Airbrush in nail design: how to choose and use

If you’ve ever seen beautiful, detailed nail art and wondered how it’s done, airbrush nail art may pique your interest. This method offers a special way to make intricate, beautiful patterns that are difficult to accomplish with conventional techniques. Airbrushes are a popular option in both salons and at-home nail art setups because they can transform your nails into canvases for exquisite, personalized designs.

Selecting the ideal airbrush for your nail art can have a significant impact. With so many different models and accessories available, it’s critical to know which features will work best for you. Knowing what to look for when purchasing nail art equipment can help you get the best results and enjoy the process of creating nail art. This includes airbrush guns and compressors.

The secret to using an airbrush effectively is to learn how to use it once you have it set up. You can become an expert in this art form with proper technique and practice, which will let you play around with colors and styles to produce stunning and original designs. Getting acquainted with your airbrush and its upkeep, regardless of your level of experience, will guarantee that your designs come out as gorgeous as you have imagined.

Contents

What is an airbrush
How to choose
Tools and materials
Preparation for work
How to apply a design
Gradient
Filled pattern
Creating a halo
Graphic pattern
How to clean
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What is an airbrush

Paint can be sprayed on nails using an airbrush, which operates on air pressure. It is easy to use, has a straightforward design, and lets you create delicate and seamless color transitions in designs.

The most widely used methods for using an airbrush to apply color are:

classic, two-color or three-color ombre;
graphic gradient;
stencil designs – painting and smoky halo.

Included in an airbrush kit are:

a gun or handle;
a hose;
a compressor.

The handle is actually what is referred to as an airbrush.

The following components are part of the gun or handle:

Paint tank;
Material nozzle – through which the pigment is supplied;
Air nozzle – for supplying air under pressure;
Needle for controlling the hole of the material nozzle;
Trigger or lever for controlling the supply of air and paint to the work surface.

The handle is supplied with paint and air under pressure, which is the operation principle. They combine when the upper lever is depressed, spraying a thin layer of paint onto the work surface. At the point where two nozzles converge, pigment and air mix, and this opening occasionally becomes clogged.

Not only can an airbrush be used for nail art, but it can also be used for creative drawing, body art, painting cars, motorcycles, helmets, appliances, painting pictures, and creating details for interior design projects.

Models created with the airbrush technique for artistic drawing can also be used for nail art. Their output and pressure are adequate to produce designs.

How to choose

Nail art that involved airbrushing first surfaced a few years ago. The need for devices resulted in the introduction of several dozen models that were tailored to the nyl industry’s requirements. The most well-known producers that both novices and experts should examine more closely are:

Iwata;
Sparmax;
Evolution;
Jas;
Hansa;
AirNails;
Tagore;
Fengda;
Harder and Steenback.

Chinese, Russian, and European manufacturers are on the list. Novices can try applying designs using models from Jas (China) and AirNails (Russia-China), keeping in mind the price-quality ratio.

More costly models from the listed manufacturers are also appropriate for professional use with high client traffic in salons and manicure rooms. A full airbrush kit costs three thousand rubles. Additionally, you can purchase a handle, hose, compressor, nozzle, and needle individually.

The following device specifications are necessary for nail designs created by professionals:

Tank 2 ml;
Air consumption from 10 l / min;
Pressure from 1.5 – 3 atmospheres;
Productivity from 1.75 to 3 kg/cm2;
Hose in fabric braiding, not silicone. Length from 1.5 m;
Nozzle diameter 0.2 mm – better than 0.3 mm;
Compressor with a power of 12 W.

When selecting a device for use at home, these criteria are also the bare minimum that is necessary.

When the nozzle gets closer to the work area, the paint should be collected in a straight line or sprayed evenly as a fine dust. The pull of the trigger ought to be gentle and fluid. Once the material has been applied to one nail, there should be no lumps or drops remaining on the needle. It is preferable to test these features before buying the device, if at all possible.

One feature of the latest airbrush models is automatic start. Pressing the material feed trigger initiates the compressor. Because they lack this kind of automatic mechanism, older models are noisier and vibrate when the compressor is operating. Even when there are pauses in the material supply, the airbrush will continue to vibrate and produce noise while applying the design to the nails, even when the trigger is turned off.

Tools and materials

You will also require the following in addition to the airbrush kit, which includes an automatic gun with a reservoir, hose, and compressor:

A set of water-soluble acrylic paints in basic and bright shades;
Training tips to gain experience working with the device;
A flushing station – not necessary, but will simplify the work;
Flushing liquid;
A thin brush for cleaning the nozzle during work, so as not to disassemble the entire device each time;
Single or thematic sets of stencils – disposable or reusable;
Tweezers;
A set of brushes for cleaning.

With the airbrush starter kit, tips, pigments, flushing liquid, and flushing station can be completed right away. You will need to assemble the device yourself using the aforementioned materials if you buy the device alone rather than a starter kit.

Preparation for work

Operating an airbrush doesn’t require much setup time. To begin applying designs, simply plug in the compressor, attach the hose, and fill the paint gun.

The paint is poured into the tank already prepared or pre-diluted in a small container with water to the consistency of milk. If the consistency is thicker, the nozzle will clog or throw out lumps.
Before filling the tank with ready-made paint, it must be shaken well so that the liquid becomes homogeneous. After filling the tank, it is necessary to close it with a lid, if it is provided in the design of the model.

Nail airbrushes without an upper tank are also available. They are totally unworkable for novices because the paint can splash or spill while working, leaving stains on clothing and surfaces.

After filling the tank, it is necessary to set up the device by running air through it and adjusting the flow of paint. To blow air, press the trigger only down, directing the nozzle to a sheet of paper or napkin on the table.
To adjust the paint supply, we now pull the trigger towards ourselves. The more we pull the lever towards ourselves, the more intense the paint supply. Having adjusted a clean and even flow on paper or a napkin, we can proceed to spraying the color on the nails.

Easily add complex patterns and vivid gradients to your nail designs with airbrush techniques. A few things to think about when selecting an airbrush tool are paint compatibility, nozzle size, and ease of use. Once you have your tools, all you need to do is practice pressure control and technique to get results that look professional. This guide will assist you in choosing the ideal airbrush for your requirements and provide helpful advice on honing your nail art skills with this adaptable instrument.

How to apply a design

Before applying a design to the nails with an airbrush, they must be prepared by performing a trim or hardware manicure.
Next, we treat the nails with a cleanser and a dehydrator, apply a base coat and level them with a base.
Apply a base coat and cover with a top coat.
To apply paint with an airbrush, you must remove the sticky layer from the nails. If colored paint is used, it is necessary to protect the skin of the cuticle and side ridges with a protective liquid film. The master is also recommended to work with gloves.

Using an airbrush, there are various methods for creating designs on nails:

Ombre or gradient in the spray technique;
Filled designs with stencils;
Creating halos around solid applied stencils
Graphic compositions.

After applying gel polish to the nails, we buff the tips lightly to prevent paint chips in the future and fix it with a top coat to eliminate any stickiness. After airbrushing, a second coat of top is applied for fixing.

Let’s look at the methods used to create each of the designs on the list individually.

Gradient

Ombre or gradient with an airbrush is created on a colored background of gel polish. For a classic white French manicure, it will be enough to cover the nails with a camouflage base. Or use a nude varnish;
Pour white paint for French manicure or any other for colored ombre into the tank. 2 ml will be enough;
After blowing air through the airbrush nozzle and setting up a smooth flow of paint, we begin to spray it from the tips of the nails to the middle from a distance of approximately 1.5-3 cm;
The paint should be applied in a very thin layer, practically drying in the air. If you pour a thick layer of paint or it falls in drops, the coating may not hold and will quickly peel and chip;
Wet the brush in the primer, remove the remaining paint from the ends and sides of the nails, or treat the ends with a buff;
Coat the color with a top coat, dry in a lamp, remove the dispersion;
Remove the protective coating from the cuticle or remove the remaining pigment from the skin with a cleanser to remove the sticky layer.

Filled pattern

Filled pattern using a stencil is most often done on a contrasting background, as in the photo;
The stencil is tightly applied or glued to the nail;
The hole is painted with a contrasting color using an airbrush;
The stencil is removed and the pattern is fixed with a top coat;
We process the ends with a buff if they came into contact with the pigment;
We send the top to the lamp for polymerization, remove the dispersion.

Creating a halo

When applying a pattern with an airbrush using the halo creation technique, it is necessary to glue the stencil to the prepared nail or press it tightly;
Having filled the airbrush with paint of a contrasting shade, we process the stencil from all sides, creating a light haze, as in the photo. The layer should be very thin, without smudges;
You can draw the edges of the pattern or pattern with a brush, one line, or thin accent strokes;
We fix the paint with the top, polymerize it in the lamp;
Remove the dispersion and clean the skin.

You can achieve pattern depth with this technique. The stencil can be taken off and moved around the nail’s perimeter multiple times to process the area in a hazy manner.

Graphic pattern

When making graphic designs, strip stickers or other figures move in a mirror pattern after the free zone has been painted in a single color. After that, stickers are applied to the final design, and the exposed portions are airbrushed with a different color.

Additional instances of airbrushing:

How to clean

It is not necessary to disassemble and clean the airbrush after every use when there is a high client traffic. It is only possible to do a thorough washing at the end of the workday. It will be sufficient to use a station or any container to wash away any leftover paint after each client visit in order to bleed off the paint.

When paint spits out of the nozzle or "snows" occurs, the clogged part is usually the joint where the paint and air mix, rather than the material or air nozzle itself. To clean, simply unscrew the air nozzle’s tip and treat the area surrounding the material nozzle with a needle while dipping a brush in water or dish soap. After that, use an air stream to dry. The paint that was previously stuck disappears and stops obstructing the new flow’s even distribution.

When the workday comes to an end, follow these guidelines to clean the airbrush:

Blow out the remaining pigment onto a thick napkin or damp disc until the air flow is clean. The residue should be visible only on the needle and the walls of the tank;
Wipe the walls of the tank with a napkin so that less cleaning fluid is used;
When using acrylic paints, you will need water for rinsing, and for silicone pigment – a silicone cleaner such as TEMPTU;
Pour a few drops of water or cleaner into the tank and press the trigger, as for feeding paint, directing the nozzle to the napkin or cotton pad;
Repeat step 4;
Now pour in a little more water or cleaning liquid, turn on the compressor, and press the trigger, while closing the nozzle with your finger;
The water or liquid should bubble in the tank, washing out the residue from hard-to-reach places;
Pour out the water or cleaner, blow the residue out of the nozzle with air. Repeat;
Remove the air nozzle, pull the trigger so that the needle is completely hidden and wipe the walls inside with a cotton swab;

You won’t need to disassemble and clean the airbrush entirely if you wash it thoroughly per the instructions at the end of each working day.

Guidelines for using a cleaning station to clean an airbrush:

Unscrew the station cap, pour in water or solvent, about 1.5 cm from the height of the container;
Screw on the cap, insert the upper filter, and then insert the nozzle of the device into the cleaning hole;
Press the trigger to release the remaining pigment;
Use a pipette to collect water or solvent, pour it into the tank and release again;
You can rinse the device more thoroughly if you hold the hole with the filter at the top with your hand. The air will return back and “gurgle” in the tank, washing out the remaining pigment.

The purpose of the cleaning station is to be used for etching paint and fast rinses during the day in between client visits. It is advised to give the device a more thorough rinse after use.

What could take the place of the laundry area:

You will need a double container for paints or any stable container with a hole for the nozzle.
In the double container (in the photo), pour water into one part, and the second is needed to drain the used material;
Use a pipette to collect water, pour it into the tank of the device, and wash out the pigment;
Repeat several times until clean water flows;
If there is a blockage, you can use alcohol, acetone or cleanser, pouring it into the tank and draining it through the nozzle.

Once you’ve chosen an airbrush that meets the necessary specifications and created up to ten designs for the tips, you can begin painting and coating nails. Without specialized training, even a novice master can learn the airbrushing technique. If you have any questions, please ask them in the comments section.

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2 comments on “Airbrush in nail design: how to choose and use”

Leila

Hi, could you please advise which nozzle (0.2 or 0.3) works best for ombres that have a smooth transition and don’t spray dots?

Editorial

Hi there, Leila! 0.2 mm is a better nozzle to use. Such a diameter will aid in producing an ombre as well as crisp lines when painting a small area. Please be aware that incorrect paint application technique can also cause "graining" paint in addition to nozzle diameter issues.

Choosing an Airbrush	Using an Airbrush
Consider the type of compressor: A quieter, adjustable one is often better for detailed work.	Start with a clean, primed nail surface to ensure the design adheres well.
Look for an airbrush with interchangeable nozzles for different designs.	Practice on a paper or nail wheel before applying to actual nails.
Check for ease of cleaning and maintenance to prolong the life of the airbrush.	Use stencils for more precise and consistent designs.
Choose a model with adjustable airflow for better control over the spray pattern.	Apply a topcoat to seal the design and add shine.

You can up the ante on your manicure and pedicure by selecting the ideal airbrush for your nail art. With so many options, it’s crucial to take into account things like the kind of airbrush, the nozzle’s size, and how comfortable it is to hold. Make sure the model you choose will work well with the tools and methods you already have and will meet your needs.

Although using an airbrush to add intricate designs to your nails might seem intimidating at first, it can actually be a creative and enjoyable experience with practice. Ascend to more intricate designs by starting with simpler patterns. Recall that having a steady hand and knowing how to regulate the paint flow and air pressure are essential for excellent results.

Lastly, remember to properly maintain your airbrush. Your tool will continue to function well and maintain its good working condition with regular cleaning and storage. Impress and inspire others with your gorgeous nail designs that you can create with an airbrush and a little practice.