Preval Sprayer Vs Air Brush

[leathervan]

I know that the air brush is better but its also more expensive. Much more! How much difference is there in the quality of dyeing a piece of leather. My problem has been getting an even color. If anyone has used the Preval sprayer I would appreciate some tips on how to use it.

[Phatdaddy]

I know that the air brush is better but its also more expensive. Much more! How much difference is there in the quality of dyeing a piece of leather. My problem has been getting an even color. If anyone has used the Preval sprayer I would appreciate some tips on how to use it.

I use one, I bought it under the same reasoning you mention. The cost.

It isn't comparable to an air brush. The spray is very intense and wide. That being said it's just OK for spraying large pieces. If you try to do the sunburst sort of look with it you basically spray the paper your project is on and let the irratic over spray hit the project. It is messy and very wasteful.

I did it to a sheath I had posted here. I'll see if I can find the link. *found it http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?app=core&module=attach§ion=attach&attach_rel_module=post&attach_id=50454

Kevin

Edited September 20, 2011 by Phatdaddy

[Spinner]

An airbrush is more expensive...initially. Over the long term, if you plan to leatherwork & spray your colors & finishes a starter airbrush set will cost much less than prevail over time. You can get a starter kit from Harbor Freight for $89 that includes a compressor, airbrush, cups, wrenches and hose for $89.

http://www.harborfreight.com/1-5-hp-58-psi-compressor-and-airbrush-kit-95630.html

For a Preval sprayer, you need to buy the jars (one for each color or finish) and the compressed air bottle. The compressed air bottle will last long enough to spray one jar of color (about 4ounces) and after that it gets very spotchy and unreliable. The Air Bottle (called the Power Unit) $9.99 and the jars are $2.99. That's $12.98 to spray 4-6 ounces of liquid, maximum. Want to be able to spray 2 different colors or a color and a finish? You're looking at a minimum of $26 since you can't clean the power unit and cleaning the jars means wasted color.

An airbrush can be cleaned as often as needed, colors can be swapped out easily and on the off chance you need to clean out a jar there is less waste as the cups are smaller (due to airbrushes being more efficient). The air compressor will spray as much as you want, simply plug it in. The nice thing also is the air pressure is variable to give different effects (solid, large area, stipple, fades, etc.) All it takes is the equivalent of 6 prevals to get a working airbrush set-up. It hurts a little more in the beginning but in the end, you'll actually save money, time & frustration (not to mention overspray).

Chris

[Eaglestroker]

I tried both. My opinion is buy once cry once, get a decent airbrush. You can get a 50%+ off coupon for local craft stores and get a very nice brush for little money. I've moved to mostly dip dye but the brush is the only way to get a light even color that I've found.