[Luc Comtois]

Hi Ken,

I don’t do sunbursts very often, but when I do, I always use an airbrush. That said, there are many factors to consider here. What type of airbrush do you have, and what is your level of experience with it?

Some airbrushes can produce a line as fine as a hair and only hold a few drops of paint, while others are designed for larger surfaces and can hold several ounces of paint in a bottle. Some are single-action, others double-action, and so on.

If you’re using a larger double-action model, it can be done quite easily. The first advantage is the very fine mist it produces—the burst created with an airbrush is incredibly smooth. The second advantage is the high level of control it offers, which makes it easy to go over a specific spot to refine the final result.

The main downside is the time it takes to achieve the finished look. An airbrush sprays less paint than a detail gun, so you’ll need to make multiple passes.

If you already have a decent airbrush, go for it. If not, and you’re wondering what to buy, I’d recommend getting a detail gun instead.