First purchase of an Air brush

I have been working on alot of projects and now I need to start thinking about finishing some of them. I need to invest in a good but not to pricy airbrush and compressor. There are so many types and styles that I dont know where to begain.
Would you please give me some pro's and con's of models of airbrushes that you have or would recommend me using.
Also what paints do you recommend useing for plastic and wood models.
Thank You in advance for any help.


Steve aka "Slugger"

My suggestion comes with a question! Are you looking for an airbrush for fine detail, or to coat the item you are working on?

If it is to coat the item you are working on, a simple $10.00 job at Harbor Freight will do the job, but a sophisticated jobber could cost $100 plus easily!!!

Personally, I use a $10.00 airbrush that I got 10 years ago along with a 1 gal capacity air compressor. The airbrush closely resembles the $10.00 one from Harbor Freight. I have two other more expensive airbrushes, but I seem to like the older $10.00 airbrush the best. And it is easier to clean afterwards!

You might want to give Harbor Freight a try.

Hobo Tim

TIM
Good question. I quess for now the cheaper one would work for the projects i have. They mostly need just one color to coat the whole model with no detail work but i will be willing to spend the $100.00 or so if i can plan on useing an airbrush that does fine detail work and i can use for many years to come.
I will check out Harbor Freight. Thanks

Steve aka "Slugger"

best airbrushes i ve ever bought came from airbrush depot,, check them out. i started doing artwork in airbrushes some years ago, with practice, i became pretty good with a brush. i ve done a few motor bikes, and pin stripping on cars for friends,, and now i ve using my airbrushes on my layout, theyre great!!! i have a 1 gallon 40 buk compressor in another room in my basement, so the scream from it doesn t get to you. from there a 50 foot 1/4 inch hose to an airhose addapter, finally to a station of 8 brushes. you can regulate the airbrushes from the station. when im using my airbrushes , i usually have 5 on the go, so less cleaning, and you dont waste paint.

at airbrush depot, they have a MASTER,, think 35 buks. i have 3 of those with top pots. then i bought 4 of the sb 84 models at 50 buks each,, but they have the bottle under, the top pot, and even the tube n cap to use paint right from a jar,, these i find the best,,,easyiest to clean, and the finest tip pointage of any other i have. i also have a 160 finepoint,,,not worth the money i paid for it!!! which goes to show,, the most expensive isn t always the best.

lastly airbrush depot has over 1000 colours you can buy,, oils, waters, and even car paints. they have everything to get you rolling,, the cheapest n best brushes i ve ever seen, and the paint is top quality!!! check them out!!!

Thanks for the Info!!! I will definitely check them out!!!

Hobo Tim

I am definitely a cheap airbrush type. I use a so-called Testors Mighty Mini with its own goofy compressor....something like $70? and acrylic enamel paints. I have a lot of fun with this combo, suits all my repainting needs, no detail work or anything.

I pick up a double action Badger airbrush that sells for $150 for $65 from Badger. There suppose to small blemish, but I didnt see it, and the looks doesnt interfere with the operation of the airbrush. I also have another Badger that I been using for 30 years.

I find the finer controls really helps in weathering, specially if you want to paint small areas like fans and grills.

if you can,, find a place that gives lessons on airbrushing,, it really helps to know how to use it right!! try your tool stores, or craft stores,,lee valley has a great course up here,,shows how to mix paints, and to use the brush to your best potential. theres spraying an airbrush,, and knowing how to spray! canada mike