The Spray Tanning FAQ

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This FAQ mostly focuses on sprays tans and the issues surrounding them.

If you don't see your question here feel free to contact me. After all, how can a question get on a Frequently Asked Questions list if it doesn't get asked often?

Q: How can I airbrush tan someone?

A: Here's the summary

Point the airbrush at the naked/semi-naked person.
Spray them until they're completely covered in tanning solution.
Clean the airbrush out after your done.

Okay, there is more to it. But that's only if you want to spray good or great tans instead of mediocre or simply tolerable tans.

Q: Is there a video guide to spray tanning for beginners?

A: Actually, there is. In fact the pros might learn a thing or two as well.

I scoured the web and found a video showing excellent spray tanning technique. You'll still want to read the article "How can I airbrush tan someone?"

This video guide will show you the nuts and bolts.

Q: What kind of cleaning solution should I use to clean out my airbrush?

A: You always want to use a cleaning solution appropriate to the kind of paint you're spraying. Tanning solution is water-based. Therefore water is a perfectly acceptable cleaning solution. Heated water is in fact better than cold water.

However, just because water is acceptable doesn't mean that it's the best. Most airbrush cleaning solutions are better at cleaning out water-based paints than just water.

The only thing you shouldn't use to clean out your airbrush is anything with ammonia in it aka Windex. Ammonia and airbrushes don't like each other.

Q: How do I clean my airbrush?

A: Go over to my article on Cleaning Your Airbrush for the various cleaning methods. Also, read the next question for the timetables and which method to use when.

Q: How often should I clean my airbrush?

A: Cleaning your airbrush is usually stressed quite a bit because if you don't clean your airbrush it won't work. Here's my quick answer to this question.

If gunk builds up on the airbrush's tip Remove the Tip Dry.
After every spray tan do an End of Session Rinse.
When your airbrush starts giving you fits do a Deep Cleaning.

If you feel like being proactive then you might consider doing a Deep Cleaning every month or two depending on how often you're having fits, however if you and your technicians are diligent about the End of Session Rinse you shouldn't have to worry about the Deep Cleaning very often.

Q: Can I soak my airbrush?

A: You can soak individual parts, but avoid soaking the whole airbrush.

Read more about why soaking ain't such a grand idea.

Q: Can I use Tanning Pills?

A: You can, but you shouldn't.

Read more about why tanning pills are bad mojo.

Q: How safe is airbrush tanning?

A: Airbrush tanning is very safe, with just a couple exceptions.

Read more about the risks and hazards associated with airbrush tanning.

Q: How can I spray tan safely?

A: You really need to be aware of the dangers. There's really only one, and it's not hard to take the steps to keep you healthy long into the future.

Read the tips to give, or receive, a safe spray tan...

Q: How often can I get airbrush tanned?

A: As often as you want. Tanning solution dyes your outer skin layer. This means you probably don't need to tan anymore often than 6-8 days, the time it takes for you to shead that outer layer of skin cells.

Q: What is DHA?

A: DHA, or dihydroxyacetone, is the active ingredient in tanning solution.

Read more than you ever wanted to know about tanning solution's active ingredient.

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