Airbrush tattoos are experiencing a surge in popularity, with legions of people clamoring to adorn their skin with this temporary form of body art. Yet, despite their appeal, airbrush tattoos remain an elusive fantasy for many, as the perceived barriers to entry can prove daunting. In fact, many aspiring tattoo enthusiasts, after booking a session, are seized by cold feet and decide to cancel, leaving their skin unadorned.
The allure of airbrush tattoos lies in their ephemeral nature, making them akin to fleeting one-night stands, devoid of the long-term commitment associated with their permanent, more serious counterparts. Choosing to get a real tattoo, on the other hand, demands a level of conviction and permanence akin to tying the knot in holy matrimony. Once inked, there’s no turning back, as the decision is forever etched into one’s skin.
For those seeking to take the plunge into the world of tattoos, it’s crucial to arm oneself with knowledge about the subject matter. Researching tattoo designs, styles, and techniques can help make the decision-making process less daunting and pave the way for a more fulfilling experience. However, as someone who struggles with commitment issues, I’m not the best person to ask for advice on this front.
The beauty of airbrush tattoos lies in their versatility, serving as a creative outlet for those not yet ready to settle down with a permanent tattoo. Whether one desires a sexy, meaningful design or something more lighthearted and whimsical, the choice is entirely up to the individual. Whether seeking out a local artist or embarking on a DIY project, the world of airbrush tattoos is ripe with possibilities, limited only by one’s imagination.
Airbrush Tattoo Kit – What do you need?
To summarize, you’ll need…
- airbrush tattoo paint
- an airbrush (maybe more than one)
- an air hose (maybe more than one)
- an air source (usually a compressor–but there are other options.)
- You’ll probably need design stencils too, but as we’ll see later that’s also not always a requirement.
Choosing an airbrush
How many people do you want to spray?
If you are just starting out, or you only need an airbrush for personal use, I recommend looking at the Eclipse CS or Revolution CR airbrushes. You can also use them for makeup application. If you are starting a business, you will need more than one airbrush per color. The Eclipse BCS and Revolution BCR are both good choices. You can also find complete tattoo kits like these that include everything you need to get started.
This kit has three airbrushes, an air compressor, a hose pipe, temporary tattoo ink, and 100 stencils. It also comes with an airbrush tattoo training book.
Choosing Your Paint
Alcohol or Water-based paint?
- It is important to use only paint that has been certified safe by the FDA (or other agency in your country that does this).
- The most common type of paint is alcohol-based.
- The only water-based temporary tattoo paint I’ve found is Duratat from the TAT Store. If you don’t need the tattoo to last very long, you can look into theater paint.
Compressor or Compressed Gas?
Compressors have higher up-front costs, but lower operating costs in the long run. Compressed gas has a lower upfront cost, but higher operating costs in the long run.
The choice between compressors and compressed gas usually comes down to two factors: how much you’re willing to spend initially, and how much you’re willing to spend over time.
Power
Power is a capricious mistress that demands obeisance. When hosting an event in the barren wasteland of a power-deprived locale, a power source becomes a elusive and capricious thing. The only viable solution in such an austere environment is to embrace the potent power of compressed gas, which flows with the tranquility of a placid river. However, when power is in ample supply, then one might be better served by the gentle embrace of a compressor. Nevertheless, the siren song of the silent power of compressed gas still ensnares many an artist, who seek refuge in the harmonic equilibrium of its noiseless embrace.
Noise
Noise, that rambunctious and loquacious monster, often hinders those seeking to engage in genteel discourse with prospective clients. Therefore, it is only logical to seek a quiet solution. However, achieving such a state of hushed serenity can come at a steep cost when dealing with compressors, which are notorious for their noisy machinations. The diminutive stature of airbrush compressors is a result of budgetary constraints, and if one seeks a more ostentatious option, they can always soundproof a compressor from their local hardware or compressor store. This would be a perfect solution for a permanent establishment, where one has the freedom to construct a sound-dampening sanctuary, such as a compressor-containing box or a distant shed connected to the main workshop via a lengthy air hose.
The mobility of one’s workshop introduces a host of additional challenges. Space becomes a precious and limited commodity, and solutions for achieving aural bliss are in short supply. It is in such circumstances that the virtues of compressed gas reveal themselves in their full splendor. The space-saving properties of compressed gas, unencumbered by engines or other noisy accoutrements, renders it a laconic and unobtrusive source of air.
The Rest of the Air System
If you are starting out, you will need an airbrush. You can buy one that comes with a hose or one without a hose. If you have multiple airbrushes, how do you cope?
Stick with the same airbrush for now
Different colors will spray from the airbrush in the same way. All the parts are interchangeable, so you don’t have to think too hard about which part goes with which airbrush when you clean everything at the same time.
For ultimate speed, you’ll want an air hose for each and every airbrush.
However, there is one problem with lots of airhoses.
“Oh what a tangled mess we weave when first we practice for lots of speed!”
If you’re not careful with how you take and put down your airbrushes, you will have a knot. This knot sometimes lets you pull all of your airbrushes from the rack at the same time. And if that happens, they all fall down! That would be really bad…just in case you needed me to say that.
The hoses all hook up into a manifold
A manifold is described by how many ports it has. Make sure you take into account the port coming from the airsource.
Another option is quick disconnects. You have one hose for lots of airbrushes. This method will slow you down a bit, but it avoids the Big Knot of Unintended Consequences.
Airbrush Tattoo Stencils
Stencils are a convenient and efficient tool for the creation of unique skin designs. But did you know that the incorporation of airbrush techniques could revolutionize the way we perceive body art? With the aid of a file, airbrush tattoo stencils could produce mind-boggling designs that are beyond imagination.
FAQ
How can you cut through the sales hype and figure out what is really going on?
I can help you!
Can I soak my airbrush?
If you need to clean only a part of the airbrush, you can soak it in a cleaning solution. However, avoid soaking the entire airbrush in the cleaning solution.
Can I use water-based airbrush tattoo paint?
It is theoretically possible to use water-based airbrush tattoo paint, but this type of paint does not currently exist.
How long will a temporary tattoo last?
The airbrush tattoo should last between 5 and 10 days depending on how oily the person’s skin is and how they care for it afterward. If you have oily skin, it will not last as long as if your skin is dry. Make sure you take care of the tattoo after you get it by not touching it too much and keeping it clean.
How Does Airbrush Tattoo Work
- You will need to clean the area you want to spray with isopropyl alcohol.
- Hold the stencil down while spraying on the color.
- Spray in light, but smooth motions.
- Apply powder to the sprayed area.
- You are finished.
Does Airbrush Tattoo Hurt
It doesn’t hurt. In fact, it should feel like someone is blowing on your skin lightly.