Airbrush Information

[ramrod]

my real question for you guys using an airbrush is this (seeing as how i'm looking to buy one): do you use your airbrush as a "spray gun" to dye entire projects? what is the largest project you would want to use this for (if you were dyeing the entire project one color)?

i really love the fade between colors that you can achieve with an airbrush as well as the consistency amd smoothness. i currently use a preval unit on most of my stuff, but i don't want to buy canned air indefinitely, either. i was hoping that an airbrush could be used instead.

[leathervan]

Would an airbrush help to get an even colored coat of dye so it isn't blotchy. I would use it on a belt.

[TwinOaks]

Yes, other than dip dyeing, an airbrush is the best way to get a good even coat. Dip dyeing is just what it sounds like- put the leather in a bucket of dye for a second and there it is. I prefer the airbrush because I can vary the saturation of the dye on the leather.

[Bobby hdflame]

this is a great website I found on an airbrushing forum while looking for needles for my airbrush. He talks about everything from tuning tricks to how to disassemble and clean an airbrush with lots of pictures. He also compares a good number of airbrushes from the Harbor Freight starter set all the way up to the Badger Rage. Navigation is old school, having to go through the pages in order but worth the read.

The reviews are done well enough that the president of Badger has sent him various airbrushes to have reviews done.

http://airbrushtips.....com/index.html

I know this is an old thread, but it's still an awesome site for info. Wanted to post new info for those interested.

Great site, but it's moved. I just happened across this site when I was trying to get my el cheapo HF back together.

Here's the new URL

https://sites.google.com/site/donsairbrushtips/

[RMB Custom Leather]

I emailed this guy and this is what he sent back. He was very helpful and quick responding back.

________________________________

Hi Rob,

I saw a

where a guy was using a simple Badger 250 to stain leather. But, if it were me, I would spend a little more and get a Badger 350 or Paasche H, and have better control. The H is a rugged brush that's easy to care for and replacement parts are cheap and available. I doubt whether you need anything more complicated for what you want to do. Don't buy a cheap Chinese copy. They are generally junk. Coast Airbrush sells the H as a complete kit with 3 nozzle sizes and everything you need for $53. If you want even more control, and are willing to spend some time practicing, the Badger 155 would certainly do. It will go from fine lines to broad coverage without changing anything. The set with everything but the hose sells for about $77. It is also an easy brush to care for. I would stick with siphon fed so you can attach a bottle if you need to. Have a look at my reviews.

As for a compressor, any shop compressor that can be set for about 30psi would do. You might need an adapter. A lot of guys are happy with this little Harbor Freight airbrush compressor. Don't go with one of the little cheapies in a plastic case. Get at least 1/8 hp.

To get good fades, you might have to thin the dye a bit and do multiple passes. Best of luck with it. If I can be of any help, let me know.

Take care,

Don

[Cyberthrasher]

I emailed this guy and this is what he sent back. He was very helpful and quick responding back.

That's good info and the reason I've been recommending the Paasche over the HF models as of late, though they are good if you're willing to figure them out (and possibly deal with returning a bad one). But, I believe the Paasche "H" model is an external mix. For whatever reason, I'm just not fond of the idea of external reason. don't ask me why. I know A LOT of people have recommended the Passche VL, which is basically the exact same kit at the exact same price, accept it's an internal mix. That's my #1 airbrush right now (I also highly recommend Coastairbrush), though I do use my HF still for applying Resolene and anything else that can get gunky.

[RMB Custom Leather]

Ran across this video which is a very good example of what you can do with an air brush to spray stain.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eF3wcfa47yw

I found my best deal for an airbrush at Chicago Airbrush Supply http://www.chicagoairbrushsupply.com/

I found the best deal for a high quality air compressor at http://www.artistsupplysource.com/home.php?cat=391

I haven't received my items but these sites had the best prices for what I was looking for.

Edited May 17, 2013 by RMB Custom Leather

[paprhangr]

question for you guys that use air brush when spraying dye on belt/guitar straps,

what do you think gets the best coverage/ results: hang the belt vetically or layed flat on table? or no difference?

[Cyberthrasher]

what do you think gets the best coverage/ results: hang the belt vetically or layed flat on table? or no difference?

I'd say no difference. Let your workspace/process make the decision for you. I have a large flat bench and I prop up a beer box as an easel to work on by just laying the straps/belts across it. That allows me to keep my hand and arm locked and move my body side to side to get straight and even passes. Just try it and see what works best for you.

[Wyeman]

Cyber,

As a matter of interest, do you use a face mask whilst spraying?