An airbrush is an atomized air gun that sprays various liquids such as paint, ink, or dye onto a given surface. Invented by Abner Peeler, airbrushes were first launched in 1879. Peeler invented the airbrush for artistic purposes. It took the airbrush four years of evolution to become a more practically usable tool. The first modern airbrush surfaced in 1893; it was invented by Charles Burdick. Burdick’s company, called Aerograph, still manufactures airbrushes, though mostly in England. Today, Japan designs and manufactures the most highly advanced airbrushes, both in terms of technique and technology.
The airbrush works on an automated process of passing fast moving compressed air through a “venturi”. In turn, this creates suction by locally reducing the air pressure that permits liquids to be pulled up through an interconnected reservoir at normal atmospheric pressure. Since the air when sprayed is still at high velocity, the liquid comes out as tiny droplets or a fine spray. A variable trigger allows the user to control the amount of liquid vented. Airbrushes can use anywhere between 20 psi to 100 psi; the higher the psi, the thicker the spray.
Airbrushes are classified by their trigger systems. A trigger airbrush works on a single action mechanism where the depressions caused by a single trigger result in the liquid being atomized. Dual-action trigger airbrushes tend to distinguish the flow of air and paint. Hence, the user can activate the air flow and also moderate the flow of the paint, independently. Apart from triggers, an airbrush also contains a feed system and a mix point. Usage of airbrushes includes art, illustration, photo retouching, scale model building, murals, tanning, finger nail art, clothing, street art, and automotive. |
