I have a second question about dyeing: Can you use an airbrush? I am doing large items (beach towels -3'x6') and am getting finger cramps from spraying. The only reason I'm asking is because I haven't seen any airbrushes advertised on any dyeing site. Hmmm. Your answer will be great appreciated.

Yes, dye solutions can certainly be applied with an airbrush. Since the dye actually dissolves in water, it is less, rather than more, apt to clog the sprayers than the usual airbrush ink.

Airbrushing is more dangerous than using hand sprayers or hand-painting with dyes. The very tiny particles of dyes can easily be inhaled, and they are so tiny that they can remain suspended in air for long periods. When they dry, you have dye powder, which as we all know should never be inhaled or otherwise ingested. I would recommend the use of an airbrush only in a special vented spraying cabinet, or out-of-doors, with the user to be wearing an approved respirator at all times. (It is important that the air in a spraying cabinet be well ventilated, and that none of the air in the cabinet be allowed to mix with room air.)

I do not know whether the hazards of airbrushing dyes are greater than or less than the hazards of airbrushing fabric paints or other inks, since both should never be breathed. Presumably whatever precautions you use with other airbrushing mixtures are just the same as those you'd need with dyes.


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