VTCT L3 NAIL TECHNOLOGY STUDIES AIRBRUSHING

THERE ARE TWO TYPES OF AIR COMPRESSOR: AIR ON DEMAND – this tends to be smaller & cheaper ideal for the mobile tec. It can only be used for short periods as it gets very hot & the amount of air produced is limited.

STORAGE COMPRESSOR This compressor stores compressed air in the tank which refills as the air is used. It can be used continually & several guns can be run off it at any one time, allowing more than one tec to use it at a time.

CAUTION! These tend to be more expensive & heavier. The air dispensed is under pressure and is therefore potentially dangerous. ALWAYS follow manufacturers instructions. Have your compressor serviced yearly.

STORAGE COMPRESSOR Compressors should have a psi gauge & regulator to set the air pressure level. The air pressure should be around 30psi (pounds per square inch). Never more than 35 psi. Air pressure of 40 psi can push the paint into the skins pores & possibly the blood stream

MOISTURE TRAP This must be emptied on a regular basis. Compressors utilise the air from the room your working in which contains moisture & debris, this can collect in the hose & go onto the nail spoiling your design.

HOSE THE HOSE CONNECTS THE AIRBRUSH TO IT’S SOURCE OF AIR.

MAINTENANCE THE CLEANING FLUID THAT COMES WITH THE PAINTS CAN BE USED, THESE TEND TO BE SOLVENTS BUT BE CAREFUL IT DOSEN’T SPOIL YOUR DESIGN. BUT WATER CAN ALSO BE USED.

AIRBRUSH GUN SINGLE ACTION AIRBRUSH TRIGGERS ONLY ACT AS AN ON/OFF SWITCH. DUAL/DOUBLE ACTION TRIGGERS CONTOL THE MIX OF AIR & PAINT FLOW TO ALLOW THE TEC TO SHADE THE DESIGN.

AIRBRUSH PAINTS WATER BASED PAINT – THESE CONTAIN ACRYLIC FOR COLOUR BUT HAVE A HIGH WATER CONTENT SO THE COLOUR DEFINITION IS NOT AS STRONG. GOOD FOR BEGINNERS. ACRYLIC PAINTS – THESE CONTAIN WATER BUT HAVE A HIGH CONCENTRATION OF ACRYLIC. HIGH COLOUR DEFINITION.

WATER-BASED PAINTS ADVANTAGES – FLOWS THROUGH THE AIRBRUSH EASILY WITHOUT CLOGGING. DISADVANTAGES – OFTEN NEEDS A WHITE BASE COAT TO MAKE THE COLOUR MORE VIBRANT.

ACRYLIC PAINTS ADVANTAGES – PEARLESCENT, METALIC, OPALESCENT E.T.C. FINISHES ARE AVAILABLE. COLOURS ARE MORE VIBRANT. DISADVANTAGES – AIRBRUSH CAN CLOG.