Reply To: Airbrushing and a Dry Nib

[soapdodger 17313xp 1]

In addition to the above comments which all seem reasonable you can try and use a different technique when airbrushing which is more like most airbrush canvas artists use when using double action airbrushes. That’s to keep the air flowing at all times until done.

Dry nib occurs when paint builds up on the tip and dries. This happens often for miniature painters as we paint such small things, starting and stopping a lot . Also this happens even more for beginners as there is a lot more starting and stopping.

Keeping the air flow going and introducing paint when required stops the spirt of paint you get after stopping and starting and keeps the tip clear of paint that would normally dry.

To do this keep the trigger held down so constant air and only pull back when you want paint and return when you don’t. This takes practice and I would say I try to do this, but only manage about 25% of the time. The rest of the time I let air flow then paint flow then no paint then no air which is a variation of this. You want to avoid stopping air and paint at the same time of the residual paint will still be coating the needle. All happens in about 1 – 2 seconds but I am sure you can find a you tube video on it that would explain better.

There are times when this is not a good idea but it takes practice to know when to use what technique and this can work the majority of the time.

I took an airbrush class when I was younger and you got smacked with a ruler if the tutor if he couldn’t hear air from your airbrush. Sounds kinky, but just unpleasant. That’s also why I used a single action airbrush for years.