What it is: Paint that lands outside the intended area
Overspray is paint that goes beyond your intended target area, either carried by air currents or simply because the spray cone is wider than your target. It’s an inherent characteristic of airbrush work, not a malfunction, and managing it is a core part of airbrush technique.
Managing overspray:
- Work closer to the surface for more concentrated spray.
- Use lower air pressure (reduces the spray cone spread).
- Use masking or frisket to protect surrounding areas.
- Use a spray booth or shield to contain overspray and protect your workspace.
- Be aware of background colors when working freehand, light overspray from dark colors onto lighter areas can subtly shift tones.
In scale modeling and miniature painting: Overspray is sometimes used deliberately, thin, misted overspray in one color over another area can unify tones or create atmospheric effects.
Related: Masking · Frisket · PSI · Atomization