Airbrushing is an art that goes way back to the 1890s when it was achieved with the individual blowing air through a tube with his mouth. These days though, it’s done with more finesse.
 |
| Chua's handiwork on a cruiser bike. |
Taymen Chua, 36, has been an airbrush illustrator since 1997. He took the plunge to become his own boss, setting up Taymen Airbrushing after a stint with an advertising agency and another company designing T-shirts.
Chua’s portfolio is diversified. He has worked on scooters, helmets, big bikes, cars and bicycles. He is not above turning away requests to airbrush refrigerators, doors, fans, walls and even toilet bowls.
Customers from Sabah and Sarawak had even sent him parts to airbrush, which he then shipped back by courier.
Pricing is based on time required to achieve the level of detail the customer seeks. The longer it takes, the higher the cost. With two full-time workers onboard, Chua takes two weeks to a month to complete a job.
In the hands of an expert, painting with a can or an airbrush is comparable but the airbrush offers a wider palette of colours plus more control over the spray pattern and paint flow.
Moreover, airbrushing allows the creation of new colours through mixing.
Glasurit, a quality 2K paint, is used at Chua’s outfit.
Airbrushing is a multi-step process that begins with hand-sanding and applying a primer undercoat.
Uneven surfaces are then hand-sanded before the base colour is sprayed. Airbrushing is next followed by layering urethane clear coats on top for added gloss and protection.
“Every step is important to show off the artwork to best effect. For example, sanding must be done right for the paint to stick,” says Chua.
Vehicles that get the airbrush treatment are usually old like the Volkswagen Beetle, Mini Cooper S, certain old sports cars and cruiser bikes.
Plastic surfaces are more difficult to work on, says Chua. For one thing, the masking shouldn’t be applied too hard to the surfaces, otherwise colours will peel off when the mask is removed.
 |
| Chua copying a pirate theme for a scooter at his Setapak premises Taymen Airbrushing. |
“Customers want their vehicles to look different … to have a custom paint that no one has. They love thy with others such as in motorshows,” says Chua of the reason why some people go for his service.
There are obvious risks in standing out from the crowd.
The flip side is the fact each artwork is unique, making it harder for thieves to get away with stolen property, says Chua.
His biggest job to date was a RM40,000 contract to paint a dragon for a Chinese temple in Kuantan four years ago.
Chua vouches for his artworks. He offers a warranty of three to five years, depending on the level of detail in each project.
But simple effects such as water drops on a helmet are excluded.
As an artist, Chua finds inspiration in all sorts of situations.
“Ideas are everywhere if you tune in. Airbrushing is one area where you can have a wide range of work at your disposal.”
Furthermore, he adds: “Every artist has his own style.”
Pix: Ready to paint: Chua airbrushing a motorcycle part. Walk through the entrance of Taymen Airbrushing (below) and you will immediately see the owner’s handiwork.
