Airbrushing?

Question

I would so love to start using an airbrush to learn some about airbrushing before I head off to college, I am hopefully going to attend OTC (Ohio Technical College) and take the Auto-body with custom paint and graphics course.

Does anyone have any personal opinions on airbrushes and where would be a good place to paint with an airbrush?

This is for painting with an airbrush connected to an air compressor and using paints, for cars and such.

Answer 1

howdy.

I've been airbrushing for about 15 years or so... started out with Badger (crap)...had someone recommend a Paasche VL (crap & oh my, what a tank)...and ended up with an Iwata HP-C. I love it. I have two, now. It does fine work, and up to a 2" spray.

I, too, am into autographics....and it's the HP-C that I use for most of it, with an Iwata W-101 for larger applications.

As far as where to paint...I use my living room as a studio for most everything, except when I'm hosing a basecolor. (tried that once, white...oh god, it looked like 'white christmas' in my living room)
However, I use AutoAir, a waterbased automotive paint...basecolor and detail colors....I don't use urethanes except to clear coat (AA is universally compatable, and doesn't have a window when you need to get the clear on).

If you're planning on using nothing but urethanes...it's off to the paint booth for you pal. No way you can shoot that stuff in the house.

Some top gun painters use autoair. The interior of that Heroes Truck? All painted with AutoAir. (the exterior was done in Dupont Urethanes, as they were the sponsor of it - they didn't care what he used on the interior) Mickey Harris did that one (he's doing seminars around the country right now, I think he may be in Bay City this weekend (michigan). Simon Evans, Formula One painter out of Europe....auto air. Blake McCully (Cross-eyed)...auto air. Even Vince Goodeve, Steve VanDemon use autoair from time to time. It's thicker than what you may be used to, and is prone to tip dry with the heavily pigmented colors...but the only harmful thing about it is colored snot (without a mask)

Answer 2

My personal opinion is don't do it

Sorry to be harsh but I have been Airbrushing for decades, it is messy, hard work and I found it almost impossible to get a safe environment

Much better to use an airbrush on the computer

Answer 3

I enjoy the Paashe airbrush set. It comes with everything but paint and the air compressor w/adapter. Costs abit but well worth it in terms of user friendly. As for where? I reccomend a place with no dust or wind or sawdust is , and where the noise from the compressor won't bother anyone.

Answer 4

if ur referring to the airbrushing professionals use for photo shoots, photoshop would probably be the best place to start.

Answer 5

the wall in your room probably? u can take time and adjust your work accordingly...