Airbrush Guide

Gaining Access to the Airbrush (Very Important)

In order to gain access to the airbrush a few things need to happen:

1) Make sure you have completed the makerspace agreement form

2) Make sure you have completed the airbrush quiz

3) Be trained by a staff member to use the airbrush

4) Pass a practical of utilizing the airbrush

To use the airbrush, please present your STUDENT ID

How does the airbrush work?

The airbrush uses an air compressor to blow high pressure air through a small space. When this air is combined with paint, it blows the paint out from the nozzle in a widespread and soft stream of paint molecules, creating the soft "airbrush" look that the machine is known for.

Above is a photo of the airbrush at the DCI lab, including all of its settings. Please do not change these settings. They have been fine-tuned to the right placement. If you have any trouble, please ask a staff member.

Paint control

You can adjust how much paint is released into the airstream using the slider shown in the photo.

When just held, no paint will be released
When pulled back, the max amount of paint it can deliver will be released. It is good practice to test on a tissue first

How to use the airbrush in the DCI lab

Please leave the area as shown in the photo

Return all paints and fluids to their correct places
Clean Air brush (see next step)
Turn off the air compressor
- Button is located at the back of the air compressor
Turn off the fume extractor/light
- Button is located on the top right of the box

Cleaning the airbrush

Pour the airbrush cleaning solution into the top opening
Run the airbrush until the airbrush runs clean
Fill the top opening with water from the sink to your right
Run the airbrush until all the water has been used
Take a tissue/paper towel and clean inside
Pour airbrush cleaning solution into the top
Run the airbrush until it runs clean

Repeat until everything that comes out of the Air Brush runs clean

Steps to get started

Paint is located above the airbrush station

Please use the GOLDEN HIGH FLOW paint

you can mix them and it should work just fine, use a separate cup or empty bottle (located in the white drawers to the left) to mix

Step 1

Turn on the spray booth fan + light using the switch on the top.

Step 2

Turn on the air compressor using the switch on the back.

Step 3

Ensure the paint well is clear and clean.

THE AIRBRUSH SHOULD LOOK LIKE THIS WHEN YOU ARE DONE WITH IT AS WELL

Step 4

Pour airbrush cleaner into the well and run until the cleaner runs out

IF none comes out, the airbrush might be clogged, and please contact a staff member

Step 5

The front cap sometimes causes splattering, so you can remove it if you'd like

MAKE SURE TO KEEP TRACK OF THE CAP

THE NEEDLE WILL BE EXPOSED AND IS SHARP

DO NOT DROP THE AIRBRUSH

Step 6

Add your desired color of paint to the paint well.

MAKE SURE to only add ~5-10 drops of paint at a time, too much will clog the airbrush

IMPORTANT: After ~2-3 cycles (1 cycle = ~5-10 drops of paint), make sure to clean the airbrush

Step 7

Test on a paper towel to ensure the paint is coming out properly. To spray the paint, simply push down on the trigger with your index finger and pull back slowly. You should see paint release. A more detailed explanation of how to use our duel-action airbrush is above