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Hi all,

I'm looking at getting a cheapo airbrush for priming stuff and getting lots of stuff basecoated. But I'm not sure if the jump from spray primer and a brush to airbrushed model will look out of place in my collection.

Does anyone have any comparisons between spray-brush and airbrush on something like a Space Marine? Is the finish really different?

If you're just base coating, you can get somewhat similar results with rattle cans by spraying with one color and zenithal highlighting with another. There are a lot of variables in play that will affect the final result, though, and that is where airbrushes are more convenient and consistent. In general, a well-done airbrush job will always have a more consistent texture and smoother color gradients and transitions than anything you can do with spray cans or hairy brushes. Especially when you're talking about the difference between spray cans and airbrushes, there's no comparison between the amount of fine control you have.

I think you'll notice a big difference to begin with as airbrush techniques are a lot different to brush techniques, but its all to do with skill and practice.

This is a brush painted model from tale of painters



And this is one airbrushed (though there are some bits that are still hand painted



Though the colours are different, they are different styles but you can clearly see the difference.

However, buying an airbrush will not automatically make your models better, effectively you'll be starting from square one again with an airbrush as you'll have to learn an entirely different technique altogether.

From what you've shown me there's a lot of difference, but the second image isn't what I'm aiming for. And I know I'll suck at the beginning because it's something brand new.

But if I were to use it as a way of getting a model primed and basecoated, is that going to show a real difference side by side?

I'm not trying to get that blended cartoony effect, just a.quick way to colour stuff without using rattle cans.

For priming and basecoating, probably not so long as you don't have a heavy trigger finger

I personally go for the blended cartoony style, so take that for what it's worth. However, there are many nice things about using an airbrush over rattler cans even if you're just priming and basing. For instance, you can prime and spray indoors and largely ignore the weather. A little bit of paint goes a long way in an airbrush, and you definitely will have more control with one. If you're looking for a convenient and consistent way to prime and base your models then airbrushing is where it's at, but if things like weather and climate don't affect you very much and you don't care about blending or shading then rattle cans will work just fine.

I don't even know how much time airbrushing has saved me, but my painting style is very different from the GW method. I normally only use washes to break up lines and I shade almost entirely by layering and glazing, starting with my darkest shade color and working it up. That took me a long time to do by hand but it's simple with an airbrush. However, if you do paint according to the GW method then it will be more a matter of convenience not having to wait for the right conditions to prime and paint.

Alright, that sounds pretty good to me. That's all I think I'll be using it for.

Thanks for the help!