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Hey guys,

I don't know much about airbrushing, and I prefer to get info from user's as opposed to company info, soooooo -

Which Airbrush do you recommend, let's say both a beginner and mid model compressor and gun, price and pro's and con's? Best place to order in North America, used vs new, etc etc -

Gratitude in advance -

www.squadron.com

Look around their airbrushes. I suggest the Blue Mini-Ice Compressor, and it works with pretty much every airbrush out there.

My experience is kinda limited, but, personally, I've found that I thoroughly enjoy Iwata's brand of Airbrushes.... and they tend to be fairly reasonably priced, considering.

If you're looking for a good airbrush, you would do well to start by looking at your local art supply (not arts and crafts) store.

Thanks guys -

When I was very young my mother used to be an airbrush artist on the side while she finished nursing, she had a huge ass compressor in the garage, and that was really my last contact with an airbrush. The thing was really big. Has technology changes much in the last 20 years? What kind of PSI is a good range?

Kan, are you partial to a particular kind of brush too?

Cheers again -

http://www.germanairbrush.com/evolution_solo.html

This is what I got, it runs fantastically on as little as 30 PSI. The downside is that it's fairly expensive(it ran me around $300 for the airbrush and 3 spare nozzles).
As for PSI:
The "sweet spot" for most airbrushes that I've used is a consistent 28-32 PSI, which the Mini-Blue Ice hits on the dot.

Now, if you want a fairly decent starter airbrush?
http://www.squadron.com/ItemDetails.asp?item=TS4305
which comes highly recommended by most of the heavy duty armour modellers I know due to the versatility
and

http://www.squadron.com/ItemDetails.asp?item=TS50204
(the second one is the compressor I mentioned)

I like the Azteck line. Inexpensive, great results....

Rather than type it all over again...

http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/244602.page

The aztec line isnt that great for what they charge for it. I'll put my Iwata knock-off PS 900 up against an Aztec any day- and get better results.

Awesome! Thanks for the specifics Kan -

Research in progress...

Now, how do I convince my wife not to lose her gak when I tell her I require a 400-700 dollar 'toy' on top of the ridiculous amount of crap I've already bought in the past 6 months lol....

MajorTom11 wrote:Awesome! Thanks for the specifics Kan -

Research in progress...

Now, how do I convince my wife not to lose her gak when I tell her I require a 400-700 dollar 'toy' on top of the ridiculous amount of crap I've already bought in the past 6 months lol....

If you're going to start with a high end airbrush- thats like giving a 5 year old a harley to learn to ride a bicycle.

There are dozens of more affordable brushes that will do everything you need, and cost well under 150$ The one I prefer cost 50$ on ebay, and does everything most 200$+ models do- which is to say that it still is more airbrush than I know how to use, and I have been using them for a few years.

Id strongly suggest a starter set up of something reasonably priced, 50-100$ on a basic airbrush, and then 50-100$ on a compressor that will run up to 30 continuous psi. If you know anything about basic hand tools its very easy to set up an airbrush to run off a regular air compressor rather than an overpriced airbrush one(and the airbrush compressors are good for NOTHING but running a brush). Having something that can air up an occasional tire or basketball, as well as run an airbrush much more smoothly is worth an extra 25-50$.

Play with the starter brush, learn how to use it, and see if you even like it. Then- if you hit the limit of its capabilities, you'll have a much better idea of what you want an airbrush for- and you can shop accordingly.

Save all that extra $$ for more figs- or maybe something to make your wife happy

I picked this kit up yesterday.
http://www.dickblick.com/products/blick-complete-airbrush-system/

I'm hoping to view the DVD today and maybe get a few test runs in.

To avoid wife-o-sauros-rex, I drove into the city and picked it up myself.

www.coastairbrush.com is where I get my stuff.

Like others have said start simple, my first airbrush was a Paasche VL then after you get good or you want something finer move up to the next better series.

The VL goes for around $120 after taxes, and I suggest getting a oil-less compressor with a pressure guage and a air filter, you can find some for around $80 at your local hardware store, I also suggest getting quick releases since they make life a billion times easier when you need to take the airbrush off the compressor.

My first Compressor


Pics of the GW airbrush (sucks btw) attached to a badger adaptor and a quick release


My first two airbrushes, the paasche VL and the Iwata Eclipse

Mistress of minis wrote:

MajorTom11 wrote:Awesome! Thanks for the specifics Kan -

Research in progress...

Now, how do I convince my wife not to lose her gak when I tell her I require a 400-700 dollar 'toy' on top of the ridiculous amount of crap I've already bought in the past 6 months lol....

If you're going to start with a high end airbrush- thats like giving a 5 year old a harley to learn to ride a bicycle.

There are dozens of more affordable brushes that will do everything you need, and cost well under 150$ The one I prefer cost 50$ on ebay, and does everything most 200$+ models do- which is to say that it still is more airbrush than I know how to use, and I have been using them for a few years.

Id strongly suggest a starter set up of something reasonably priced, 50-100$ on a basic airbrush, and then 50-100$ on a compressor that will run up to 30 continuous psi. If you know anything about basic hand tools its very easy to set up an airbrush to run off a regular air compressor rather than an overpriced airbrush one(and the airbrush compressors are good for NOTHING but running a brush). Having something that can air up an occasional tire or basketball, as well as run an airbrush much more smoothly is worth an extra 25-50$.

Play with the starter brush, learn how to use it, and see if you even like it. Then- if you hit the limit of its capabilities, you'll have a much better idea of what you want an airbrush for- and you can shop accordingly.

Save all that extra $$ for more figs- or maybe something to make your wife happy

I am reading through your linked thread that you put up for me earlier, very solid and thorough advice! Most of the kits I have looked at so far seem to be in the 400+ range, the blick iwata starter kit for example. But if I can get a true compressor for less then I absolutely will. There are several things I would like to use it for beyond minis, as you say, tires, impact guns, paint guns for home wall painting etc etc. I am willing to spend a bit extra in order to ensure I have the versatility and power to accomplish all these tasks.

As stated my mother used to be a pro back in the day, so I am all aboard for the legitimacy of the airbrush both as a productivity based tool and as a detailing tool for aesthetic quality.

Still digging through all the info you guys provided, really great stuff though big thank you to everyone, especially mistress of mini's!

Ugh, Paasche.

I've had two Paasche airbrushes before my Harder and Steenbeck one. Absolute garbage.

Infinity is the best airbrush by far on the market.

Eclipses are a "B"

Paasche VL is a "B-"

Ive actually had better experiences with my VL than Eclipse, but the Eclipse allows a finer line. The VL is much more durable and cheaper to maintain, a great beginners brush.

Iwatas are fantastic until they run into problems, then its a nightmare, we call them high precision "crap" around here where as the Paasche can actually be just as good it just takes a lot more practice.

Heres a link to the brush Im currently using:

http://www.buyairbrushes.com/store.php/products/air-pro-tools-ps900

Theyre still affordable, simple to operate. Its more than enough brush for beginners, and some pros(like guys that air brush cars and bikes) use them as well.

I'm just looking for an airbrush to do base-coats, what would you guys recommend?

Jerick wrote:I'm just looking for an airbrush to do base-coats, what would you guys recommend?

Seriously, did you read any of the previous posts in the thread? Theres several recomendations...

I did read the previous posts, I was just wondering if there is a better/cheaper brush that people would recommend to do just base coats. I actually have that brush you recommended bookmarked, but I like doing a lot of research before I buy a couple hundred dollars worth of hardware. (Airbrush + Compressor)

I had to ask- all too often it seems like someone will jsut skip all the posts and ask a silly question.

Watch craigslist for compressors on the cheap. With all the construction jobs drying up, alot of guys are selling off thier tools as they pick up different kinds of work. Then get a 5-10$ kit full of connectors and you can get going for 100 or so if you only drop 50$ on the brush.

For a while I had my freinds pitch in a couple bucks when they base coated thier armies. And then they figured out it was just easier to pay me to base coat the army for them lol

One thing going for a decent quality brush- is that if you buy a good one and dont like it- you can sell it and make some of your moeny back. If you buy a crappy one, you're likely stuck with it

If they retain their value well, I will be more inclined to shell out on the brush, better to spend extra but be likely to recover the difference in price id you need to sell, and in the meantime you have better quality tools.

Stopped by the local home depot today whilst browsing for other things, checked out the compressors they had... 200 bucks for Porter CablePorter-Cable 6 Gallon Pancake Compressor

* Model:C2002
* Innovative shroud allows for better protection and portability
* 150 Max PSI allows users to drive more nails than a traditional 135 Max PSI compressor

That was the cheapest they had, was hoping there would be something reasonably priced as I expect shipping is going to be pricey ordering one online, I expect this isnt quite what would be needed anyhow...

MoM do you have a particular compressor you are fond of?

The price tag of a brush doesnt make it better. I gave away my Iwata Eclipse after finding my PS900.

Ive also used paache's and a Badger Crescendo. But Im sticking with my ps900.

Even reselling a brush you dont like- its still used- and as such how much you can get for it is up in the air. You might get half of what you paid.

And as far as compressors go- shop around. I got mine at walmart several years ago- its like a 12 or 15 gal Cambell Hausfield I paid like 150 for- but I also used it for air tools on home renovation- and my ex used it for working on the cars.

CablePorter is a pricey brand- but a pancake compressor is more than enough for an air brush (which dont need more than 50 psi) so that tank will last a while. This means you can air the tank up in the afternoon when it wont make the room mates annoyed. and it will give you enough air to paint for a couple hours without the compressor needing to cycle up.

Is there any websites you recommend with good airbrush tutorials, for us just starting out?

I used google, and found some good forums, like the various 40k forums around its mostly a matter of finding one you like.

Most airbrush forums though arent going to have alot of GW specific advice- like if you ask what to thin foundation paint with- they wont know what youre talking about

I get beautiful results with an Iwata Eclipse HP-BCS, and just bought an HP-CS to add to my toolbox. I use an Iwanta Sprint Jet compressor and it's awesome. Recommend any/all of that equipment for a beginner though I've been using mine over a year now I'd say and have no desire to upgrade or change. I pretty much paint everything via airbrush lately (with brush for washes, detail work etc). Painting some assault marines right now actually.

I also use an Iwata... pretty sure it's an HP-CS. You'll find that everyone who ones one absolutely loves it.

Mistress of minis wrote:Rather than type it all over again...

http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/244602.page

The aztec line isnt that great for what they charge for it. I'll put my Iwata knock-off PS 900 up against an Aztec any day- and get better results.

It has MAC control, SWEET!!!!!!

I would then say yes, that for $50 or so, you cannot beat the price/performance ratio on the Air Pro PS-900. Thats just my opinion though....

ps900 ordered!

Now to find a compressor of appropriate power/price in the neighborhood....

opinions on these?

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/6/Tools/1/CompressorsAirTools/Compressors/PRD~0587956P/Campbell%252BHausfeld%252B1%25252B3-HP%252BElectric%252BCompressor/CROSSSELL~0587948%20Mastercraft%2B3-Gallon%2BAluminum%2BAir%2BCompressor.jsp?locale=en

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/6/Tools/1/CompressorsAirTools/Compressors/PRD~0587936P/Mastercraft%252B2-Gallon%252BAir%252BCompressor%252Bwith%252BAccessories/CROSSSELL~0587948%20Mastercraft%2B3-Gallon%2BAluminum%2BAir%2BCompressor.jsp?locale=en

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/6/Tools/1/CompressorsAirTools/Compressors/PRD~0587948P/Mastercraft%252B3-Gallon%252BAluminum%252BAir%252BCompressor/CROSSSELL~0587936%20Mastercraft%2B2-Gallon%2BAir%2BCompressor%2Bwith%2BAccessories.jsp?locale=en

the pancake is still an option, to be honest, from the hardware stores the lowest they go is 100 bucks, and that one doesnt say maintenance free or indicate it has a flow regulator...

I use a cheapo compressor attached to an air tank. When it drops, the compressor kicks in and keeps the pressure up. Dont forget a moisture trap!

I don't need a monster, but I definitely want a good quality versatile model, as I just built a house and there is plenty to do where a latex sprayer, an impact wrench etc would also come in hand, not to mention touching up car chips etc.

Just looking into moisture traps, thanks for that tip! I assumed it would be a default feature... silly me. I wonder is this that an airbrush specific part or something I can pick up at the hardware store too?