Air Brushes

About Air Brushes

Air brushes are precision spray tools that use compressed air to atomise and apply paint, ink, or other coatings with exceptional control and finesse. Unlike traditional spray guns, air brushes deliver a fine, controlled mist that allows for detailed work, subtle colour gradients, and professional finishing on a wide variety of surfaces. From custom automotive work and model painting to cake decoration and fine art, these versatile tools have become indispensable for anyone requiring meticulous application and professional-quality results.

The selection at Tooled-Up.com includes air brush kits from trusted brands such as Sealey and Draper, offering everything from beginner-friendly starter sets to professional-grade equipment. The range encompasses gravity feed and siphon feed systems, complete kits with multiple nozzles and accessories, and mini air brush kits perfect for detailed precision work. Whether you're restoring classic cars, customising motorcycle tanks, painting scale models, or working on artistic projects, you'll find an air brush solution suited to your needs and skill level.

Most air brushes are designed to work with standard workshop air compressors, typically requiring pressures between 15-50 PSI (1-3.5 bar). Complete kits often include multiple needle and nozzle sizes, fluid cups of various capacities, cleaning tools, and protective cases, providing excellent value for those just starting out or looking to expand their capabilities. Professional kits offer superior build quality with precision-engineered components for consistent performance in demanding commercial environments.

Jargon Buster

• Gravity Feed: An air brush design where the paint cup sits on top of the tool, using gravity to draw paint into the airstream. This configuration typically offers better control at lower pressures and is easier to clean, making it ideal for detailed work and quick colour changes.
• Siphon Feed: A system where the paint container is positioned below the air brush, with air pressure creating suction to draw paint upwards. This design is better suited to larger volumes of paint and extended spraying sessions.
• Dual Action: An air brush mechanism where one trigger controls both air and paint flow independently. Pressing down releases air, whilst pulling back releases paint, offering maximum control over spray pattern and paint volume.
• Needle and Nozzle: The precision components at the heart of an air brush. The needle regulates paint flow whilst the nozzle determines spray pattern size. Different sizes (typically measured in mm) allow for varying levels of detail, from fine lines to broader coverage.
• PSI (Pounds per Square Inch): The measurement of air pressure delivered to the air brush. Most air brushing work requires between 15-50 PSI, with lower pressures offering more control for detailed work and higher pressures providing better atomisation and coverage.
• Atomisation: The process by which compressed air breaks liquid paint into tiny droplets, creating a fine mist. Proper atomisation is essential for smooth, even coverage without spattering or uneven texture.

Who Uses Air Brushes?

• Automotive Customisers and Body Shops: For custom paint work, graphics, blending repairs, and applying clear coats
• Model Makers and Hobbyists: Scale modellers working on aircraft, vehicles, figures, and railway scenery requiring precise paint application
• Artists and Illustrators: Fine artists, muralists, and commercial illustrators creating photorealistic effects and smooth gradients
• Cake Decorators: Professional bakers applying food colouring for stunning edible artwork on celebration cakes
• Motorcycle Customisers: Custom bike builders creating unique paint schemes, flames, and detailed graphics on tanks and fairings
• Nail Technicians: Beauty professionals offering intricate nail art designs and gradients
• Miniature Painters: Wargaming enthusiasts and collectible figure painters achieving professional-quality finishes
• Sign Writers and Graphic Designers: Creating hand-painted signage, displays, and promotional materials
• Restoration Specialists: Furniture restorers, antique dealers, and conservation professionals requiring subtle colour matching and fine detail work

How to Choose the Right Air Brushes

Feed System: Consider whether a gravity feed or siphon feed system suits your needs. Gravity feed air brushes are generally more versatile for detailed work and easier to clean between colours, whilst siphon feed models excel when working with larger quantities of paint or for extended spraying sessions.

Action Type: Dual action air brushes offer the greatest control for detailed work, allowing independent regulation of air and paint flow. Single action models, where both air and paint are controlled together, are simpler to master but provide less precision, making them better suited to broader coverage work.

Nozzle Size: Fine nozzles (0.2-0.3mm) are ideal for intricate detail work, fine lines, and small-scale models. Medium nozzles (0.35-0.5mm) offer versatility for general work, whilst larger nozzles (0.6mm+) are better for base coating and covering larger areas. Many kits include multiple nozzles for maximum flexibility.

Kit Contents: Starter kits typically include the air brush, multiple nozzles and needles, cleaning tools, and a carrying case. Consider what's included—comprehensive kits offer better value and ensure you have everything needed to begin work immediately. Professional kits may include higher-quality components and more precise engineering for demanding applications.

Air Supply Compatibility: Ensure your air brush is compatible with your existing compressor. Most air brushes work with standard workshop compressors, but check the recommended PSI range. Some users prefer dedicated air brush compressors with built-in moisture traps and pressure regulation for consistent performance.

Budget and Quality: Entry-level kits from brands like Draper offer excellent value for beginners and occasional users. Professional-grade options from Sealey provide superior build quality, more precise control, and greater durability for regular commercial use. Consider your skill level and intended frequency of use when selecting your investment level.

Popular Accessories

• Air Compressors: Dedicated air brush compressors with pressure regulation and moisture traps for consistent performance
• Air Hoses: Quality braided or coiled hoses with appropriate fittings and quick-release connectors
• Moisture Traps and Filters: Essential for removing condensation and contaminants that can affect finish quality
• Cleaning Kits: Brushes, cleaning needles, and solvents specifically designed for thorough air brush maintenance
• Spray Booths: Portable extraction units to capture overspray and protect your workspace
• Air Brush Holders and Stands: Secure stations for safe storage between colours or during work breaks
• Needle and Nozzle Sets: Replacement and additional sizes for different applications and detail levels
• Paint and Thinners: Specially formulated paints and thinning agents optimised for air brush application
• Protective Equipment: Respirators, masks, and safety glasses to protect against paint mist inhalation
• Stencils and Masking Materials: For creating consistent patterns, borders, and protected areas

Safety Information

Respiratory Protection: Always work in a well-ventilated area and wear appropriate respiratory protection when spraying paints, lacquers, or other coatings. Many paint products contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can be harmful when inhaled. Refer to HSE guidance on safe use of spray equipment and comply with COSHH regulations regarding hazardous substances.

Eye Protection: Wear safety glasses or a face shield to protect against paint mist and accidental spray. Even low-pressure air brushing can cause eye irritation or injury if paint contacts the eyes.

Skin Protection: Some paints and solvents can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. Wear appropriate gloves when handling paints and thinners, and wash any skin contact thoroughly with soap and water.

Compressed Air Safety: Never exceed the manufacturer's recommended operating pressure. Ensure all connections are secure before operation, and never point an air brush at yourself or others, even when not spraying paint. Compressed air can cause serious injury.

Workspace Preparation: Use drop sheets or newspaper to protect surrounding surfaces from overspray. Ensure adequate ventilation, and consider using a spray booth with extraction to contain and remove paint mist from your working environment.

Material Safety: Always read and follow the safety information provided with paints, thinners, and cleaning solvents. Store flammable materials safely away from heat sources and ensure proper disposal of waste materials in accordance with local regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a special compressor for air brushing?
Whilst dedicated air brush compressors offer advantages like built-in pressure regulation and moisture traps, most standard workshop compressors work perfectly well. You'll need one capable of delivering 15-50 PSI consistently, and it's advisable to fit a moisture trap and pressure regulator to ensure clean, steady air supply. Smaller portable compressors designed specifically for air brushing are quieter and more convenient for indoor use but may lack the capacity for extended sessions.

What's the difference between gravity feed and siphon feed air brushes?
Gravity feed air brushes have the paint cup mounted on top, using gravity to draw paint into the airstream. They're generally better for detailed work, require lower air pressure, and are easier to clean between colours. Siphon feed models have the paint container below, using air pressure to draw paint upwards. They're better suited to larger volumes of paint and longer spraying sessions but require higher pressure and can be more challenging to clean thoroughly.

How often should I clean my air brush?
Ideally, clean your air brush immediately after each use and whenever changing colours. Paint left to dry inside the mechanism can cause blockages and affect performance. A quick flush with appropriate thinner between colours is usually sufficient during a session, but perform a thorough disassembly and deep clean at the end of each day's work to maintain optimal performance and extend the life of your equipment.

What needle and nozzle size should I choose?
For general purpose work and beginners, a 0.35-0.5mm nozzle offers excellent versatility. If you're doing very fine detail work, miniature painting, or intricate artwork, a 0.2-0.3mm nozzle provides greater precision. For larger coverage areas, base coating, or automotive work, a 0.6mm or larger nozzle will be more efficient. Many kits available from Tooled-Up include multiple sizes, allowing you to match the nozzle to your specific task.

Can I use any type of paint in an air brush?
Not all paints are suitable for air brushing without modification. You'll need paints that are properly thinned to the correct consistency—typically similar to semi-skimmed milk. Many manufacturers produce paints specifically formulated for air brush use. Standard paints often require thinning with appropriate solvents or thinners. Always check the paint manufacturer's recommendations, and test the consistency on scrap material before beginning your main project to ensure proper atomisation and coverage.