Features and scope of application
Airbrushing is most often used in the automotive industry. However, today images with this tool are applied not only to cars. They are often found on walls or furniture. Sometimes computer equipment or phones are decorated with drawings using this technique.
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 primer.
Dyes that are used to work with an airbrush are divided into several large categories:
- acrylic substances that dissolve in water;
- base urethane compounds;
- multicomponent substances.
All of these products differ in application methods. Acrylic substances with a water base can be applied in 1 or 2 stages - it all depends on the desired results.
Urethane dyes usually require varnishing. Multicomponent substances are always applied in 3 layers.
Paint and varnish materials for airbrushing
Acrylic and enamel materials have become suitable and frequently used dyes for airbrushing. Enamel products are sprayed thinner, since the pigment consists of fine particles.
ATTENTION! Due to the high cost of enamels, the best airbrush paints are acrylic.
They have the necessary properties:
- Environmentally friendly - non-toxic, odorless. No protective suit is required when working.
- Hypoallergenic.
- Fine atomization with nozzle diameters of 0.2 mm and above.
- Solubility in natural solvents and water.
- Dries quickly (2-3 minutes).
- Does not crack, remains bright for a long time.
- The finished drawing does not stain and cannot be washed by hand.
- Rich color palette.
- Easily washes off hands.
- When working with different colors, the paints do not mix to form dirty spots.
Advantages and disadvantages
The advantages of using airbrush paints include the following:
- unique design;
- the ability to make an object recognizable;
- ease of restoration of the damaged area;
- variety of designs;
- the ability to hide defects 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.
Nitropaint
Nitro paint contains pigments finely ground enough to be used normally with an airbrush. It can draw normally, including very fine lines. It dries quickly. Because of this, it can harden at the tip of the needle and clog the nozzle. This paint has its own characteristics. Nitro paint is low covering. Has a limited number of colors. In this case, the colors are not bright enough. They have increased toxicity.
Nitro paints are diluted with solvents 646 and 650. The drawing drawn with these paints must be varnished, otherwise the colors will fade.
The airbrush must be compatible with nitro paint, as it can have a destructive effect on the airbrush seals.
Types of airbrush paints
Today there are many paints on sale that can be used with an airbrush. Each variety has certain advantages and disadvantages.
Acrylic
This is one of the most popular and sought-after types of paint and varnish compositions. Such substances are characterized by an aqueous base. These products are easy to apply. They can be easily diluted to obtain the desired consistency. In addition, the compositions help to obtain an elastic and durable coating.
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The advantages of acrylic paints include the following:
- wide range of colors - neutral translucent tones or rich shades are on sale;
- high level of hiding power - thanks to this there is no need to apply the coating multiple times;
- good adhesion - in combination with a large reserve of time for hardening, it helps to obtain unusual effects;
- lack of toxic properties - this is due to the water-dispersion base;
- Possibility of use on different types of surfaces.
However, the materials differ in some disadvantages:
- the need to use high-quality chemicals for rinsing;
- high price.
Urethane paints
Such dyes are perfect for painting on cars, boats, and motorcycles. At the same time, they need to be diluted with special solvents that can be harmful to health.
In many respects, urethane paints are superior to acrylic materials. They can have 2 types. Thus, one- and two-component dyes are available for sale. The first type should be varnished.
The advantages of such materials include the following:
- high degree of adhesion;
- high pigment content - this has a positive effect on the coverage and strength of the layer;
- economical consumption.
However, the materials differ in some disadvantages:
- the need to use organic solvents, which are considered hazardous to health;
- Strong smell;
- high price.
Nitropaint
This tool is in second place in popularity. At the same time, learning how to apply a design using nitro-enamel-based dyes is somewhat more difficult. However, this experience can be very useful.
In most cases, this type of paint is used for painting cars. Nitro paint has the following advantages:
- quick drying - this helps to significantly speed up the process of completing the work;
- the ability to convey fine lines - other types of paints do not help create a drawing as clearly;
- translucent fill - this decorative effect appears when performing some manipulations with an airbrush and makes the drawing three-dimensional.
At the same time, nitro paint also has a number of disadvantages. These include the following:
- insufficiently expressed shades and halftones;
- low hiding power parameters;
- difficulties in obtaining a clear decorative tone when using 2 tones;
- the need to use a light substrate when gray tones appear.
It is worth considering that not all airbrushes are suitable for using nitro paint. Therefore, it is important to buy a special model, which is highly expensive.
Nitro paint is characterized by high toxicity. It is recommended to use this substance in a special room. When such dyes are sprayed into the air, there is a risk of negative health effects.
Expert opinion
Zakharova Irina Yurievna
Cleaning professional with 15 years of experience. Our best expert.
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The best option for applying nitro paints to a car is a special painting box.
Such a room provides an excellent ventilation system and is dust-free.
See also
Types of paints for rubber and how to choose the composition, application technology
It is permissible to work with nitro paint only in special clothing. Be sure to use a respirator to prevent the composition from entering the respiratory system.
Based on epoxy resins
A composition based on epoxy resins is applied before painting. At the same time, it has many advantages:
- ease of grinding;
- corrosion resistance;
- long service life;
- impressive layer thickness.
At the same time, the following disadvantages are characteristic of 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 only be applied to paper or some types of decorative plaster. That’s why it is often used in the interior.
Such dyes are suitable for people who want to gain artistic skills or improve them. The advantages of the material include the following:
- ease of mixing;
- ease of rinsing;
- absence of harmful components in the composition;
- ease of application.
The disadvantages of the material include the following:
- possibility of application to a limited number of coatings;
- need for some artistic skills.
Today, watercolor paints are sold dry or in water-based paste form. To get the desired texture, they need to be mixed with plain water.
Adhesive compounds
To improve the adhesion between the paint layer and the surface, adhesive compounds are used. The main advantages of this type of soil are:
- short drying period;
- Possibility of application to metal and plastic;
- wide scope of application.
The disadvantages of adhesive agents 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 include the following:
- affordable price, which is of great importance if you have a limited budget;
- fast polymerization - it takes several days for the paint to dry completely;
- resistance to moisture;
- no reactions with chemical elements.
However, the materials differ in some disadvantages:
- fragility;
- exposure to mechanical factors;
- lack of ultraviolet resistance;
- contains components hazardous to humans.
Food coloring for airbrush
Special airbrushes are used in the production of confectionery products. Inscriptions and drawings are applied with food-grade paints that do not impart foreign odors or tastes to the products. Concentrated formulations color sweet masterpieces in bright shades. Dyes that produce pearlescent or metallic colors are used. When mixing, confectioners achieve brightness for:
Using stencils, drawings are applied, even portraits of people.
They produce food paints for airbrushes in bottles that are easy to store. The AmeriColor brand is popular among confectioners.
Rating of the best airbrush paint brands
Today there are many paints and varnishes on sale that can be used for airbrushing. Popular brands and products include the following:
- Wicked materials from Createx are highly priced. They are suitable for professional use. Thanks to the high degree of adhesion, the pattern is very durable. Bright dyes 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, paints are characterized by a limited palette.
- Airbrush Sector is a popular brand that offers paints for budget airbrushes.
- Pro-Color is a company that offers a wide range of budget 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 thick texture. The dye must be thoroughly diluted, which makes it easier to apply.
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Principles of paint dilution
Thinning the paint is quite easy. In this case, it is worth using the composition recommended by the manufacturer. Thanks to this, it will be possible to achieve maximum quality of the coating and prevent the occurrence of various problems.
At the same time, it is difficult to give universal recommendations for diluting the substance. When diluting the material, it is worth taking into account not the model of the airbrush, but the air pressure that is created at the exit. A normally diluted substance needs a pressure of 1.5-2.5 bar. For delicate work, parameters of 0.3-0.5 bar are suitable.
Properly diluted dye has a consistency similar to milk. However, it is important to take into account that this rule applies only to enamel and nitro paint. This is not relevant for water-based acrylics.
