How To Airbrush | Complete Beginners Guide

[@foxtayle683]

Pro tip: Move the trigger all the way forward to stop the paint flow before you release the trigger completely. If you don't you might get a little surprise when you start the airflow again.

[@williamfawkes8379]

I was very surprised that this wasn't a big point. Not a splatter surprise, more like a sad clown surprise.

[@Tarzan2319]

I found this out the hard way haha just broke into my airbrush today and tested it out realized real quick why I got splatter my second time around 😅😂

[@patchtech3d]

You say that but ive watched guys from slideshow collectables and they just push down and release everytime without going forward at all?

[@Thornspyre81]

This was INSANELY helpful. I do second the sentiments about seeing pro painters not letting the trigger go back forward before letting off. It seems impossible to do for me, especially the quick bursts I see people do. I'm super new to it and found actually watching someone do the different techniques without jump cuts and quieting the sound is just invaluable. Thank you so much!

[@jamescannon2587]

@@patchtech3d They are so used to it that you don't see them letting the thumb trigger forward before releasing. They do it without thinking. It comes from lots and lots of practice.

[@lewiscalder5073]

I'm so happy your diving into the painting tutorials, in the last few months now the the lodge is confirmed your becoming a allround Hobby company rather than just a Battlerep channel/company. Keep up the great work 👍

[@krelekari]

now THIS is a beginner guide TY so much for making this, i cant tell you how many "beginner" videos dont even mention basics like using the air to dry the paint or anything so handy like what you've shown here

[@ChopsTV]

I really appreciate this walk through. So many tutorials seem to assume a level of knowledge and familiarity that I just didnt have when I was starting and I love that your approach here was to assume that your viewer (which much kindness) was an absolute beginner. You're a natural teacher, I look forward to seeing more tutorials!

[@lanastehle9274]

I agree. Ive needed help in other topics and left to feel I was experienced. 😅

[@foxtayle683]

If your airbrush allows it, you should always push the needle out through the front of the airbrush when you're about to clean it. You don't really want to pull back any paint and debris through all the parts of the airbrush if you don't have to.

[@iplaygamesnude-5683]

This needs to be higher. This pretty much eliminates needing to clean inside the body. I've only ever needed to take the body apart to re oil, or if I accidentally get a little aggressive back blowing and paint gets down in the trigger.

[@fletcherspainting]

Great tip.

[@danf9721]

Yes this is so important. When he was pulling the needle back to unclog it I was think yes that solves the clogging issue, but then leaves you with a new problem of having paint in the body. My needle only travels in one direction through my brush which is only ever forwards and in nearly a year of owning a H&S I've never needed to clean inside the body.

[@VanOutloud]

TY Tabletop Tactics. You'd be amazed how many beginners videos skip over cleaning practices. Sometimes the experts forget the simple things that us beginners don't know. Fletcher is in tune with his viewer.

[@MysterySemicolon]

Great starter guide for airbrushes, especially the cleaning and care for them. I had to learn this all myself by trial and error. Even wound up ordering the wrong parts for it at one point. I'm glad people have things like this nowadays. Cheers, Fletcher and TT crew.

[@tjd502]

Literally bought an airbrush the day this came out, pefect timing! Thanks Fletcher.

[@dallasdandigitalproduction393]

Brilliant Fletcher! valuable instructions. Im beginning airbrush. Im working in a shop with multiple ab kits, and NO teachers. This truly helps me figure it out. Cheers

[@stevendouglas335]

Been scared of getting one but a tutorial like this helps a lot.

[@jamesgalbreath343]

Thanks for the detailed description of how to thoroughly CLEAN the airbrush!

[@bearpockitz]

I bought my first airbrush this week and this is really helpful. Cheers chap.

[@TheGreatArtichoke]

Fletcher is such an amazing addition to the team, his painting is amazing his videos are so helpful and watching him play in the league game was hilarious. They really struck gold when they added him to the crew

[@ShahbazBokhari]

Oh yes this is highly relevant to my interests. Edit; Fletcher, you’re a wonderful teacher and it’s so concise!

[@3Y3ECE]

Excellent video, thanks very much! Just got an airbrush recently, and tested it, but finding a nice, concise, straight-forward video like this with all stages included is rare, and appreciated.

[@boblemand]

What about safety precautions for beginners? I've seen multiple people wearing respirators and setting up spraybooths. What are your reccommendations? Its one of those things that has kept me from investing in an airbrush.

[@Mark.Matthews]

I'd love to see a reply for this as it's what's holding me back also. Just a review of space being used, fans etc

[@ww3soulja]

it is acrylic paint. it is water based. there are no toxic fumes. if you paint with enamel paint that is oil based. thats when you see people using respirators, goggles, and having spray booths with fans.

[@Rolfus]

Fletcher giving the airbrush and chill look in the thumbnail

[@TheSuccessfulEmerald]

Great video. Will definitely be saving this to refer back to when I get going on airbrushing!

[@davehall6053]

I'm just about to get started with airbrushing so that was a very useful tutorial, thanks Fletcher

[@alexm5044]

Thank you Fletcher you absolute boss.

[@fletcherspainting]

🤟🏻❤️

[@rubics333cube]

Excellent observations and comments. Many thanks and cheers from Oregon, USA

[@wlovett4]

Being a complete newbie, I have saved this very well constructed video instruction for future reference. The video is very logically organized, produced very well, extremely informative and enjoyable to watch. Thanks and kudos.

[@krauthorntv1841]

Thank you guys. Once again I can't tell you how awesome you are. I just got an airbrush for Christmas and it is the same set up you use. Your video helped me a lot to get over the fear of ruining stuff using the airbrush! Thank you.

[@TheSuaveLion_]

My airbrush literally just arrived in the post and this pops up. What timing! 🥳 Cheers fletcher and crew

[@fletcherspainting]

You’re welcome! :)

[@01001Wintermute]

I've been looking for something like this for months. Thank you guys, very very useful!

[@lboroslider1]

Great walk through, I found it especially useful as someone who has just picked up an airbrush for the first time.

[@MrSlartybartfast42]

thanks for this video. I've just bought a Spraycraft (Sparmax DH5 & AC66) kit and did a first tryout earlier on. I used ordinary acrylic paint let down with loads of water (from an electric dehumidifier). It was way too thin but it was still a useful thing to do as it was all about practicing with pressure and paint control. It did teach me a few things 1. don't overfill the paint reservoir and leave the top off 2. the speed at which a couple drops of paint will be used up (which was longer than I expected!!).

[@XPS3451]

I gotta watch this as soon as i get home ... Started with airbrushing this week. Only primed stuff until now and i never want to go back to rattlecans! Really looking forward to your guide.

[@SandmanofTerra]

I had no idea 30 psi was optimal, just checked mine and it was set to way above 😂 No wonder I was always spidering! Great video

[@fletcherspainting]

Above 30 is absolutely fine as well! I You would need to add more paint so the mix is thicker. It’s all about trial and error to find that sweet spot. I use 30 PSI most of the time but sometimes go up or down depending on the task :)

[@SandmanofTerra]

@@fletcherspainting Good point, I will give that go!

[@gmpenatti]

Excelente video. I have that same airbrush and this will help me a lot with the cleaning process. Thanks. Great job.

[@jonsmith1405]

So I had a airbrush that I set aside because I couldn’t figure out why it wasn’t working. I watched this video and did what you showed and it started working like a dream. Thank you for making this video for newbies like me.

[@w4shep]

Thanks for sharing your expertise. It's a very thorough and very helpful for us in noobs

[@derklemmbausteinbahner]

That's what is was waiting for. Thank you for this explaination.

[@McFlumpmuffin]

Great vid Fletcher. I’m going to take the plunge and invest in an airbrush … you’ve convinced me 👍 Can you let me know how often you deep clean the airbrush?

[@georgecartledge5948]

Thank you so much for this video. Airbrushing seemed like a far off, daunting prospect for me until this!

[@nielsfoster437]

Very descriptive explanation, thank you. I am am a total newb

[@sludgedisciple]

Thank you for such an in-depth video. It's greatly appreciated.

[@electruong]

Great! I just got my airbrush and compressor installed. This vid helps a ton!

[@jameskeatley1834]

Very happy to see a video on airbrushing, as i took the plunge and purchased one after seeing the chaos knight painting video. Still learning but like to think i got a good looking model thanks to these guides

[@siris187a]

thank you for this ive been having some bubbling problems and you helped fix it thank you thank you

[@campbellfamily1928]

Absolutely excellent. Many thanks.

[@s.h-d6074]

Good one! Liked "roadmap" from adjusting the compressor ubtil cleanibg the airbrush with some interesting highlights detailing the various components of the machine. Liked the short toturial how to handle the sirbrush for basecoating and for detailwork too. Looking forward to other such toturials 👍🏻

[@tehbrendan]

this will help, getting an airbrush soon..ish. love the new guides

[@sproutmonkey92]

This is amazing been waiting for a complete beginners guide thanks 😂

[@jamescannon2587]

Thank you! I just got my first Airbrush today, to paint Warhammer 40k minis, Gunpla, and D&D Minis. I got a cheap one, so the air compressor isn't quite as controllable, (only 10, 20, and 40 psi, I think. I'll learn more as I go.). But the question I have, that you don't go over is this: some paints seem to be made specifically for airbrushing. Do those paints need thinning as well? Other than that, you've pretty much covered the basics I've had. I'm going to 3d print some minis to practice with, before I go full on with painting my Warhammer 40k minis.

[@Duros360]

From everything I’ve read, and others I’ve spoken to, you’re always wanting to think your paints for airbrushing, but you’ll just need less thinner than say base paints for example :)

[@danielwallis9000]

Love these videos, fletcher is smashing it and has a great way of explaining things

[@blackknight3830]

An essential component hasn't been mentioned. A quick release coupling for the airbrush! It costs about 5$ and it will change your life! Plus I highly recommend getting an ultrasound cleaner. Doesn't have to be big or expensive, around the 40$ mark should do, but it makes the airbrush deep cleaning a quick task rahter than a tedious chore.

[@grahambattersby971]

Very helpful thanks!

[@RavenousBunnyGames]

I dunno about anyone else. But when you said you had prepared the crisis suit earlier it reminded me of a show as a kid called I think "art attack" haha. Made me giggle. Great vid mate very informative!

[@ShorrockPaul]

How come you use the Eclipse without the back / needle cover ? Thanks fir the video helped me a lot to get started

[@SiouxsieCat]

Thank you for the video! As an airbrush novice, I have a question: If I will only be using a specific paint for the airbrush, and not brushing with it, do I need to mix thinner and paint in the airbrush cup, or can I premix the whole lot with thinner (and store it already thinned and ready to use)?

[@dave_floorhammer]

Ah that's interesting, I set my PSI based on when air is coming out as it tends to drop 5-10 PSI or so, I press the airbrush in and twist the regulator whilst it's on. Perhaps I've always sprayed at a higher PSI than I thought 😀

[@BenjaminWytchWood]

Excellent video and very helpful. The only question is on the side of your airgun after it says Japan it says YF. The IWATA Eclipse I am finding all say WM or are blank with no marking. What does this mean please Fletcher?

[@theswedishcommentor]

Great video mate, just wondering, what mask do you use? (if anyone knows any good ones please inform me)

[@jumptotheright2859]

I was waiting for exactly this! Fab

[@lucadose4526]

Great vid Fletcher💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

[@daleblazer]

Thank you, a ton of good information here!

[@bringbattlewargaming8720]

Bought an airbrush but keep putting off using it due to nerves. This is perfect. Will watch tonight

[@Benwatling]

Great video!!! I bought a Squidmar special airbrush and have been very scared to just jump into airbrushing. Thanks for this tutorial.

[@djmartin6365]

What do you use for ventilation while using your airbrush inside? Do you use any sort of airbrush booth or box and do you wear a mask?

[@Fabulousbill]

Best tip I was ever given regarding airbrushing was give it little kisses, not the heavy flamer 😂

[@KuPaoChicken]

Thanks for your instruction!

[@Gobboleone]

This is a very nice tutorial, thank you very much!

[@otisred7848]

Lol I seen the Hoppes gun oil and I thought I was watching a video for my other hobby. Gunsmith

[@tomhall3666]

Great video fletcher, how often do u need to full strip down clean? Is this post every use?

[@joemiller1650]

Where did you get the air brush from and what's a good needle to use for lighting affects

[@tastefulavenger]

Did you prime with the airbrush? If so did you thin the primer???

[@IndyMotoRider]

If the primer is not designed for airbrush use, then yes, thin it to the milky consistency he mentioned when thinning the red paint in the video. Multiple coats may be necessary for full coverage.

[@Lord_Nielsen]

Great tutorial thank you!

[@danbrooke6396]

Very very insightful.. thank you!!

[@jonathanyendell8335]

Great video really helpful i think i may now just give this a go

[@noclass69]

Hello great video, I’m a total novice at airbrush something I’m curious about, if I try and paint something I can’t get the paint to come out the gun unless I back the needle up a bit is this a common thing to do ?

[@Isgoroth]

How often do you deep clean the airbrush ? after every session or once in a while ?

[@CamaroWarrior]

Nice compressor... I use a harbor freight Fortress compressor (2 gallon/ 135psi/ 2.1 scfm @90psi/ 1.5HP)

[@juliagreenburger7186]

how often should one deep clean the airbrush? like take it apart and completely clean?

[@daanvanderrol5627]

Good tutorial. Can you do one a bit more in depth in the actual airbrushing too? I'm thinking about detail work, masking and for example how to decide what to airbrush and when to use regular brushes instead.

[@fletcherspainting]

Yes we have plans for a tutorial to cover this in the future!

[@huwtindall7096]

30 PSI seems quite high for me. I'm usually around 20 PSI and I mostly use the airbrush for painting scale model plans and AFVs. As you say though you can adjust the PSI to match the paint consistency.

[@jumping3271]

One video I saw was talking about different paints. He said air brush paint had finner pigment and could affect the look you're trying to achieve ?¿? Cannot be corrected by thinning ??

[@jimparise4963]

can you use an air brush with no paint and just air to do blow outs in acrylic pours?

[@MrDjpaulh1982]

Hey. Does anyone know why when I use my airbrush I get no paint coming out but when I let go of the trigger I get a little spit of paint come out but when I pull the trigger right back I get nothing. I’ve cleaned it several times and still getting the same issue. The needle moves when I pull the trigger but feel like I must be missing something. I’ve not adjusted the pressure and it was working fine about two days ago.

[@ShorrockPaul]

when you re doing the base coat and toggling the trigger quite far back, are you stoppng the paint flow before you stop the air, is diificult to see but it looks like you are shutting the air off whle the paint is still flowing, doesnt this cause tip dry and paint to flow out the next time you depress the air, or this doesnt matter as is base coat.. am a bit confused on that trigger action...thanks

[@biffa2987]

Im new to airbrushing and its the PSI that really throws me and no one ever mentions in videos. Maybe in a later video you can cover more of what pressure to use when. ill start at 30 now and see how i go

[@pinetree7296]

If it clogs / dry tip use a Q-tip and some airbrush cleaner to gently remove the dry paint on the tip of the needle sometimes that is enough.

[@anderslundtoft2315]

Haha amazone literally just send me an email with my new, and first, airbrush in it.. can pick it up tomorrow! I look forward to spending the upcoming evening with you and all your tricks ;D

[@wwagoner]

Please have the timestamps in the video at the bottom. Helps to rewatch sections and just all round good to have.

[@forgottentitan4885]

Awesome Video but could you show how to switch between paint colors?

[@joncroweucl]

Anyone else getting RATM Sleep Now in the Fire vibes from the intro track?

[@macoosh2]

the best tool to clean up the nozzle is a wooden toothpick/cocktail stick dipped in airbrush cleaner, when it absorbs some of it , it widens and ideally cleans the nozzle - best tool evah, (you can slightly bite the end before diping in the cleaner :) )

[@fletcherspainting]

That’s a great idea, will give that a try! 👊🏻

[@elojodelterror]

What happens if my air compressor is brand new, like all the other stuff like hose and airbrush, but never stops filling the tank? Just keeps doing the filling noise and the vibrations.

[@MusicMinisterJP7]

I wish, in these " For beginners" videos, people would explain the difference in needle sizes, for spray patterns. I have a Master G233 with 3 needles, and I want to spray model cars and planes with a wide spray pattern

[@drlangattx3dotnet]

CAn I use my shop compressor? It is a 4 hp Craftsman. Big tank.

[@cobusprinsloo]

My 0.2 mm airbrush spits out water infrequently, even though my compressor has a built-in water trap, and there is an additional one attached to the airbrush. What could be causing this?

[@jamesmowatt6736]

Really been wanting to build up the confidence to use an airbrush for my Craftworld Saim-Hann. This actually really helps, definitely an idiot-proof step by step.

[@simoncross40K]

i have a titanium white thats spitting. this ruins my surface layer. any ideas? airbrush is clear it s liquitex air paint.

[@darkmagician3720]

Did anyone hear about the guy who lost an eye when using an airbrush? Like this guy he didn’t cover the back of the needle with the back stem cover that you get with an airbrush (this is the reason they provide that cover ) he lent into the piece he was airbrushing and the back part of the needle went in his eye ouch ! Yes it’s true always cover that needle. I’m a tattoo artist and airbrush artist I know a fair bit on needle safety.

[@McVilla1N]

This right here. I'm a tattoo artist of 20+ years and owned studios in the South but I can't tell you how many times people have done some really really stupid preventable accidents. Back in the 1990s I remember a guy wasn't following my safety guidelines @ one of my shops and well long story short he ended up getting a serious disease by poking himself by accident while working on a client that had a serious blood contagious disease. Stay safe out there people. Or go take a blood pathogens class heck I even recommend it if you aren't a tattoo artist.

[@ShorrockPaul]

I was told using pipe cleaners with a metal core is not a good idea as it is easy to scratch the surfaces if one is not very careful

[@HammeredHero]

I’m assuming the compressor runs out of air eventually, when that happens, how do ypu refill it. Do you buy a whole new rig? Is there a refill can of air? Or is my question pointless and it just sucks in air from outside and doesnt run out of compressed air? Lol

[@klausmarduke9711]

The compressor sucks in air and pressurize it. If your compressor runs out of air you will too

[@richardchapman842]

brilliant

[@gemmell761]

Spending 80% of the time cleaning the thing out is as accurate as it gets 😀

[@lonotalonota5779]

wait, i can use hoppes? Neat

[@Cheese1master]

If anything sells an airbrush to me its how easily you can basecoat mephiston red over black lol. That would take me ages with a brush