• Alligator clips can be used to support small objects for airbrushing.pic clip image by Gemma Williams from Fotolia.com
  
  An airbrush is a artist's tool that sprays paint, ink or dye in a fine mist. It's commonly used for painting vehicles, models and custom garments. Airbrushes also are used by fine artists and illustrators, such as science fiction artist Michael Whelan, though digital techniques have replaced some work previously done by airbrush. Airbrushes are rarely used for industrial purposes, due to their small size. Successful airbrushing requires a few basic tools and a good deal of practice.
  
  

Airbrush

• Airbrush prices and quality varies significantly between brands and models. Most beginners start out with a lower-end airbrush, but it's not wise to choose based on price alone. If possible, beginning airbrush artists should take some time to try out a particular airbrush before purchasing it. A good brush will be easy to assemble and disassemble for cleaning and should provide a fine enough spray to produce good detail.
  
  

Compressor

• Every airbrush requires a compressor. While it's not necessary to buy a compressor built for airbrushing, it is important to make sure that the compressor you do buy provides the right pressure levels and is not overly loud. Compressors sold for construction use may be significantly noisier than “silent” compressors marketed for airbrushing. The compressor connects to the airbrush via a hose, usually sold separately. Some hoses include moisture traps to prevent water from the air from mixing with the paint.
  
  

Airbrush Stand

• An airbrush stand allows the artist to keep the color cup level for filling, reducing spills. Airbrush holders can be made using small pieces of wood or wire, or purchased from a commercial source. Most airbrush stand are relatively inexpensive. A good stand should be sturdy, compact, and heavy enough not to tip over with an airbrush inside.
  
  

Clips

• Model makers must often hold small parts at unusual angles to paint them. Small clips, such as alligator clips, can make this process much easier. The size and type of clip depend on the object to be painted, and many airbrush artists improvise clips using supplies from hardware stores and other retailers, instead of buying specialized model clips.
  
  

Masking

• Airbrush artists working on two-dimensional surfaces need to mask off large areas of their work. Masking film, stencil film and tape help prevent overspray from damaging areas that should not be painted. Masking materials may be found in non-tack or adhesive-backed forms.
  
  

Respirator

• An airbrush releases fine particles of paint into the air that can pose a hazard to the artist's respiratory health. Artists should wear an appropriately rated respirator whenever operating an airbrush. Chemical respirators are preferable to particle-only types, which do not protect against chemical emissions from the paint itself.