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Hey everyone, I've decided its time to move to air brushes are watching a great tutorial on what they can do. The only issue is i know nothing about them. I have a very tight budget but obviously would like a very high quality product. Something that would give really good control of spray so that a very very fine layer can be applied just to give a subtle tone. This is what I'd like and I would rather pay a little more than risk a poor quality sprayer.

I also would love to know whats involved with on going costs and maintenance. Just to know what I'm getting myself into. Thanks in advance for all the help

Iwata Eclipse is a great beginner air brush that will serve you for years. It's inexpensive, easy to get parts and needles for at a lot of hobby stores, and is pretty durable. I think you want the HPC unit. Make sure you get a top feed unit and a decent compressor. A good compressor with a good water trap will save you a lot of frustration and learning curve.
I liked my Iwata but have moved ion to the the Grex air brushes. For me the pistol grip is the best. Justin at Secret Weapon Miniatures (google them) really likes the Chrome (I think it is made by Badger) and he offers some pretty good deals in them.

Awesome thanks that's a huge help any particular paints that work best? One that could be found easily?

I have been a fan of the Vallejo game air paints but there are several good ones out there. Every paint is different. When I spray Vallejo black I drop my air pressure way down and the white way up. Any paint you chose will require some guess work for thinning and pressure. Most of the Vallejo Game Air I have successfully used straight from the pot.

 vorrax-ghul wrote:
Awesome thanks that's a huge help any particular paints that work best? One that could be found easily?

Any acrylic paint (GW, P3, Vallejo, Badger, Reaper- heck, even Acrylic Craft paint from a craft store) can be used in an airbrush. Indeed, almost any kind of paint can be used in an airbrush, but each kind requires it's own special kind of set up. Stick with acrylic paints. The thing with any paint in an airbrush- you have to thin them down. Some require more thinning than others. You'll see a ton of advice on how to do this all over the place. For me? I use Vallejo Flow Improver and water. Here is a nice Dakka Dakka post on that topic: http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/619411.page

About an airbrush- remember that an airbrush is a tool. If you are just starting out, any airbrush will do- but I'd recommend looking at some of the airbrush threads around here on Dakka to see what everyone else uses. What I'm trying to say is, for your first airbrush, double action, gravity fed, and a 0.25mm needle are about all you will need to get started. Don't forget about the air compressor! Try to get one with a moisture trap on it (takes all the water out of the air), and one with a tank on it. Something like this: http://www.amazon.com/Master-Airbrush-Compressor-Regulator-Exclusively/dp/B001BJFHAW No, I'm not pushing this particular brand, but it has a lot of nice features. Notice it doesn't have a tank? That means it will be running the entire time you are air brushing. Some of these compressors are stupid loud, others are not so bad. I actually use this one: http://www.amazon.com/Iwata-Medea-Studio-Silver-Single-Compressor/dp/B000BQPNVY/ref=sr_1_2?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1455245761&sr=1-2&keywords=silver+jet+air I did a lot of research, and while this one wasn't the best on the market, it was very good. It's also quiet. I'm on my third airbrush now, but I've kept using the same compressor. My advice: Don't skimp on the compressor. If you want the top of the line, best in class air compressor, you are going to be paying some money. Here is one of the best: http://www.amazon.com/Iwata-Medea-Studio-Double-Piston-Compressor/dp/B000PIETN6/ref=sr_1_10?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1455246064&sr=1-10&keywords=iwata+airbrush+compressor I don't recommend something like that unless you plan on air brushing for a living or professionally or something.

I'm currently running a Badger airbrush: http://www.amazon.com/Badger-Air-Brush-2020-2F-Gravity-Airbrush/dp/B000BROVIO/ref=sr_1_2?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1455245976&sr=1-2&keywords=badger+airbrush For my level and how I'm painting, this one is great. I use the "fine" 0.19mm needle, and it's been great.

Keep doing your research! This was one of the best airbrush videos I found while looking for my second airbrush. I wish I had seen this one when I started out. It's long (over an hour and a half), but it's GOOD STUFF. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsW-vN0_lHw

There are a bunch of threads on the topic here on Dakka with recommendations and explanation for those recommendations. I'd recommend you search around.


But in the case you don't; get a compressor with a tank.

As for airbrush brand; check which brands are available in your country and which ones you can get parts for most easily.


Also, you'll need something to filter the paint particles, so a particle mask will do if it's just you, if there are other people or pets in the room, you'll need a spray booth.

As for overall cost, it can be quite costly depending on how fancy you want your setup.
I'll list some of the stuff I bought(pretty much all off ebay) when setting up my stuff, excluding the actual airbrush and compressor:

Nozzle reamer for cleaning
Cleaning brushes(get interdental brushes, not the wire cleaners often sold as airbrush cleaning brushes)
Airbrush lube
Quick-release connector
Dropper bottles for my GW paints
Cleaning jar for spraying cleaner, water and leftover paint into
Various airbrush related liquids, such as flow-improver, cleaner, thinner

Of all those things I'd say the reamer is the most essential tool.

That video was really helpful thanks pretty much told me what i need to know tech wise. I guess all that's left is any little tricks anyone knows?