G'day, Mates! Where The Hell Do I Start???

Howdy! I Just Wanted To Introduce Myself And Ask A Little Advice. I've Never Airbrushed Before (gasp!). Airbrushing Has Always Interested Me So Here We Are. I Would Like To Paint My Motorcycle This Winter And I Think That Some White True Fire Would Be The Cat's Pajamas. Am I Dreaming?


My Question Is This, What Do I Need? There Are So Many Different Kits I Don't Know Where To Start. What Type Of Gun Should A Newbie Use? Can I Use My Big Compresser? I Subscribed To The Magazine, But Any Advice Would Be Greatly Appreciated (and Rewarded With A Drink). Thanks!

[heartless]

welcome aboard! a great place to start is just by reading - tons of great info available here, and in the magazine - the basics of airbrushes, how they work, and some beginner lessons are found here: http://www.airbrushtechnique.com/for...play.php?f=313

the review section has some great user reviews on the different airbrushes as well.

as long as you can control the air output of your big compressor (ie: a good regulator), yes you can use it. Highly recommend having a quality moisture trap at least 10 feet down stream of the compressor tho - allows the air to cool and traps any moisture created by that process so it does not reach your airbrush - getting moisture coming thru the airbrush is not pleasant when you are in the middle of a painting!

Lots of great folks here to lend advice and help. Enjoy yourself and above all remember - it's just paint!

[rowie]

G'day back at ya BigSexy,

Welcome to the crew, best place to start would be product reviews. and be prepared to do a heap of practice.

most of all have fun.

rowie

Thanks, Guys! Excellent Pointers! I've Ordered Some Books And Dvd's, And I Can't Wait To Start Practicing. I Just Realizized That The Next Rally Is In Less Than Two Months, So I Want To Have My 'scoot Ready. I Love The Idea That I Can Paint It Over And Over! Thanks Again For The Pointers And I'm Looking Forward To Getting To Know Everyone.

[grinnen30]

Not knowing much about what you have, you are going to need to build up some supplies. And no you are not dreaming...AB'ing is a blast and addictive (and its not just the fumes).

1) flames - I can't help you here, but there is tons of discussion on the subject. I have tried a handful of times...Mike Lavalee has a great kit with stencils and everything for real flames (and you can apply

2) AB kit - that is really up to what you are going to do and how often. I have a badger and just ordered an Iwata...do the research...but I would personally look at a gravity feed brush...As far as the compressor goes, anything that blows pressurized air will work...just need to adapt it.

3) Finishing - I think the most important part of the job is going to be the finish. In my opinion you are going to need an HVLP gun to spray the clear coat, a host of super fine grit sand paper and a buffer/polisher to buff it out. There is a great video on the magazine subscribers side about buffing and polishing...It uses the 3-M buffing pads (pick up from your local auto paint supply store) and compounds. I tried to avoid using them on my first two jobs, but I messed everything up...so I personally would spend the extra money on it...

4) Time and practice materials - You are going to need some time and practice materials. Its fun, but not something you can usually pick up and do great. The good new is that if you don't like the paint you laid down, you can remove it fairly easily...but I would suggest coming up with some practice materials to paint if I were you...old car fenders, motorcycle tins, computer cases...whatever...and a good host of newsprint to get started...