Airbrushing a skateboard deck...?

Question

I have seen this asked a couple times, but I am going to be airbrushing/hand painting a blank skateboard deck. I am guessing sanding it down first would be good, but what about spraying primer? I thought about that, but I want to keep parts of the board showing its natural wood underneath.. And what paint will look the best and be easiest to use? My father suggested lacquer but can that be used with an airbrush?


And what kind of finish should I add to cover it in a clear finish coat? I dont want the paint to run or get ruined.


BTW, this board will not be used, it will be displayed, so basically I just want it to look its best rather than worrying about taking damage.

Answer 1

Yes, first sand down to a smooth finish with finer and finer grades of sandpaper.

Since you want the WOOD to show: I would strongly suggest applying a clear-coat of either Acrylic or Laquer... this will protect the wood from any staining as you apply your decorations,

Mask off your design with either tape or "Frisket" (a airbrush masking material sold in 8 1/2 x 11 sheets), and always apply lighter colors first.

Be careful to check with the folks at your hobby-paint store to match your paints for compatibility... laquers will bubble and lift enamals.

You CAN use lacquers thru an airbrush.

I would recommend acrylics, and then a good poly-urethane cover-coat.

Good luck.

Answer 2

if it isn't going to be used, then go down to the local craft store (i know that pat catan's sells airbrush supplies) and buy yourself some airbrush paints...they have millions of colors and you can blend them to make other colors. they even have metallics and such. just make sure the paints you choose are suitable for painting on wood and that they are for airbrushing (that way they don't clog up the sprayer, etc.) if you don't already have airbrush equipment, they have decent little starter setups there too.

Answer 3

Airbrushing- way better.