When Should Airbrushing Be Performed?
Airbrushing is an excellent way to add excitement to a production's makeup designs. It can be used as a thin veil over existing makeup, a base for products to be placed upon, or it can be used independently to create a seamless look. While not every production or character needs airbrushing, sometimes it is worth the effort. In these cases, a number of factors should be considered. First, remember that airbrush paint is not easily removable. If performers cycle between multiple roles throughout a production, airbrushing is typically not a viable option. This is especially true if the roles require extremely different looks.
Another set of factors to consider are time and available materials. If you choose to create one or several airbrush designs, you must consider if you have the time and resources to make those designs reality. Suppose you design an airbrush look for one character. That sounds simple enough, right? But what if that makeup look is incredibly complex, and you need to oversee the makeup looks of twenty other performers. This might complicate matters. Conversely, perhaps you design a simple airbrush design. However, you plan to airbrush the entire ensemble cast, which comprises thirty performers. The ability to complete this task within the time allotted will be dependent upon the number of airbrushes and makeup crew members available to airbrush the cast. While some scenarios are easy to complete, others are not. So, when designing makeup looks, consider if you have the time and resources necessary to complete it satisfactorily.
Finally, consider what supplies you have. If your production company does not have an airbrush, consider whether or not it is valuable as a long-term investment. Will the airbrush be used for multiple productions? Is it worth only purchasing one? If you intend to purchase more than one, how many are in the budget? While airbrushes are extremely versatile and valuable tools, they are not always necessary for theatrical productions. When designing, create alternative design plans in case an airbrush cannot be obtained or in case it malfunctions. Airbrush makeup may not be replicated easily, and repairs are not always feasible. It is always useful to have backup plans in case this occurs.
How to Make Performers Comfortable When Airbrushing
Airbrushing can be a strange process for performers to experience. It involves cold, moist air blowing against the skin while the eyes are closed and breathing is difficult. In short, airbrushing can be a nerve-wracking experience. So, it is important to take steps to make the performers feel as safe and comfortable as possible. There are several steps you can take to accomplish this.
- Airbrush in a well-ventilated area.
- Communicate with your client throughout the process.
- Allow the performer to test the airbrush on their hand.
- Start the airbrush off of the performer's face. Then, move the airbrush slowly over their face, turning on the paint as you do so.
- Stop periodically to allow the performer to breathe comfortably.
- Do not hold the airbrush over the eyes, nose, or lips for extended periods of time. Instead, lightly cover these areas multiple times.
- Listen to your actor if something feels wrong or uncomfortable. Air pressure or paint may need to be adjusted for maximum comfort.
Performers, do not be afraid to communicate with your makeup artist! If you feel uncomfortable, speak with your designer. Let them know what they can do to make you feel safe and comfortable during the makeup application process. Also, speak up if something with the airbrush does not feel right. When the airbrush is working properly, the paint landing on your skin will feel damp. If you only feel air and no dampness, it is possible that the airbrush is clogged or malfunctioning. Speak to your designer if you believe this is occurring. It's possible that you will notice there is an issue before they do.
Airbrush Paint
Airbrush paint can be water- or alcohol-activated. Typically, it is thicker than necessary, and may clog the airbrush. Due to this, it is often beneficial to dilute the airbrush paint. This can be done with water or rubbing alcohol. Rubbing alcohol is the recommended method because it evaporates quickly without causing a risk of dripping or running. However, it is important to note that alcohol should not be placed on or around the eyes.
For large productions, it is useful to dilute and store the paint in-bulk. If more than one performer requires airbrushing during the course of the production, then storing products in large quantities is especially important. Milk jugs, water bottles, or other resealable, plastic containers that can be easily shaken are recommended. If your container does not have a pour spout, then it would also be beneficial to obtain a funnel.
How to Use an Airbrush
Airbrushing is a tricky process to learn, but the effort is well worth the reward. In this section, we will cover the basics of using an airbrush.
Painting With the Airbrush
- Begin by plugging the airbrush in and making sure all of the components are connected.
- Check the PSI on the airbrush compressor. It is generally recommended to be between 10 and 25, but check the manufacturer's instructions before airbrushing anyone's skin.
- Acquire your paint(s) and shake them well.
- Next, fill the airbrush with paint. Some airbrush attachments allow for paint to be added to an open cup. Others allow paint to be attached via a glass jar with a lid. Make sure whatever component you are using is secure.
- Test that the airbrush is working. Hold the nozzle in front of a mirror or the back of your hand. Begin by pressing down on the airbrush head's trigger. Air should begin flowing through the airbrush. Then, still pushing downward, pull the trigger backwards. This should gradually release paint that increases in intensity the farther backwards you pull. If this step worked, congradulations! Your airbrush is working!
- Now, begin airbrushing your client. Begin by pushing the trigger down beside the performer's head. Then, after the air is flowing, move the airbrush toward the client's face. Once the air is blowing on the performer's skin, begin pulling the trigger backwards to release paint. Cover the performer's face as you see fit.
- Once the design has been completed, turn off the air compressor, unplug the machine, and clean the airbrush thoroughly.
Changing Paint Colors
- If you would like to change the color of paint in the airbrush, begin by pouring water into the airbrush's paint cup or replacing the airbrush's paint jar with a jar of water.
- Hold the airbrush against a mirror or flat surface and pull the trigger backwards, allowing it to run until all the paint is clear.
- Next, replace the jar or fill the cup attached to the airbrush with the new color.
- Hold the airbrush back against the mirror or the back of your hand. Begin pulling the trigger to allow paint to flow. Once you see the desired color of paint on the mirror or your hand, the airbrush is ready to go.
- Begin airbrushing the performer normally.
Handling a Clog
If your airbrush is releasing air but not paint, then it is probably clogged. This typically occurs when the paint's consistency is too thick. In this case, consider diluting the paint or finding an alternative paint brand to work with. Clogs may also occur if dried clumps of paint end up in the machine. Check your paint containers to ensure that they are stored properly to prevent drying.
Once a clog has occurred, there are two solution to try. Begin by following steps 1 and 2 of the Changing Paint Colors instructions above. This allows water to flush the clog out of the airbrush by eroding and diluting it. Run the water through the airbrush for up to a minute. Then, put paint in the airbrush again. Check to see if it begins working normally.
If the airbrush continues to clog, you will need to disassemble it and clean it thoroughly. This is not always convenient prior to productions, so we highly recommend purchasing two airbrush heads (even if you only have one compressor) so that you may switch between them easily as clogs occur.
How to Clean an Airbrush
Cleaning an airbrush can be a difficult task because there are many parts and pieces to disassemble and clean. However, this step-by-step guide makes disassembly easy. Make sure to employ a gentle scrub brush, cloth, and soap to thoroughly remove the paint from all of the airbrush's component parts. Using two trays—one for dirty components and one for clean components—may be beneficial so none of the components roll away or become lost.
Begin by removing the airbrush head from its airhose and removing the paint cup or jar from the airbrush head.
Remove the outer casing on the back of the airbrush.
Next, unscrew the bolt that holds the needle into the airbrush. When the bolt is loose, you will be able to pull the needle out of the airbrush. Remove the bolt from the needle and set both components aside.
Unscrew the component at the back of the airbrush that holds the needle in place.
Unscrewing the component in the previous step should have revealed a rod with a spring. Gently slide the spring off the rod and set it aside.
Now, remove the rod that the spring was on from the barrel of the airbrush. It may require some gentle twisting because it curves upwards at the end.
Remove the trigger from the top of the airbrush.
Finally, gently unscrew the nozzle at the front of the airbrush. Once it has been successfully removed, you will have completed the disassembly of your airbrush.
