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Author: Dave L Hahn
Source: ezinearticles.com
The world of the airbrush can be confusing and full of odd jargon making it even more difficult for newcomers to understand the airbrush. Here is a quick run-down of some of the more common terms you may run across in your research of the airbrush.
Atomization – The airbrush is a tool for atomizing paint. Atomizing is a process of mixing a liquid with air, resulting in small particles that can travel through the air.
Double Action vs. Single Action – Double action means that the user has control over both the airflow and the paint flow with the trigger action. Single action refers to airbrushes that only allow the user to control the airflow. These airbrushes require manual adjustment of the paint flow, making it difficult to complete dagger strokes, or more elaborate airbrush work.
Masking – Masking is used to protect an area of the artwork from overspray. There are many different types of masking available to the airbrush artist.
PSI – Pressure per square inch – Different airbrush applications require different PSI. Generally speaking, the more pigmented the paint being used, the higher the PSI is needed to pull the paint through the airbrush.
Uros – Urethane Paints – Primarily used for automotive applications. These paints are solvent based and require proper ventilation and breathing apparatus to be used safely.
Reducer – The solvent that is used to suspend the pigment in solution. Reducer is used to thin the paint down and also clean the airbrush.
Overspray – Paint that ends up in areas where it is not wanted. Because the airbrush atomizes paint, some overspray is usually inevitable. Masking is used to control overspray.
Internal mix vs. External mix – Internal mix airbrushes mix the paint and airflow internally, resulting in finer atomization. External mixing airbrushes mix the airflow and paint outside the tip of the airbrush, usually creating a more stippled effect.
Rattle Can – A common spray paint can. Many artists use “rattle can clear” to protect their work, to avoid the high cost and highly hazardous nature of heavy duty automotive clearcoat applications.
AA – Auto Air – A water-based paint made for metal surfaces. An alternative to using solvent based applications.
Knowing these terms should help you negotiate some of the forums and allow you to find the information you are looking for faster.
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