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.

This isn't another "Aribrush work sucks" thread so please keep that elsewhere.

I'm no artist but in my few short months I'm now somewhat of an addict. I've been watching as many vids as I can to learn techniques and such and am feeling more and more confident with my painting. I know I have a very long way to go to get to the point where I'm truly satisfied with my work.

I've noticed somethings that I really like about what I see with airbrushing. Things like priming and applying a base coat which speeds things up, but the most intriguing thing for me is shading. Especially on flesh and using also using the spray as a natural shading from where it would come from a light source. I realize this is something that will take a lot of practice to achieve, but I'm pretty motivated.

That being said, I am still on the fence. I feel like I still have so much to learn with a conventional brush, but also want to expand my skill set. Would it be too soon to start learning how to properly use another tool? Will it offset my learning path with the brush?

The other thing is tools and cost. I was looking at the Iwata Neo, but it has a 0.35 needle size which, if I understand correctly is a little big for small detail. The cost is very reasonable. The other one I was looking at is the Harder and Steenbeck Evolution Solo which comes with a 0.2 needle, but you can also switch out to other needle sizes to customize how you want to paint. The entry price is high for a first time user.

I know about compressors and will likely get a Master one with a regulator and water trap. Not sure about whether I would get the one with the extra tank or not. This is all assuming I bite.

The last thing I'm concerned about, and probably most importantly is safety. I have small kids and don't want them breathing in paint. Is a ventilated painting booth required for this? If I just cut up a box and do all the spraying in the box at my work station, will this suffice?

Ultimately, I want to a have another tool to use to enjoy the hobby. I'd hate to spend all that cash and be "meh" about it, so any guidance would be very much appreciated.

Sorry for the wall of text and thanks for reading!

I have both of those airbrushes, and some others ha... but the Iwata Neo (gravity fed) with the Pistol Grip is simply the best for priming and basecoats. I love that thing.

The H&S is a more precision tool but it's also quite a bit more challenging to learn with - you'll be fighting the clog-game a lot, and the nozzles are also very fragile.

Honestly I wouldn't worry about trying to do extremely small details, most everything you want to do can be achieved with the .35.

I'd keep it cheap with the Neo (pistol grip is awesome!!) and a compressor with a TANK to cut down noise with your family.

As for fumes and such you can buy portable, fairly cheap spray booths from amazon and micromark, but a box would work. The only issue is spraying cleaners and varnishes really. I have a glass jar filled with paper towels and a spunge and I do all my sprayoff cleaning into that.