I am looking to buy an airbrush. I have never used an airbrush before. What is a good one to start with that will not break the bank. What other things do I need to consider other than the airbrush itself?
Thanks,
Al
You will need a proper compressor and CAREFUL arrangements to insure no condensate or lubricant get to the air line to the airbrush. I used one that was made for semiconductor-processing equipment (sold used on eBay) that made barely any noise… but was still expensive. If that particular kind of noise bothers you, you might want to pay a bit extra for a sound-deadening enclosure that admits adequate motor cooling air, or a long enough air line that the compressor can ‘live’ in another room or part of the house.
Get a good pressure regulator, once, and then carefully take care of it.
There are threads on here about effective paint spray booths. Build or buy one, and use it RELIGIOUSLY.
As a general rule, learn how to disassemble and clean the airbrush thoroughly every time you use it. Do not think that blowing solvent through it for the same time you’d hold a rattle paint spray can inverted to clear the nozzle will be adequate. This is particularly true with an internal-mix airbrush, which is the better choice for modeling work.
The general type of airbrush you use, and the system used to feed paint to it, are things you will have to decide suit your preference. I would learn the ‘knack’ of dual-action airbrushing even if you want one that you control with a ‘trigger’ instead of a top lever.
Al,
I’ve been researching airbrushes as well. I’m told the Blackwidow by Spectrum is an upper middle class brush that’s more than enough for my needs. My local Harbor Freight store has them for $80. Also was told you definitely want an air compressor with a storage tank and moisture separator. Again my local Harbor Freight has one for around $100. Hobby Lobby also carries an Iwata brush that I’d call being in the lower upper class brushes. It’s $130. The air compressor Hobby Lobby carries is not recommended bc it is on demand and can cause the brush to spit. Finally it was recommended to have a gravity feed as opposed to a suction brush.
Let me know if the pics didn’t post and I’ll try again.
John
I was looking at this compressor on amazon. It has a water trap and pressure regulator.
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hello,
Most important question: What is your budget? Buy once, buy smart.
You will want a compressor with a storage tank; 30 psi is a standard spray paint pressure.
The Paache single-action airbrush is a great starter airbrush. Easy to clean, easy to learn. KISS
As a beginner, the single-action works like a spray can and a full-size spray gun. Air pressure is adjusted with a regulator on the tank.
Constant spray presser. Allowing the user to focus on the application of the paint. Single adjustment, heavy or light coats.
Dual-action, a new user will find that the air flow & the paint coat application need to be manipulated as you are painting.
Not a big deal after you have had some experience with a single-action airbrush.
And to add, the single-action airbrush will always have its place and is a useful tool.
I use both, single-action single color objects, track, rolling stock, buildings, etc
Dual-action, weathering, car trucks, rust dirt, flat car decks. Very useful for highlighting details.
Reason: air flow & the paint coat control on the fly.
learn to crawl before you walk
Pep
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Thanks everyone for the advise. I will take it to heart when i finally decide which to buy.
Al
Gosh, there’s so many good brushes out there, yet everybody’s preferences, skills and bank are different. Airbrushing is a hobby in itself. Started with a Badger single action internal mix bottom feeder, many, many years later took the plunge and treated myself to a double action gravity feed. Was so excited to try out the new brush, only to find that my single action habits were so ingrained that all I could make was a mess. The double action was like patting my head and rubbing my belly at the same time. Took some weeks of concerted effort following some suggested exercises to get a handle on the DA. My fav brush is an Iwata Eclipse HP-CS.
P.S. Always wear a quality respirator
Btw, Don’s Airbrush tips has lots of good info and reviews Don's Airbrush Tips
Regards, Peter
I have a Iwata Eclipse, don’t know where it falls on the quality scale, but I have been really happy with it. I run a hose in from my garage where I have a larger 200psi compressor that I just turn down.
I also got one of these which are great.
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