Today, interior designers can offer a large number of different options for decorating residential premises. Relatively recently, the popularity of using such a method of painting as airbrushing on walls has been increasing, although this method has been known since time immemorial.
Airbrushing has been gaining popularity lately.
This is one of the techniques for making decorative elements in the form of pictures on various surfaces using an airbrush, a special tool that sprays dye under the action of compressed air, creating the desired image.
Airbrushing on the wall looks very nice
Prices for airbrushing walls
The cost starts from 2500 rubles per sq.m., and can reach up to 4000. This is the price of applying the simplest drawings. More complex options for airbrushing on walls will cost more - from 5,000 rubles per sq.m.
Why such a range? This is because the price depends on several factors:
- level of complexity of the picture;
- performance technique;
- the quality of the surface on which the drawing will be applied;
- workload;
- order fulfillment time;
- type of paints used (water-based, acrylic, oil);
- location of the customer's facility.
The cost of work may depend on several factors
Advantages of airbrushing in the interior of an apartment
Painting rooms in an apartment can be done in a variety of ways. Each of them has its pros and cons.
List of advantages that airbrushing has on the walls of an apartment
- Possibility of applying an image to any surface (wall or ceiling, plaster, wallpaper, drywall, etc.).
- Photorealistic quality of the finished work.
- Quite economical consumption of material compared to other painting methods.
- Painting walls with an airbrush allows you to paint hard-to-reach areas that cannot be painted with a brush.
- By spraying the dye in a thin layer, it is possible to create amazing smooth transitions of colors and shades.
Wall painting can be done in several ways
What paints should you use?
To decorate walls with airbrush painting, use:
- water-based acrylic paints, which are easy to mix, are absolutely harmless to health. You can use Tikkurila or Dulux construction acrylic paint, with a selection of pigments. Artistic acrylic is significantly more expensive and takes longer to cover wall area;
- specialized paints for airbrush Exmix, Createx or Molotow.
Additionally, to protect it from moisture and touch, the finished painting is coated with matte varnish.
Important: During airbrush work, you must use a respirator to protect your lungs from getting the paint mixture.
It is not recommended to use nitro enamel or oil paints indoors, which have a strong specific odor and require special solvents for cleaning the airbrush and additional protective equipment for the artist.
DIY airbrush
Due to the high cost of painting by professionals, some decide to do this type of decor with their own hands. If you have the necessary skills, it can be done independently. To apply a picture or abstraction to a surface, you will have to be patient, since the work is quite painstaking and requires accuracy.
You can create airbrush yourself
Correct selection of primer composition
To make a really beautiful drawing with your own hands when using a device such as an airbrush, you should choose the right paint composition, but also a special primer. This will mean a base coating, on which the quality of paint application, as well as reliability, depends.
Among the mandatory properties that a truly effective primer composition must have are:
There are such types of primers as epoxy, adhesive compounds, and primer-filler.
Adhesive agents
To ensure a reliable, high-quality and durable connection between the surface of the product being painted and the paint layer, you can use a special adhesive primer. It usually dries fairly quickly and is ideal for use on every surface of plastic and metal products.
Epoxy resin primers
The process of applying paint with an airbrush, if a primer has not been used before. Due to its toxicity, the epoxy composition requires the most careful work, as well as ensuring excellent ventilation in the room,
and such a primer will have the following properties:
Maximum possible service life.
When using epoxy primer, certain rules must be followed. To avoid problems associated with the drying speed of such a coating, this primer can only be applied to a perfectly clean metal coating, without first covering the surface with an acid primer with an etching effect.
Fillers
Primer mixtures, which also play the role of fillers, are special two-component products that are made on the basis of a mixture of urethane and acrylic. Such products can be applied using two methods - on a previously cleaned metal surface or on top of a pre-applied epoxy-type primer. Like other types, this primer is generally not compatible with acidic aggressive compounds.
Materials and tools used
If you decide to decorate the room yourself, you will need:
– an airbrush (“air brush”), or better yet two, so that you can use a spare one if the first one gets clogged; – a special compressor with a pressure of 2 atmospheres; – accessories (replacement hoses, nozzles, stands); – paints (it is best to use acrylic or water-based paints on walls, since they do not have a strong odor); – masking tape; – whatman paper for creating a stencil; – stationery (sharp scissors, knives, erasers, a set of brushes, compasses, magnifying glass, ruler); – protective mask or respirator; – protective facade varnish, preferably matte.
You will need an airbrush to work.
What does a beginning artist need?
In addition to the desire to learn how to paint walls, the following tools and materials are needed:
- Airbrush. It is also a spray gun, which has a compact size so that it is convenient to hold it for a long time.
- Compressor. Compressor models differ in price, power and noise.
- A hose that will connect these two items together.
- Airbrush paints.
- Varnish to protect the finished painting.
The list can be supplemented with all kinds of spray nozzles, pressure controllers, containers for mixing and storing paints and, of course, auxiliary tools that any artist needs. This list may include:
- pencil and eraser - for drawing a sketch;
- markers, oil paints, brushes - for placing accents if necessary;
- thick film, masking tape, cardboard, plastic sheets - for making stencils.
Decoration technique
Before you start painting, you need to prepare the surface. Usually for this purpose it is coated with putty, then primed. To avoid contamination, nearby walls and objects are covered with film, which is secured with masking tape.
If you do not have skills or experience in drawing, prepare a cardboard stencil in advance. After this, they move on to creating the background.
Before applying the drawing you need to prepare the surface
Applying the background to the picture
First, by mixing paints, the desired shade is selected. After that, pour the mixture into the airbrush, then test the operation of the unit on paper. Then they begin to cover the wall with a paint composition of the chosen shade.
The background can be applied either evenly or by making a smooth transition from a light shade to a dark one or vice versa.
Before applying the drawing you need to make a background
Popular models
Among the painting units of different types of action, there are the most popular models, which are in demand among beginners and professional airbrush artists.
Wester FPS-20
Pneumatic model for applying high-precision paint coating to various models, cars, snowboards. Suitable for retouching, painting and painting small surfaces.
The airbrush is compatible with compressors with low power. The glass tank is not subject to corrosion and is easy to clean. The transparent tank allows you to monitor the paint level. The package includes two tanks.
Advantages:
- high-quality assembly;
- price;
- availability of adapters;
- low air consumption;
- Ease of use.
Flaws:
- not suitable for fine work.
Reviews
| Nikita Mamaev: | Igor Shumin: |
| “A good airbrush for painting cars, easy to paint, good quality.” | “A convenient and simple device, well assembled, does not release pressure during the drawing process, and can be easily cleaned with solvents.” |
Fubag AGS22/05
A tool that operates using compressed air. The narrow handle allows you to hold the device like a pencil and perform small drawings that require special precision. Replaceable tanks allow you to change paint without interrupting to rinse the container.
Advantages:
- there is a replaceable tank;
- plastic storage case;
- low cost;
- great resource.
Flaws:
- The sealant deteriorates when using paints with aggressive additives;
- fragility;
- plastic case.
Reviews
| Alexey Petrov: | Gennady Kharchenko: |
| “A simple, budget device, suitable for small tasks. Covers various chips and scratches well.” | “Inexpensive aerator for beginners, sprays well. But the plastic case is not particularly durable.” |
Fubag AGS7/0.2
An airbrush with a thin 0.2 mm nozzle allows you to paint small parts and apply the composition in the thinnest layer. It is characterized by increased sensitivity of the paint and air supply regulator. Equipped with a durable metal reservoir at the top of the product.
Advantages:
- price;
- a tank with a coloring composition on top;
- availability of components;
- large container for paint with a lid.
Flaws:
- soft metal nozzle;
- weak seals;
- There is no needle movement limiter.
Reviews
| Alexander Ushakov: | Vladimir Sotnikov: |
| “A relatively cheap paint sprayer with universal components. The top paint flow allows for more precise coating application due to less air pressure.” | “An excellent device for airbrushing, it works without problems with water-based compounds, nitro-based refills wear out the O-rings, but for the operation of the device this is not too critical and will not fail.” |
Jas 1116
A universal device for small tasks. Ideal for manicure, small drawings, makeup, drawing small elements and miniatures. Equipped with a pigment mixture release limiter.
The model has quick access to a nozzle for removing clots of material. The included fitting allows you to connect a hose without threads.
Advantages:
- low price;
- ergonomics;
- durable body.
Reviews
| Oleg Lyubchenko: | Svetlana Borodkina: |
| “I use the device for the restoration of watches and small jewelry. It performs well, is lightweight and comfortable to use. Produces a dense and symmetrical torch, the lines are even and thin.” | “A good option for creating a manicure, it significantly speeds up the process - instead of 2 hours, I spend 30-45 minutes. They are also convenient for drying drawings and varnish.” |
JONNESWAY JA-104
Pneumatic model with internal mixing, has a precise spray control. Suitable for covering vertical and horizontal surfaces. A specially shaped nozzle allows you to work on the finest elements.
Advantages:
- compatibility with various coatings;
- precise adjustment of material supply;
- versatility.
Reviews
| Egor Vakhrushev: | Alexey Zaitsev: |
| “It’s not a bad model, it copes with tasks no worse than its analogues. To distribute the base color on small parts, it is better to purchase an additional 0.3 mm nozzle.” | “I quite like the device. Smooth movement of the trigger and material feed. Easy to disassemble, parts look good.” |
Model characteristics
| Model | Wester FPS-20 | Fubag AGS22/05 | Fubag AGS7/0.2 | Jas 1116 | JONNESWAY JA-104 |
| Action type | Single | Single | Double independent | Double independent | Double dependent |
| Air pressure setting, bar | 1-3,5 | Up to 2 | Up to 1 | 1-3,5 | Up to 2 |
| Air supply setting, l/min | 50-60 | Until 11 | Up to 9 | Up to 50 | |
| Tank volume, ml | 60 | 22 | 7 | 2 | 2 |
| Tank material | Glass | Plastic | Aluminium alloy | Metal | Metal |
| Type of connection | Rapid | Threaded | Threaded | Threaded | Threaded |
| Tank mount | Lower | Lower | Upper | Upper | Upper |
| Air connection diameter, inch | 1/4 | 1/4 | 1/8 | 1/8 | 1/8 |
| Maximum nozzle diameter, mm | 0,4 | 0,5 | 0,3 | 0,2 | 0,2 |
| Weight, kg | 0,4 | 0,18 | 0,3 | 0,31 | |
| Material supply setting, ml/min | Up to 2 | Up to 1.5 | |||
| Price, r | 2199 | 840 | 2580 | 1058 | 6780 |
Applying the main drawing
After the background of the image has completely dried, with or without a stencil, you can apply the main elements. To get a neat picture, apply the stencil to the wall, then spray paint. If the drawing is arbitrary, you can do without using it. Then, using an airbrush, smaller elements are added.
If the decor being performed is not monochromatic, then before using a different color, the airbrush is thoroughly washed.
The drawing should be applied only after the previous layer has completely dried
Airbrush characteristics
An airbrush is a device that works on the principle of spraying paint in a kind of “torch” formed by air in a solution with small particles of a substance. The airbrush device regulates the supply of this solution, which allows it to be applied in a thin layer to the coating being treated.
When used correctly, a high-quality tool sprays the dye in a narrow stream of up to 2 mm, so you don’t need to wear a mask during processing.
There are two main types of airbrush - single and double action. The first, when used, controls only air, the second controls the supply of air and paint. Single-action tools are easy to use, inexpensive, and have a small number of components that are easy to clean. But with their help you cannot apply small spots or stripes, and they are also difficult to adjust.
Working with a double-action airbrush allows for more precise work, but such a device is expensive and contains a large number of components that require careful maintenance. Cleaning these parts is quite a labor-intensive procedure.
On video: types of airbrush control.
Shutdown
The final stage is coating the image with special compounds that protect it from fading, changing the original color and shape of the applied decor.
So, the airbrushing on the wall is done. After completing application, you must immediately rinse the used tools.
After applying the design, it is worth covering it with a protective layer.
Drawing - decorative elements
Depending on the purpose of a particular room, a picture is selected and applied to the surface using an airbrush.
For example, in a children's room, images of favorite fairy tale and cartoon characters can be used. You can independently come up with a magical world that will surround your child.
Landscapes are more suitable for the hallway of the room
The peculiarity of the bathroom is that airbrushing can even be applied to plumbing fixtures. This solution is original and unusual. In this room, drawings of a sandy beach, sea coast, etc. would be appropriate. Here you can use three-dimensional, 3D images that visually enlarge the space, since most often this room in the apartment is quite small.
Drawings with superheroes are suitable for children's rooms.
In the bedroom, hall, and also in the living room, you can apply almost any decorative elements in accordance with the overall style of the interior, it all depends on the personal preferences of the owners. However, in the relaxation room it is better to use calmer, softer, muted shades that will promote relaxation and good rest.
Any pattern is suitable for the living room and bedroom. The main thing is that it fits into the existing interior
Airbrushing on the walls is the best option for creating a unique and attractive room interior. For it to last for a long time, you need to select the right materials for the job.
Additional recommendations
Once you figure out how the tool works, you can decorate various surfaces beautifully. The following recommendations will make using an airbrush easier for beginners:
As you can see, airbrushing is not very complicated, but it allows you to create amazing paintings. Professionals who have been working with such a tool for many years can create 3D images. But a beginner who has recently mastered the principle of airbrush painting will also be able to decorate a facade, fence, car and other surfaces without any problems.
