Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you: No adverts like this in the forums anymore. Times and dates in your local timezone. Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance. Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely. Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net. If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

After a resurge in painting I've come to the conclusion that I HATE THOSE FETHING GAK spray cans.
The disadvantages, as you all know, are tremendous and I don't think I can keep my satisfaction with my results high enough with a bad primer and a bad basecoat.

So I did some research and made the following list on what I'd need.

1. Airbrush
decided to go for a Harder & Steenbeck Evolution CRplus.
These things always seem to get a good critique and the advantage of being able to use any cleaner including acetone seem to make keeping it neat and tidy a good choice.

2. Hose
Afaik the braided hoses are the better ones. At least that's what I figured from reading about it.

3. Couplings
More research to be done to find the correct ones, though I'd wager those from H&S might work pretty well

4. Compressor
There comes the big one. I know I need one with a tank. Moisture traps are mandatory. But there it pretty much ends...
Since I plan to work in my living room I'd really prefer a not-so-noisy one. Oilfree for low maintenance (not that much of a technical guy).

5. Various components
Cleaning Station
Cleaning Equipment (already got a cheap ultrasonic cleaner, though there are cleaning kits to be had)
Spray booth (optional for acrylics?)
Paint thinners, paints, yadda yadda, the obvious stuff.

Am I missing something?

Trying to keep it short...

1. I got myself a H&S Evolution Silverline not long ago and have just started to use it, seems to be pretty darn good.

2. Braided hoses are the only way to go. They are way easier to handle and don't get stuck everywhere.

3. Yes, the H&S couplings are really good and easy to use. (I got the male connector included with my Airbrush)

4. I currently use a "noname" compressor, AS-186. I have found it very good value and it is pretty darn quiet and gets the job done. I might upgrade someday but sofar it's not the bottleneck in my setup. (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mini-Airbrush-Compressor-With-AS186/dp/B004Y4JSPQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1403527584&sr=8-2&keywords=as-186)

5a. Cleaningstations are nice, but tbh, a larger soda bottle with a hole cut to dump excess cleaner and paint works pretty good aswell.
5b. Be careful with cleaningkits, most manufacturers actually don't recommend them since it's very easy to damage the nozzle. Also, when using the ultrasonic. Make sure there are no seals that don't like chemical cleaners left in there. The airflow assembly should never need a US cleaning.
5c. Spraybooth can be a good idea, not for the fumes but to collect the dust. I have seen a few people buying the ready made booth and don't connect the outlet hose. Just letting the filter collect the paintdust.
5d. Recommended is looking at the cleaner and thinner the paintmanufacturer has. Then you know they work together. Thinning with water and cleaning with windex works but might not always be the best solution.

I think you got a pretty good grasp

Thanks for the advice, especially on the comp!
Got it all sorted now I think, now I just need myself to finish painting the few models that still need it and push the purchase button.. All in all it comes out as expected at a reasonable 300€.
Plus the Dreads and Landraiders I'm going to do with this, ofc.
FML.