Answers to the airbrush questions: "I am getting a sonic cleaner to clean my airbrushes. Do I put rubbing alcohol or water in it to clean them." It depends on what you were using with the airbrushes. If you used an alcohol-based product, then you need to use alcohol to clean them. If it's water-based, use airbrush cleaner or what the product manufacturer recommends for cleaning. If it's a hybrid (water/alcohol based) you'll need to get the cleaner they recommend.
"Should I take the guns apart first?" I would. The action of the cleaner loosens the particles, but fluid flow is necessary for particles to flow freely from the surface. The needle in the closed position will trap the particles inside the nozzle cone." Also, the main body of the airbrush should NOT be totally immersed. Some artists chuck the whole thing in, but you will have issues with the gaskets deteriorating and the air pistons in the lower half sticking. (Pain to clean) Put the gun (minus the needle, needle guard, cone and cap) into the cleaning solution in a narrow container so it holds the gun on end, with the two openings in the fluid. (This is for both gravity and siphon feed guns). Let it soak for about 15 minutes, then clean as directed in the manual. DO NOT USE PIPECLEANERS!!!!!!!! (They fall apart and fuzzies get stuck inside the airbrushes.) "Which tattoo adhesive do you recommend?" European Body Art is the new favorite. There was another manufacturer that I used, but shipping has become near impossible for delivery in the USA . "I would like some stencils of all breeds of dogs...........any recommendations?" Look online and do your homework. Be sure the stencils are made of a material you can work with. Each artist has a preference, so you'll need to do some investigating when you get to the sites to see what material they use. Trendy Tribals does incredible custom stencils and has a wide variety. Give Stephanie a holler and she can go through her library of designs and let you know what she has ready-to-cut. "Which paint brand do you recommend for using on the face? (vs. the body)" Again, preference. You can use any water-based liquid face paint and use an extender to thin it. Mehron's mixing liquid is a favorite as an extender/thinner. In a pinch, I've used cake make-up whirled in a blender. I do NOT recommend using this method if you plan on storing the make-up over 24 hours. Cake make-up is not intended to be used in this manner and you can run into problems. It IS useful when you have a client with specific needs and don't have liquid make-up available. (Be sure to strain before using. Clumps are a pain!) "What size Co2 tank do you take if you are not using electricity?" Depends on how long do you plan on spraying and what you're spraying? 5lb tank 2-3hours at 12-20 PSI* 10lb tank 4.5-6 hours at 12-20 PSI* 20lb tank 6-8 hours at 12-20 PSI* *This does not mean the airbrush is running consistently, but intermittently with normal face painting usage. Spray Safe, Kat B. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Face Painting and Body Art Association." This is a PG-13 forum dedicated to the discussion of Face Painting and Body Art. This group is provided for the benefit of all and as such is not moderated. Our goal is to promote open and unrestricted communication between people interested in face painting and body art. We hope that you will be courteous to others and try to stay on topic. You are free to offer products or services related to face painting as well. Please address concerns with the original poster before contacting the management. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/fpba-assn
