Mastering Airbrush Techniques

It sprays liquid paint just like an aerosol but with great precision. The jet of paint is determined by the air pressure, the distance between the airbrush and the support, as well as by the fluidity of the paint.

Airbrushing is based on a system of air aspiration which, by means of a length of piping, releases or blocks the jet of paint. The first version of an airbrush gun was created in 1893 by the American watercolourist, Charles L. Burdick. He then founded the Fountain Brush Company in London which was dedicated to manufacturing the first airbrushes. The airbrush gun is held like a fountain pen, between thumb and index finger. The trigger is worked with the index and the airflow is freed by pulling the trigger down whilst paint is projected by pulling the trigger towards the back.

Maintenance of the Airbrush Gun

The airbrush gun must be cleaned after every use. The most delicate part is the nozzle and it is essential for that to stay perfectly clean so that the needle can move freely. Clean off dried or stuck on paint residue as soon as possible. The trigger must also be carefully maintained and cared for. It is also important to ensure perfect tightening of the needle support ring. We distinguish between the two categories of airbrush gun: single action and double action.

Single Action Airbrush Guns

The trigger serves only to regulate the air channel without direct control of the paint. The arrival of air causes pressure on the trigger. The outflow of paint is managed by pulling the trigger backwards. Air mixes with the paint inside or outside of the airbrush gun. The needle is not pulled back unless the air valve is open. The flow of paint depends on moving and manually regulating the needle because the flow of air and the flow of paint are connected and are not separately controlled.

Handling the Double Action Airbrush Gun is easier

The double action system allows simultaneous management of the air valve opening and the needle position. The trigger plays two distinct roles: it allows separate control of the airflow and the flow of paint. Pressing on the trigger regulates airflow and pulling it back determines the flow of paint.

Composition of an Airbrush Gun

The valve opens when the trigger is pressed back (b). When the trigger is pulled backwards, the needle is pulled back and the paint is progressively sprayed.

Rich Airbrush Guns

Rich airbrush guns are most suitable for graphic arts and illustration work. They can be used for fine detail work as well as for large surface applications that also demand a high level of precision. All our Rich models are double-action models meaning that the air flow and the paint flow are separately controlled. They offer remarkable quality and precision. Each gun has been rigorously controlled and tested with airbrush paints.
Professional quality for right and left-handers, allows for painting in all positions.

Rules to follow when using Rich Airbrush Guns

Only use paints with good quality pigments. Thick consistency or fluid paints should be diluted with an appropriate product, the ideal consistency being that of creamy milk or slightly more liquid. We particularly recommend the use of paints specifically intended for airbrush use, such as those in the Schmincke Aerocolour Professional range. Those paints are ready for use and only require slight dilution. Paint is projected with a pressure from 1 to 4 bars (dependent upon the paint used and the desired motif). As a rule, the thicker the paint, the more pressure is required. Cleaning and maintenance of the gun is essential to its correct functioning. Please take a note of the recommendations in the instructions for use.

Rich Airbrush Gun Maintenance

The gun must be cleaned after every use; if it is not cleaned immediately, paint residue could dry and damage the gun. This regular maintenance is carried out by careful removal of the needle for cleaning. The most delicate piece is the nozzle. It is imperative that the nozzle remains completely clean so that the needle can move without any problem. Remove dried or stuck on paint residue as soon as possible. To do this, unscrew the nozzle and clean it with solvent. The trigger must also be carefully maintained and preserved. The axis of the trigger must appear to be under normal constant tension. Take care also that the needle support ring is perfectly tightened. The paint pot, which is an integral part of the airbrush gun, or is removable on some models, should also be cleaned with water. Fill the pot and spray until no trace of paint remains. Removable pots are easier to clean and allow for the paint to be changed without intermediate cleaning, simply by changing the pot. In addition, the air pressure must never exceed the levels indicated by the manufacturer.

Spare Parts & Accessories for Rich Airbrush Guns

The needles, nozzle and other parts of the airbrush gun are subjected to a certain amount of wear and tear and will deteriorate in time when used in a non-standard way. The needle is particularly fragile, and a spare should always be kept in reserve.