A Comprehensive Guide for Types of Airbrush
Posted by SUNZHUOQIANG
Airbrushing is a versatile technique used in various fields, from art and illustration to automotive detailing and makeup. With numerous airbrush types available, selecting the right one can be challenging. This guide simplifies the process by explaining the different classifications of airbrushes, such as action type, feed system, and mixing type, helping you choose the best tool for your specific needs.
Classified By Action Type
1. Single Action Airbrush
Mechanism and Control
Trigger Function: The trigger on a single action airbrush controls only the airflow. When pressed, it releases a pre-set amount of paint.
Paint Adjustment: The amount of paint is adjusted by turning a knob or screw near the tip, not by the trigger itself. This adjustment must be done manually before or during the spraying process, but it cannot be changed on the fly.
Fengda Single Action Airbrush Gun (BD-206)
Advantages
● Simplicity: Easier to use and maintain due to fewer moving parts. This makes it ideal for beginners.
● Cost: Generally less expensive than double action airbrushes, making them more accessible for hobbyists and those on a budget.
● Consistency: Good for applications requiring a consistent spray pattern, such as base coating models or applying single colors over large areas.
Disadvantages
● Limited Control: Offers less control over the paint flow, making it harder to achieve fine details or varied spray patterns without stopping to adjust the settings.
● Precision: Not ideal for detailed or artistic work where varying the paint flow is necessary.
2. Double Action Airbrush
Mechanism and Control
Trigger Function: The trigger on a double action airbrush controls both air and paint flow. Pressing down releases air, and pulling back on the trigger releases paint. The further the trigger is pulled back, the more paint is released.
On-the-Fly Adjustment: Allows for real-time adjustment of paint flow, providing greater control and flexibility during the painting process.
Take our product AG-101 as an example to illustrate the advantages and disadvantages of this type of product:
Advantages
● The airbrush nozzle is designed with high-precision centering technology, enhancing spraying accuracy by several times.
● The ergonomic design of the nozzle makes assembly easier (a three-piece precisely machined and matched head system custom pull-off needle cap, nozzle cap, and fluid nozzle).
● The spray needle is made from memory titanium alloy material, widely used in the aerospace industry. It can return to its original shape even when bent at 120°, improving durability and elasticity, reducing damage, and ensuring detailed spraying.
● The gravity fluid cup uses a mirror polishing production process, making it less likely for paint to adhere and easier to clean the airbrush.
Disadvantages
● Complexity: More complex to use and requires practice to master the coordination of air and paint flow.
Classified By Feed System
1. Gravity Feed Airbrush
Mechanism and Control
Paint Delivery: Paint is fed from a cup mounted on top of the airbrush, utilizing gravity to assist in the flow of paint into the airbrush.
Air Pressure: Requires less air pressure to operate, typically between 15-20 PSI, making it efficient for fine detail work.
Note: There are certain conditions for the applicable air pressure PSI value. The first thing is related to the type of airbrush. Generally, the PSI of side feed and gravity airbrush are the same, and the siphon needs larger PSI. For example, if your airbrush nozzles is 0.2/0.3/0.5mm, the first two may require spraying air pressure of 15-20 PSI (most suitable value for these two types), and the siphon airbrush may need to reach 20-30 PSI. If the nozzle of side feed and gravity airbrush reaches 0.8mm, it will needsside feed and gravity airbrush nozzle reaches 0.8mm, it will need larger air pressure (20-30 PSI). The same goes for siphon airbrushes, larger air pressure for wider nozzles.
Take our product AG-104 as an example to illustrate the advantages and disadvantages of this type of product:
Advantages
● The airbrush nozzle is designed with high-precision centering technology, enhancing spraying accuracy by several times.
● The ergonomic design of the nozzle makes assembly easier (a three-piece precisely machined and matched head system custom pull-off needle cap, nozzle cap, and fluid nozzle).
● The spray needle is made from memory titanium alloy material, widely used in the aerospace industry. It can return to its original shape even when bent at 120°, improving durability and elasticity, reducing damage, and ensuring detailed spraying.
● The gravity fluid cup uses a mirror polishing production process, making it less likely for paint to adhere and easier to clean the airbrush.
Disadvantages
● Paint Capacity: Holds less paint, typically around 1/3 oz (2&5ml for our AG-104 and AG-104), which may require frequent refills for larger projects.
● Balance: The top-mounted cup can affect the balance of the airbrush, which might be uncomfortable for some users.
2. Siphon Feed Airbrush/Suction Feed Airbrush
Mechanism and Control
Paint Delivery: Paint is drawn up from a bottle or jar mounted below the airbrush through a siphon tube.
Air Pressure: Requires higher air pressure, usually between 20-30 PSI, to draw the paint up into the airbrush.
Fengda Siphon Feed Airbrush Spray Gun (BD-138P)
Advantages
● Large Paint Capacity: Can hold larger volumes of paint, making it suitable for extensive projects without frequent refills.
● Versatility: Allows for quick color changes by swapping out bottles, which is useful for projects requiring multiple colors.
Disadvantages
● Fine Detail: Generally less capable of producing very fine lines compared to gravity feed airbrushes due to the need for higher air pressure.
● Cleaning: More complex to clean due to the longer paint path and additional components.
3. Side Feed Airbrush
Mechanism and Control
Paint Delivery: Paint is fed from a cup mounted on the side of the airbrush, which can be rotated to accommodate different angles.
Air Pressure: Requires moderate air pressure, typically around 20 PSI, to operate effectively.
Fengda Side Feed Airbrush Gun (BD-134)
Advantages
● Flexibility: The side-mounted cup can be rotated, allowing for better maneuverability and access to tight spots, making it ideal for detailed work on complex surfaces.
● Balance: Offers a balanced feel as the cup is not directly on top or bottom, which some users find more comfortable.
Disadvantages
● Cleaning: More difficult to clean due to additional connections and tubes.
● Paint Capacity: Typically holds less paint than siphon feed airbrushes but more than gravity feed airbrushes, which might require occasional refills for larger projects.
Tips to Help You Choose Among These Three Types
Gravity Feed: Best for fine detail work, efficient paint use, and ease of cleaning. Ideal for artists and modelers who require precision.
Siphon Feed: Suitable for large projects and frequent color changes. Preferred by mural artists and those working on extensive surfaces.
Side Feed: Offers flexibility and balance, making it a good choice for detailed work on complex surfaces. However, it requires more effort to clean.
Classified By Mixing Type
1. Internal Mix Airbrush
They often feature a double-action trigger mechanism, allowing for separate control of air and paint flow. The paint cup is typically mounted on top, utilizing gravity feed, which is suitable for detailed and precision work.
Mechanism and Performance
In an internal mix airbrush, air and paint are mixed inside the airbrush, specifically at the tip of the nozzle. This mixing method allows for a finer atomization of the paint, resulting in a smooth, even spray pattern that is highly controllable. The fine atomization makes internal mix airbrushes ideal for detailed work, allowing for precise control over paint flow and the creation of soft gradients, fine lines, and detailed effects.
Advantages
● Superior atomization leads to a finer, more precise spray pattern.
● Better control over paint flow, enabling detailed and intricate work.
● Versatile in handling different types of paint and applications, from model painting to makeup application.
Disadvantages
● Generally more complex to clean and maintain due to the internal mixing mechanism.
● Can be more expensive than external mix airbrushes, reflecting their advanced capabilities and finer performance.
2. External Mix Airbrush
They generally have a single-action trigger that controls both air and paint flow simultaneously. The paint cup or bottle is usually mounted below the airbrush body in a siphon feed system, making them ideal for broader coverage and applications requiring less precision.
Mechanism and Performance
In an external mix airbrush, air and paint mix outside the airbrush, typically in front of the nozzle. This results in a coarser atomization of the paint and a larger, more diffuse spray pattern. External mix airbrushes are simpler in design and operation, making them easier to clean and maintain.
Advantages
● Simplicity in design and ease of maintenance.
● Generally more affordable than internal mix airbrushes, making them accessible to beginners and hobbyists.
● Better suited for spraying thicker paints and covering larger areas due to the coarser atomization.
Disadvantages
● Coarser spray pattern limits the ability to perform detailed work.
● Less control over the paint flow compared to internal mix airbrushes.
Classified By Handle Design
1. Traditional Grip Airbrush
Characteristics
Held similarly to a pen or pencil, providing a familiar grip that many find conducive to precise control and detailed work. Allows for fine movements and adjustments, making it suitable for applications requiring detailed painting.
Airbrush AG-103 for Airbrush Master
Advantages
● Familiarity and precision: The grip is similar to that of writing instruments, offering intuitive control for detailed work.
● Versatility: Traditional grip airbrushes are widely available in various configurations, including single-action, double-action, gravity feed, and siphon feed.
Considerations
Comfort: Some users with larger hands may find traditional grip airbrushes less comfortable over long periods, potentially leading to fatigue.
2. Pistol Grip Airbrush
Characteristics
Features a trigger mechanism operated by the index finger, resembling the grip of a pistol. Ergonomically designed to fit naturally in the hand, reducing strain during extended use.
Fengda Pistol Grip Airbrush Gun with 0,3mm Nozzle (BD-116)
Advantages
● Comfort: Generally more comfortable for long sessions, especially for users with larger hands or those prone to cramping with traditional grips.
● Control: The pistol grip design can offer easy control over paint flow and air pressure, making it suitable for a range of applications, from broad coverage to finer details.
Considerations
● Learning Curve: Users accustomed to traditional airbrushes may need time to adjust to the different control dynamics of a pistol grip.
● Price: Pistol grip airbrushes can be more expensive due to their specialized design and ergonomic features.
Understanding the different types of airbrushes—internal mix vs. external mix, single action vs. double action, and gravity feed vs. siphon feed—enables you to select the ideal airbrush for your projects. By recognizing their distinct features and applications, you can make an informed decision and enhance your airbrushing skills.