Siphon Feed Airbrush Explained!

Lets go over the workings behind the siphon feed airbrush (Otherwise known as the suction feed airbrush). The siphon feed airbrush is 1 of 3 common paint feed options available in today’s airbrush market.

Those airbrush feed options are as follows:

Siphon Feed Airbrush (The option we will discuss here)
Side Feed Airbrush
Gravity Feed Airbrush (More info available HERE)

Lets begin with a full explanation as to how the siphon feed airbrush works

How The Siphon Feed Airbrush Works

The siphon feed airbrush works by utilizing a lower pressure system to pull the paint up (from inside the paint bottle) and into the atomization chamber, where it then is atomized and sprayed out the tip of the nozzle.

The largest difference between all the different paint feed options is the fact of paint cup / bottle location. The siphon feed airbrush places the paint bottle underneath the airbrush. while the gravity feed airbrush, and side feed airbrush locate the paint cup at the side of the airbrush or on top…

One of the largest differences between the siphon feed airbrush and its counterparts is that it requires extra air pressure in order to pull the paint up from the bottom of the paint bottle. While the side feed and gravity feed airbrushes do not require added air pressure in order to “suck” the paint up into the atomization chamber, rather the paint simply flows into it via gravity.

Well, that and the siphon feed airbrush is physically different then that of its counterparts. But here I want to focus on the function rather then the looks.

Another large difference between the suction feed and the other two is that the suction feed utilizes different paint bottles for different colors. This means when it comes time to change colors, rather than rinsing out the paint that is currently in the bottle for another color, you simply switch paint bottles.

Some say this makes the process of changing colors much easier than the other airbrush feed options. Simply because you can skip the steps of dumping the current paint and cleaning the cup to prep for the next color.

Notice I said “some say this makes the process of changing colors easier”. But I have come to find that it actually does not commonly make the process of changing colors easier. Rather it is somewhat similar to the other paint feed options. (More on the color change process later)

Available Siphon Feed Airbrush Options

The siphon feed airbrush comes in a multitude of different options.

Now, it is important that I note: there are 3 different parts to the options available when it comes to airbrushes. Those include,

The Paint Feed Options (Gravity Feed, Side Feed, Siphon Feed)
The Control Options (Single Action, & Double Action)
The Atomization Points (Internal Mix, & External Mix)

Given we are discussing the siphon feed airbrush you essentially have 4 options (2 choices to make) to choose between when it comes to siphon feed airbrush selection.

Will you opt for a Double Action Airbrush, or Single Action?

Will you opt for an Internal Mix, or External Mix?

If you are unsure as to what each of these options are then be sure to check out my latest articles on each topic.

Simply speaking, the terms Single action & Double action (In terms of airbrushing that is) refers to the number of actions required of the mechanism that controls the airbrush. The trigger.

A single action airbrush utilizes a button like mech that delivers airflow & paint flow when pushed. The paint is controlled via a knob that adjusts positioning of the needle inside the airbrush. To which can be adjusted depending on the amount of paint required to achieve the task at hand.

The double action airbrush takes the needle positioning knob away, and places control of the needle position into the trigger. To control a double action airbrush you press down on the trigger for air, and pull back on the trigger (simultaneously) for paint delivery. The farther back you pull the trigger the greater the amount of paint that is discharged from the airbrush.

The Second Options To Consider

Will you opt for an Internal, or External mix?

Now, your probably wondering “What in the world is an internal / external mix airbrush?” Well, this option basically refers to the point where the air and paint mix, in order to atomize the paint.

Internal Mix simply means the paint, and air mix inside the airbrush housing.

External Mix simply means the paint, and air mix just outside the tip of the airbrush.

Most modern airbrushes utilize an Internal Mix option. However some airbrushes such as the Paascha H (As seen Here) utilize the External Mix option.

If your in the market for a siphon feed airbrush, be sure to check out my top recommended siphon feed airbrush, and why it is my favorite Here!

Siphon Feed Color Change Process (Steps)

Changing colors is sometimes the difficult part when it comes to using an airbrush. You can’t simply swap brushes like you would when using a typical paint brush (You know, with bristles). Rather the process requires a cleaning step, to clean and prep the airbrush for a new color.

This process can very heavily depending on the airbrush style your using. But the siphon feed airbrush is said to be on the easier side when it comes to cleaning, and prepping for a color change.

Granted, I don’t necessarily believe the siphon feed airbrush is easier to deal with when it comes to changing colors. That is, when compared to the gravity feed, and side feed options. But that’s my opinion.

Anyway let’s go through the steps required when changing colors in a siphon feed airbrush: If you’d like an in-depth walk through on the color change process, then be sure to check out my Complete walkthrough on How To Clean An Airbrush Between Color Changes!

Step 1: Detach Current Paint bottle / Dump Unused Paint

Take off the paint bottle, and attach your cleaning bottle (Same as a paint bottle but instead of housing paint, it houses your airbrush cleaner). Then simply spray the airbrush cleaner through the airbrush for a moment or 2 (or until no more paint is coming from the airbrush (ONLY Cleaner)). Be sure to spray the cleaner into a Cleaning pot (or similar tool) to prevent inhalation of the cleaner as it atomizes.

Step 2: Detach Cleaner & Spray Till Dry

Take off the bottle of cleaner, and dry spray the airbrush to remove any left behind airbrush cleaner (simply spray without a bottle attached to the connection port).

Step 3: Attach New Color

Attach the new color (Red in the above scenario) and continue on with your artwork. (I recommend you spray on a spare canvas for testing purposes. To ensure the airbrush is functioning correctly with the new color, and to make sure the paint is flowing correctly.

Advantages & Disadvantages Of Siphon Feed

Like the majority of things in this world there are advantages and disadvantages. The siphon feed airbrush is no different.

Advantages Of the Siphon Feed!!!

Holds A Lot Of Paint (Larger Paint Capacity)

Some Say Color Changes Are Easier & Quicker

Great For Large Paint Coverage

Usually Cheaper Than Other Airbrush Options

Disadvantages Of The Siphon Feed…

Requires More Air Pressure (PSI)

Harder To Clean Up At The End Of A Session

Requires A Specific Amount Of Paint In The Bottle Before It Will Operate Correctly

Can Be Difficult To Achieve Fine Detail

The largest advantage to using a siphon feed airbrush is the paint capacity. Most siphon feed airbrush options come equipped with paint bottles that range from 2oz to 4oz (Typically). The added paint capacity makes the siphon feed Ideal for painting larger surface areas.

Now, the largest disadvantage to the siphon feed airbrush is that it commonly requires a significant amount more air pressure to operate correctly. This is a disadvantage as it will put more demand on your compressor.

And, the greater the air pressure, the more likely you are to get overspray on areas of your work you don’t want it. This makes fine detail harder to do. But don’t get me wrong, find detail can be achieved with a siphon feed airbrush.

Siphon Feed Airbrush (Uses)

Now that you know the pros, and cons of the siphon feed airbrush. Let’s discuss the most common uses for the siphon feed airbrush, to better help you decide if the siphon feed airbrush will suit you and your needs better.

Desirable Uses For The Siphon Feed

The siphon feed airbrush is commonly used for airbrushing on T-shirts (or really any kind of clothing.

Also, it is seen working on automotive projects, along with larger model projects.

Simply put, if your going to be painting large areas, and see yourself using a lot of paint. Odds are a siphon feed airbrush will be a good option for you. Just make sure your air compressor (pressurized air supply) can handle the added air requirement.

Un-Desirable Uses For The Siphon Feed

The siphon feed starts to become less desirable once you begin to move into fine detail work. Such as working on the fine detail of murals and / or portraits.

Now, that’s not to say fine detail can’t be achieved with a siphon feed. Rather the siphon feed is less desired by many when it comes to fine detail work.

An industry that really tries to avoid the siphon feed airbrush is the beauty industry. Whether you’re doing makeup or body art its very common to be using lower air pressure for the safety of the client. And well, given that the siphon feed airbrush requires added air pressure just to simply make it work right, makes it not as safe as the other options.

Why Siphon Feed Is Preferred Over Gravity Feed Or Side Feed

We already kinda hit on this, but the siphon feed shines when it is tasked with larger areas to be painted. Given that it has a significantly larger paint capacity then the other options it makes it easy to start painting, and continue painting long after, without the requirement of a paint refill (at least for a while).

Now if your going to be painting a smaller surface area, or doing fine detail with multiple colors, then a side feed or gravity feed could be better.

Also when it comes to airbrushing there are times when it can be better to use higher air pressures. Such as when airbrushing clothing (t-shirts). Most who airbrush clothing work with an air pressure of 60 PSI or greater. This is so the paint is forced into the fabric, making the paint last longer then if say, 35 PSI was used.

While were talking about airbrushing clothing. The clothing side of airbrushing is the most common to be seen using a siphon feed airbrush. So if your going to be airbrushing t-shirts (or similar items) then a siphon feed airbrush likely may be the best option for you.

Conclusion

All in all, the siphon feed airbrush simply locates the paint bottle under the airbrush rather then on the side or on top of. This basically make for more space to be used as paint storage hence why siphon feed airbrushes can hold substantially more paint then its counter parts.

Now again, the siphon feed works by utilizing a low pressure system to pull the paint from the paint bottle, up into the airbrush. Where the paint then mixes with the air and atomizes the paint.

Though the concept is simple the siphon feed airbrush does require a greater amount of air pressure to operate correctly then its counterparts (the side feed, and gravity feed).

The siphon feed is ideal for painting large surfaces, or highly absorbent materials (Such As T-shirts). Basically speaking the siphon feed airbrush is ideal for any project that will require a substantial amount of paint.

However, avoid using the siphon feed airbrush for makeup and body art. As the added air pressure required can pose a danger when in contact with the skin.

Anyway, I hope you were able to find some value here! If you have any further questions regarding the airbrush do be sure to take a look around the website. Airbrush Insider is dedicated to helping all in the airbrush community!

This is Colt signing off!

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