Airbrush Types

Like many things, there are so many choices for the same product and airbrushes are no different. From single action to double action, siphon to gravity feed, internal to external mix, and specialty, there are many different airbrushes.

Single action airbrushes are great for beginners because they are easy to learn and use.

One hand holds down a button on the airbrush releasing the air pressure while the other hand adjusts the amount of paint released. Single actions are used for solid coats, stencil work, straight lines, and for practicing. They spray a thicker amount of paint and are less likely to clog than a double action.

Double action airbrushes are different from single because of how they are handled when spraying. The two buttons used in the single are combined in the double action airbrush. When the one button on the double action is pressed, the air flow begins and by pulling back on the button the paint is released. When the button is pulled back all the way, lots of paint will spray out, but if the button is only slightly pushed, less paint will spray. This allows for more control over the amount of paint desired giving the artist more creativity over their project. The user can easily flow from a wide line to a thin line, a thick spray to a lighter mist all with the convenience of one hand.

Each airbrush needs to have a good mix of air and paint. There are two different methods, internal and external mixing. Internal mixing is when the paint and air come together inside the airbrush. External is just the opposite. Both give off different effects. Internal mixing produces a finer spray while external mixing allows for a much larger spray.

The way the paint gets to the air to be mixed depends on the type of feed. There is gravity feed, siphon bottom feed, and siphon side feed. Gravity feed airbrushes have containers on the top to hold the paint. Gravity draws the paint into the airbrush. This is good for fine detail applications because there is less air pressure being used. Hand movements are easier to control using a gravity feed.

Siphon bottom feed airbrushes have paint containers on the bottom. This allows for the user to change the paint colors often. Siphon side feeds have paint containers on both sides of the airbrush. This allows for the user to work easily on both horizontal and vertical surfaces back and forth without the obstruction of a top mounted paint container. Also, the siphon side feed allows for there to be more paint at hand and therefore less time adding paint. Single action airbrushes are only siphon bottom feed. Double action can be found using any type of feed.

Other different airbrushes are known as specialty airbrushes. They are unique because they are specific in what they do and they allow the user to do it well. The Air Eraser, uses the same idea of airbrushing without the paint. It works like a soft sand blaster. It can do jobs such as etch glass, clean jewelry, remove rust and corrosion, and can be used in dental labs. This is easy to use and handles with great accuracy. The Flow Pencil is an airbrush that works like a pencil, creating thin lines. It is used to detail small areas with stripes, elaborate designs, and writing words.

With so many different airbrushes it is best to choose one that best suits your needs as well as the projects'.

 

"About Airbrushes." Paasche Airbrush Company. 14 Sept. 2006.

"Choosing an Airbrush." Discount Art Supplies. 2006. 14 Sept. 2006.

Johnson, Don. "Some Airbrush Definitions." How to Airbrush. Airhead
Airbrush.Com, Inc. 14 Sept. 2006.

"Product Review." Airbrush. 14 Sept. 2006.