Airbrushing 101

Using an airbrush to apply paint can result in beautiful, soft transitions. Compressed air creates a fine mist of paint, leaving no sign of the artist’s hand. There are two lines of paint that Chroma recommends for airbrushing. Always use caution when spray applying paint. Never spray apply cadmium colors and wear NIOSH-approved disposable dust and mist respirator.

Jo Sonja Matte Flow Acrylic

Beloved by decoy artists for the flat, matte finish and large, lightfast color range, Jo Sonja Matte Flow Acrylic can be used in an airbrush with the addition of Jo Sonja Flow Medium.  Flow Medium will extend the drying time of the paint.

• Use Flow Medium with  Jo Sonja Matte Flow Acrylic or Background Colours beginning with a ratio of 1:1. A small amount of water may also be necessary for an even flow.
• Note: The addition of water to thin Jo Sonja Matte Flow Acrylic or Jo Sonja Background Colours may over-dilute the paint causing poor coverage and adhesion to some surfaces.
• For fine art and decoys, set the air pressure to 20-40 P.S.I. as determined by your needle and desired application. Build up paint films slowly, allowing to dry between coats.
• Dry a minimum of 48 hours before varnishing with Jo Sonja Polyurethane Water Based Varnish. Allow additional time depending on climate and humidity or if excessive medium is used.
• Caution: If creating a decoy that will be subjected to a water or float test, be sure to leave sufficient time for curing and varnishing. Apply a minimum of 4 to 5 coats of varnish and allow a minimum of 2 weeks before use.
• Some colors: WARNING: Cancer and or reproductive harm – www.P65Warnings.ca.gov

Atelier Free Flow Artists’ Acrylic

Atelier Free Flow is the most vivid, lightfast matte paint Chroma produces. It can be used in an airbrush with the addition of Atelier Thin Medium. Best for fine art works on paper, panel, wood and canvas.

• Use Free Flow with Thin Medium beginning with a ratio of 1:1. A small amount of water may also be necessary for an even flow.
• For fine art, set the air pressure to 20-40 P.S.I. as determined by your needle and desired application. Build up paint films slowly, allowing to dry between coats.
• To preserve the brilliant, matte finish, we do not recommend that Atelier Free Flow works get varnished. Protect paintings under glass and handle 3D objects with care.
• Some colors: WARNING: Cancer and or reproductive harm – www.P65Warnings.ca.gov