Airbrushing Questions

[MADMAX22]

Well decided to pic up that airbrush combo deal at harbor freight. Wont have much time to play with it but did a couple of quick test pieces to see how it would turn out.

One thing I noticed is that it doesnt seem to penetrate like using a dauber or other method. So the question is now you guys that airbrush your work do you dauber (or brush or whatever) first and finish up with the airbrush. Or do you just do several coats until it finally soaks in a bit more.

I do like the nice even color that you get out of it. I am just worried about scratches and such showing the light leather. When you dip or daub a scratch has to be pretty darn deep to show the natural leather color.

[brinyar]

I dip dye first to soak it in deeply and then airbrush to even out the color. I agree that light scratches show the leather underneath easier if you just airbrush. For hard use and long term durability I think that dipping/using a dauber and then airbrushing is the better method.

[particle]

I like the lighter color achieved with an airbrush. But, I typically go over my pieces 3-4 times to apply the base color. Meaning, I go left to right, back and forth as I move down the piece, then I go back to the top and repeat until I've done this 3-4 times. I also use the Pro dyes since they have a little more chance to penetrate before drying (from my understanding of the Fiebing's Pro dyes).

I've debated creating a batch of thinned dye to reduce the intensity, then dip dying my pieces to get the base color. This would give better penetration, while maintaining a lighter color, and also help to speed up the process of applying the first coat. Downside for me - I like leaving the natural flesh color on my holsters (except for the black ones).

[leatheroo]

I usually dye using a piece of sheepskin first. I give a really good couple of coats of the lightest color first and then do the darker highlights/shading with the airbrush.

[MADMAX22]

Thanks guys and gals. Im gonna give some of this practice once I setup my new work area.