Proper setup for Airbrushing

Tools, Techniques, and Reference Materials Painting and airbrushing
1

My wife recently got me an airbrush for my birthday. Right now we are living in an apartment, so I have not used it. We simply don’t have a good environment for me to use it in. IN a month or so we should be moving into a townhouse with much more space to spread out, and hopefully an extra bedroom I can use for modelling. However, is airbrushing indoors without a vented hood system ok? I intend to use acrylics only, but am concerned about proper ventilation. Appreciate any thoughts.

2

Hi Kodiak, welcome to the madness [:D]

I wouldn’t recommend airbrushing indoors with anything stronger than water if you don’t have a vent system - unless you’re not particularly fond of your lungs…or breathing in general.

I would recommend a spray booth, there are several types and price ranges to choose from. Check ebay for the best prices.

But if budget is a big concern, pick up a window fan - one of those fans that sit in an open window and usually have two fans in them. They generally run about $40, maybe less. Set up your table right in front of the window and set both fans to exhaust. Let them run for about an hour before you start to spray and an hour after your done. They don’t have the same CFM as a cage blower, so need a bit more time to get the circulation going.

Hope that helps some.

-Fred

3

I use a big fan by the window and it works great.

4

Thanks for the replies, based on a relatively quick search I noticed the Artograph 1520 seems to be reasonably priced and had some positive reviews. Would this be a good way to go?

5

If you go the fan route, tape a furnace filter over the back side of the fan. This will help keep the paint off the fan itself.

Jesse

6

Kodiak,

I too live in a townhouse and use the garage to model/spray.

I use two pedestal fans, in line with each other, one at the end of the garage (with the door open) and the other at the other end near the entrance (again with an open door). i make sure they blow out the garage door.

I’ve never had a problem with this setup, however, i use a dual cartridge painter’s mask - which i even wear when using liquid cement or any other potentially harmful substances.

I find this to be a perfect setup, and providing you close any doors leading to the house, you shouldn’t have a problem.

cml

7

Besides the fan, definitely use a proper dual cartridge respirator, NOT a dust mask.

Acrylics may be water clean up, but they still have a whole bunch of wee nasty’s in them.

8

I agree! Acrylics are basically liquid plastic and I wouldn’t want them in my lungs.

9

Would you give us the make and model of the dual cartridge respirators you two use or recommend and if you know of an online dealer that carries them. I do ware glasses so hopefully the respirator and glasses are compatible.

Thanks gents.

Patrick

10

While there isn’t a ‘proper’ setup, per se, in order to do airbrushing, there’s a few things you’d want to take into consideration:

  • Your brush(es) and your ability to maintain it/them. Get the right equipment to do so and keep it in good working shape. Not difficult nor time intensive.

  • Your air supply almost more important than your brushes. Includes your compressor, regulators, hoses, quick release fittings, etc.

  • Your spray area, including how do you deal with overspray, fumes, and what do you spray on. You may consider a booth, fans, etc.

  • Your media: what you are going to spray through your brush and how does this compliment your activities in modeling. Having good media can make a difference.

Having the best equipment is not always essential, but it can really make the difference, and make it so you either enjoy what you are doing, or hate it.

As for all these things, there are more cmoplex and expensive ways and there are less expensive ways to deal with things.

Just my 2 cents. No recs, but I could give some later. I’ve used everything from the cheapest brushes and airsupplies to stuff custom built for airbrushing.