Airbrush Colors are best rinsed from the airbrush or spray-gun with 5618 Airbrush Cleaner or 4011 Reducer.
Createx Airbrush Colors are fluid acrylic colors with specialized performance for airbrush and spray-gun applications.
Colors are made with a supple, yet durable acrylic resin that is well suited for painting fabric and textiles with a finish that leaves a “soft-hand” feel.
Createx Airbrush Colors are designed to cover and spray best with larger tip-sizes at higher psi settings compared to Wicked Colors and Illustration Colors which are better suited for fine-line performance through smaller airbrush tip-sizes at lower psi settings.
Createx Airbrush Colors are made with lightfast pigments and dry semi-gloss.
Createx Airbrush Colors can be sprayed directly from the bottle onto the substrate, such as when painting textiles and canvass, or a mixing clear can be added to Createx Airbrush Colors for increased adhesion and durability when painting substrates such as plastic, 3D composite material, urethane, aluminum, primer, wood and existing (OEM) finishes.
# Usage – Instructions
Createx Airbrush Colors can be used one of 3 ways:
- Sprayed directly from the bottle.
- Spray with a 0.5mm tip-size at higher psi settings
Wait 10-Minutes After Reducing for Optimum Flow
ContentsFor optimum flow and leveling, allow colors to acclimate for 10+ minutes after thinning with 4011 Reducer before spraying. The alcohol in 4011 Reducer lessens surface tension of the water, which is noticeably smoother, especially when applied with a spray-gun.
CREATEX AIRBRUSH COLORS SERIES
- Cover opaque out of the bottle in 2 – 3 coats.
- Best sprayed with a 0.5mm / large tip-sized airbrush at higher psi settings, 35 – 45+ psi.
- Not for small airbrush tip-sizes smaller than 0.35mm. Even when over-reduced, Opaque Colors work better with large tip-sizes.
- For Opaque Colors which can be sprayed through medium and small tip-sizes down to 0.18mm at under 20 psi; Createx Illustration Opaque Colors work best.
- Translucent colors with a high pigment volume for semi-opaque coverage out of the bottle.
- Versatile colors that can be used for a wide variety of airbrush applications.
- For increased transparency without over thinning, extend with 5601 Transparent Base. Mix in any ratio.
- Best sprayed through large to medium airbrush tip-sizes, down to 0.3mm. For smaller tip-sizes, i.e. 0.18mm, Createx Wicked Detail & Illustration Colors spray better.
- Psi can vary per tip-size, best 25 – 40+ psi
- Mix with 4030 Balancing Clear 10% per volume for an excellent direct to plastic paint that is perfect for painting scale models and polycarbonate RC car bodies.
- When mixed with 4030 Balancing Clear or 4050 UVLS Gloss Clear, Transparent Colors work excellent for automotive graphics and painting hard-surface substrates. Top-coat with a catalyzed (2k) clear.
Fluorescent Airbrush Colors
# Definition
Fluorescent hues are characterized by their vibrant, almost glowing appearance. These colors are formulated using specialized dyes that have the ability to capture light and then re-emit it, resulting in a luminescent effect. This process is scientifically termed as ‘fluorescence,’ where the dye absorbs photons and subsequently releases the energy in the form of visible light. This emitted light enhances the brightness of the color, making it stand out when compared to non-fluorescent colors exposed to the same light conditions.However, it’s important to note that fluorescent colors, such as Createx Fluorescent Airbrush Colors, lack lightfastness. Over time, the fluorescent effect weakens as the dye’s energy depletes with each excitation cycle. Prolonged exposure to direct light will eventually cause the color to fade.
To help hide eventual loss of color, color-match Fluorescent Colors with a base color, for example Fluorescent Yellow over AutoBorne Sealer Yellow, so the loss of fluorescent color is not as noticeable as it would be if it were applied over a white base.
All fluorescent colors will eventually fade from exposure to direct light. The longevity of the fluorescent color will be affected by how many coats are applied, so it’s always a good idea to add an extra coat or two of a fluorescent color if it’s intended to have exposure to direct light. For optimum longevity to direct light exposure, such as an outdoor mural, apply Createx Airbrush Fluorescent Colors over a color-keyed base color of AutoBorne Sealer, and apply Fluorescent Colors in multiple coats, achieving full saturation of the color.Createx Airbrush Fluorescent Colors can be sprayed with any airbrush tip-size with minimal thinning with 4011 Reducer. For spray-gun, use a 1.2mm tip.
- Highly translucent, low viscosity colors.
- Spray well through most tip-sizes, 0.5mm – 0.3mm.
- Psi can vary per tip-size, best 25 – 40+ psi.
- Not Lightfast! Not recommended for long-term or exterior applications.
- Tip: if using for an exterior finish (such as a helmet), first apply Createx Opaque Airbrush Colors (or AutoBorne Sealer) as a color-keyed base to better hide eventual color loss from direct light and improve coverage.
Latex Paint
Latex paint for furniture is a popular option because it’s easily accessible. You can pick up a pint or gallon of latex paint at your local hardware store and choose from a variety of brands. There are also low or no-VOC (volatile organic compound) formulas, which are highly recommended for indoor painting projects.
Tips
For best results with latex paint, prep the surface with sanding and a primer—and know that you might have touch-ups to do in the future.
Latex paint is also available in multiple finishes, so it’s important to select the right one for your project. You can choose from flat (matte), satin, semigloss, or gloss finishes for your project.
- Flat: Without any resins in the formula, this type of latex paint won’t reflect much light and will have a matte—almost velvety—appearance. However, it won’t be a very durable finish that can stand up to a lot of bumping, touching, and washing. So save this finish for a project that isn’t going to be under heavy use daily. For a more durable matte paint, consider using chalky paint.
- Satin: A paint with a satin finish reflects a minimal amount of light. (Eggshell finish is closely related.) If you like the look of matte paint but need a paint for furniture that is more durable, satin paint might be the best choice for you. If you opt for a washable formula, you’ll find it easier to keep clean.
- Semigloss: This might be the best paint finish for furniture, as a semigloss paint reflects light well and stands up to washing and the demands of use. The greater concentration of resins in a semigloss formula make this paint more durable for furniture you actually plan to put to work. Many people like the shiny finish, too.
- Gloss: A glossy paint finish will give your pieces the most drama and durability—but it demands the most prep. High-gloss paints reflect a lot of light, and their increased concentration of resins makes them able to withstand a lot of use and cleaning. But beware: A surface with this much sheen will amplify imperfections. So if you opt for this type of paint for furniture, you’ll need to make sure it’s prepped and that any imperfections have been remedied.
Popular Brands
Latex paint is made by all the big house hold paint names that you likely know. Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams, Behr, Valspar, and Farrow & Ball are just a few of the major brand names.
Cost
The average cost of a gallon of latex paint varies based on finish, brand, and quality, but you can expect to pay between $15 and $50 on average.
Best for: Pieces of furniture that won’t see a lot of action and when affordability is a top factor
Pros
- Readily available with abundant color options
- Easy to clean with soap and water
- Available in different finishes
Cons
- Doesn’t stand up to heavy use
- Not all finishes can be washed
- Long curing time
- Prone to chipping and scratching
Chalky Paint
Reclaiming vintage furniture or giving newer pieces old-world charm has led to a rise in popularity for chalky paint, which gives items a sanded or distressed look. This water-based paint typically has latex as its base but delivers a thicker, buildable texture.
Tips
Unlike other more conventional paint for furniture, there can be a bit of a learning curve when first using chalky paint. It dries fast, which is a plus, but this also means brush strokes can be seen if you revisit an area for a touch-up once the paint has started to dry. Prepare to practice some, or be flexible in the overall look of the finished product.
Popular Brands
Chalky paint is available from specialty retailers, though it’s becoming more widely available. The original is Annie Sloan Chalk Paint, though you can also find it from other brands including Rust-oleum, Joanna Gaines’ line with KILZ, and Valspar.
Cost
Chalk paint will typically run between $23 and $40 per quart.
Best for: Refinishing antique pieces or achieving a rich, matte look on furniture you use every day
Pros
- Adheres well to most surfaces
- Fast drying time
- Smooth finish
Cons
- Brush strokes might be visible
- Finish is subject to scratching or marking
- Can be expensive with limited color options
Milk Paint
With milk paint, you’ll get a slightly thinner texture than chalky paint. This nontoxic paint is made from milk protein with an activator, typically lime or borax. Color pigments are added to change the tint of the paint
Tips
Milk paint can be used on a wide variety of surfaces, but the finish can vary and sometimes is inconsistent in terms of saturation. To ensure more consistent results (and less chipping, as this is a water-based paint), use a bonder with milk paint. This is also important on smooth surfaces, such as glass or plastic. You can age milk paint with light sanding—or leave it intact for a smooth, matte look.
Milk paint is often sold in powder form. Add water to mix up the amount of paint you need, and store the rest for later use or touch-ups. It’s typically less expensive than chalky paint but yields similar results. A top coat of wax or oil might be necessary to preserve the finish.
Popular Brands
Popular brands of milk paint include Miss Mustard Seed’s, Real Milk Paint Co., Rust-oleum, and Old Fashioned Milk Paint.
Cost
There’s a wide range depending on the type of milk paint you buy. It can range from $20 to $200 a gallon.
Best for: Furniture you want to appear antiqued, weathered, or distressed
Pros
- Nontoxic powder formula
- Dries quickly
- Can be used on most surfaces
Cons
- Tough to achieve consistent saturation
- Might chip or scratch without sealer
- Bonder is sometimes required
