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Basically, I'm looking to get an airbrush so I can start making my collection of terrain look awesome, because using a normal brush just isnt a feasable option, there's alot that needs to be done. Like four Pegasus Hobbies hexagon sets, with more being ordered soon once we've pooled enough as a group, some other buildings I got made for gorkamorka, just too much to go at with a brush, my patience would give out in no time and they'd look hidious all unfinished.

I've looked at what can be done with an airbrush, and though I am under no illusion it would be awhile before I should even try some stuff, it does provide a solution, due to the speed and consistency with which you can do stuff, seems like the way forward.

I just have th eproblem of A) dont know anyone with an airbrush to get advice from, B) no idea what I'm actually looking for and C) trying to work within an overall budget of around £80.
What is it I'm looking for? What do I need and whats luxury? I'm not looking for anything amazing, just something that I can use without any prior knowledge of what I'm doing, so I can at least start and see if its the overall direction I want to go in. So what better place to ask, than Dakka.

Dakka's Airbrush Tactica - http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/244602.page

Pretty much all you need to know to get started. I snagged the airbrush and compressor mentioned on there from Amazon for about $125 or so, and it's worked really well so far.

But which would that be? As I look through, all I can really see is people saying what their using, and no two seem to be the same...so its a bit "huh?", if ya get what I mean.

try this:
http://wgconsortium.blogspot.nl/p/buy-airbrush-set-up.html

Calloused wrote:
But which would that be? As I look through, all I can really see is people saying what their using, and no two seem to be the same...so its a bit "huh?", if ya get what I mean.

Nearly all double action gravity fed airbrushes are the same, mechanically speaking (except for any of the "pistol grip" style, they work a little differently). Hook it up to an air source, put paint in the cup, use the trigger to control paint/air; that's pretty much it. What it comes down to is how much you want to spend; typically, the more money it cost, the better it is.

Airbrushes are made for specific purposes. Any quality airbrush can be good or bad depending upon whether or not you are using it for what it's designed for. Quality brands that come to mind include Badger, Iwata, Harder & Steenbeck, and Paasche.

Since you're starting with terrain, I recommend a double action siphon-feed feed airbrush with a .5mm nozzle/needle. This is because the larger the nozzle/needle, the coarser the pigments it can handle without getting clogged. This is important for terrain as airbrush paint is comparatively expensive so you can spray thinned hobby acrylics instead. Keep in mind that any time you attempt to spray non-airbrush paint, the learning curve is steeper. Do your homework first.

A siphon-feed airbrush is great for things like terrain and base coating because you can attach the bottle to the bottom and go. They are, generally speaking, less expensive than gravity-feed airbrushes. Later on, if you decide you want to experiment with finer details, you can buy a gravity-feed airbrush with a .2mm - .3mm nozzle. Make sure that you also budget for airbrush paints at the same time.

Mmm thanks guys. You've done more than I hoped for, with the airbrushing thread, the blog, and the input of you guys, I have a much better understanding of what it is I'm looking for.

I've looked at a bunch that people on the forums have said they've used, but it becomes a bit difficult when ya looking, but not really udnerstanding through lack of knowledge. So its better to embrace it and have to ask the obvious questions IMO, because then I actually find out and know, which is awesome.

Though, does anyone have any recommendations on compressor brands? They seem to be the main chunk of the finances involved, so its trying to work that in while keeping to budget, its just that...are there any to just straight avoid, what just isnt suitable for me as a novice, things like that.
I know that buying a good compressor to begin with is better in the long term, but as it stands, one thats say, 6/10 is more practical than a 9/10 or a 10/10. I'm willing to spend the money to experiment with the concept, but if I overspend for quality, then dont "click" with the style...awkward.

Appreciate all the help so far people.

I use this compressor http://www.tcpglobal.com/airbrushdepot/itemdetail.aspx?itemno=ABD+TC-20T and it works just fine. Very quiet and no maintenance so far.

The tank reduces the amount of time that the compressor has to run, so it's less likely to overheat and it keeps the pressure constant at the airbrush, which improves the quality of the paint job. It's also good if you're in a humid climate, as the tank acts as a moisture trap. Just make sure you open the valve at the bottom of the tank after every session to blow out the water or it'll rust.

I use the same compressor Nodri does, and it works great.

Being New to Airbrushing I figured I'd give you my newbie input also. Especially since I don't have a lot of time with any other models. A friend has the Iwata HP-C. Supposedly a NICE air brush without going all out price wise. I just picked up my first brush the other day a Iwata Neo (ran me like $64.99) from Hobby Lobby. I honestly Like it more than the HP-C. The trigger feels much smoother and it feels like it has better control over all.

Everyone is going to have their own opinions on which airbrush to use with what compressor and all. Its just finding one that you like the way it feels.

Hope my two cents helps. If not I'll gladly go Storm the Eye of Terror to make up for it and give Khorne an Imperial Boot in the Rear.

I use a neo also. Works great for me

Well, in all of your more experienced opinions, would something like this be suitable?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TOP-END-AIRBRUSH-COMPRESSOR-AS18-NEW-AIR-BRUSH-KIT-/380296526063?_trksid=p5197.m1998&_trkparms=aid%3D555001%26algo%3DPW.CURRENT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D18%26meid%3D6989382133428183092%26pid%3D100017%26prg%3D1006%26rk%3D1%26sd%3D140951739032%26

Or am I looking in the wrong kinda direction?

Here is the Iwata myself and Dr. Bizarre were talking about.
http://www.iwata-medea.com/products-type/neo-cn/
The Gravity Feed is what I have researched most people like. Once again its all Opinion. To get started the one your looking at would probably work perfectly well.
You would already have a compressor too if you went with the one on ebay and then later on upgraded to a different brush once you became more comfortable with it.

Hope the link helps!

Calloused wrote:
Well, in all of your more experienced opinions, would something like this be suitable?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TOP-END-AIRBRUSH-COMPRESSOR-AS18-NEW-AIR-BRUSH-KIT-/380296526063?_trksid=p5197.m1998&_trkparms=aid%3D555001%26algo%3DPW.CURRENT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D18%26meid%3D6989382133428183092%26pid%3D100017%26prg%3D1006%26rk%3D1%26sd%3D140951739032%26

Or am I looking in the wrong kinda direction?

I have the very same one myself and it works great

That kit should have no problems - you generally will not exceed 30psi in mini airbrushing.

I'd heartily recommend starting out with the cheapest airbrush you can as a noob, since in my personal experience you're likely to mess up your first airbrush via poor maintenance (or else decide airbrushing isn't for you - in either case going small up front is a good plan).

If you decide you're really into it, you might want to step up to a better brush, in which case I'd recommend either the Badger Renegade Spirit or Krome - the Krome is a refinement of the Renegade series so has some improvements, whereas I find the side-feed on the RS to be very useful. In either event, they have a very high level of parts commonality, so you won't have a problem getting replacement needles, nozzles, etc.

 Ouze wrote:
likely to mess up your first airbrush via poor maintenance (or else decide airbrushing isn't for you - in either case going small up front is a good plan).

^ is what has weighed against every decision, but I feel now, with all the wonderful help, advice, tips, and patience, that my odds of success, and progress, are pretty positive. You've all helped me so much, and I really appreciate it all.

Two options for good airbrush:
CHEAPER: http://www.coloureddust.com.pl/2013/02/airbrush-bd-208-chinese-k208.html
BETTER but expensive: http://www.coloureddust.com.pl/2013/03/airbrush-evolution-2in1-harder_15.html

the unbranded AS-186
load of companies like Iwata buy these compressors, put a case around them or maybe a different regulator and sell it as their own....
its cheap and really good if you maintain it well!

While not a starter airbrush, there is a really good one on sale on Amazon right now.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BROVIO/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It's a Sotar Badger 2020-F.
Normally a $400 or so high end airbrush. They apparently had a few they need to get rid of.
It is an excellent Dual action gravity feed with a set cup size.
The cup is fixed and a medium size, while the needle is a Fine size but can be changed to a larger tip and needle size.

I picked one up, and it is very nice feeling. the action is great just looking it over. It is good for detail work, but can be used for coverage spray with the larger tips.

Once I use it I'll put up a review.

If you are looking for less expensive, I can recommend the Iwata Neos CN gravity feed. I have that one also. $65 with a 40% off coupon from Hobby Lobby can't be beat
It works excellently so far.