Air Brushes?

Eric · Joined: 27 Dec 2010 Posts: 532

So I may possibly be in the market for an air brush. I've never used one before so I am looking for some advice. Price is not a huge issue (within reason), but I also don't want one with so many options or attachments that i'll never figure it out. I would also like it to be compact enough that I can use it on a normal size desk indoors.

Basically, what I want is a good middle tier model that will give me enough flexibility to grow and so as to be useful for a long time, but no so high as to require a graphics design degree to be able to use.

Does anyone have any suggestions or recommendations? I have not heard good things about the GW air brush, but that is all that I have heard really.

Thanks,

e.
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Rushputin · Posted: Tue Feb 14, 2012 11:30 am Post subject:

The GW brush is for basecoating only. It's actually not a bad option for getting an even coat of paint over a lot of surface without much hassle.

If you actually want to start painting with the airbrush, though, it's insufficient.

I've got an Iwata Eclipse HP-CS airbrush; I did a lot of reading and poking around and it was fairly well recommended as a solid, mid-tier airbrush for mini painting. I've been very happy with it (considerably less so with my ability to actually paint with an airbrush).

Regardless of brand & model, you definitely want something dual-actioned, so you can fine tune your spray, and gravity-fed, so you can swap out colors more simply and paint without needing to fill half a jar with paint. You'll also need an air compressor for a steady, consistent air pressure you can control.
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Rushputin · Posted: Tue Feb 14, 2012 11:31 am Post subject:

Also, this should be relevant to your interests: http://www.badgerairbrush.com/PDF/airbrush101printfinal.pdf
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Rush - Warpstone Pile

"My experience with Warhammer is that pretty much everything in the setting actually existed in real life, only in real life it was bigger, stupider, sillier, ruder, exploded more often and killed more people." - SteveD

parker781 · Joined: 25 Aug 2011 Posts: 149 Location: Fairfax, Va

I own a badger like beginner basic airbrush that I use for basecoating large amounts of models and I use the small cans of compressed air.
If you are looking for bascoating and basecoating only. I would definitely suggest buying a decent mid tier one that would allow you to actually paint the model to if you wanted (or do other art work). My airbrush is annoying to use, especially with canned O2 because I cannot use it for a long time, so a compressor would be the best way to go there. Mine also isnt gravity fed which also sucks because that is a much better way.

Badger makes pretty good airbrushes in the mid tier to high end range. A while back I watched a lot of videos on this stuff and I learned that in the mid to high range most of the airbrushes work great they just have subtle differences that some people prefer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQE1yTwjaGY&feature=related

Heres a basics video but cruise the videos that pop up next to it, people airbrushing model tanks and such, when you see people paint with it you understand its capability its pretty mindblowing.
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Eric · Joined: 27 Dec 2010 Posts: 532

Great! Thanks for the very helpful comments and suggestions!
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Arromanche · Posted: Mon Oct 08, 2012 9:44 am Post subject:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsW-vN0_lHw&feature=plcp
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AshleyE · Joined: 18 Apr 2011 Posts: 339 Location: Fairfax, VA

I've heard really good things about this kit: http://www.harborfreight.com/1-5-hp-58-psi-compressor-and-airbrush-kit-95630.html

It comes with everything you need to get started in airbrushing, including an air compressor. The airbrush itself isn't anything fancy, but if you screw it up, it's inexpensive to replace.

This is the kit I'm going to buy as soon as I have $100 laying around. The plan is that I'm going to airbrush my Space Wolves.
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Rushputin · Posted: Mon Oct 08, 2012 5:40 pm Post subject:

In the seminar, Justin didn't say much positive about the Harbor Freight stuff beyond that was cheap enough that he didn't have to worry about unintentionally destroying it.

I picked up a Badger Krome after the seminar and have been very happy with it. The SecretWeapon Krome kits are... more than $100, but look to give really solid value.
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Rush - Warpstone Pile

"My experience with Warhammer is that pretty much everything in the setting actually existed in real life, only in real life it was bigger, stupider, sillier, ruder, exploded more often and killed more people." - SteveD

paidinfull · Joined: 20 Dec 2010 Posts: 165

Rich has made some good comments, though I would add staying away from anything with a nozzle of .3mm or greater if you want to work with detailing minis. Similarly, you really, really want a gravity feed.

I own both a Badger 150 and a Krome, but I definitely learned the hard way.

Similarly, you'll definitely want a compressor with a tank.