Airbrushing Leather (Buying An Airbrush)

[strathmoredesigns]

On 3/16/2017 at 7:14 AM, slipangle said:

For what it's worth, you can't go wrong with an Iwata. I like high quality tools.  They're a better investment in the long run. And they just work better.  Iwata air brushes are high quality. I have an older Iwata BC that I found at an estate sale, un-used.   It's a precision tool. 

For those wanting to spray both water thin media, like dyes, and thicker pigmented media, like paint, keep in mind that good quality air brushes usually have different tip options. In general, you need a wider tip orifice for media with a thicker viscosity. Smaller tip for dyes,  etc. 

Thanks for the tips and for the feedback on Iwata. I ended up ordering an Eclipse SBS, figuring I could start with the top feeding cups and eventually graduate into the siphon feeding bottles if I ever need to. Counting down the days until my backrdered compressor arrives and I can give this thing a go!

[slipangle]

Did you order a moisture trap too?  I hope so. 

[strathmoredesigns]

I got the Iwata Sprint Jet Compressor which I believe comes with a moisture filter or at least their website says it does.

[Jarednem]

I know with airbrushing it omly a top dye, so if you scratch the surface you can see the leather below. 

My question is: Is there a way to make the dye soak deeper? Denatured alcohol dissolves fast so if I use isopropyl alcohol, which stays wet longer, to cut my dye would it get deeper penetration due to the fact it will carry the dye longer? 

[GingerPowered]

I know this thread is old but I just started doing research about airbrush kits and some of you are so knowledgeable I really hope I can get some advice. 

I want to spray Angelus leather paints on handbags. I restore handbags and have a very small business and want to go to the next level.  I Have a few bags that need a total restore and I want to try my hand at airbrushing since painting by hand doesn't look great on large areas. I know absolutely nothing about airbrushing so I'm reading up all I can and want to purchase the right kit so I can practice. 

Any suggestions on a kit? I assume Angelus paints have to be thinned? I know they sell thinners. Suggestions on what to use for masking? There's lots of curves and small pieces on leather bags so I tried to find a liquid masker but the only one I found did not do a good job. Sorry for all the questions, I really appreciate any advice. 

[GingerPowered]

Thank you,  I saw them but my husband thinks they wouldn't provide even coverage something about the lower psi. You don't have issues with it? Mostly I'll be spraying Pebbled Leather and I know I have to practice, a lot .

Frog tape?  I initially used blue painters tape but it bled because it wouldn't adhere properly to the curve of the leather. Maybe it was the brand, I can try again. 

Thank you for your advice 

[Beehive]

I use the, 'Avanti' brand Harbor freight airbrush combo kit. I also have three Iwata brand airbrushes. The combo kit doesn't have an air tank. It's direct from the compressor. Works fine.

If you're going to have an airbrush set-up. Expect to spend around $100. Consider it a required tool for spraying finish. I spray Angelus #600 acrylic finish straight from the bottle. No thinning. I haven't used their paints, yet. 

An airbrush will spray anything that's about as thick as whole milk. If you have to thin the paints. It's absolutely no big deal. Whiskey shot glass or medicine cup to hold the paint and an eye dropper to add water. Popsicle stick split in half down it's length. Used to stir it up. 

 

As for masking tape. Try that press and seal food storage wrap. The plastic wrap that you use to cover a bowl. They also the same stuff to mask off for automotive paint. 

 

 

Edited February 8 by Beehive

[dikman]

Regarding masking tape you could look at modelling shops (plastic kits etc) they will have suitable masking tapes. I have several airbrushes of various types (don't keep them in dark places, I think they breed!) some are "cheapies" from ebay/aliexpress and they all work fine. One thing that can help is to carefully polish the needle tips. I also have one like fred showed, I thought it might suffer from pulsing but it works surprisingly well.

You might be able to find used airbrushes/compressors cheap on ebay/google marketplace, could be an inexpensive way to start.

[Beehive]

Lots of people following the thread. 

 

Y'all can ask questions. Anything you'd like to know on airbrushes and leather.

[GingerPowered]

5 hours ago, Beehive said:

I use the, 'Avanti' brand Harbor freight airbrush combo kit. I also have three Iwata brand airbrushes. The combo kit doesn't have an air tank. It's direct from the compressor. Works fine.

If you're going to have an airbrush set-up. Expect to spend around $100. Consider it a required tool for spraying finish. I spray Angelus #600 acrylic finish straight from the bottle. No thinning. I haven't used their paints, yet. 

An airbrush will spray anything that's about as thick as whole milk. If you have to thin the paints. It's absolutely no big deal. Whiskey shot glass or medicine cup to hold the paint and an eye dropper to add water. Popsicle stick split in half down it's length. Used to stir it up. 

 

As for masking tape. Try that press and seal food storage wrap. The plastic wrap that you use to cover a bowl. They also the same stuff to mask off for automotive paint. 

 

 

Thank you! That's all super helpful info! I already expected to spend that much but my big decision was between the portable and tank models, since I know nothing about them I am conflicted as to which works best. I know it will take time for me to hone this skill because I have 0 artist abilities so if buying a better piece of equipment can help me not suck so much I'm all for it lol. The convenience of no hoses is enticing but I don't know what's better suited for this kind of thing. I really appreciate your insight and advice