What is a Cordless Airbrush?
A cordless airbrush works by using air from a micro compressor to atomize the paint. The paint comes out of the nozzle and picked up by airflow to be applied to the desired surface area. It’s air-operated, and allows you to spray super-fine paint particles, giving a flawless, streak-free finish. To get the air needed, a cordless
airbrush uses a battery-powered compressor, unlike a traditional compressor that needs mains power.
Cordless airbrushes are portable, easy to carry, and can be charged using any USB port. Airbrushes are a must in the scale model world. Not only do they give a quick, streak-free base coat, they allow you to create shadows, depth, stencilled designs, and blends in seconds.
But it’s not just miniature painting, an
airbrush can be used for a range of projects. T-Shirts, cosplay, and nail art are just a few examples of the cool things you can paint with a cordless
airbrush.
Since you’re not restricted by a cord, they’re much more useful when moving around a workshop or getting to hard to reach areas.
Pros and Cons of Using a Cordless Airbrush
Using a cordless
airbrush comes with many benefits, but they’re not for everyone. Here are the main pros and cons you need to consider.
Pros:
- No tubes or cords interfering with your painting
- Lightweight and easy to carry anywhere
- USB charging port means the airbrush can be charged anywhere with a compatible outlet
- Affordable
Cons:
- Some models have short battery run-times (although some airbrushes can still be used while charging)
- Air pressure can be less than expected
If you’ve got a large project that’s going to take hours, a cordless
airbrush isn’t the right tool for the job. But for shorter paint sessions, they are a convenient tool to have.
Dos and Don’ts When Using a Cordless Airbrush
If you’ve never used a cordless
airbrush before, there are a couple do’s and don’ts you should know about.
- DO take safety precautions when using an airbrush. Wear a mask or respirator, gloves, and protective clothing as required.
- DO use the correct paint for the type of surface you are spraying for the best results.
- DO clean the airbrush out after every use and check manufacturer’s instructions for any specific steps you must take to maintain your airbrush.
- DON’T spray different types of paint in the same session. Instead, clean the airbrush thoroughly before switching to another paint or color.
- DON’T use WD-40 to lubricate the airbrush. Look for a non-drying, non-reactive airbrush lubricant that won’t react with the paint.