Airbrushing is used in many different ways.
Airbrushing takes a liquid paint and mixes it with air. This turns the paint into a mist that is used in almost all artistic media, including makeup. The artist's particular needs determine the type of paint, the type of compressor and the size of the needle or module, as well as the medium being painted on.
Different Uses for Airbrushing
Airbrushing can be used to do many different styles of painting. Artists use airbrushing to create many different types of aesthetics in their work. Airbrushing can create fine, sharp lines, as well as soft shades and the illusion of softness or shadows. Airbrushing is also useful for applying makeup -- professional makeup artists on television and film sets use airbrushing to apply foundation to actors' faces.
Differences in Paints
Watercolor paints are paints that have been diluted with water and are very thin. These paints are available in a lot of colors and come either in paint tubes or in airbrush equipment. Acrylic paints are best for airbrushing when specifically marked as being for this particular use. Acrylic paints last longer than other paints and can be removed with water and soap. Oil paints take a long time to dry and can be thinned with mineral products or turpentine. Gouache paints, also known as Tempera paints, have added white pigment that makes these paints appear less transparent.
Differences in Airbrushing Equipment
Airbrushing always requires some kind of compressor; basically, this compressor mixes the paint inside the device with air; this is what causes the paint to come out as mist. Different compressors come with different air pressure; this air pressure is measured in PSI (pounds per square inch). The compressor needed to accomplish a look depends on the type of paint used by the artist. A thinner paint, for example, will need less PSI to create a mist than does a thicker type of paint. The larger the needle in the compressor, the higher PSI is required as well.
Materials That Can Be Airbrushed
Aside from human skin, artists airbrush on any number of materials. Artists often use airbrushing on T-shirts, canvas and walls, as well as on cars. In the 1980s, Disney World sold T-shirts and sweatshirts depicting Disney characters such as Mickey and Minnie Mouse, and featuring airbrushed edges that almost created halos around the characters. Street artists who deal in caricatures also often use airbrushing in their paintings on various structures.
