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Reply to "Airbrushing White on Dark Colors"

Cookies Fantastique by Carol posted:
Julia M. Usher posted:
Cookies Fantastique by Carol posted:

Julia, are you referring to powdered colorings like TruColor or would this method work well with colors like SugarFlair, ColorPop, etc.?

I was doing some reading about airbrushing white,  pearl included. I've run into issues of my airbrush clogging because the viscosity just isn't thin enough, I think. Or it could certainly be operator error . One recommendation I read was to thin the white water based color with water and alcohol based whites (like DinkyDoodle) with alcohol. Thoughts?

Thank you in advance

I was referring specifically to luster powders, not matte white in these remarks. (I usually use those by Chef Rubber, but other brands work too. Powders typically are not water-soluble and need to be extended with alcohol.) 

As far as actual non-luster white goes, I think the titanium dioxide in it can sometimes settle to the bottom and contribute to lumpiness, PERHAPS, if not well mixed AND shaken, but, truthfully, I've rarely had trouble with white clogging my guns. If anything, the water-based ones are too watery, pool up and spot, and don't cover dark icing well as Cookies by Cambridge pointed out above (I think Kopykake coloring is water-based). That being said, I have had much more success with alcohol-based whites on dark colors, as the liquid in it evaporates instantaneously, allowing multiple coats to go down more quickly without pooling and spotting. You still have to apply the coloring gradually and in layers, but it can work well with some patience. I only use Spectrum Flow white (formerly DinkyDoodle, I THINK), as it is alcohol-based. Both AmeriMist and Chefmaster whites (water-based) have been too wet for me.

Thank you so very much Julia!!! This info is most helpful. I've not tried using luster powders extended with alcohol for airbrushing. I'm curious to give it a try with the 1.5:4 ratio (powder to alcohol).

When I use the white Spectrum Flow on its own it works pretty well if sprayed in thin layers as you said, but my airbrush is harder to clean. I typically do a pretty thorough cleaning immediately after using it (rather than my usual color change cleaning regime). 

I've also used white Spectrum Flow with Black Chefmaster airbrush color to create gray. If memory serves, this recommendation came from you. Thank you!!! It works quite well.

What are you cleaning your airbrush with? I use vodka, and the white comes out pretty easily - it's a little tackier than normal colorings, but no real cleaning issues to speak of.

Last edited by Julia M. Usher
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