| How to Airbrush Posted: 16 Jul 2019 05:00 PM PDT Airbrushing is a process that uses compressed air to spray paint or makeup onto a surface and create smooth lines. When you want to start airbrushing, all you need is the stylus, an air compressor, and either paint or makeup made for airbrushes. Regardless of whether you use your airbrush for painting or makeup, be sure to clean and flush it out when you're finished so it doesn't jam. Once you learn how to set up and use your airbrush, you'll be able to use it for a variety of projects! EditPainting with an Airbrush - Connect the air hose from the air compressor to the stylus. Set your air compressor close to your work area so you can easily access it. Push one end of the air hose onto the nozzle on the side of your compressor so it has a tight fit. Find the long air nozzle on the bottom of the airbrush stylus and push the other end of the hose over it. Make sure the hose fits tightly or else the airbrush won't get the right amount of pressure.[1]
- Many airbrushes are sold in kits that include a small air compressor and hose. Look at hobby stores or online for airbrush kits.
- Thin your paint in a mixing tray before you load it into the airbrush. Paint is too thick to load directly into your airbrush and won't apply smoothly to your work. Pour a small amount of paint into a mixing dish and add an equal amount of paint thinner. Stir the paint and paint thinner together until it has the same consistency as the plain paint thinner. Continue adding more paint or thinner until it's thin enough to use.[2]
- If you're using acrylic paints, you can use water to thin your paint.
- If you're using enamel or lacquer paint, then use either paint thinner or lacquer thinner respectively.
- The ratio between paint and thinner depends on the brand and base of the paint. Look on the paint's packaging to determine how much thinner you need to use.
- Put 4-6 drops of paint into the airbrush cup. Once you thin the paint so it works in the airbrush, use a pipette to transfer the paint from the mixing dish to the cup on your airbrush stylus. Only use a few drops at a time since airbrushes don't need much paint to work. Once you load the paint, be sure not to tip the stylus over, or else it will spill.[3]
- You can use either a top-loading or bottom-loading stylus.
- Turn on the air compressor so it's around 10 PSI. Switch the air compressor so you can use your airbrush. Check the dial on the air compressor and reduce the amount of air pressure to 10 PSI when you first start. As you get more comfortable painting with the airbrush, you can adjust the pressure to get different results.[4]
- Higher pressure is less likely to clog the airbrush and forms tiny droplets, but the paint dries quickly and there's more overspray.
- Lower pressure lets you paint fine details and uses less paint, but it's more likely to clog and the paint texture will look rougher.
- Hold the airbrush away from the object you're painting. Put the airbrush in your dominant hand like you're holding a pen. Rest your index finger on the trigger button on top of the airbrush. Point the airbrush nozzle at the object you're painting so it's about away and perpendicular to the object.[5]
- Wrap the airbrush hose around your arm so it doesn't get in the way of the object you're painting.
- The distance between the object and your airbrush affects the thickness of your lines. If you want to paint finer details, hold the airbrush closer.
- Push the trigger on the airbrush down to apply the paint. When you're ready to start painting, use your index finger to press down on the trigger. Keep your wrist locked in place and move your arm to control where the airbrush sprays. When you want to stop, let go of the trigger so the airbrush doesn't spray anymore. Practice drawing different lines and shapes so you can warm up and get comfortable using the airbrush.[6]
- Some airbrushes require you to pull back on the trigger to apply the paint. More paint will come out of your airbrush the further back you pull the trigger.
- Test spraying the airbrush on a scrap sheet of paper first to make sure the paint comes out smoothly.
- Use a stencil if you want to copy a design perfectly.
- Let the paint dry for 24 hours so it can cure. If you need to handle the piece you just painted, wait at least 30 minutes or until the paint isn't tacky. Then, leave the paint alone for at least 24 hours to let it fully cure. If you put on a thick application of paint, it may take longer to cure since it will stay wet for longer.[7]
- You can speed up the drying process by using a hair dryer or heat gun.
EditApplying Airbrush Makeup - Wash and moisturize your face first. Before you apply any makeup, make sure to wash your face with a cleanser and moisturizer. Work the facial cleanser into your skin and rinse it thoroughly when you're finished. Pat your face dry so you can apply your makeup.[8]
- Washing and moisturizing helps the airbrush makeup stay better and helps reduce the chances of your face breaking out.
- Connect the compressor to the stylus with an air hose. Put the air compressor close to your work area so it's not in your way. Connect one end of the hose to the air nozzle on your compressor, and stretch the hose out so it doesn't tangle or snag. Attach the other end of the hose to the nozzle on the bottom of the airbrush stylus.[9]
- You can get an airbrush kit meant for makeup application online or from cosmetic stores.
- Load 4-5 drops of airbrush foundation into the airbrush stylus. Get an airbrush foundation that matches your complexion so it blends in well with your skin. Open the container of foundation and place 4-5 drops inside the cup on top of the airbrush stylus. Place the drops in the center of the cup so it goes inside of the stylus.[10]
- You can buy airbrush foundation from cosmetic stores or online.
- Don't use too much foundation since you'll waste product.
- Turn your compressor to 10-15 PSI. Switch your air compressor on and turn the control dial so it's at 10-15 PSI. Wait until the pressure changes on the machine before using your airbrush so you don't accidentally overspray. Don't use pressure much higher since it could apply your makeup too thick.[11]
- Hold the stylus from your face. Place the stylus in your dominant hand like you are holding a pencil and so your index finger rests on the trigger on top. Keep the cup on top of the stylus upright so you don't accidentally spill your makeup. Hold the stylus away so you get a light, even application.[12]
- Holding the stylus closer to your face will give you a thicker layer of makeup, but it will give you more control.
- Press down on the trigger to apply your foundation. Once you're ready to apply the makeup, press the trigger with your index finger to spray the foundation. Move the airbrush in small circles across your face while you're spraying so you get an even application on your face. Only use the 4-5 drops you originally loaded so you don't use too much makeup. Close your eyes while you're spraying and open them occasionally to look for any areas you missed.[13]
- Rather than applying a thick coat of makeup, gradually build up lighter layers for a more even appearance.
- Be careful not to blow the makeup up your nose or in your eyes.
- Use your airbrush for bronzer and blush. Make sure you get bronzer and blush that's meant to be used in an airbrush applicator. Only use 2-3 drops at a time and refill the airbrush if you need to. Hold the airbrush about from your face and lightly press down on the trigger to apply a light layer of the makeup around your cheeks.[14]
- Make sure you flush out your airbrush whenever you change makeups since they could cross-contaminate.
EditFlushing the Airbrush - Clean your airbrush whenever you change materials or when you're finished. Paint or makeup can clog the nozzle and needle inside of your airbrush if it's left inside. If you need to switch the colors you're applying or you're done with your application, then take a few minutes to clean the airbrush.[15]
- Pour airbrush cleaning solution into the stylus cup. Look for airbrush cleaning solution at hobby stores or online. Fill the airbrush cup half full with the cleaning solution so it travels through your airbrush. Let the solution sit inside the stylus cup for 10-15 seconds so it breaks down any paint or makeup left inside.[16]
- If you want to save your cleaning solution, you can dilute it with equal parts water.
- Loosen paint in the airbrush cup with a cotton swab or paintbrush. If there's paint or makeup stuck on the side of the airbrush cup, dip the bristles of a paintbrush or the end of a cotton swab into the solution. Scrape the sides of the cup with the swab so it mixes with the solution and runs through the stylus.[17]
- You may not need to use a cotton swab or paintbrush if nothing is sticking on the sides.
- Spray the cleaning solution through the airbrush into a container. Make sure the airbrush is still connected to the compressor so you can spray it. Point the nozzle of your airbrush inside an empty cup and press down on the nozzle so the solution goes through the stylus. Keep the trigger pressed down until the cup is empty.[18]
- Only use about 10-15 PSI while you're cleaning your airbrush so it sprays evenly.
- Continue running cleaning solution through the stylus until it's clear. Refill the cup on the stylus and check if it changes color. If the cleaning solution changes at all, then there is still makeup or paint inside of the airbrush. Press down on the trigger again to empty the cup and spray the cleaner through the stylus. Once the cleaner is clear when you put it in the cup, you can stop cleaning and put your airbrush away.[19]
- Practice moving the airbrush around while you're spraying to make different types of lines and shapes.
- Enamel and lacquer paints can let off fumes when you work with it. Wear a face mask and work in a well-ventilated area so you don't breathe them in.[20]
EditThings You'll Need EditPainting with an Airbrush - Airbrush
- Air compressor
- Acrylic, enamel, or lacquer paints
- Paint thinner
- Pipette
- Mixing dish
- Paper
EditApplying Airbrush Makeup - Face wash
- Airbrush
- Air compressor
- Airbrush foundation
EditFlushing the Airbrush - Air compressor
- Airbrush cleaning solution
- Cotton swab or paintbrush
- Cup
EditReferences EditQuick Summary
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| How to Differentiate Between Venomous and Non‐Venomous Snakes Posted: 16 Jul 2019 09:00 AM PDT Encountering a snake in the wild can be alarming, especially if you're not sure what species it is. A bite from a venomous snake can be deadly. The best way to know whether you're dealing with a venomous or non-venomous snake is to get familiar with the kinds of snakes that live in your area. You can also look for characteristics associated with common venomous species. If you get bitten by any kind of snake, it's important to seek medical attention immediately. EditIdentifying Common Venomous Snakes - Look for a triangular head to identify a viper. In the U.S., the most common venomous snakes are pit vipers. These snakes have large, triangular heads that are widest at the base and significantly wider than the neck.[1] They also have a pit on their faces between the eye and nostril, which senses heat and makes it easier for them to locate their prey.[2] To spot a pit viper, look for a triangular head shape, a pit on the face, and vertical, cat-like pupils.
- Pit vipers are also found in Europe, Asia, Africa, and across the Americas.
- Pit viper species found in North America include a variety of rattlesnakes as well as water moccasins (also known as cottonmouth snakes).
- Identify a rattlesnake by its rattle or button. Rattlesnakes are a type of pit viper, and the most common type of venomous snake in the Americas. Aside from their triangular heads and heavy bodies, their most distinguishing feature is the rattle on the end of their tails. In some cases they may have only a button (a single rattle segment) or a squared-off tail if they have lost their rattle.[3]
- It is also helpful to learn the different colors and patterns associated with different rattlesnake species. For example, diamondback rattlesnakes, as their name suggests, have a distinctive diamond pattern along their backs.
- Recognize coral snakes by their colors. Coral snakes are a type of brightly colored venomous snake found in the Americas and some parts of Asia and the Pacific. These snakes are not pit vipers—they have small, slightly rounded heads and their eyes have round pupils. While their colors and patterns vary, you can typically identify them by looking for bright red, yellow, and black bands.[4]
- If you live in the Southeastern U.S., you might have heard the saying "Red touch yellow, kill a fellow. Red touch black, a friend of jack." This is a useful rhyme for remembering the difference between venomous coral snakes and harmless king snakes—king snakes do not have bands of red and yellow together.
- However, there are other non-venomous snakes with touching red and yellow bands, so this little rhyme is not always reliable.[5]
- Check for a blue-black mouth to spot a black mamba. If you live or travel in Sub-Saharan Africa, you might encounter the deadly black mamba. These snakes are long (up to ) and are olive or grey in color. You can recognize a black mamba by the distinctive blue-black color of the inside of its mouth, which it might show off if it feels frightened or threatened.[6]
- Mambas are related to cobras, and they behave similarly when threatened. If you corner a black mamba, it may rear up and open a hood or flap around its neck.
- Like coral snakes and cobras, black mambas are elapids, not vipers. They have narrow heads and round pupils.
- Watch for a hood to identify a cobra. These famous venomous snakes are found in parts of Asia, Africa, and the Pacific. The most distinguishing feature of the cobra is the hood around its head and neck, which it displays when it feels threatened, along with a loud and intimidating hiss. Some cobras are also able to spray venom at their attackers.[7]
- You can also recognize some cobras by their distinctive patterns. For example, the Indian cobra has a pair of connected eye spots on the back of its hood that resemble spectacles.
- Familiarize yourself with the venomous snakes in your area. There are numerous species of venomous snakes around the world, and there's no single set of distinguishing features you can use to tell if a snake is venomous. The best way to know for sure if a snake is venomous is to look it up based on its appearance, behavior, and geographic region.[8] Do a search online or look at a local reptile guide to find out what kinds of venomous snakes—if any—live in your area.
- For example, if you live in Oregon, the only venomous snake you are likely to encounter is the western rattlesnake.[9]
- Just like with venomous snakes, there's no set of distinguishing features that indicates that a snake is not venomous.[10] To identify non-venomous snakes, look at a local reptile guide to find out which snakes live in your area and study their specific characteristics.
- Learn to distinguish between similar-looking species. Some non-venomous snakes can be quite difficult to distinguish from similar-looking venomous species. If there are easily confused species in your area, study each type so that you can learn some of their distinguishing characteristics.
- For example, the venomous North American water moccasin, or cottonmouth, is often confused with a harmless water snake . You can tell the difference by looking at the shape of the snake's head and body. Water moccasins have heavy bodies and triangular heads, while water snakes are slender, with narrow heads.[11]
- People often confuse gopher snakes, which are not venomous, with rattlesnakes, due to their similar coloration and aggressive behavior. However, unlike rattlesnakes, gopher snakes have a pointed tail without rattles.[12]
- Get a picture of any snakes you see for reference if possible. If you happen to see a snake and you're wondering what kind it is, try to snap a picture of it with your phone or camera. You can then show the picture to an expert at a local government wildlife agency, or use it as a guide to help you look up the snake based on its features.[13]
- Don't put yourself in danger trying to get a good picture! Just try to get a shot from a safe distance if you can.
- If you don't have a picture to work with, you can use Google Image Search to try to find pictures of similar snakes. For example, use search terms like "black snake yellow ring neck Pennsylvania," and you will turn up images of the Northern ring-necked snake.
EditRecognizing Snake Bite Symptoms - Seek emergency care if you're bitten by a snake. If you're bitten by any snake—even if you're pretty sure it's not venomous—go to the emergency room or call emergency services immediately. Even non-venomous snake bites can be dangerous if left untreated.[14]
- While you're waiting for help, wash the bite with soap and water if you can, and keep the bite below the level of your heart. Remove any tight clothing, watches, or jewelry that might constrict the area and cause swelling.
- Watch for severe symptoms to identify a venomous bite. After being bitten by a snake, make note of any symptoms that develop. Let emergency medical personnel or your doctor know about these symptoms, as they can help your care team figure out what type of venom they may be dealing with and how to treat it. Common symptoms of a venomous snake bite include:[15]
- Severe pain, redness, swelling, or bruising around the bite
- Numbness around the face or mouth
- Difficulty breathing
- A rapid heartbeat
- Weakness
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
- A headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Blurred vision
- Fever
- Convulsions
- Look out for mild pain, itching, and swelling with a non-venomous bite. If you've been bitten by a non-venomous snake, your symptoms will likely be fairly mild. However, it's still important to have the bite checked out by a doctor immediately. Untreated snake bites of any kind can lead to a serious infection, and some people may experience allergic reactions to the snake's saliva. Common symptoms of a non-venomous bite include:[16]
- Pain in the area of the bite
- Mild redness and swelling
- Bleeding from the bite wound
- Some itching in the bite area
- While you may have heard that most snakes are venomous, this is not true. In fact, only about 15% of snake species worldwide are in any way dangerous to humans.[17] While it's a good idea to treat all snakes with caution and respect, don't assume that every snake you encounter is venomous.
- Don't kill a snake that didn't attack you. Snakes help control the population of rodents and other pests that could transmit diseases to humans.[18]
- If you plan to catch a snake, a safe option is to set a snake trap.[19]
- When you are not sure if a snake is venomous, just assume it is and stay away!
- Don't step into grass when you don't know if a snake is hiding in there.
- If you are dealing with spitting cobras, make sure to wash all clothes, camera lenses, and other equipment after you are done. Wear sunglasses or goggles to avoid getting venom in your eyes.[20]
- If you are bitten by a venomous snake, do your best to positively I.D. it! A great way to do this is to take a clear picture of the snake from a safe distance with your smartphone. Having a positive I.D. on a snake could save your life when professionals are selecting your antivenin.
- If you don't seek medical help right away after getting bitten by a venomous snake, it can lead to death.
- Never try to grab any wild snake. If you are sure the animal is non-venomous and insist on handling it, do so in a non-threatening manner. A snake stick is a great tool when used safely.
- A bite from even a non-venomous snake can become infected. Always seek medical attention and try to positively identify the animal that bit you.
- Do not try to handle a snake that is hissing, rattling its tail, curving its neck into an S shape, or spitting, because that is them giving you a warning to leave them alone or they will strike.[21]
EditRelated wikiHows EditReferences EditQuick Summary
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| How to Make Fried Ice Cream Posted: 16 Jul 2019 01:00 AM PDT One way to make ice cream even more delicious? Fry it! Fried ice cream might sound impossible, but it's actually pretty simple. Pull out your favorite ice cream flavor and get ready to add a little extra crunch and sweetness to this classic frozen treat. EditIngredients EditClassic Fried Ice Cream - 1 qt (180 g) ice cream
- 3 cups (75 g) crushed cornflakes cereal
- 1 tsp (3 g) ground cinnamon
- 1 cup (109 g) crushed pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1 cup (100 g) sweetened coconut flakes (optional)
- 1 cup (100 g) cookie crumbs (optional)
- 3 egg whites
- 2 qts (1.8 L) vegetable oil, for frying
- Desired toppings (chocolate sauce, whipped cream, sprinkles, maraschino cherries)
EditNo-Fry "Fried" Ice Cream - 1 qt (180 g) ice cream
- 3 tbsp (42 g) butter
- 3 cups (75 g) crushed cornflakes cereal
- 1 tsp (3 g) ground cinnamon
- 1 cup (109 g) crushed pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1 cup (100 g) sweetened coconut flakes (optional)
- 1 cup (100 g) cookie crumbs (optional)
- Desired toppings (chocolate sauce, whipped cream, sprinkles, maraschino cherries)
EditClassic Fried Ice Cream - Scoop out 8 scoops of ice cream onto a baking sheet. Use a spoon or an ice cream scoop to dish out 8 ice cream balls, all about ½ cup (68 g). Place them in rows on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.[1]
- Most recipes use vanilla ice cream, but you can use whatever flavor you want.
- Freeze the ice cream balls for 1-2 hours. Once you've scooped out the ice cream, place the baking sheet back in the freezer. Let the ice cream continue to freeze for at least an hour, or until it's firm.[2]
- You want the ice cream balls to be frozen solid before you bread them.
- Combine the cornflakes and any other sweet ingredients to make the breading. First, crush your cornflakes by placing them in a Ziploc bag and crunching them up with your hands. Then, in a bowl, mix together your crushed cornflakes with at least one sweet ingredient you want to have in your breading mixture.[3]
- Beat 3 egg whites until they're foamy. First, separate your egg whites from the yolk by cracking an egg, then holding it upright and pulling the halves apart. Hold the halves over a bowl and gently shift the yolk back and forth until most of the egg white has dripped into the bowl. Once all 3 eggs are separated, use a whisk or a fork to whisk the eggs gently, using a circular motion, until they're foamy.[4]
- This should take about 30 seconds-1 minute.
- You can discard the yolks once you separate them.
- Roll the ice cream balls in the egg whites and breading, then re-freeze them. After 1-2 hours, remove your ice cream balls from the freezer. One at a time, roll the balls in the egg whites and then in the breading, repeating if necessary so that each ball is completely covered. Place them back on the sheet and freeze them for another 3 hours, until they're firm.[5]
- Use one hand to roll in the egg whites and the other for the breading. If you mix the two, your breading will start to clump up.
- Make sure you can't see any ice cream through the breading. You'll need a thick crust to protect the ice cream from melting in the oil.
- Heat the oil to in a large saucepan. Pour your frying oil into a big, heavy saucepan on the stove. Heat the oil until it's , using a food thermometer to check. If you don't have a thermometer, stick in a wooden spoon. If the oil starts bubbling steadily (but not vigorously) on contact, it's ready to fry![6]
- Fry 1-2 ice cream balls at a time, for 10-30 seconds each. Use a slotted spoon or basket to lower your ice cream balls into the oil. Make sure they're completely covered by oil, letting them sit for no more than 30 seconds before pulling them back out.[7]
- Put in just one ice cream ball for your first try. If it comes back melted or not fried enough, you'll know to adjust your timing for the rest of the batch!
- Drain the balls on paper towels and serve with toppings. As each ball comes out of the oil, set it on a couple of paper towels to drain for a few seconds. Then, add any toppings you want, and enjoy![8]
- You can also store your ice cream balls in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a week. Wait to add any toppings until you're ready to eat them.[9]
EditNo-Fry "Fried" Ice Cream - Scoop out 8 ice cream balls onto a baking tray. Using a spoon or an ice cream scoop, dish out 8 ice cream balls onto a parchment-lined baking tray. Aim for each ball to be about ½ cup (68 g) of ice cream. Set the tray in the freezer while you prepare your breading mixture.[10]
- With this variation, you won't actually be frying the ice cream, so you don't need to freeze it until it's solid. Just keep it in the freezer for now so it doesn't melt.
- Saute the cornflakes and cinnamon in butter until they're golden. Set the butter in a medium-sized skillet and melt it over medium heat. Then, add your cereal and cinnamon and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the cereal turns golden. Remove the skillet from the heat.[11]
- To crush your cornflakes, simply pour them into a Ziploc bag and crunch them up into fine pieces with your hands.
- Stir in the sugar and place the mixture in a bowl. Pour the sugar into the skillet and stir it well. Place the mixture in a shallow bowl and let it cool for 5-10 minutes.[12]
- Once the mixture is cool, you can stir in any other ingredients you might want to add, like coconut flakes, chopped walnuts or pecans, or cookie crumbs.
- Roll the ice cream balls in the cereal mixture. Once your breading mixture has cooled, remove the ice cream balls from the freezer. Roll each one through the breading a few times, until it's completely covered.[13]
- Top with chocolate sauce, whipped cream, or other toppings. Once your ice cream balls are breaded, you're ready to eat! Top them with your favorite ice cream extras to make them even sweeter, like whipped cream, sprinkles, maraschino cherries, and chocolate sauce. [14]
- You can also store your "fried" ice cream in the an airtight container in the freezer for up to a week. Don't add the toppings until you're ready to eat, though!
- Always use caution when cooking with hot oil. Use oven mitts when lowering in your ice cream balls and be careful not to touch the oil or the pan.
EditThings You'll Need EditClassic Fried Ice Cream - Ice cream scoop
- Baking tray
- Parchment paper
- Ziploc bag
- Whisk or fork
- Large saucepan or deep fryer
- 3 bowls
- Slotted spoon or basket
- Paper towels
EditNo-Fry "Fried" Ice Cream - Ice cream scoop
- Baking tray
- Parchment paper
- Medium-sized skillet
- Ziploc bag
- Bowl
EditRelated wikiHows EditReferences EditQuick Summary
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