Airbrushes

Here watch this video, it'll help you figure out what you want and what you should get. This guys got a lot of helpful good information too if you're starting out. Airbrushing - how to get started for cheap - YouTube


I personally bought this > http://www.tcpglobal.com/airbrushdepot/itemdetail.aspx?itemno=ECO+KIT-17-CRE

It gets the job done. The compressor on the other hand I'd definitely not bother with unless your working on small projects. It has about 20 minutes of use then shuts off due to the motor overheating then you have to wait like 20 minutes for it to cool down. It's frustrating and wastes materials and can affect the quality of the product your working on. If you're going for a compressor get the Craftsman one in the guys video, they run about for about $90 dollars which is a good price. Now the Craftsman is definitely loud when running so its more for outside work and the smaller compressor is quiet enough to work inside. If you get a Craftsman then pick up a water trap from this link > http://www.tcpglobal.com/airbrushdepot/abfilter.aspx . If you're willing to spend more on an airbrush I'd definitely go for a Paasche Talon, Badger Patriot, or an IWATA if you want. Hope this helps a little. Theres plenty of other information/reviews on youtube and other places that'll help you make a decision.


Then you gotta learn basic stuff like how to clean your brush, how to thin your paint to the consistancy of milk, how to switch paint colors, psi. . Once you understand how it works then its been a pretty fun to use.:)
 
Last edited by a moderator:
It might be worth getting a good compressor and a cheap brush at first to learn the basics. Then you step up to a better brush. That's cheaper than getting a new compressor as well once you want to get serious.
 
Thanks Icemonkey! I have a big(massive) compressor that I was considering using. I will likely buy a cheap airbrush and practice with it prior to spending any massive amount of money.
 
I started with a Pachee H 12 years ago when I was 18. Then I moved on to a badger 200 or 300...then an Iwata double action. I used to spray thicker latex paints and always dealt with airbrushes being clogged. When using good acrylics though I never had an issue either way. My idea for thick paints was to use the double action badger to apply basecoats and then do shading, lines, and delicate stuff with the expensive Iwata. These days when painting a latex mask with thick latex paints I use a brush for base coats and then airbrush with FW inks as they can thinned out a ton. They're really great paints.

Obviously with a Fett helmet you just need a working airbrush that applies nice and even coats and is consistent. Just make sure to invest in a decent capacity compressor as that can make a world of difference. The hobby or art shop desk compressors are loud and don't hold enough air to work quietly in my opinion and that's important when I'm in my studio/collection room and have a sleeping newborn down the hall in his bedroom.

Best advice I can give you is to always keep your airbrush perfectly cleaned in between uses. Nothing will wear your airbrush down faster and ruin needle tips and bottles worse than leaving paint in from the night before or just not doing a strict cleaning.

Lastly, monstermakers.com sells a quick change airbrush for applying colors fast and even supposedly without having to clean in between colors. I believe it's $20 or less but I haven't tried it out yet. Of course you get what you pay for but you don't have to go nuts. Check craigslist for a used compressor. Rather than spend $300-500 on a new compressor when mine died, I paid $50 for one that the person barely used at all and just wanted to sell it quick.

- - - Updated - - -

It might be worth getting a good compressor and a cheap brush at first to learn the basics. Then you step up to a better brush. That's cheaper than getting a new compressor as well once you want to get serious.

I agree. Honestly, an airbrush is only as good as the person using it. No sense in going out and buying some expensive Iwata at first if you have no clue how to apply the paint correctly using it. Though there's a difference between just needing to apply even coats of colors and actually having to do layered detail work with thinned inks (veins, stippling, mottling, etc.).

I've even heard of people using automotive spray guns from hardware stores for their props that need quick even basecoats.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Iwata HP line is amazing. I started out with a HP-c then moved up to an HP-A. U cant go wrong. Slings paint as thick as mud and easy as heck to clean
 
This thread is more than 11 years old.

Your message may be considered spam for the following reasons:

  1. This thread hasn't been active in some time. A new post in this thread might not contribute constructively to this discussion after so long.
If you wish to reply despite these issues, check the box below before replying.
Be aware that malicious compliance may result in more severe penalties.
Back
Top