I believe I've seen some pottery done with an airbrush and thought the result was spectacular. Can any of you give me an idea of what brand/model of airbrush would be most compatible with pottery glazes? Also, what size compressor would you recommend? I've seen a couple of brands in the arts and craft stores, but, can you recommend the better brands and where would they be available online?
Thanks
Diego
It's only good for broad application, but I've used an aluminum paint sprayer like for automotive or house paint use.... can still allow colors to fade into one another...
I've used a Badger 350 external mix brush for a while now. they're easier to clean then internal mix, and cheaper (Ceramic materials are very abrasive and trash a brush quite quickly).
I use a very small compressor with an air tank, better than a diaphragm compressors without tanks; it is easy to over pressurize the air line when you don't have a tank.
Steve Bath UK
In article , Diego writes
What happens when you over pressurize? I've used an Paasche airbrush with other media and no tank; the only trouble that of pulsing. Being such a beginner that was and is no difficulty. Kathy
Thank you, Steve. I'm ordering one today. My search found one for $28 US. Now, I've got a huge air compressor that I use for stone carving. Can this be adapted or should I purchase a smaller model. (sledge hammer to swat a fly?) Can you give me an example of the compressor you have with a tank? Should I get one specifically designed for airbrushes or can the smaller tanked, flow controlled models one can purchase from the hardware store be adapted to fit the smaller intake coupling of the airbrush?
Diego
To answer you and Kathy; If you can reduce the output to about 15 PSI or maybe less (experiment) well and good. I use a very small kit with a pretty small tank, but in the past I've used an old Thomas Industries
*Sprayit* diaphragm compressor with a foot switch so that it was only on when I was spraying. The pressure needed is low, but I don't have a gauge on mine so can't answer that one accurately. Perhaps someone else can. I found without a tank I got pulsing which was a pain. An acquaintance kept forgetting to turn off a similar set up, and eventually the hose went bang!Steve Bath UK
In article , Diego writes
There is a Wagner sprayer 1300psi (name only). It is compressor and sprayer in one unit a bit bigger than a drill. The studio where i was working changed their glaze tanks to plastic garbage cans. They are narrow and one can't dip tall pieces without a lot of problems. I got the Wagner and have had great luck. Follow directions. It cleans up easily - five minutes after each use.
Marty
I bought a used air brush compressor on e-bay a while back. The first time I used it, it burned out. I ended up buying a compressor from Home Depot. Mine is a 6 gallon or so. I am able to adjust the air pressure to where I need it for spraying using my Badger air brush and can also crank it up to work on my auto with air tools (up to 125lbs./sq. inch) Much more versatile. You can buy a 2 gal version at these type of stores for under$100. Air brush compressors can run a lot more than that. Steve in Tampa
That gives me something to work on. I have one of those Home Depot, dual tank, dual outlet compressors that I use for stone sculpture. I just toured the ceramics department of a local art college. They use the same and just have adapted it down to the size of hose the airbrush takes. They use a Paasche "62" pen or gun. The tank is held at 90-120 psi, but the flow is regulated at 15 to
Thanks again Steve and Steve,
Diego
I use a "Critter" spray gun. The nice thing about it, is it works with quart or pint mason jars, so you can quickly switch between types of glaze.
-- Gary Ferguson Raku Clay Artist Nampa, ID 83687
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