Home Request Catalog Store Locator Contact Us NEW! WishList Common Airbrush Questions & Answers Which airbrush should I use? What can an airbrush spray? What is a single action airbrush? How is a double action airbrush different? How are the liquid and air mixed? Are there any other types of airbrushes? How much air? Will I need a moisture trap? Is it necessary to use a pressure regulator? "When all else fails, read the instructions." Summary Which airbrush should I use? This is the most common question that we are asked. The information in the Airbrush Comparison Chart is intended to answer that question and others you may have. Please take the time to look it over before you place your order. We at Dick Blick want you to have the airbrush that best suits your needs. What can an airbrush spray? Any liquid that can be thinned to the consistency of milk can be sprayed through an airbrush. However, if some liquids are thinned too much, they won't perform properly, so some judgement should be used in selecting the right airbrush for a particular job. Generally, thick liquids such as textile paints or ceramic glazes should be thinned cautiously, and a simple type airbrush such as the Paasche H or Badger 350 should be used. In the case of textile paints, the Paasche VL-5 or the Vega 2000 could be used. Thicker materials should be sprayed with higher pressure than thinner colors. If the liquid is thin (dyes, inks, etc.), or if it thins well, then a double action and/or lower pressure may be used. What is a single action airbrush? A single action airbrush is the simplest type. When the finger button (air control) is pushed down, color will be sprayed at a pre-set rate. This rate is easy to change - simply stop spraying for a moment and turn the color valve slightly. They are useful mostly for area coverage in such activities as hobbies and crafts, stenciling, and mural work. Such things as acrylics, cermaic glazes and auto paint (lacquers and enamels), are commonly sprayed with a single action brush. Most single action airbrushes are external-mix types. They mix the air and the color outside the tip and are therefore less likely to clog if heavier materials are sprayed (such as ceramic glazes). All double action airbrushes are of the internal-mix type. The liquid must be thinned more in these because the air and liquid are mixed inside the body of the airbrush. Internal mixing produces a finer spray. How is a double action airbrush different? Only one difference - but a big one! Slowly pulling back on the finger button will gradually increase the amount of color sprayed. Thus, you are able to control such things as the width of the line of area of tone, the intensity of the color or the gradation of value, all while you continue to spray. Obviously, that type of versatility isnt necessary for every task, but for artwork, it's great! How are the liquid and air mixed? The liquid is fed into the air stream either by siphon action or gravity. The siphon-feed types work just like sucking a milkshake up through a straw, and it takes one or two seconds to get it working. The gravity-feed types are quicker because the color cup is located on top, and the fluid flows directly down into the airstream. This is a nice advantage when making a lot of color changes. Are there any other types of airbrush? The only other type is the Paasche AB. We actually stretched the truth when we said that all double action airbrushes are interal-mix types. The AB would have to be described as a double action, external-mix type. It doesn't look or work like any other airbrush. For sensitivity and control of spray it has no peer. This sensitivity limits the area coverage, but the AB is not intended for area work. Buy it for its detail capability - you can even retouch photo negatives with an AB. How much air? Most airbrushes will work just fine on clean, dry air at 1/2 to 1 C.F.M. flow and 20 to 45 PSI, depending on fluids being sprayed. Will I need a moisture trap? Yes. A moisture trap that attaches directly to your compressor will effectively reduce the amount of moisture in your air line. This is particularly important in warm and/or humid conditions. Remember, moisture can also accumulate in your airbrush hose overnight, so spraying through the airbrush for a few minutes before you begin to work will clear the condensation from the line. Is it necessary to use a pressure regulator? It's not absolutely necessary, but once you use one, you'll never want to work without a regulator again. A pressure regulator and gauge combination controls the air output to the airbrush and becomes a necessity when your techniques and/or paint viscosity require you to control the airflow. Having a compressor that gives you a wide range of pressure to regulate allows you to experiment with a wide range of paints and techniques. "When all else fails, read the instructions." This advice is especially good for anyone who has just purchased an airbrush. Most instruction sheets are written to help the user get started without any problems. Summary: The single action, external-mix airbrush is the simplest type to own and operate and is the best choice for jobs that don't require too much precision. Double action airbrushes are more complex to own and operate but possess wonderful qualities of control that make them ideal for more precise activities, including fine art, graphic art and photo retouching. If you have the highest possible need for precision and detail control, the Paasche AB is the best choice. It is possible, even likely, that two airbrushes with different capabilities will be needed to meet all of your requirements. see also ... 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