How do I use an airbrush in modeling?

Did you just finish your beautiful Eco Wood Art or Ugears model building and want to give it some extra life? Then use an airbrush gun to add some color. This is a kind of paint sprayer, with which you can easily color your construction project. We’ll tell you more about how to use an airbrush below and give you some tips here for achieving the best results.

What is an airbrush?

An airbrush is a spray gun that allows you to mix paint and air. By pressing a button, you spread paint via air over your assembled model building. The principle of all airbrush guns is exactly the same. The paint goes out through the nozzle of the gun. However, there may still be a difference in the placement of the paint cup and the amount of paint used. This technique allows you to paint large areas easily and quickly. Moreover, you can use airbrush to create effects that make your model life-like. This is how the large model buildings in our Wooden City collection are painted!

Airbrush for model making

To get realistic modeling, use a color scheme. This way you make sure you get authentic colors, such as the beautiful color pattern of animals or the colors used on a vehicle. With the airbrush, you can recreate impressive effects. It won’t be perfect at first, so we recommend practicing a few times on a piece of paper or on an old model. This will help you quickly master the use of an airbrush.

Advantages of airbrush modeling

1. The paint is very easy to spread evenly on the model
2. You do not suffer from smudges or streaks from a brush
3. The finest color transitions are possible with an airbrush
4. Small parts, corners and edges are easy to paint
5. Adjust paint volume to apply very thin layers of paint

6 steps to achieve beautiful results

To properly handle an airbrush as a beginner, our expert modelers have listed six steps to get great results right away.

1. Assemble the airbrush

Connect the compressor to the paint sprayer according to the instructions. Then connect the entire device to the mains to avoid technical problems. Choose the appropriate nozzle and attach it, usually starting with a larger nozzle for the base coat.

2. Preparing the paint

Choose the paint you want to use and thin it slightly with water or paint thinner. Now fill the paint compartment of the paint sprayer. Keep in mind that low-pigment paint can quickly clog your airbrush and it may need to be replaced.

3. Apply the first coat

Start airbrushing now! Depending on your type of airbrush, you work with a pistol trigger or knob. Press it and regulate the pressure for an even base layer. Apply the base coat evenly so that the original color of your model is no longer visible. Make sure the paint layer is not too thick to avoid prolonged drying time.

4. Airbrush Techniques

With an airbrush, you can recreate virtually any effect possible with a brush. Important airbrush techniques for beginners include drawing lines, coloring surfaces and applying highlights.

5. Drawing lines

Drawing lines is the first skill you learn as a beginner. Here, a steady hand is crucial to obtaining a neat, unwavering line.

The size of the nozzle of the airbrush is smaller than that of a brush, so a trembling hand can quickly show up. Practice with this technique first before working on models. Make sure that there is not too much paint in the compartment to avoid runny lines.

6. Coloring your model

When you start coloring your model, we recommend using a larger mouthpiece. This provides more efficiency and makes for a neater look. The easiest way to get a nicely colored model is to treat your surfaces as lines. Start at the top by drawing a horizontal line and continue drawing horizontal lines immediately below.

This way is slower than simply spraying paint, but it ensures that you don’t paint over the same piece multiple times. This way you won’t have to deal with thicker layers of paint and unevenness.

Painting your model building

Are you planning to put together a new model kit? Then choose Speedcube.co.uk’s extensive collection. Featuring a wide selection of model works, such as various animals and miniature houses. For a beautiful model building that you can paint, you’ve come to the right place. Browse the entire collection, choose your new model and get it in your home as soon as tomorrow.