Airbrush Templates

Many people may shy away from airbrushing because they feel they cannot draw or paint.  Airbrushing using templates allows anyone of any skill level to enjoy this amazing tool. The perfect design can make or break the outcome of any project. Airbrush templates help to guide a design in the right direction.

A template is similar to a stencil. It is placed on top of the object and allows the paint to go only where it is wanted.

Airbrush templates can be bought in almost any design that you can think of ranging from pretty flowers and butterflies to flames and cross bones. Whatever type of design you decide on, here are a few tips to make sure you get the desired effect you are looking for. An airbrushing template should be solvent proof, meaning that when the paint is sprayed the template should remain intact and not dissolve. This is important if you are spending money on the template, you want it to last. If you are working on a 3-D item such as a vase or car door, the template will work best if it is flexible and can mold around the object. Some templates have different sizes and shapes within them so you can mix and match to create your own design. When you find the perfect airbrush template for your project, be sure and practice with it on a similar surface to your project. Also, when you tape the template to the object, use artists tape or automotive safe tape. This will not leave a residue as regular masking tape might. When practicing, keep in mind that airbrushing templates are designed to be easy to use. They should help move your project forward faster, so get comfortable with them and you will have a great outcome.

Airbrush templates do not have to be bought. If you have an idea, run with it. Draw out your design on paper, then trace it onto a thicker material such as cardboard. Start simple, with a star or bubble letter. Then cut it out and practice airbrushing to see what kind of pattern and design you can make.

Sometimes it is important to think outside the box. Take a look around and see what kinds of materials you have access to that could be used as an airbrush template. You could use dried leaves from the ground, from which would make nice organic curvy lines. You could use the bottom of a soda can to create a perfect circle. A feather, scrap of paper, the possibilities are only limited to your creative thinking.

"Freehand Airbrush Templates." Dixie Art. Art Tool. 14 Sept. 2006.

"Freehand Solvent Proof Airbrush Templates." Blick Art Materials. 2006. 14 Sept. 2006.