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I don't want to sound like a noob, but what exactly is airbrushing and how do you do it? (In a Warhammer sense)

I don't airbrush my self but here is what i know , i can't give you any infromation on technique or an technical data though.

airbrushing is the application of paint using a device like this


You hook it up to a compressor and then spray.

I do hope i've help and if i come across as condescending i don't mean to be.

blackclaw1 wrote:I don't airbrush my self but here is what i know , i can't give you any infromation on technique or an technical data though.

airbrushing is the application of paint using a device like this


You hook it up to a compressor and then spray.

I do hope i've help and if i come across as condescending i don't mean to be.

Isn't that just effectively a spray gun?

Airbrush = Spray gun.

It's just 2 names for the same thing.

No! No no no no no.
Airbrush != spraygun. They are NOT the same thing.

Sprayguns do not provide the level of control that a (proper) airbrush does. They just spray - a fixed pattern based entirely on the pressure put into it. Generally sprayguns are 'external mix' - air is blown across a fine hole and the flow causes a vacuum effect which sucks up paint from a reservoir. The cheap end of the 'airbrush' market is made up of these (and the Citadel gun is part of this). Paint droplets are carried in the airflow (which diffuses based entirely on the nozzle the air is forced out of).

Airbrushes allow you to control the flow of paint - some by turning a nut or screw (single action airbrushes, or adjustable sprayguns), some by means of a lever during the actual spraying (dual action airbrushes). The better, smoother operating versions are 'internal mix'. Air and paint are picked up in the body of the brush and forced through the nozzle together. A needle in the centre of the nozzle acts as a valve to control the flow of paint. In single action brushes this is in a preset position, giving consistent paint flow, in dual actions the needle is moved by levering the air trigger. It's the presence of the needle that generally distinguishes an airbrush from a spraygun. Air pressure can be controlled (generally via a regulator on the compressor) to control the diffusion of the spray at various mix (paint / thinner) consistencies. Airbrushing therefore becomes a 4-way balancing act - paint mix, spray pressure, paint flow, and distance to target. The distance is important as the paint dries while it's flying - more so with some mediums/thinners (eg alcohol) than others (water). For a smooth application, you want the paint droplet to hit, spread and dry on the actual surface - too dry and you get a dusty, easily rubbed off result (the paint is dry before it hits) too wet and you can get runs and pooling. All makes more sense when you try it. :-)

Watch these, they are a perfect example of what you can do with an airbrush

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hpvg2lRlsc&feature=channel_video_title

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBGtEA91zQY&feature=channel_video_title

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOKOFFT85Js&feature=channel_video_title

It's those things they use to paint pictures of Tweety Bird and the words "baby gurl" on t-shirts at the county fair.

ArmorOfContempt wrote:It's those things they use to paint pictures of Tweety Bird and the words "baby gurl" on t-shirts at the county fair.

Now you have me wanting to make tiny little t-shirts like that and put them on my space marines.