Copic Airbrushing Questions

[kate2kate]

Hi All,

I am trying to learn to use my copic airbrushing system.

Shading the backgrounds -

1.Do you spray first then stamp your image? And then color in your image? But if you do this don't you have alot of he back ground color in your image?
or
2. Stamp image and color. then spray background. But then the background color is over the image.

3. Stamp image, create mask, and then spray background? If you do this you have to make a lot of masks (I hate making masks).

Also what are you favorite 5 colors to use for backgrounds.

TIA,
Katie

[kstamper]

I don't have the ABS (yet), but I would make a mask of the image unless you don't mind a little bit of over spray. I have seen video tutorials for the ABS, but don't have any links saved. Maybe you could do a search on youtube?

[steubner]

If my background color is darker than a 0 or 1 on the end, I create a mask (but save it for later use!!). Otherwise, I stamp, spray, and then color.

[Angelnorth]

Originally Posted by steubner

If my background color is darker than a 0 or 1 on the end, I create a mask (but save it for later use!!).

Me too - I never throw a mask in the trash unless I've managed to mangle it somehow! I just store the mask in the case with the stamp it belongs with. I'm still getting to grips with the ABS but it is fun for soft colour on BGs!

[susanvm]

Would clear embossing over the image work (e.g. like Michelle Zindorf)?

[Angelnorth]

Originally Posted by susanvm

Would clear embossing over the image work (e.g. like Michelle Zindorf)?

Alcohol ink sticks to just about any surface so you'd most likely just get a haze of your Copic colour over your embossing, I would think but I haven't tried it.

[RiverIsis]

Originally Posted by susanvm

Would clear embossing over the image work (e.g. like Michelle Zindorf)?

Well I can tell you from experience that clear embossing doesn't resist if you color over it with a copic. So I wouldn't think it would be any different, just less intense for airbrushing.

[NikiE]

I usually stamp, color, and then, mask and spray. I save my masks, too, so that I can use them again later. I color befor spraying because if the spray is a little thick, it can be a little bit tacky for a little while. This way I can set the image aside to dry while I work on the rest of the card.

[msanne]

Could someone tell me if you have to use the Copic airbrush system in a separate area? I have my stamping area in the dinning room and I don't want paint over everything. When I watch the videos it looks like they just use it on their desks. Do you use a paint booth? What about the smell? Is it dangerous if someone smokes near it or lights a candle? Thanks for your help.

[Angelnorth]

Originally Posted by msanne

Could someone tell me if you have to use the Copic airbrush system in a separate area? I have my stamping area in the dinning room and I don't want paint over everything. When I watch the videos it looks like they just use it on their desks. Do you use a paint booth? What about the smell? Is it dangerous if someone smokes near it or lights a candle? Thanks for your help.

I use mine on my desk. The spray is concentrated in a pretty small area so if you just put down some scrap paper in case you spray off the edge of your project, that's about all you need.

The cans contain compressed air so the only smell is the ink from the pen itself - certainly no stronger than if you're just coloring with your copics. The technical info for the cans says "the propellant gas is chlorine-free and non-combustible". Personally, I'd avoid lighting naked flame near it but that would be more to do with the fact I'm working with paper!

HTH!

[msanne]

Thanks so much for answering my question. I will try it and hope for the best. I really did not want to run out to the garage just to spray a background. Thanks again.

[Vdander]

I was happy to read all the responses! I just bought an ABS and want more information. And, yes, there are, indeed, plenty of videos on YouTube.