Can you use tempera paint in an airbrush?-Know the Facts 

“Can you use tempera paint in an airbrush?” Well, this is a common question I hear frequently. The answer is yes, you can use tempera paint in an airbrush, but there are specific processes you have to follow. 

Generally, Tempera paint is a water-based paint that is mixed with the aid of a chemical binder, and it is allergen and toxic-free. Now, you may be wondering what components are used in tempera paint. The essential elements are calcium carbonate, starch, cellulose, water, and pigments. This paint is widely used in schools because it is perfect for children’s craft projects and art. Kids’ tempera paint is frequently mistaken for “egg tempera,” but this is a completely different product.

Moreover, artists use airbrushes as tools to add color to surfaces. In addition, you can spray watercolor on paper, acrylic paint on plastic, and much more. 

Is It Possible To Use Tempera Paint In An Airbrush? 

Generally, it is not recommended to use tempera paint in an airbrush because this paint is not designed to be used in an airbrush. Tempera paint is thicker and less viscous than other paints that are designed to be used in an airbrush. So, there’s a possibility that the paint can get clogged in the airbrush.

However, it is possible to use tempera paint in an airbrush. To do that you need to prepare the paint well before putting it into an airbrush. Bringing the paint to the right consistency is the key to use tempera paint in an airbrush. But you need to remember that tempera paint dries very fast. So, if you want to use the paint in an airbrush, you need to use them fast after mixing the paint with thinner.

Moreover, almost any paint can be used in an airbrush as long as it has a consistency similar to thinner or skim milk and contains no large particles. Otherwise, there is a possibility of clogging the airbrush. 

Tempera paint is a non-permanent paint that you can make permanent if you want your paint to stay longer on the surface. You can also turn tempera paint into acrylic.

Now, let’s find out how you can use tempera paint with an airbrush: 

How To Use Tempera Paint In An Airbrush? 

You can use a wide variety of paints in an airbrush. Generally, most colors made for airbrushes don’t require thinning and can be used from a bottle. Interestingly, you can use different types of paints after being combined with a reducer or thinner. Otherwise, large particles of the pigment can block the airbrush. 

However, it would help if you mixed the paint well before using Tempera paint in an airbrush. So, to mix paint for airbrushing, you will need the following items: 

• Tempera paint.
• Necessary thinner.
• Mixing sticks and Cups.

How To Prepare Tempera Paint For Airbrushing: 

Follow the simple steps to mix tempera paint for Airbrushing below: 

• Step 1: Choose the appropriate color of your Tempera paint. Basically, different projects require different types of paint. 
• Step 2: You must match the thinner to your Tempera paint. Most of the time, you can use distilled water to thin Tempera. 
• Step 3: Now, take the needed amount of Tempera paint and distilled water in the cup. 
• Step 4: Use the mixing stick to the stair until all the paint has been thoroughly mixed. 
• Step 5: Use a small nozzle size. If you use a small nozzle size, tempera paint can flow easily through it.
• Step 6: Use a thinner air pressure when using tempera paint in an airbrush. High air pressure can cause problems with the flow of the paint.
• Step 7: After you are done with painting, make sure to wash the airbrush completely. Tempera paint dries very fast, if you don’t wash the airbrush the paint will dry inside the airbrush and will clog inside.

Note: You must ensure that over-thinning the paint may have poor coverage. If you see that the mixture is too thin, add a little more paint to the mix to achieve a manageable consistency.

Another side, if the paint is under-thin, it will clog the airbrush. Hence, you have to add a little thinner to solve this issue.

After adequately mixing the tempera paint and thinner, you have to put the mixture in the Airbrush.

Finally, your airbrush with tempera paint is ready to use! 

What Paints Can I Use In An Airbrush?

You can use several types of paint in an airbrush. But among all the paints, the best paint for an airbrush is Fluid Acrylic. Here are some paints that you can use in an airbrush and can create beautiful artwork.

Acrylic Paint: When you hear of airbrush paint, you will hear about acrylic paint. This paint is the best choice for using in an airbrush. Acrylic paint dries very quickly and is also easy to clean up. They are also available in a wide range of colors. You can create beautiful artwork if you use acrylic paint in an airbrush.

Enamel Paint: Enamel is oil-based paint. This paint is known for its durability and high gloss finish. You can use them on the airbrush and apply the paint to a variety of surfaces including wood, metal, and plastic.

Lacquer Paint: Lacquer paint is mainly known for its high gloss finishes and you can use them in an airbrush. This paint is mainly used on automotive and model projects.

Watercolor paints: These are thin and transparent paint that’s why they can be very easily used in airbrushes. You can create very delicate and translucent effects with this paint. Watercolor paint is predominantly used in fine art applications.

Final Words 

So, after reading the article, I think now you have got the answer to your question, “Can you use tempera paint in an airbrush?” Well, if you have combined the tempera paint with a thinner well, you can use it in an airbrush. But, it would be best if you keep in mind that, each type of paint will require a slightly different thinning procedure. So, if you have any questions, you can ask me in the comment. Thanks for reading.