Createx Airbrush Colors
Water-Based Cleaner
Acrylic Resin

Edited October 2023

Description

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.

Thinning and Mixing Createx Airbrush Colors

# 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
  • Thin with 4011 Reducer
  • 4011 Reducer is generally added to Createx Airbrush Colors 10% to 30% per volume depending upon the airbrush tip-size, color type and technique.
  • For a 0,5mm tip-size airbrush, 4011 Reducer is added ~ 10 per volume to Createx Airbrush Colors.
  • Add a mixing clear to Createx Airbrush Colors either:
  • 4030 Balancing Clear or 4050 UVLS Gloss Clear
  • 4030 or 4050 is added ~ 10% per volume to Createx Airbrush Colors, then thin as needed with 4011 Reducer.

Wait 10-Minutes After Reducing for Optimum Flow

For 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

Opaque Airbrush Colors

# Definition

  • 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.

Transparent Airbrush Colors

# Definition

  • 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.

Pearlized Airbrush Colors

# Definition
Pearlescent Colors are pigment-toned, mother-of-white pearl powder made to create bright, vivid colors with a prismatic, pearlescent effect. Cover semi-opaque.

  • Best applied over white, grey or black base, such as Createx Opaque Airbrush Colors or AutoBorne Sealer.
  • Best sprayed with a larger volume, 0.5mm tip-sized airbrush operated at 35 – 45+ psi
  • For the best orientation of the pearlescent or metallic pearl, mix with 4050 UVLS Gloss Clear. 4050 orientates (spaces out the pear & metallic particles) evenly for a uniform pearlescent or metallic color finish that has dimension and brilliance.
  • Createx Iridescent Colors are pearl-like airbrush colors with a soft, more subtle pearl effect compared to Pearlescent Colors. Createx Iridescent Colors are made with the same pearls as used to make Wicked Hi-Lite Interference Colors.

5601 Createx Transparent Base

# Definition, # Examples of Usage

  • The colorless resin base to Createx Airbrush Colors.
  • Primarily used as a light protective coating, especially for painting fabric and textile and a preparation coat to prevent fabric knap from interfering with airbrushing.
  • Applying Transparent Base direct to the fabric before painting improves coverage as the Transparent Base soaks into the fabric, so colors applied over it build color quicker, not having to soak entirely into the fabric with the first coat.
  • Also works as a light protective coating applied over colors yet is still soft and supple as opposed to using a more durable clear type.
  • Transparent Base can be added to Createx Airbrush Colors in any ratio.
  • For rock and wood stain wash effect, use Transparent Base to over-extend colors as the added resin will maintain adhesion and durability as opposed to over-extending with water or 4011 Reducer.
  • Refer to the Transparent Bases TDS for more.

5602 Createx Opaque Base

# Definition

  • A colorless resin base, with refined clay, for mixing with colors for increased opacity.
  • Chroma of color will be lowered after mixing.

Compatibility

Createx Airbrush Colors are compatible with all other Createx paints and clears, as well as most other paint types, both water-based and solvent-based paint.

Always make a test panel before an actual paintjob anytime trying a new paint, clear, primer or technique.

4030 Balancing Clear & 4050 UVLS Gloss Clear

# Definition
There are two mixing clears available:

  • 4030 Balancing Clear,
  • 4050 UVLS Gloss Clear

Adding a mixing clear to Createx Airbrush Colors improves adhesion and durability when painting hard-surface substrates such as aluminum, plastic, 3-D print composite, urethane, epoxy, wood, primer, existing finishes, and more.

Mix 4030 Balancing Clear or 4050 UVLS Gloss Clear ~ 10% per vol. with colors, then thin with 4011 Reducer as needed.

Drying and Cure Times

Times set at ~ 70⁰F (21⁰C), 50% Humidity.
Allow for more dry time in cooler or more humid conditions.

  • Re-Coat Time, 15-minutes
  • Time to Tape, 60-minutes
  • Time to Clear Coat, 4-hours
  • Full Cure, 48-hours

General Application

Refer to the Createx application Guides for application information.

  • Hard-Surface Application Guide
  • Information for painting helmets, bikes, models, polycarbonate RC, cos play, painting 3-D print material, urethane & epoxy casting resins and more. Anything that is a hard or rigid substrate.
  • Textile, Leather & Flexible Guide
  • Information for painting leather, textile, latex, t-shirts and other flexible substrates.

Generally, Createx Airbrush Colors spray best out of the bottle with a 0.5mm tip-size or larger sprayed at 30+ psi. For lower psi setting and use with smaller tip-sizes, thin Createx Airbrush Colors with 4011 Reducer.

Generally, 4011 Reducer is added ~ 10% per volume to Createx Airbrush Colors. 4011 Reducer may be added in greater amounts if needed to assist flow and atomization of the paint. Add 4011 Reducer in increments of ~ 5% per volume.

Top-Coating with a Clear

For a durable paintjob capable of outdoor use, top-coat colors with a clear. Createx Airbrush Colors are compatible with any clear type, both water-based and solvent-based. Allow colors to thoroughly dry before top-coating with a clear.

For exterior, outdoor paintjobs and automotive paintjobs, top coat Createx Airbrush Colors with a catalyzed (2k) urethane clear.

For fishing lures and other marine applications, top coat Createx Airbrush Colors with an epoxy clear. A marine-grade, epoxy clear is the best clear type for top-coating Createx Airbrush Colors when painting fishing lures.

Createx Airbrush Colors will have the gloss level of the clear applied.  For example, Createx Airbrush Colors appear satin after air drying, but will appear glossy when a gloss clear is applied and will appear matte when a Matte Clear is applied.

Colors such as Pearl Colors appear more vibrant with pronounced pearlescent effect when top-coated with a gloss clear. Top-coat pearlescent and metallic colors with a gloss clear.

5603 Matte Top Coat & 5604 Gloss Top Coat Clears

# Definition
Top Coat Clears are light protective clears best used for textile, fabric and light hobby. They are not recommended for exterior or outdoor use.

  • Thin 5603 & 5604 Top-Coat ~ 10% per volume with 4011 Reducer.
  • Apply ~ 25 – 30 psi with large-tip-sized airbrush.
  • Apply 2 – 3 medium, non-wetted coats, allowing each coat ~ 5 – 10 minutes drying in between coats.
  • Top Coat Clears are supple after drying, better suited for fabric.
  • Heat-set after the Top Coat Clear dries for washfast results on t-shirt and fabrics.

UVLS Clears

# Definition
UVLS Clears are durable, acrylic-urethane clears suitable for a wide range of applications.

  • Use as a final top-coat for interior application such as modeling, cos pay and hobby.
  • Use as an inter-coat clear for automotive and exterior & outdoor applications.

Cleaning Colors from the Airbrush or Spray-Gun

Airbrush Colors are best rinsed from the airbrush or spray-gun with 5618 Airbrush Cleaner or 4011 Reducer.

Use 4008 Restorer as a soak for the final clean to remove dried paint from metallic parts of the airbrush or spray-gun, such as the needle and nozzle, after use.

  • Soak metallic parts in 4008 Restorer, after which colors will easily be removed by cleaning with a brush & water.
  • Do not spray through the airbrush. Use 4008 Restorer only as a bath to soak metallic parts in.

Cleaning after Airbrush Colors Cure

Colors should only be cleaned after the paint has thoroughly dried, best cleaned after 48-hours air drying.

  • Clean with a solvent-based degreaser or odorless mineral spirits to clean Createx Airbrush
  • Do not use a water-based cleaner to clean Createx Airbrush Colors.

Compatibility

Createx Airbrush Colors are compatible with all other Createx paints and clears. Createx Airbrush Colors are also generally compatible with any other type of water-based and solvent-based paint.

Scuffing Createx paints is not required before applying other Createx paints. For example, Createx Airbrush Colors can be applied over AutoBorne Sealer without sanding or scuffing the Sealer for adhesion.

When using Createx Airbrush Colors with solvent-based paints & clears, allow each to cure, (dry thoroughly for an extended period of at least 1 hour), prior to applying the next paint-type.

Storage & Shelf-Life After Reducing Paint

The best practice is to keep Createx Airbrush Colors capped airtight at all times unless actually pouring paint from the bottle.

  • Only add 4011 Reducer to Createx Airbrush Colors intended for application within a 48-hour period.
  • Keep colors stored in a cool dark environment away from direct light and heat, sch as a cabinet or a box stored in a closet.
  • Adding 4030 Balancing Clear or 4050 UVLS Gloss Clear does not affect shelf-life. It is only until after 4011 Reducer is added that Createx Airbrush Colors have a limited shelf life.

Health & Safety

Use in a well-ventilated area.  Avoid contact with eyes. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after use.  Do not ingest. When spraying or sanding, use a properly fitting NIOSH approved respirator per the manufacturer’s instructions. Eye contact: Rinse with clean water for 15 minutes.  Seek medical attention.
Inhalation: Use in in well ventilated areas and wear a NIOSH approved respirator.
Refer to Createx Airbrush Colors SDS for additional information.

Manufactured by:

Createx Colors - logo of airbrush paint manufacturer from USA
Createx Colors
PO Box 120, 14 Airport Park Rd
East Granby, CT 06026
800.243.2712 | 860.653.5505
info@createxcolors.com