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Hey everyone,
So I have been doing a lot of painting recently and have been thinking about getting an airbrush to paint my tau hammerheads, xv8 suits and sunshark bombers amongst other things.

I have been looking around for different airbrushes and airbrush kits and it is all just so confusing.
I don't really have a problem paying $50 for an airbrush but I don't know about the compressor. What is a cheap one that works for you guys?

Also what kind of Airbrush do you have, what kind of compressor? What size of nozzle am I looking for for doing the models I want to paint?
I have seen people use regular air compressors but mine is HUGE and in the garage and I am certainly not going to be painting outside during the winter in -35 degrees Celsius (-30 F for americans lol)

Can I use an airbrush inside if I use a mask etc?

Any advice would be great

I'll just leave this here as well.

These are great vids, but also do some searches.

The question on "what airbrush..." comes up literally several times a month. There are dozens upon dozens of great posts about it with a lot of good information.

For an airbrush, I would suggest just about any with the following;
* gravity feed
* internal mix, dual action.
* .3 or .5 is fine for a starter brush.

A really great starter brush is the patriot 105.
http://www.amazon.ca/Badger-Air-Brush-Patriot-Gravity-Airbrush/dp/B002W84GTO/ref=sr_1_1?

Or if that is too much, something like this;
http://www.amazon.ca/0-3mm-Gravity-Dual-Action-Airbrush-Paint/dp/B005H3FMBW/ref=pd_sim_k_4

As far as compressors check your local princess auto for a small compressor, just make sure you check the sizes of the fittings.

Here is an ok starter kit;
http://www.amazon.ca/Master-Airbrush-Performance-Multi-purpose-Dual-action/dp/B007VTQTDU/ref=sr_1_2?

If you spray indoors, you will need some kind of ventilation or filter, there are some portable ones, or if you are near a window, even temporarily put a fan in it an keep it open (not the best idea when cold).


Of course, you could just go with this amazingly cheap yet effective vent system I came up with...

Ya I see 0.3mm as a pretty common size and that is what I would be shooting for.

That indoor setup looks crazy lol I don't really want to have a big set up but maybe I will have to eh?

Is there a way to hookup a compressor I already have to an airbrush? I know there are adapters but are they cheap?

Because maybe I will just do that and be in the cold instead of a indoor setup

p.s the videos were super helpful!

Adapters are usually cheap (<$10) but finding them can be challenging depending on where you go, or if your compressor has an oddball size.

Most "shop" compressors are quite noisy - I used mine for a while in the garage before I tried a few smaller airbrush compressors.

Only you can decide what cost the cold or noise is worth to you.

Also, check around to see if anyone at your local game store has an airbrush, etc.

Finally, once you do decide, do a search here for airbrush paints, you will LITERALLY find dozens and dozens of threads on airbrush paints, thinning paints and painting.

best of luck!

Would you happen to know what size the adapter is supposed to be? 1/8th inch?
Do the adapters go on the hose where I connect the airbrush?
Sorry for the noobish questions haha

I think if I can find the adapters I will just use the compressor I have outside until I learn to use the airbrush. Plus that will allowme to pick up a higher quality airbrush right off the bat then save up for a smaller more quite compressor.

Good idea asking around the game store I will see if they carry airbrushes I don't think they do but I'll have to check it out.
Also on videos I see lots of people using Vallejo paints in their airbrushes

The adapter sizes will depend on what you have on your compressor (in other words, I have no idea).

As far as adapter to compressor or hose, only you can answer that- depending upon weight, size, do you need to change it, etc.

I put quick disconnects on my old large air compressor, so I could use my standard air hoses for typical garage tasks, and then put a larger adapter on the end of my airbrush hose, then a quick disconnect on that.

Typically, airbrush connections are 1/8" and and most garage compressors are 1/4" but this is not set in stone.

Regarding the game store airbrush comment - I am suggesting finding PEOPLE there who use airbrushes and get some ideas from them. You are correct, most game stores (with maybe the exception of hobbytown in the us) do not carry good airbrush selections.

There are TONS of threads on airbrush paints, thinning paints etc. Do some searches. I mean this seriously and sincerely (i.e. not trying to be a RTFM jerk) - you will find tons of great info with just some simple searches already laid out for you.

If you don't want to do research - then just buy either vallejo model air, or minitaire paints. its less headache overall.
(said threads will give more context and literally pages to support this summary).

best of luck!