Mediums for Airbrush Technique

The popularity of the airbrush is based partially on the fact that virtually all mediums used by artists and craftspersons can be sprayed. When required, the medium need only be thinned or reduced to a consistency compatible with spraying through the airbrush. As a rule of thumb, the ideal consistency is that of ink.

Airbrush Colors - These have been in existence at least since the 1920's (as they appear in a limited palette in a Wold Airbrush Co. catalog). The original airbrush colors were not much different from India ink. Today, the term "airbrush colors" refers primarily to pre-reduced water-soluble acrylic-based paints that are available either opaque or transparent and conveniently ready for spraying. These colors are low in toxicity, can be cleaned from tools and hands with soap and water and dry extremely fast. Airbrush colors are used primarily on paper surfaces, canvas and specialty acetates. When dry, they are water-resistant (not waterproof). See www.iwata-medea.com.

Ink - In its natural state, ink (drawing ink, writing ink and India ink) is ideal for airbrush technique. Good surfaces for working with ink include paper, illustration board and Claybord from Ampersand Art Supply (which markets a specialty ink; see www.ampersandart.com). The permanency, lightfastness and fugitive qualities of ink can vary from one manufacturer to another. Some are susceptible to fading and some are waterproof (which is indicated on the label).

Liquefied Watercolors and Dyes - These have been around for years and are used primarily in the commercial art field by illustrators and photo retouchers. They are similar in appearance to ink, although they usually do not come opaque. These have been known to fade from sunlight because they are not pigmented, so they should be exhibited under glass, preferably with an ultraviolet filter and not in direct sunlight. Colors are intense and well suited for work that will be reproduced in print media.

Artist Acrylic Colors - These are water-soluble, so thinning for airbrush application requires the addition of only water (no solvents), making them low in toxicity. Acrylics are the preferred medium of fine artists working on canvas with the airbrush, and they possess all the ideal attributes for airbrush technique. Acrylics dry quickly (as opposed to oil paint), allowing the artist to re-mask areas without damaging paint, which in turn enhances productivity. Even though acrylics are water-soluble, when dry they are waterproof, extremely flexible in thick or thin layers, cleanable, durable, and will adhere to any properly prepared surface.

Watercolor - Watercolor is also water-soluble, but that is where the similarity to acrylic ends. Watercolors are transparent and are suitable for working on paper surfaces and specialty watercolor canvas (Fredrix; see www.fredrixartistcanvas.com). They do not dry waterproof and, therefore, must be exhibited under glass or with a clear coat non-water-soluble varnish. Watercolors are ideal for airbrush work because they thin quickly and evenly to the right consistency, and they are easy to clean from the airbrush with airbrush cleaner.

Gouache - This is an opaque watercolor, with all the same attributes of traditional watercolor, but it can be worked opaquely. Gouache is a favorite of illustrators because of the radiant colors that thin quickly for airbrush use and clean up easily with airbrush cleaner.

Artist Oil Paints - Oil colors, as opposed to acrylics, are solvent-based and must be thinned with a solvent such as paint thinner. Therefore, when sprayed, oil paints are inherently more toxic. They also take much longer to dry, so when using stencils you can't work as quickly. But Genesis Artist Colors (oil paint, see www.genesisartistcolors.com) have the unique ability to be dried on demand with a hair dryer, thus allowing you to work with stencils, templates or tape without touching wet paint.

Fabric Paints - These were developed specifically for the T-shirt and fabric painter who requires paint that will not wash out of fabric. These come either water- or solvent-based and most are pre-reduced, but some require further reduction. However, all fabric paints must be heat-set for permanency.

Automotive Paints - There are many different types of automotive paints that can be airbrushed--acrylic lacquer, polyurethane, enamel, and specialty paints, to name just a few. Note that all these paints are toxic and some are more so than others. These are designed for spraying onto metal and plastic surfaces. Depending on the paint used, the airbrush artist must reduce these with the proper thinning and drying agents before spraying. Read the label completely and do not mix one type with another! Do not overlook special requirements, health hazards and advice on handling! For example, you cannot thin enamel paint with lacquer thinner. Health/safety caution is advised. At the very least, you should wear a respirator, and surgical gloves are recommended. Do not eat, smoke or drink in the work environment. When spraying automotive paints, use caution and common sense.

Whether you want to paint a woodcarving or a carousel horse, a motorcycle tank or a mural, there is an appropriate paint for application with the airbrush. You'll be amazed at the ease of application, the range of techniques, the professional results and your increase in productivity!