Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1490669
12 • THE ARTISAN SPRING 2023 CRAFT EDUCATION With more than 20 years experience, KC has airbrushed everything from cars, faces and bodies, and even her dog! Formed in 2013, KC Mussman of Nocturnal DesignZ developed this airbrush when she began to notice that painting pieces on set created different time restraints and challenges versus in the shop and lab. She realized that they needed something that was faster with results in cleaning and application that wouldn't clog the airbrush or hinder the make-up application. KC designed a dual-action gravity feed airbrush with a body that is wider on the inside, with a small .3mm needle, providing more paint flow. The backflow element helps with dispersing more product without it spilling out the front. The cup is an interchangeable 7 CC detachable cup for better cleaning, and the cap is threaded so it doesn't pop off easily. With a compatible adaptor, it can connect with any compressor. They also noticed that when switching back-and- forth between different products, they needed an airbrush lubricant that was versatile with all products used on set: adhesives, paints, metallics, sealors, pax paint, etc. "When in a lab, you have more time for the process, but when painting and cleaning up on set, your time is more limited." In result, KC spent years experimenting with different lubricants and eventually developed a product that was plant- based and multi-functional. Airbrushes were originally developed for industrial use and cleaned with industrial solvents to break down the paints and lubricated with machine oil or grease. These solvents and lubricants are not safe for application on the skin. Furthermore, products such as alcohol, acetone and even Windex, will strip the surface of the metal of the airbrush over time, creating a corrosive surface that paint will cling to and build up on. In addition, lubricating the airbrush with oil can disrupt the make-up products causing them to separate, clump, break down, and even affect the make-up to not adhere to the skin. At our Make-Up Craft Event, KC discussed and demonstrated the importance of healthy airbrush habits. Her analogy of airbrush care and prep parallels that of preparing a cake pan when we bake a cake. "We spray a cake pan with a thin coat of oil so the batter doesn't stick. We then have to reapply the oil to the pan with every cake we bake so the next cake doesn't stick to the pan. This is similar to airbrushing; between changing colors or products, the lubricant will prevent the product from sticking and building up in the airbrush, preventing clogs for a better and streamlined process." Her airbrush tips are as follows: Clean and lubricate your airbrush in between uses before storing it away. Add a few drops of the lubricant to the cup and then run it through so that the metals are oiled and not stripped; similar to how we lubricate a set of clippers before storage. Only use a small amount of lubricant, so it doesn't build up on the inside. Clean your airbrush on a flat and level surface in an ordered fashion so you can put it back together again and your pieces don't roll away and disappear. Lubricate your airbrush in between changing your colors and products to avoid buildup in the airbrush. Apply the primer to the cup and run it through before adding more product to the cup. Never leave paint in the airbrush. Always have a "dump cup" to dump out the paint quickly and a bottle of cleaning solution handy to avoid clogs or a frustrating deep cleaning down the road. Add a one-minute cleanup step at the end of your painting. Always factor in a minute for that airbrush cleanup in your make-up ETA's. It's always great to practice your airbrushing skills with coloring books. Just like an exercise routine for your body, taking the time to practice your skills helps keep them strong. KC recommends line art or Mandala coloring books for her airbrush practice days. Coloring books can help you hone in your accuracy and speed painting between the lines, using different colors and seeing how they relate to each other and practice switching between paints. More info for Nocturnal DesignZ and their products may be found on their website at www.nocturnaldesignz.com