Airbrush Equipment Types

Methods of Application

One could propose a number of ways to apply sunless tanning solution. One constant in all methods is the difficulty in making the process amenable to self application. Naturally, a number of methods have been borrowed from other fields. Regular spray gun and compressor set-ups have difficulties with overspray, lack of control, and heavy material usage. A successor to the spray gun and compressor combination is the HVLP (High Volume Low Pressure) sprayer. These units spray finely atomized spray at low pressure 5-8 PSI and with high air flow. These units have much less overspray than regular spray guns and better material usage. But, they can be somewhat noisy since the air is propelled by turbines driven by, essentially, vacuum cleaner type motors.

Perhaps the most popular of all methods is air brush application. Air brushes operate at lower pressure than spray guns -- typically below 25 PSI. Depending on the "thickness" or viscosity of the tanning solution, application pressures of 8 to 25 PSI may be recommended. Check with the manufacturer of your solution. Tanning booths with multiple air brush type nozzles have also been devised to automate and shorten application time. Compared to airbrush application, booths are more expensive, less personal, and allow less control of application to difficult areas. For the the remainder of this article, we focus on air brush application.

The Compressor

A central component of an air brush set-up is the compressor. Compressors differ in compression technique -- rotary (most expensive, quietest), piston, diaphragm (least expensive, somewhat noisy); in lubrication -- oil-less vs oiled; in whether a tank is employed; and in power. A number of air brush compressor models have been developed specifically for air brush use. Typically these are oil-less designs, lower in pressure -- 30 PSI or lower, lower in horsepower -- less than 1 hp, smaller and more portable, and, frequently, tank less. They tend to be more expensive than traditional models but offer quieter operation and higher portability. We think the following characteristics are desirable:

* Air Storage Tank -- this minimizes "pulsing" in the air supply since the pressure is more even and extends compressor life. For airbrush compressors, this typically is offered on only the higher end units.

* Oiless -- this type provides lower upkeep, and prevents lubricant from being sprayed on the client, but tends to be noisier than oiled designs. However, models without tanks or auto shut-off may overheat with continuous operation. An attached tank or auto shut-off allows the compressor to operate cooler.

* Pressure Regulator/Moisture Trap/Pressure gauge -- If provided, the pressure regulator allows more precise control of air pressure and also prevents surges in the air flow. Some compressors may provide a bleeder valve to provide rough pressure control. Finally, the moisture trap captures moisture build up from the air compression process, helping to eliminate sputtering due to moisture. Typically, this is not a big concern for air brush tanning, since the solution is water based.

* Power -- Horsepower ratings of 1 hp or higher may make for noisier operation and are generally necessary -- even if you plan on operating multiple air brushes.

* Weight. -- For mobile operation, a weight under 20 pounds is desirable. It should be possible to achieve the prior objectives and meet this weight limit.

The Airbrush

For airbrush tanning, and tattooing, operators have reported success with both single action and double action air brushes. See the airbrush type section of the manual for complete coverage of differences in air brushes. Briefly, single action, external mix, airbrushes have an on/off button on top of the brush. When on, the same mixture of air and solution is delivered each time. An adjustment on the front of the airbrush adjusts the spread and density of the spray. Lighter/heavier coverage can be achieved by changing the distance to the subject. Single action airbrushes tend to clog less and clean up easier. In contrast, Dual Action, internal mix, airbrushes have a dual role button on the top of the brush. Pushing it forward increases air. Pulling it back increases the amount of solution . For typical air brush tanning, the full back position is adequate. However, on some problem areas of the body, hands and feet for example, lighter coverage is desired. Try the halfway position for these. For airbrush tanning, a middle sized needle is most desirable. Also, a bottom feed cup is used. If you are interested in air brush makeup or nails, a dual action air brush with a side or top cup will be desirable. But, you will want specific additional airbrushes for these dedicated needs.

Additional Items

To avoid downtime, you will want some duplicate equipment, and parts.

Please note that due to import some packing may be different than the images used on this website.