Thread: newbie-need help with a theatre project

Hello! I need some advice! I have never airbrushed but I am artistic. I am working on a unique backdrop for a musical I am in at a local community theatre. It is 8' x 12'. It is supposed to look like stain glass, We built a frame with cross bars, then I stretched clear vinyl across it like you make tablecloths with. Then I blew the picture up with a projector and drew it on. I think using airbrush would make it look like it is stain glass. My question is what at a local hobby lobby store would be the best equipment to buy for a project like this?

How serious are you about airbrushing?
The investment is not tiny for a brush, compressor and goods.
And this isn't something you learn in an instant, so unless you are actually going to take the time and do the work/practice, then you may be better off using some cans of spraypaint to do the job.

If you are serious, then you need to be realistic in what your needs are for paint, the amount of detail and large coverage you will need to do, and how much you are willing to spend. If this is something that will get used for makeup too, then you need to know that up front.

If you want to go the spraypaint route, then, a few rolls of painters tape to isolate the "leaded" areas, some newspapers to mask off areas you don't want painted, and the desired paint colors themselves. You may find that enamels will work best for you, but you should do some small test patches to make sure that they and the vinyl will be compatable. Acrylics might work, but again, you should test some to see how hey work before you make any huge investments.

Whichever way you go, you need to be careful, and work in a safe, well ventelated area

hobby lobby has createx paints, and sell paasche and iwata brushes but they are much cheaper from places like dixie art supplies example hobby lobby paasche vl kit 110.00 bucks vs online at dixie art 65.00.00