Plastic Model Aircraft Kits Building - Airbrush Basics

Airbrushing is similar to spray painting using an aerosol can, except that you can control the amount of paint to be applied to the model. The tip of the airbrush emits a fine spray of paint that is adjustable by regulating the air flow. This tool enables you to create all kinds of unique and painting effects, which cannot be reproduced by either spray can painting or brush painting.

The basic components are the airbrush, a paint bottle and an air supply. The air supply is connected to the airbrush by a hose. Compressed gas can is frequently use as the propellant for airbrushing. An airbrush operates by using compressed air to propel the paint out of the bottle and onto your model. The amount of air through the airbrush is control by a trigger button. When you press the button, the air flows through the brush. When you release the button, the air stops.


One of the main advantages of using an airbrush is that you can spray any color you desire and the ability to control the spray pressure. These features enable you to apply thin, even overall color coats and to spray intricate camouflage patterns. An airbrush is best suited for painting small parts already attached to the model and painting camouflage colors for military models.

When using airbrush, the paint should be thinned about 30 percent from its normal brushing consistency. Test the spray paint on pieces of scrap cardboard. Then adjust the paint control and air pressure for optimum coverage. Begin with the paint control fully open and gradually tighten it down until the paint dries almost as soon as it touches the surfaces being sprayed. To achieve best result, airbrushes should be kept clean. If you are not using the airbrush for a long period, take it apart for a thorough cleaning.

It takes time and effort to master the skills and tactics of airbrushing. One effective way to learn is to practice on scrap materials. For those who are serious about plastic model kits building, it is recommended that you own an airbrush now or later.