First learn how your compressor works. Make sure you have piping thread tape to secure the area where the hose is attached to the machine (to stop air leaks). If your machine has an air filter with a gauge on top, set the PSI level to 35.
Now, the gun: there are two types perfect for airbrush designs — single-action and dual-action. To operate a dual-action gun, press down the main lever to release air and pull back to release paint. To operate a single-action gun, adjust your paint at the back of the gun.
To learn how to control the gun, take a piece of graph paper and airbrush lines going across. The paint should go on dry. If it’s wet you’re pulling the lever back too far. In the squares of the graph paper, spray dots; you want to see a clear dot.
If you’re interested in taking a class, many airbrush manufacturers offer them. Call your manufacturer for details. —Nedra Robinson Porter is president of NAD Airbrush Designs.