Neat airbrush.

[Hopper John 0]

The other day I was watching some tying videos on You Tube and I watched a guy paint some popper bodies using an airbrush. The neat thing about the airbrush was that it used markers. Does anyone know about this type of airbrush? Is anyone using this kind of airbrush? From what I could see it did a pretty good job.

[oatka 0]

It's called a Copic Airbrush.

 

 

Make sure when you buy one, you buy two, then you can send the other one to me for my birthday! It is a slick little tool! Someday I want one.

[DrVette 0]

Any chance you 2 could/would post some links to videos and sources to buy this. I am interested in if it might do some automtive applications. Or maybe help me with my Halloween prop designs.

If you are wondering what i am talking about look here; http://s610.photobucket.com/albums/tt190/todd_vette/

[oatka 0]

Here's a link

 

[flytire 0]

Here's a link

 

 

priceless!

 

i have one but dont use sallys hard as nails as an over coat. doesnt work!

[c-denby 0]

DrVette-- AWESOME Halloween displays, it's great to see people still decorating! I had a neighbor that just LOVES any holiday that he can decorate for but Halloween and Christmas was his specialty. Unfortunately last november he fell and died while getting all the electrical installed on his roof. At the age of 91 and still going on the roof to do the electrical work by himself.. Only good thing that arose from his death was that the entire neighborhood now gets together and does the house for his wife every halloween and christmas.. I'm sure I have some pictures around..

 

Cheers

Chris

 

[DrVette 0]

Here's a link

 

Thank-you for the enlightening tutorial...It gave exactly just some of the manufacturer's propaganda and absolutely no sign of what people are doing to put it to practical real-world use. Hence my asking...

 

 

i have one but dont use sallys hard as nails as an over coat. doesnt work!

 

Flytier. I truely thank you for that in put. That observation tells me that this system probably can't be cleared for long term exposures and/or give good adhesion to non-porous surfaces. But might still give some good application on my decorating stuff and club advertisements...like car show posters and stuff to raise money for local charities.

I was searching through the previous link with no success for other info. Is there a place that might carry discounted sets of the pens in various colors as a starter set or something? I noticed that they claim they are refillable but i couldn't find any (NON SALESMAN) indications as to how well that works. Is there enough cost savings to truely make refilling viable? If so i will have to look at them as i need to replace markers. The real question left is if they are water proof??? Alcohol base may be ,but not usually water proof. Obviously not laquer compatible.

 

 

 

DrVette-- AWESOME Halloween displays, it's great to see people still decorating! I had a neighbor that just LOVES any holiday that he can decorate for but Halloween and Christmas was his specialty. Unfortunately last november he fell and died while getting all the electrical installed on his roof. At the age of 91 and still going on the roof to do the electrical work by himself.. Only good thing that arose from his death was that the entire neighborhood now gets together and does the house for his wife every halloween and christmas.. I'm sure I have some pictures around..

 

Cheers

Chris

Chris, I am glad to hear that there are people who will still reach out and help each other like that. I do this decorating to try to help out local kids. I am living in a fairly poor part of a town that is notoriously a poorer part of the state. It gives the children a small taste of a haunted house attraction. Honestly there hasn't been a haunted house in this town since the university quit putting one together about 10 years ago. i don't have time to decorate for Christmas so Halloween it is for me. I hope i can keep doing it till i croak. It is worth it to see the kids smiling. You would love some of the times the adults have gotten nailed by things that you can't see in the pics giving the kids a real big laugh. Would love to see pics of yours...I actually collect THOUSANDS of pics and links to other peoples decorated haunts to try to get new inspirations. Currently wasting too many hours trying to program a talking pirate skull that will be displayed in a partial coffin. I should be out fishing...

[flytire 0]

dr

 

take a look at the "copic" website. it may or may not have all or some of your answers

 

http://copicmarker.com/

 

then if you want to buy some GOOGLE "copic markers lowest price" and search the results for the lowest price. thats what i did to buy my set

[Guest]

i believe those videos are by a member here curtis fry. Been thinking of picking up one of those airbrushes myself.

 

john

[Curtis Fry 0]

Yep, that's the one I use. I love it. Super-easy to swap from one color to another and the ink is actually fairly "sticky" so I haven't had many problems with it running or bleeding. I usually do a coating of CCG or previously epoxy to give it a nice finish, but the Copic brand markers have been around for a long time and are used by many artists for a variety of applications. You can even buy ink refill kits so that you don't have to buy new pens when you run out of ink.

[Harold Ray 0]

Curtis,

 

How well does the paint stand up. I'm not a big fan of epoxy: what is CCG? I googled the initials and nothing came up. Does anything else work well?

 

Will Sally Hansen's Hard as Nails not work with this, and if not, why? Anyone know? I would love to learn airbrushing without all the mess. That may not be possible, but this sounds closer to that than anything else I've see.

 

Ray

[Harold Ray 0]

I htought I would post this critique. Its all postive, or nearly so. I am going to buy one of these and learn how to use it!!

Thanks for posting about it!!

 

Online Sites to Purchase the Copic Airbrush System

 

Copic Airbrush System, Chicago Airbrush Supply

 

Copic Airbrush System, BLICK Art Materials

 

Review:

 

Thanks for visiting Craft Critique! If you've come here from a search engine or from a direct link, you might be missing out on more content! Please visit CraftCritique.com for more. Reported by Julia Stainton

 

Airbrush. Cool word...at least I think so. I've always wanted to try airbrushing since taking art lessons from a graphic designer as a child. I never did get the opportunity, until last year when I purchased the Copic Airbrush System. I'd been very excited about coloring with Copic Markers, and the Copic Airbrush system is one of the reasons I chose the Sketch marker option when purchasing my markers. I'm all about flexibility and finding myriad uses for things, and I knew the Copic Airbrush system was right at the top of my wish list. After purchasing it, I can say that this is a tool I love and can't wait to learn more about.

 

Most people have some idea of what an airbrush system is, but just in case you don't, an airbrush system uses high-powered air to spray ink in a soft pattern over a surface. This gives a nice smooth graphic look that can be blended by going over the area. Copic Airbrush System , is a quality product that uses the markers that I love to use daily when coloring images. This professional quality system is expensive, but still affordable and will last. To use the Copic Airbrush, you can purchase cans of compressed air. To further increase its flexibility, this system is compatible with various air compressors, an option you may want to consider if you are planning on doing a lot of airbrushing.

 

The Copic Airbrush system is very easy to assemble and begin using. If you're like me, you just want to get to it! Follow the included directions to easily put your airbrush together. Here's a quick version:

 

1.Screw the air adapter into the base of the air grip nozzle.

2.Attach air hose to bottom of the air adapter and then screw other end into your air can.

3.Make sure your air can is securely upright in the provided foam air can holder.

4.Uncap your marker and insert the chisel tip end into the barrel.

5.Make sure marker is straight and clips in.

If you're a visual person, you can find a great instructional diagram online here. I love how quick and easy it is to change colors by simply snapping your markers in and out.

 

When getting started with this airbrush system, you'll want to practice on scrap paper. Using the extremely cold compressed air can actually freeze the nib of your marker, so work in small bursts of spraying to allow the nib to warm back up. I hold my nozzle about 6-8 inches away from the area that I am spraying. The hand sprayer is easy and comfortable to use, and only sprays when you press down on the trigger. Ensure that you don't move your air can and keep it perfectly upright when using. The amount of spraying you can do will depend on the size of your air can. The Air Can 80 should last for 15-20 minutes of spraying time and the Air Can 180 should last for 40-45 minutes of spraying time. When you take into consideration that you spray in short bursts of time, these cans should last you through quite a few projects.

 

I've run into few problems in learning how to use this airbrush system. One difficulty I did have was freezing the marker nib solid. The key to solving this problem is keeping that air can upright and using short bursts of spray time. If you find that the ink is not spraying properly, check to see that there is plenty of ink in your marker, and the nib is not dried out and inserted correctly.

 

Now, I'll be the first to tell you that I am NOT an expert on the Copic Airbrush System. I don't know everything about it but am giving you an overview of my experience with it. I'm hoping to keep learning about the capabilities and how to use this unique tool.

 

One technique that is very helpful to learn with airbrushing is masking. There are many things you can create a mask from if you look around and get creative. The easiest way to mask is to purchase a shape mask from a craft or scrapbooking store. These masks are lightly tacky and can be placed on your paper surface to mask it, and then easily be removed. To use these masks, carefully spray the areas around your mask with your airbrush and then remove. You'll be left with areas of beautiful color around the area that you covered up. Heidi Swapp in particular sells beautiful foliage, flourish and nature masks that work well with airbrushing as well as other techniques. When airbrushing a background around a stamped image, you will also want to mask the image so that you don't accidentally spray on it. Stamp your image again on a post-it note or other paper, trim it closely, cover the stamped area, and then spray. After removing the mask, color in your stamped image. Try masking with die-cuts, stencils, Nestability dies, chipboard, flowers...whatever you can think of.

 

There are so many exciting ways to use this tool for besides coloring paper. If you are someone who really has to have the matching accessories in EVERY color, this is for you! I had so much fun playing around with adding color to various products I have in my desk, with great results every time. You can spray color on fabric, paper flowers, fibers, ribbons, metal, plastic and acrylic for great custom looks. While you can do this to some extent by coloring directly with the Copic markers, the airbrush gives a fine smooth mist spray to give you a truly professional custom look. Simply purchase white flowers, and you can make any color of the rainbow providing you have the colored marker.

 

Pros:

 

•Beautiful soft blended look...looks very professional!

•You can use compressed air cans or compressor.

•Extensive Copic color system available.

•Kit comes complete with all you need.

Cons:

 

•Must be used with the Copic Sketch or Copic Original markers.

•While not over-priced for the quality of the system, it is a large initial investment to purchase the markers.

 

•There is definitely a learning curve with this product.

•Air cans will need replacing.

 

The Copic Airbrush system may be available from your local art supply store, if they carry other Copic products. It is more readily available online, and you can purchase it from online stores such as Ellen Hutson, Oregon Art Sales (shopping from the Copic site) and Dick Blick. The Copic Airbrush Starter Kit contains everything you need apart from the markers and retails at approx. $61.50 USD. I feel this is a great value for a tool that does so much, and will last for years to come. I am thrilled with my purchase, and give the Copic Airbrush Starter Kit a resounding 10 out of 10.

 

Do you need the Copic Airbrush System? If you do a lot of coloring, have the Copic markers and are looking to take it to the next level, then this product is for you. While I've shown examples of projects I've created that work with my stamping and papercrafting interests, this product can also be used in creating manga art, airbrushing models, and many other creative applications. I always believe in making an informed decision, so make sure you check out other sources for info on this fabulous product. Copic provides an online brochure full of information, and Ellen Hutson provides great tutorials and samples on her blog.

 

I love this fabulous way to expand my Copic markers for even more versatility, and exploring my own creativity. Do you have the Copic Airbrush system or are you thinking of getting one? We'd love to hear your thoughts too!

 

5 Comments:

Dana (*danavee*) said...

Last year, I convinced myself that I didn't NEED a Copic airbrush system, that I was going to spend the money and get a real air compressor and traditional air brush, and just use that to airbrush with my markers... the verdict: HOT MESS!

 

The Copic system is going on my wish list this year. Great review... thanks for the push!

10:50 AM

 

Julie Campbell said...

I really LOVE my Copic Airbrush System! Thanks for the great tips! Superb projects, as always!

8:40 PM

 

SBL-Photoshop Masking said...

Really a nice project!

3:40 AM

 

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12:14 PM

 

Woodland Circus said...

If you already have Ciaos, you can actually use them with the airbrush system...you just need some blu tack (stick tac etc). I found a tutorial here:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtmIvjERuss

 

tried it, and it works a treat, just a bit of a pain when changing colors.

6:29 AM

[flytire 0]

How well does the paint stand up. I'm not a big fan of epoxy: what is CCG? I googled the initials and nothing came up. Does anything else work well?

 

its not paint

 

ccg = clear cure goo

 

 

Will Sally Hansen's Hard as Nails not work with this, and if not, why? Anyone know? Ray

 

see post # 5

 

probably the solvents in the copic are not compatible withe the solvents in hard as nails

[perchjerker 0]

I will venture that flytire has the correct answer to the Sally Hansen question. I would highly recommend using something like Devcon 2-Ton, or any other 30 minute epoxy, diluted 1:1:1 (1 part resin: 1 part hardener: 1 part 70% rubbing alcohol). Rubbing is also known as isopropyl alcohol. The mix will be near water-thin and can readily be brushed on. As there are no solvents in the epoxy, there is no risk of adverse interaction between solvents. Solvent based materials depend upon solvent evaporation for their drying. In the case of the epoxies, it is the linking together of two different molecules (hardener + resin) that effect drying; thus a chemical reaction process that is exothermic (gives off heat).

 

As my 11 yr. old neighbor boy says when he is trying to sell me something for school, etc., fundraisers: "TRUST ME!". The stories about the water in rubbing alcohol causing problems with epoxies are ALL 'Old wive's tales!' These stories possibly had their genesis because of the fact that the mix DOES turn milky initially; but it very rapidly turns clear again! These older individuals apparently pitched it before seeing what the ultimate outcome was, and started the myth. The only possible 'negative' aspect is that complete curing is slowed down, as evaporation of the alcohol is apparently slowed down by the epoxy mix.

 

I have to give credit where credit is due. It was my mentor, one of the two truly premier custom rod builders in the metropolitan Houston, Texas area, who put me onto doing this back in the very early 1980's, and I have been doing it ever since. I use it to over-coat all of my balsa and cork-bodied bugs. Would love to post photos, but it is just too much of a pain in the arse on this forum. Every time I have tried, things have been too big, and they have to be reduced; sometimes more than once. Ain't worth it, folks.

 

Cheers,

perchjerker

[Curtis Fry 0]

Curtis,

 

How well does the paint stand up. I'm not a big fan of epoxy: what is CCG? I googled the initials and nothing came up. Does anything else work well?

 

Will Sally Hansen's Hard as Nails not work with this, and if not, why? Anyone know? I would love to learn airbrushing without all the mess. That may not be possible, but this sounds closer to that than anything else I've see.

 

Ray

 

So with the CCG (Clear Cure Goo), I will sometimes apply Sally Hansen's on top of that if it's not as shiny as I like it. But no, it's not something where you want to apply SH's to the paint job. It will run and make a mess.

 

I will give the COPIC system a full endorsement. I have an air compressor for it for home use and I take the air cans with me to shows and demos. I keep probably 15 to 20 markers on hand and replace a few every year or so, just depending on use. I've done masking with it, flat out painting and whatever else I need to do. I even painted up one of my buddy's crank-baits to give it a more "perchy" look.

 

Just FWIW, here's another option you can find in craft stores: http://www.amazon.com/Testor-Corp-ColorArt...h/dp/B002ZWJUXY

 

Haven't used it, so I can't vouch, but it looks cool.