Airbrushing – A Short Primer on equipment.
When I started airbrushing a few years ago I scoured the internet for information about what to do and gathered some information and bought some stuff. Some of it broke, some of it I still have. Hopefully this post can save you some frustration if you are looking to get into air brushing.
To begin with I will share a bit of my philosophy about art supply/tool purchasing. Don’t buy the cheapest thing out there just to save a buck. What ends up happening is that you have a frustrating experience with it and you artistic endeavor suffers. Do a bit of research and get something that you will have a quality experience with and won’t “break the bank” and will last you a while. This way you will have the tool for a while and it will be a joy to use and it will help you create better pieces.
A good initial airbrush to get is a Paasche Model-h
Buy the set for around 60$. It can spray just about anything from acrylics to oils to varnish, and is easy to clean. When you get it throw the glass jars it comes with in the garbage, the only useful way to use it is with the side color cup, its the little chrome thing. This is a single action airbrush.
Single action means: Pushing down on the trigger gives you both paint and air.
If you want to get a nicer air brush I would recommend an Iwata. I have a Iwata Revolution BR.
This airbrush is a double action airbrush meaning: Pushing down on the trigger gives you air, pulling back on the trigger gives you paint.
Next you will need a decent compressor. I initially bought one from Harbor Freight. I broke it. It was a decent compressor. I would recommend it, just don’t break it.
After I broke my compressor I got a Silent Air Scorpion IIW I love it. It shuts off when I am not using it, I don’t think the harbor freight one did that, and it is very quiet. I also put a manifold on it so I have both of my airbrushes on it at all times. I like this setup.
I buy all my airbrush gear at Dixie Art
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{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Great info, and just in time for me
Love the site, please thank Angela for sending me here, I know I will!
Nice to see ya here Steve
Grim
Don't be to happy, I plan on picking your brain about ait brushing equipment. I want to paint/detail the stones I'm making this year using an airbrush rather than dry brushing.
Thanks for the information. Purchased a bunch of equipment last year in hopes of working on props and face painting. Did a little of the latter. This really helped me understand where I need to start. Off to start playing.
Thanks!
Cheers!
What is your opinion on the following airbrush? I picked up a Bager 350 at "Michaels" I used a 40% coupon I received from signing up online and picked it up for a song. It normally retails for around $100.00 and comes with everything you need to get started excluding an air source. I picked up a conversion valve online for around $7.00 plus shipping- to be able to use a spare tire instead of a pricey compressor or compressed air cans. I use it mainly for shading props, and have had no problems with it so far.
Stay True~
FMI
Looks like a good external mix airbrush like the Paasche Model-H. Easy to use and clean I bet.
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