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So, after getting to play with one a bit, and having constantly seen what people can achieve with them... I decided I'd like to pick up an airbrush. Now, I'm someone who likes to go all in on something and get the best possible... But, sadly money stops me on this, as that can get immensely expensive with airbrushes! I'd at most like to spend £200, but I'd like to know what the minimum to get nicely set up with is. Is it worth spending more, does it not matter so much, is there comparable for cheaper? Basically, looking for recommendations around that price range!

Does the £200 include a compressor?

I'm sure a lot of people will tell you to buy an Iwata, Badger etc airbrush (i.e. a well respected brand) but when coupled with a compressor (must really be with a tank) it can get expensive.

Having said that this article by a fellow dakka user is good:

http://blog.workbenchwarriors.com/2014/03/27/833/

I approached things a little differently though. I figured that rather than drop 200 quid+ and not get on with an airbrush I'd start small and upgrade.

I went for a generic airbrush http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/AIR-BRUSH-PRO-BD-180-AIRBRUSH-FROM-CHRONOS-/370664115306?pt=UK_Crafts_DrawingSupplies_EH&hash=item564d4d8c6a which is similar to an Iwata etc (chinese remake I think) coupled with a cheaper compressor like this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/High-Performance-Professional-Airbrush-Compressor-With-Tank-And-Shield-As186-/151226769221

I took the view that with the airbrush itself I may ruin it through not cleaning properly (or bending the needle which I did do) and so would rather use a £30 or less airbrush as a learning tool. Likewise the compressor is basic, but gives you the idea and does the job.

I have found that set up to be fine for me as a beginner (although I'm usually with you regarding the all or nothing approach!). I look at it as I can upgrade the brush / compressor as and when.

Hope this helps.

If someone gave me £200 and said "go and buy an airbrush and compressor for yourself" this is what I'd buy:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mini-Twin-Airbrush-Compressor-With-Tank-AS196-Kit-/120986583932?pt=UK_Crafts_DrawingSupplies_EH&hash=item1c2b5cc37c

I recommend this because this is exactly what I did buy when I first started. Back along I would've argued about asking yourself "how serious am I?" and how buying a decent airbrush straight away (if you were serious) would be the way to go. However, buying something like that kit (especially if you've never even held an airbrush yet) will, as it did for me, leave you a bunch of money to buy things like airbrush thinners, an airbrush station, ultrasonic cleaner etc... Yes, the latter two things are optional but they make airbrushing so much easier.

Also, even though I own Iwata and Harder & Steenbeck airbrushes I still use the one that comes included in that kit - quite a lot actually! It's a good little brush.

Hope this helps, too.

I started with a Masters G22 which was like $29. It was a great brush to learn on and not such a big deal to mess up when learning how to clean and take care of it. I still have it and use it for spraying varnishes.

I upgraded to a Badger Patrior 105 and honestly there is a BIG difference. The trigger is much more reactive (there is no dead space between pulling down and back like there is with the Masters). The milling is much better and tighter and the openings like in the cup are bigger for easier cleaning.

One other thing to look at is the cost of replacement parts. At some point you will have to replace the needle. rubber seals etc. The Masters needle is actually more than the badger replacement....

On a similar note. Look and see what the stores around you carry for replacement parts. It sucks when you are sitting down to spray and need something for your airbrush and then have to wait a week or more to get a part you need.

These are all things to consider when buying an airbrush.

If you want to get a good idea of other things you will need to factor in your total cost. I have a list on my blog.

I started with a Iwata-medea Eclipse Hp Cs

Most of the stuff I have read, is don't cheap out on your compressor.

Buying a cheap airbrush is clearly a great idea, because you are going to break something. And if by some miracle you don't as pointed out, now you have a airbrush for varnishing and stuff you don't want to muddy up your good brush with.

I have already in a few months time had to replace my nozzle. Which I destroyed, and I clearly have nicked my needle, but it is still working thank god.


So in summary. A cheap compressor will be a poor investment. Where as a cheap airbrush can be a good investment.


Other things you need to factor in.

Are you going to be working in a very well ventilated space? If not you need to look at the cost of a respirator. Or a spray booth. I was having my throat severely irritated until I got my respirator.

Are you going to get really frustrated with the process of thinning your own paints? Now you need to factor buying airbrush paints.

You are going to need a cleaning pot. http://www.iwata-medea.com/products/accessories/table-top-cleaning-station/

If you are severely limited by money I would consider just start saving over the course of a year. Work on your brushwork in the meantime. Instead of just jumping in to airbrushing.
Patience can also be rewarded, you might decide painting miniatures is no longer interesting to you. Or you could watch for things to come on sale.

Thanks for the replies everyone. It seems one of the better ways to go about this is get a really good compressor and start myself off with a cheaper airbrush. I'll have to look into getting a respirator as well.