Airbrush tanning systems - the spraying process

A good airbrush tanning system or kit should include the following:

110V, 1/6 Horsepower 1-70 psig Compressor with Automatic
Shut Off, Regulator and Moisture Trap - there are many models on the UK market but as a guide line go for one that is oil-less. Oil compressors have the disadvantage of producing fumes which are can be off putting to clients. Silent compressors are also available and these are ideal for maintaining the working environment of a professional salon.

• Braided Line Set complete with Remote Regulator and Gauge.
• High quality Double Action Airbrush
• Warranty on both the Airbrush and Compressor.
• 24/7 Phone In Technical Support

For those who are unfamiliar with the term "compressor" - a Compressor is a piece of equipment that compresses air by increasing its pressure and reducing its volume by means of a pump (that runs on an electric motor) that moves air into a piston chamber. The compressed air which results then moves through a directional valve were it is stored for use.

Double Action Airbrushes are recommended as they are the most versatile allowing the best control over the amount of colour being applied and the air flowing through the airbrush - both necessary to produce the an even tan. In the hands of a professional it is possible to switch from a fine wash to more solid colour in just a single pass.

Two types of dual action brushes can be used in an airbrush tanning system:

Those with that fall under the title Gravity-Feed have the reservoir connected to the side, or on top of the airbrush body. This positioning makes the amount of sunless tanning solution held limited because the reservoir is usually part of the actual airbrush body (therefore they need to be cleaned out between each colour change.) This design is great for detailed work due their better balancing.

The other type is the Suction Feed Airbrush. The tanning solution is drawn up from chamber or reservoir that sits below the airbrush. This means that this system can accommodate a larger capacity of solution than Gravity-Feed Airbrush. Reservoirs have the advantage of being easily changed - making the interchange of colours quick and hassle free. The only downside to this design is that by having the chamber below there is a higher possibility of it getting in the way when working with the airbrush tanning system.

The information in this section should have provided you with some insight into the equipment you would likely to encounter during a session, and with any luck given those that are looking into purchasing a home kit a general idea as to what they are looking for. It should be noted that a number of various models with numerous extras are available on the market. Most systems usually come with a training manual and in some cases, training videos and DVDs are available.

© The Pink Fridge Online Magazine 2008 - Airbrush Tanning Systems

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