Hi,
I'm wanting to buy an airbrush to paint foamies etc and need some advice on what to buy.
Styles, sizes, brands etc.

I notice lots of kits on ebay selling anywhere from $20-$200. I don't need anything flash but I don't want to wind up with some useless piece of junk either. So I am willing to pay for something that will last me for some time.

And what accessories should I get with it? I already have a compressor.

Thanks.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Paasche-H...f#ht_743wt_689

I read a suggestion a while back that said get the best compressor you can and the cheapest airbrush you can find. I think given the relatively large area of our models compared to static plastic models then you don't need the same level of finesse. My Stuka was done with a $10 bunnings airbrush, masked with regular masking tape including the markings. One thing I did spend some money on was Tamiya paints as I have airbrushed with them many years ago and know they work well.

I have a $10 brush and a $200 Iwata brush. I seem to use the $10 brush more because it's easier to clean and not as fiddly.
The Iwata is good for the finer more arty type paint jobs.

I just got all of my airbrush equipment off this ebay store. Good quality equipment and hasn't missed a beat.

It's a lot to take in about how airbrushes operated and what equipment should be used for certain situations (i.e. needle diameter), but the best piece of advice i can give you is to look up Youtube.

Thanks guys

Doesn't look like I'm going to have to spend a lot for my needs.

A couple of quick questions.

Gravity or suction, which is better, or which is more suitable for our larger scale models?

Single or dual action?

Originally Posted by brett.c

Thanks guys

Doesn't look like I'm going to have to spend a lot for my needs.

A couple of quick questions.

Gravity or suction, which is better, or which is more suitable for our larger scale models?

Single or dual action?

I have always used suction type guns, I find them easier to put down and refill a jar.

A dual action will give better start and finish without any splatters and will allow better paint flow control, a single will be more like using a spray pack, its on or its off

I seen these & am considering buying the top 3. Definitely value for money considering that I paid $125.00 for my single action Aztek airbrush 15 years ago. It is still serving well, but I have found it would really handy to have an extra gun when painting multiple colours.
As for accessories a water trap is good and so is lots of facemasks!


This is good value at $17.99
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...rush_set_.html

This is excellent value at $24.95
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...brush_set.html

This would be very handy & could be used as an airbrush as well - $19.99
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...ting_gun_.html

Value (It'll do the job!) $5.99
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...rush_set_.html

I got one of these after doing a whole lot of research. I find it heaps better than my cheapy ones. I love how fine you can get the mist, and how much control I have over the amount of paint it uses.

It's easy to clean too, and it sprays a wide variety of paint. I've even sprayed 2 pack through it!

Originally Posted by munce31

I just got all of my airbrush equipment off this ebay store. Good quality equipment and hasn't missed a beat.

Cheers, I grabbed this one for $25. http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/NEW-DUAL-...78507015511287

I'm sure it will do what I want for now and if I get more into airbrushing I may get something better.

Thanks for your advice guys, much appreciated

That's a good buy Brett C. Really good deal as well. I recommend those who are in the market for one, get onto the dynamic power airbrushes.

+1 for a good compressor. Definately get a dedicated airbrush compressor, if you haven't already, unless you don't mind earplugs

Originally Posted by Cheap aeros

+1 for a good compressor. Definately get a dedicated airbrush compressor, if you haven't already, unless you don't mind earplugs

I have my old 12cfm chugger that I built up 25 years ago. It's way oversized so I have it geared right down, which makes it quiet. A decent sized inlet filter quiets themdown a lot too.

Regulators, filters, water traps etc are all stocks of my trade.