feed essentially
means that the color-cup is on top of the airbrush body. Most
models have an immovable color-cup. Although larger models can
have paint reservoirs of 2 ounces, gravity-fed airbrushes are
made for detail, where small amounts of paint are applied at one
time. Because the paint is in an open color-cup, some models offer
a separate cap to keep paint from drying out in the color-cup.
They have a tiny hole in the center of the cap to prevent a vacuum
from developing. It is essential that this hole be open to maintain
proper paint flow. Siphon-feed bottles also have this hole on
the cap for the same purpose.