the MRH Forum

Airbrush Recommendations Getting started
Reply
Active Member 64 posts okiebogs Active Member 64 posts
okiebogs

Hello, all!

I'm looking for recommendations on equipment to get started with airbrushing (For weathering and eventually custom painting).  I am currently looking at this starter set from Micro-Mark:

https://www.micromark.com/ULTIMATE-AIRBRUSH-OUTFIT

It looks like the various components can be had seperately from other manufacturers at lower prices though.  Is this a quality set to get started with?  Any recommendations for other places to start?  Thanks!

Alex Bogaski

"I've never been to heaven, but I've been to Oklahoma"
Reply 0
2tracks Regular poster 320 posts
2tracks

I have a Paasche double

action airbrush, gravity feed. I'm pretty new at airbrushing my self,  and I do like this machine.  A Google search " choosing an airbrush," you should get a link by a guy named airbrush guru. A lot of good info there.  I see the kit your looking at has valejoe paints. I like those paints, (acrylics) they have a wide variety of colors, they come in squeeze drop bottles and you can airbrush them right out of the bottle. I get mine from Burbank house of hobbies, they have a large selection and very expedient shipping...........happy painting.........

Jerry

"The Only Consistency Is The Inconsistency"
Reply 0
Greg Williams GregW66 Prolific poster 1,305 posts
Greg Williams GregW66

Airbrushes seem to be a very

Airbrushes seem to be a very personal thing. My preference is for something simple. I have a Paasche H that I've had for years and performs flawlessly every time. Granted, I don't do a lot of weathering with it so all I want is a nice even coat of paint. Someone who wants to do more with the brush might want something with more control such as a double action.

That said, a while back I was reading an article from a 1950s issue of Model Railroader. It was one of their first articles on airbrushing and the author bought a Paasche H. That tells me the company has a long track record for excellent, useful tools. So this is an endorsement of the Paasche brand, regardless of the model you choose.
Greg Williams
Superintendent - Eastern Canada Division - NMRA
Reply 0
Craig Townsend Super User 1,634 posts
Craig Townsend

Depends on your usage

First off, what type of airbrush are you looking for? Two common types of paint delivery; external mix and internal mix. External mix, the paint and air mix outside the airbrush. Typically these are single action airbrushes, where the trigger only controls the air. You can also get a internal mix, single action brush. An internal mix, the air and paint mix inside the brush. Typically these are double action brushes where you can control both the air and paint flow. If you are primarily using it just for painting a single action is better. If weathering, a double action. Than the whole issue of paint delivery; gravity or suction. Again, benefits and drawbacks to both. I would personally recommend either a Badger, or Passche. Craig


BN 8th Sub Blog
Facebook group
fb://group/424898032713171?ref=share
Reply 0
Craig Townsend Super User 1,634 posts
Craig Townsend

Tools required for airbrushing

Here's the minimum things you need to airbrush; an air supply and an airbrush. Is it nice to have a paint booth? Yes, but to you need one? I've been painting with an airbrush for 15 years now and have never used a paint booth. Because I only paint acrylics, I can open my garage door, lay down some cardboard scraps, and start painting. Personally, I think that a good quality air supply is much more important than some of the "sexier" tools people have for painting. I have a 5 gallon air compressor fitted with a air cleaner and pressure regulator that I use to provide air. Is it noise than a small airbrush compressor? Certainly, but does it kick on/off in the middle of a paint job? Nope. Plus, it has more uses around the house. What else do you need? A few q tips to clean the airbrush, and a few small jars for mixing paint. Micro-mark is a good supplier, but often you can find the same things for cheaper. Craig


BN 8th Sub Blog
Facebook group
fb://group/424898032713171?ref=share
Reply 0
David Husman dave1905 MRH Author 9,887 posts
David Husman dave1905

Paasche H

I also have a Paasche H and have been using it for over 25 years.  Good, rugged, basic airbrush.

If you don't want to buy a compressor or can't have the compressor noise (apartment or babies), buy a portable air tank (auto supply stores, Harbor Freight) that you can fill to 150 psi or more, then bring it home, will have enough air to paint a car or two.  May need to get an adaptor fitting from the air tank to the airbrush line (Paasche, Micromark or an art supply store sells them).

Dave Husman

Visit my website :  https://wnbranch.com/

Blog index:  Dave Husman Blog Index
Reply 0
parkerlocoworks Regular poster 118 posts
parkerlocoworks

Iwata Neo

All good comments, and you'll get a lot of different answers on which airbrush is "best".  I've personally used both Paasche H and VL types and they were great brushes to learn on. I moved to an Iwata Revolution and have never gone back to my Paasche's. If you are looking for a great little starter set, look at the Iwata Neo and accompanying small air supply from Hobby Lobby (and use the coupon!). My good friend picked this set up after seeing my work and talking with me and he loves it for a beginner. I've used it as well to teach him and it's great to learn on. The small air supply will give you plenty of pressure to do some weathering.

I agree with the comments that say get a good air supply. I've got a 3 gallon 150 psi compressor that is loud when running, but once it builds pressure, I can spray 2 or 3 full N scale paint jobs on one tank. A spray booth isn't necessary either, especially to weather. I built one from an old cabinet and bathroom fan and it works wonders when I do big projects.

It's all going to come down with what feels good in your hand and what you find most comfortable. If you do have a Hobby Lobby, they may let you hold the brushes and play with the action to see what you like.

The Vallejo paints are great to start with and very easy to mix and spray. You'll be happy with those if you decide to stick with the acrylic route. I like solvent paints and use Tru Color.

Lastly, TrainmastersTV did a great airbrushing segment, I believe there were 4 total. The guy doing the demos was an Iwata rep, so there is a little bias, but I thought he did a great job of showing you how to use a brush effectively and wasn't a salesman.

Doug M.

Parker, CO

Protolancing the Arizona & California RR in N scale

 
Reply 0
Deemiorgos Super User 7,338 posts
Deemiorgos

I got an Iwata Eclipse as a

I got an Iwata Eclipse as a gift and so far like it though I am a novice when it comes to airbrushing. Will keep an eye on this thread.

 
Reply 0
Michael Graff Graffen Super User 428 posts
Michael Graff Graffen

Buy a good compressor!

As written above, spend your money on a GOOD air supply first!

A nice, oil cooled and silent air compressor will give you many years of service.

I use Sil-air T-30's and T-50's exclusively.

Then get an array of airbrushes! 

Buy some dirt cheap top feed double action airbrushes from Wish, or Ali.

See what will suit your style of painting, different needles and nozzles.

Then, and only then, should you invest in some expensive airbrushes!

I use Badger extreme Patriot, Sotar 20-20, H&S Infinity (and Evolution), Iwata Cm-B and Hp-C.

 

Michael Graff, cultural heritage advisor for the Church of Sweden.

"Deo adjuvante labor proficit"
Reply 0
Reply