Airbrushing Tips Needed

nike_swoosh · September 13, 2020, 7:55pm

I recently got a cheap Zeny Airbrush set on Ebay to hopefully get better at rehauling masks. However the air compressor that came with it only outputs 25 psi. I’m also trying to find the right mixture of paints, water/thinner, and liquid latex. So far the only thing that comes out is either the water or barely any paint that splatters. So far this process seems like a real hassle and is really starting to discourage me in using airbrushes. As of now I’m using apple barrel acrylic white paint. Should I get airbrush ready paint or not? Is the compressor I have good enough? Anything will help me greatly.

FineArts · September 13, 2020, 10:07pm

Ok, don’t get discouraged because it’s the only way to rehaul masks and anyone who says different probably has some crappy brush painted masks laying around. . Starting with the brush, it’s best to have a single action brush because they are easier to clean the latex paint out of and we aren’t really doing any major detail work. I use a Paasche H single action. I use a small 3 gallon craftsman air compressor that will easily shoot 120 psi, but normally run my brush between 50 and 75, depending on what I’m painting and the thickness of paint. The small “airbrush compressors” simply will not work. They don’t have the guts. Lastly, the paint needs to be a mix of liquid latex and acrylic paint. Don’t use only acrylic and don’t mix with thick mask latex. It needs to be the thinner balloon latex and mixed to a buttermilk type of consistency. If it’s too thin it won’t adhere, but if it is too thick the brush just won’t shoot it. Always practice on a piece of poster board before you begin, to make sure your settings are right. Good luck.

nike_swoosh · September 14, 2020, 3:03pm

Ok, don’t get discouraged because it’s the only way to rehaul masks and anyone who says different probably has some crappy brush painted masks laying around. . Starting with the brush, it’s best to have a single action brush because they are easier to clean the latex paint out of and we aren’t really doing any major detail work. I use a Paasche H single action. I use a small 3 gallon craftsman air compressor that will easily shoot 120 psi, but normally run my brush between 50 and 75, depending on what I’m painting and the thickness of paint. The small “airbrush compressors” simply will not work. They don’t have the guts. Lastly, the paint needs to be a mix of liquid latex and acrylic paint. Don’t use only acrylic and don’t mix with thick mask latex. It needs to be the thinner balloon latex and mixed to a buttermilk type of consistency. If it’s too thin it won’t adhere, but if it is too thick the brush just won’t shoot it. Always practice on a piece of poster board before you begin, to make sure your settings are right. Good luck.

Thanks for the tips man, would all of this stuff be available on Ebay or Amazon?

soulismissing · November 27, 2021, 7:21am

Smaller compressors will work just fine… take the needle out and run the gun full power with no blockage. The psi isn’t the issue, it is the size of the hole the liquid is coming out of that is the issue, as you are clogging quickly with latex. I keep my compressor at about 30 PSI and my masks look awesome and last with no issue.