A technical dictionary of printmaking, André Béguin. Back to Main Page of the "Printmaking dictionary" Airbrush An airbrush is a small spray gun whose jet is created by a mixture of compressed air and liquid paint or ink. Its characteristic is that it produces an extremely tine and precise jet which can be regulated. Airbrushes are used to vaporise ink for lithographies creatinq subtle nuances. In fact it replaces and perfects the previously used spatter work*. Furthermore, it can also be used in silkscreening. In 1975 I published L'Aquatinte à l'Aérographe (translated into english under the title A Treatise on Aquatint, Bruxelles 1980) in which I presented a particular method of drawing and graining with this instrument. The traditional way of depositing a dust ground is here replaced by the spraying of paints and liquid grounds, thus creating half-tones and nuances not attainable with traditional methods. For a complete description of an airbrush and its use one may consult the abovementioned volume[*aquatint]. Back to Main Page of the "Printmaking dictionary"