Methods of
Application
One could propose a number of ways to apply
sunless tanning solution. One constant in all methods is the
difficulty in making the process amenable to self application.
Naturally, a number of methods have been borrowed from other fields.
Regular spray gun and compressor set-ups have difficulties with
overspray, lack of control, and heavy material usage. A successor
to the spray gun and compressor combination is the HVLP (High Volume Low Pressure)
sprayer. These units spray finely atomized spray at low pressure
5-8 PSI and with high air flow. These units have much less overspray
than regular spray guns and better material usage. But, they can be
somewhat noisy since the air is propelled by turbines driven by,
essentially, vacuum cleaner type motors.
Perhaps the most popular of
all methods is air brush application. Air brushes operate at
lower pressure than spray guns -- typically below 25 PSI. Depending
on the "thickness" or viscosity of the tanning solution, application
pressures of 8 to 25 PSI may be recommended. Check with the
manufacturer of your solution. Tanning booths with multiple air
brush type nozzles have also been devised to automate and shorten
application time. Compared to airbrush application, booths are
more expensive, less personal, and allow less control of application to difficult
areas. For the the remainder of this article, we focus on air brush
application.
The Compressor
A central component of an air brush set-up is
the compressor. Compressors differ in compression technique --
rotary (most expensive, quietest), piston, diaphragm (least
expensive, somewhat noisy); in lubrication -- oilless vs oiled; in
whether a tank is employed; and in power. A number of air brush
compressor models have been developed specifically for air brush
use. Typically these are oiless designs, lower in pressure -- 30 PSI
or lower, lower in horsepower -- less than 1 hp, smaller and more
portable, and, frequently, tankless. They tend to be more
expensive than traditional models but offer quieter operation and higher portability.
We think the following characteristics are desireable:
* Air Storage Tank --
this minimizes "pulsing" in the air supply since the pressure is
more even and extends compressor life. For airbrush compressors,
this typically is offered on only the higher end units.
* Oiless -- this type provides lower upkeep, and prevents
lubricant from being sprayed on the client, but tends to be noiser
than oiled designs. However, models without tanks or auto shut-off may overheat with
continuous operation. An attached tank or auto shut-off allows the compressor to
operate cooler.
* Pressure Regulator/Moisture Trap/Pressure gauge --
If provided, the pressure regulator allows more precise control of air pressure and
also prevents surges in the air flow. Some compressors may provide a bleeded valve to provide
rough pressure control. Finally, the moisture trap captures moisture buildup from the air compression
process, helping to eliminate sputtering due to moisture. Typically, this is not a big concern for
air brush tanning, since the solution is water based.
* Power --
Horsepower ratings of 1 hp or higher may make for noisier operation
and are generally necessary -- even if you plan on operating multiple air brushes.
* Weight. -- For mobile operation, a weight
under 20 pounds is desirable. It should be possible to achieve the
prior objectives and meet this weight limit.
The Airbrush
For airbrush tanning, and tatooing, operators
have reported success with both single action and double action air
brushes. See the airbrush type section of the manual for complete
coverage of differences in air brushes. Briefly, single action,
external mix, airbrushes have an on/off button on top of the brush.
When on, the same mixture of air and solution is delivered each
time. An adjustment on the front of the airbrush adjusts the spread
and density of the spray. Lighter/heavier coverage can be achieved
by changing the distance to the subject. Single action airbrushes
tend to clog less and clean up easier. In contrast, Dual Action,
internal mix, airbrushes have a dual role button on the top of the
brush. Pushing it forward increases air. Pulling it back increases
the amount of solution . For typical air brush tanning, the full
back position is adequate. However, on some problem areas of the
body, hands and feet for example, lighter coverage is desired. Try
the halfway position for these. For airbrush tanning, a middle sized
needle is most desirable. Also, a bottom feed cup is used. If you
are interested in air brush makeup or nails, a dual action air brush
with a side or top cup will be desirable. But, you will want
specific additional airbrushes for these dedicated needs.
Addditional Items
To avoid downtime, you will want some duplicate equiptment, and parts.
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