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Hey dakka
Im looking into investing in an airbrush, the only problem is that I dont know the first thing about them. What I need to buy, the best brands, single or dual action, settings, all that junk. So if someone can point me to a good tutorial or simply give me the answers that would be awesome.

Check out these recent threads: http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/411156.page

http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/410680.page

General guidelines:
Dual Action
Gravity Feed

Everything else is just extras.

Compressor wise you need up to 40psi working with a regulator, moisture trap and air tank if you so desire.

I recommend the Paasche Talon for your airbrush.

This will be very informative for you:

http://www.youtube.com/user/awesomepaintjob?blend=3&ob=5

@arethan could I just buy the airbrush, or do I need the compressor as well?

A compressor is needed otherwise the airbrush won't work.

would this be a good buy?
http://www.chicagoairbrushsupply.com/patastsetg.html

and then would you recommend vallejo products for the paint, or are there any other brands that are better?

Although that compressor is in fact an airbrush compressor, I would actually still suggest getting a compressor with a storage tank.

Diaphragm compressors have a bad habit (sometimes, not all the time) of not being able to keep a consistent air pressure while in operation, where as compressors with storage tanks can be charged up to, say, 100psi, then set your regulator to whatever you want, and it lasts for quite awhile, depending on application and the size of the tank.

I've got this:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Campbell-Hausfeld-1-Gallon-Air-Compressor/9189093

I charge this up to 100psi, set the regulator to around 15-20, and it lasts a good 30-40 minutes. But, it's only a 1 gallon tank, so it doesn't hold much. If you get a 5 gallon, it'll last darn near forever, especially with a gravity fed brush

Only caution for the link I supplied: it works well, but it's LOUD AS HELL.

Another option I haven't seen yet for you would be to get just an air tank:

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Hyundai-HPT505-Portable-5-Gal-Air-Tank/15054352

If you don't airbrush often, you can get a little 5-10 gallon tank with no compressor, get it charged up for cheap at the local gas station or garage, then take it home. Set your regulator, and away you go, spraying in silence. But, it's only good for people that don't frequent the airbrush.

And save yourself the time: do NOT bother with canned air. They don't last long at all.

I'd suggest getting a Paasche d3000r compressor. More expensive than other options, but very quiet (usable inside, can hear the TV over it), and provides very steady air output up to like 40 PSI, which is all you need for airbrushing.

For a brush, I'm an Iwata fanboi at this time... got an HP-CS, and love it to death. Works amazingly. If you wanna see examples of what i've done with it, check my gallery

I would probably be airbrushing quite a bit, because im trying to do a grey knights army with airbrushing. My budget is around $250 so that Paasche d3000r compressor looks ok, because I definitely need it to be quiet. As far as the airbrush is concerned, does that have to be like, super high quality? Or would $100 cut it?

http://www.tcpglobal.com/airbrushdepot/paasche.aspx

The second set on that page is the best value as it gives you all 3 needle sets for the brush as well as the hose and tools. You may be able to find the same set on ebay for a few bucks less.

The Talon airbrush is a top quality brush at a great price. I love mine dearly.

Aerethan wrote:http://www.tcpglobal.com/airbrushdepot/paasche.aspx

The second set on that page is the best value as it gives you all 3 needle sets for the brush as well as the hose and tools. You may be able to find the same set on ebay for a few bucks less.

The Talon airbrush is a top quality brush at a great price. I love mine dearly.

Got the same one, and it's great.

For a brief overview on this brush, check out:

http://ik-painter.blogspot.com/2011/08/advanced-tools-iv-paasche-talon.html

Cheers,


IK-Painter

BIwargaming wrote:I would probably be airbrushing quite a bit, because im trying to do a grey knights army with airbrushing. My budget is around $250 so that Paasche d3000r compressor looks ok, because I definitely need it to be quiet. As far as the airbrush is concerned, does that have to be like, super high quality? Or would $100 cut it?

You can get a good airbrush for half of that... check out the Iwata NEO: http://www.chicagoairbrushsupply.com/neoforiwcnbo.html

Imo that AB is really targeted at _us_ ...the modeler / hobby / miniature people. It is perfect for our needs, cheap, and made by a company with superb customer service.

Gunzhard wrote:

BIwargaming wrote:I would probably be airbrushing quite a bit, because im trying to do a grey knights army with airbrushing. My budget is around $250 so that Paasche d3000r compressor looks ok, because I definitely need it to be quiet. As far as the airbrush is concerned, does that have to be like, super high quality? Or would $100 cut it?

You can get a good airbrush for half of that... check out the Iwata NEO: http://www.chicagoairbrushsupply.com/neoforiwcnbo.html

Imo that AB is really targeted at _us_ ...the modeler / hobby / miniature people. It is perfect for our needs, cheap, and made by a company with superb customer service.

Just to be clear, the Neo isn't made by Iwata. Its made by a 3rd party and branded Iwata.

Small distinction, but its there

True but not as far as customer service is concerned...

I have a Badger Renegade Velocity. Gravity fed, dual action. As others have mentioned use the moisture trap and a compressor with a storage tank.

Practice lots on paper and/or test models before trying to paint on expensive new models.

edit: I'm using Vallejo Air exclusively. Great paint. I'm even starting to use their Air line for brushing as well.

ok. the neo looks good.
So would you guys say a good setup is the d3000r compressor by paasche, the iwata neo, and then vallejo air paints. (@IronSnake thanks for your input, ive seen VMA on lots of YouTube videos too)
What about the harder and steenbeck brush that comes in this set
http://www.ccgarmory.com/vaaibacocase.html
any good, or would I be better off buying specific paints and the neo?

BIwargaming wrote:ok. the neo looks good.
So would you guys say a good setup is the d3000r compressor by paasche, the iwata neo, and then vallejo air paints. (@IronSnake thanks for your input, ive seen VMA on lots of YouTube videos too)
What about the harder and steenbeck brush that comes in this set
http://www.ccgarmory.com/vaaibacocase.html
any good, or would I be better off buying specific paints and the neo?

Yeah that would definitely be a good setup imo. Don't forget the braided hose.

The Harder & Steenbeck Infinity airbrushes are some of the highest quality brushes you can get, I have 2 now haha, but I have no idea about the 'Ultra' that comes with that set.

yeah. I'll look up some reviews for the ultra, but as of now I'm planing on getting the neo and d3000r and specific paints.
Thanks so much for all your help everyone!



Automatically Appended Next Post:
yeah. I'll look up some reviews for the ultra, but as of now I'm planing on getting the neo and d3000r and specific paints.
Thanks so much for all your help everyone!

I too am using the Vallejo model air line and love it. Highly recommended. Especially the metallics. They are excellent.

I have a Paasche Talon and a Badger Velocity and both work well for me. Both are around $100 or so. Both will do what you need.