Airbrush Tanning Procedure

Airbrush Tanning Procedures

The following is one suggested procedure for performing a spray tan. It differs from the one shown in the video tending to be better for using a spray gun. There is no one right way to perform the procedure. I suggest you examine as many as possible, and adopt one that feels natural to you.

Items needed for Procedure

Towel or sheet for client to stand on, headband or shower cap to hold hair off spray area.
1. In a well ventilated room, prepare by placing a large towel or sheet on the floor to catch any overspray. Pour airbrush solution into the solution bottle -- about 35ml is correct more for darker skin types or larger individuals, perhaps less for a lighter skin types or smaller individuals. More is not better! If you are applying more than 60ml, you are likely applying too much. Over-application may contribute to an orange off-colour tone to your tan. The compressor should be set to the recommended solution pressure -- if available. Don't be afraid to experiment. Basically, you want the finest atomization of the spray without producing too much overspray. If you have a pressure control device, it will likely take the form of a pressure regulator with a knob to control the pressure setting. The spray gun pattern should be set to an elliptical rather than round pattern if supported.

Feathering Technique

2. Have the client stand on a towel facing you with their legs shoulder apart. Spray the front of the right leg in a horizontal motion 8-12 inches away from the top of the foot, spraying the toes first and gradually moving up closer to the leg as you approach the ankle. The spray gun should be positioned approximately 8-12 inches away from your client's body throughout the application. To avoid pooling or running, always start spraying the spray gun slightly off to the side before you reach the area to be applied. Maintain steady strokes.

Front Legs

3. When you reach the top of the leg, work your way back down using vertical strokes to the ankle until the entire front of the leg is covered. Lightly spray over the top of the foot.

Inside Right Leg

4. Have the client rotate right leg out so the inside of the leg can be sprayed with horizontal first and then finishing with vertical strokes.

Inside Left Leg

5. Repeat on left leg.

Outside Right Leg

6. Have client turn 1/4 rotation to the left repeating horizontal and vertical strokes on the outside of the right leg.

Neck, Shoulders, Back

7. Instruct client to turn so their back is facing you. Begin spraying at the neck, then top of the shoulders working your way down the back with horizontal and then finishing with vertical strokes.

Back Legs

8. Spray back of both legs with a horizontal stroke first. Finish with vertical strokes.

Outside Left Leg

9. Have client turn 1/4 rotation to left and spray outside of left leg with horizontal first and then finishing with vertical strokes.

Top of Arms

10. Have the client turn and face you holding both arms forward and slightly down, top of hand directed towards the ceiling). Begin spraying both arms approximately 8 inches away from the fingertips, as you move up the hands come in closer approximately 4 inches away. Spray horizontally on the way up and long vertical strokes on the way down.

Bottom of Arms, Side Waist

11. Have client hold hands up with elbows bent and fingertips pointing to ceiling (as in a stop position). Spray starting at wrist; (avoid spraying palm of hand). Spray arm and side of waist with horizontal first and then finishing with vertical strokes. Repeat on other side.

Stomach, Chest, Neck and Chin

12. Holding arms out of the side spray stomach, chest, neck and underside of chin with horizontal and then finishing with vertical strokes.

Face

13. Have client close eyes, take a deep breath through the nose and hold. Spray face with horizontal first and then finishing with vertical strokes.

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