Airbrush Introduction

This page is INCOMPLETE and still missing some important information before it can be used as a resource. Please use the "Discussion" feature above or talk to one of the tutors if you would like to help improve it. Thanks!

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This is the content required for an introduction to our airbrush equipment . Reading this does NOT replace the mandatory session with a tutor! It will make it a lot quicker though ;-)

If you need this introduction, please reach out to the following tutors:

Health & Safety Precautions

Personal protection:

Danger	Description	Precautions
Aerosols	Airbrushing creates aerosols / vapours. Solvent-based AND water-based can cause pneumonia and other long-term lung problems.	use spray booth air extractor AND a respirator water-based colours: wear a mask with "P2" or even better "P3" filters when working with solvent-based colours: wear a mask with "A2" grade filters to protect against the solvent fumes. These "gas and vapour cartridges" have a use-by date and need to be replaced from time to time (according to the manufacturer's recommendations). wear goggles do not do any face painting
Paint	some paints may contain substances that are harmful to your skin	wear gloves
Airbrush needle	Every airbrush gun has a needle inside. The needle is usually covered/protected, but will become accessible when you disassemble the airbrush for cleaning.	handle with care never "poke" the front of the needle
Compressor	compressed air is generated and released through the airbrush: the airstream can damage eyes, ears and other sensible organs	do not point the airbrush at yourself or other people
Noise	Noise from the air extractor (the compressor is relatively quiet, and turns itself on/off depending on air pressure settings)	Noise protection gear
Spray Booth	The adjustable metal plate may bruise your fingers when reverted back to its vertical position.	Grab the metal plate on the left/right side, NOT underneath.
Paint fumes	Paint aerosols might travel away from the airbrush corner and cause damage to other equipment.	use spray booth with extractor close the curtain behind you

Practical Demonstration

• show airbrush and needle functionality before connecting airbrush to compressor
• connect airbrush to compressor
• change compressor pressure settings
• add paint / change paint / demonstrate how "thin" or "watery" the paint needs to be
• spray examples with varying needle positions (fine line / area fill etc)
• disconnect airbrush from compressor
• empty compressor / use valve
• disassemble airbrush
• clean airbrush
• reassemble airbrush