Looking to get a beginner airbrush

[Chrislols]

Hello! I've been building model cars for quite some time now and I've recently made a really nice '06 Camaro (AMT Kit) and most of my cars I've been using Tamiya etc sprays and they've been coming gorgeous!

My only question now is should I move up to airbrushing? I definatly feel I am ready.

Can anyone help me find a beginner airbrush set and whatever I'll need to set it up. I don't really want to spend more than 200$ at a max. If anyone could help me that would be great. So far I've seen http://www.amazon.com/Unbranded-31200-Air-...2762&sr=8-2 Which looks like it could be promising. anyone have any ideas?

EDIT: These seem great for first airbrush kits, what do yous think?

http://www.amazon.com/Paasche-Airbrush-Com...2762&sr=8-4

http://www.amazon.com/Mighty-Mini-Airbrush...762&sr=8-16

http://www.amazon.com/Testor-Corp-Aztek-A4...429&sr=8-18

http://www.amazon.com/Testor-Corp-Metal-Ai...429&sr=8-23

Edited February 3, 2009 by Chrislols

[LoneWolf15]

Chris,

I use a Paache H series single action airbrush . The kits are available at dixieartstore.com for about $60.00. You'll need an air compressor , an inline moisture trap for oil and water , and a regulator to adjust your line pressure.

It 's probably going to cost you a bit more than $ 200 , however , you cannot beat the paint job that an airbrush gives you . In the long run , you will save yourself a small fortune in paint costs , and have beautiful paint jobs that you won't believe !

The Old Man

Lone Wolf Custom Painting

[crispy]

The old Man is right.

The other alternatives are Hobby Lobby and Michael's. They each offer 40% off coupons.

Hobby Lobby carries Paasche and Iwata.

Michael's carries Badger.

I have two Badgers and love them. The customer service from the company bar none is the best.

With that said, some searching on the internet will probably get you some cheaper prices on airbrushes, but if you want to see them and or hold them, the best place to go is the hobby shop.

Good Luck with your search.

Chris

[mikemodeler]

I got my Paasche single action years ago at Michaels using the 40% off coupon and it has been a great tool. I would suggest using Michaels & Hobby Lobby to get your airbrush & compressor (if you don't have one already) using their coupons.

Search online, there are some great deals to be had but be careful of shipping charges that can even things out. The advantage of buying at H-L or Michaels is if for some reason you have problems with it, returning the defectives is much easier.

Make sure you get a moisture trap as you don't want to ruin a paint job!

I recently got a double action Testors ( part of a sweepstakes win at the "other" magazine/forum ) and have yet to use it. It took some time to master the single action so I imagine I will be learning new tricks with it soon.

Mike

[crazyjim]

What's the difference between single action and double action airbrushes?

[KanelKustoms]

This may stir a hornet's nest- But you may want to check out Harbor Freight. They have a dual action nice airbrush for $15 on sale, and a single action for $10. I bought one of each, the dual action looks alot more expensive than it is and works good.

[Peter Lombardo]

The basic difference is : Single action brush has just that a single push down on the trigger gives you a preset mix of paint and air. A Double action allows you to operate the air and paint quantities independently of each other. Press down and you should control the air, move the trigger forward and you increase the paint quantities. If you are just painting car bodies, a single action will work just fine. If you want to move on to flames and small detail painting, then a double action is the way to go. A graphic artist who paints with an airbrush for a living would use a double action. I have two double action brushes and hardly ever use the double action control to it’s true effectiveness.

[93Z34]

I have the Paasche Double Action Airbrush and right now is probably NOT a good time to ask me what I think of it. I have been trying to paint the interior pieces of my Daytona the past 3 nights and have had rotten luck with the airbrush. I have spent more time taking the airbrush apart and trying to clean it than I have actually painting and it still is not working the way it should. The airbrush simply doesn't want to spray the paint.

I have owned this tool since 1990 and have always been meticulous about cleaning this thing after every paint job. It was always completely dismantled and cleaned thoroughly, yet now it won't even spreay plain thinner through the gun.

I do like the dual action feature of my airbrush though, when it IS working. I like having the ability of controlling the amount of paint I apply as well as the size of the pattern. For whatever reason, I guess my current airbrush is no longer useable so now I'm looking at having to invest in another unit myself. I'm not happy about that prospect either at this point in time as money is already tight enough in my household.

[george 53]

How bout a smaller priced Badger 150/250? I only paid 20 bucks for mine 20 someyears ago, and I've seen it as cheap as 30 bucks at at Micheal's (even cheaper with their 40% off coupon) It's a GOOD starter airbrush for beginners, without all the complicated adjustments of a more expensive brush. Most kits even come with a can of "PropeL" to start painting right away.Hope this helps

[Brendan]

Good beginner airbrush...get either a Pasche or a Badger. I prefer the Pasche just because it's easier to clean. I can completely disassemble and clean mine under a minute. I wouldn't suggest getting an airbrush from Harbor and Freight as their brands may be cheaper but you can't get parts for them if they break as well as needles and cones. If you shop around you can get a Pasche VL Double Action set for under $60. I just replaced mine last year after my old one that I had had for 20+ years finally broke the body. So they do last a long time.

As for a air compressor, buy one with a tank which would usually be a nail gun compressor. They usually come with a regulator and moisture trap. You can buy those through Harbor and Freight for under $100. I was able to get mine for about $60. Stay away from the Pasche and the Badger and ones that are meant for strictly airbrushing. They have a really high tendency of burning up. They're a lot more expensive than a nail gun compressor.

Most of the companies now that make airbrushes are good companies. Just try to stick with a name brand company. If you can, try to test them out and see which one you like and buy the one that is most comfortable for you. The other thing is to just shop on line. Compare the prices. You'll see big differences in prices for the exact same airbrush.

[Guest Gramps-xrds]

I have the Paasche Double Action Airbrush and right now is probably NOT a good time to ask me what I think of it. I have been trying to paint the interior pieces of my Daytona the past 3 nights and have had rotten luck with the airbrush. I have spent more time taking the airbrush apart and trying to clean it than I have actually painting and it still is not working the way it should. The airbrush simply doesn't want to spray the paint.

If it's not spraying paint, it's probibly not pulling vacuum. Either the cone is split or the nozzle is screwed down on the cone not allowing it to pull paint over the needle, or you may have lost the needle packing. Or it's loosing suction in the pickup tube somewhere. Without having it in my hand, it's really hard to tell exactly.

[93Z34]

If it's not spraying paint, it's probibly not pulling vacuum. Either the cone is split or the nozzle is screwed down on the cone not allowing it to pull paint over the needle, or you may have lost the needle packing. Or it's loosing suction in the pickup tube somewhere. Without having it in my hand, it's really hard to tell exactly.

It's weird because it started spraying good last night, but after about 2 minutes it stopped spraying. I took the unit completely apart and cleaned everything and even after doing all that it still isn't spraying. I have an airbrush compressor as well so I know it's got enough air pressure. I spent almost 2 hours cleaning the entire unit last night and still nothing....When I place my finger over the nozzle and push the button, I have air going back into the paint cup, but nothing when i try to spray the paint. To me, that tells me the gun itself isn't clogged unless I'm missing something.

[Olle F]

As for a air compressor, buy one with a tank which would usually be a nail gun compressor. They usually come with a regulator and moisture trap. You can buy those through Harbor and Freight for under $100. I was able to get mine for about $60. Stay away from the Pasche and the Badger and ones that are meant for strictly airbrushing. They have a really high tendency of burning up. They're a lot more expensive than a nail gun compressor.

Most of the companies now that make airbrushes are good companies. Just try to stick with a name brand company. If you can, try to test them out and see which one you like and buy the one that is most comfortable for you. The other thing is to just shop on line. Compare the prices. You'll see big differences in prices for the exact same airbrush.

I agree, you do need a tank, period! Look for deals at Lowes, Home Depot, Ace or whatever you have around you, a good "nail gun compressor" (for example a Bostitch) can often be bought for about $100 or less, and they come with tank and pressure regulator. Haven't seen any with moisture traps though, but on the other hand: I have never used a trap and have never had a problem with it. One significant bonus is that a good compressor can be used for a lot of things around the house, like inflating tires, cleaning stuff (to be able to dust the inside of a computer in seconds is priceless!), carpentry, work on cars and a lot of other stuff, once you have one you'll find a thousand uses for it. I have two compressors, and I can't live without any of them. It's kind of an addiction, I just love to use air tools and once you start using nail guns, staplers, die grinders, impact wrenches etc you'll be hooked too!

My airbrush is a Badger 200 that I bought about 30 years ago, and I must say that it has served me well. You can pick them up for around $50-60, so that together with a $100 compressor, trap and some fittings should fit within your budget. Whatever you decide to get, buy a well known brand so you can find parts for it if something gets damaged or lost. The Badger 200 has been around forever, so I feel pretty confident that I can keep mine running for another 30 years.

[93Z34]

Out of curiosity, what adapters do you use for the air hoses with the bigger compressors? I have a brass reducer for my Badger compressor, but I'm curious what you'd use for one of the compressors with a tank. Any pics showing the mods would be helpful as well.

[Brendan]

Out of curiosity, what adapters do you use for the air hoses with the bigger compressors? I have a brass reducer for my Badger compressor, but I'm curious what you'd use for one of the compressors with a tank. Any pics showing the mods would be helpful as well.

I use standard 1/4 inch fittings. I also use a quick disconnect for my airbrush hose to my compressor. I'm not sure what size fittings the Badgers use, but most compressors use a 1/4 inch fitting. You want to be care if you're doing a step down from a bigger to a smaller fitting as it will increase the pressure which can throw off the function of your airbrush. Just kind of keep it in mind when you start working with different size fittings.

[Guest Gramps-xrds]

It's weird because it started spraying good last night, but after about 2 minutes it stopped spraying. I took the unit completely apart and cleaned everything and even after doing all that it still isn't spraying. I have an airbrush compressor as well so I know it's got enough air pressure. I spent almost 2 hours cleaning the entire unit last night and still nothing....When I place my finger over the nozzle and push the button, I have air going back into the paint cup, but nothing when i try to spray the paint. To me, that tells me the gun itself isn't clogged unless I'm missing something.

Hmm sounds like it's not pulling enought vacuum. You might try adjusting the air nozzel out a few turns. If that doesn't do it then it almost has to be in the suction tube side. Make sure everything on that side is tight and sealed.

[crazyjim]

Holy cow - you guys are killing me. I've been telling myself for years to get out and use the air brush. Somebody says I need to have quick disconnect fittings and now a compressor with an air tank. How come one needs all that stuff?

I have a badger 200 with a Micro-Mark 27159 compressor (looks the same as a Paasche D500 unit). I put a water trap on the compressor and also a coupler with a dial for air pressure.

I've only used the air brush/compressor a couple of times, but I'm now in the market for some kind of rolling cart that will house a spray booth on top, a drawer for the air brush & tools, a shelf for the compressor, and a power strip to power everything.

[Olle F]

Out of curiosity, what adapters do you use for the air hoses with the bigger compressors? I have a brass reducer for my Badger compressor, but I'm curious what you'd use for one of the compressors with a tank. Any pics showing the mods would be helpful as well.

That reducer is the only special part you need, you can find the rest in pretty much any hardware store. As Brendan said, most compressors have 1/4" fittings, but they also have a quick coupling so you don't really need to mess with the compressor. All you need to do is to pick up a male coupling with male 1/4" thread and put this on your reducer, then it's ready to snap into the compressor. Just make sure you get the correct coupling. If you go to for example Lowes, you'll find two kinds: automotive and commercial (they may use other names for them in other stores), and the compressors are usually equipped with the commercial type. If you don't know which one you need, just buy both and try them, they're cheap. There are also universal female couplings that makes it possible to use both types of male couplings, this is what I use on my compressors and hoses.

Edit: I'm a bit senile... It could be "industrial" type, instead of "commercial". In any case, they don't interchange unless you have a universal female coupling.

Edited February 3, 2009 by Olle F

[Helipilot16]

I have the Paasche Double Action Airbrush and right now is probably NOT a good time to ask me what I think of it. I have been trying to paint the interior pieces of my Daytona the past 3 nights and have had rotten luck with the airbrush. I have spent more time taking the airbrush apart and trying to clean it than I have actually painting and it still is not working the way it should. The airbrush simply doesn't want to spray the paint.

I have owned this tool since 1990 and have always been meticulous about cleaning this thing after every paint job. It was always completely dismantled and cleaned thoroughly, yet now it won't even spreay plain thinner through the gun.

I do like the dual action feature of my airbrush though, when it IS working. I like having the ability of controlling the amount of paint I apply as well as the size of the pattern. For whatever reason, I guess my current airbrush is no longer useable so now I'm looking at having to invest in another unit myself. I'm not happy about that prospect either at this point in time as money is already tight enough in my household.

The packing gland is probably too loose and is allowing paint to get up into the air side of the gun. Use a small screwdriver to tighten it (check your instructions). You'll probably have to clean the air valve.

[Karmodeler2]

I have the Paasche Double Action Airbrush and right now is probably NOT a good time to ask me what I think of it. I have been trying to paint the interior pieces of my Daytona the past 3 nights and have had rotten luck with the airbrush. I have spent more time taking the airbrush apart and trying to clean it than I have actually painting and it still is not working the way it should. The airbrush simply doesn't want to spray the paint.

I have owned this tool since 1990 and have always been meticulous about cleaning this thing after every paint job. It was always completely dismantled and cleaned thoroughly, yet now it won't even spreay plain thinner through the gun.

I do like the dual action feature of my airbrush though, when it IS working. I like having the ability of controlling the amount of paint I apply as well as the size of the pattern. For whatever reason, I guess my current airbrush is no longer useable so now I'm looking at having to invest in another unit myself. I'm not happy about that prospect either at this point in time as money is already tight enough in my household.

I know you have taken your gun apart to what you feel is all the way, but make sure you have it completely apart. # 22 in the parts list (in the address below) is the valve casting and can be removed by turning to the left to loosen. This is where the air actually travels through the gun and exits out the main body of the gun through 3 little holes in the end of the body where you screw on the cap and cone. Make sure these three holes are unclogged (paint gets in there sometimes when you clean the gun...it's happened to me before). You can use small pipe cleaners (from the gun cleaning kits) or reamers if you are careful not to enlarge the holes. The number one problem with paint not coming out is the cone/needle fit. If there is any disruption in this area, the gun will spurt and spatter like crazy. Look at your cone/needle closely. Try another set (number 1,3,5) and see if you have the same problem. This might tell you if it's the set or the gun. Also, try using thinner or water as a medium to spray to test you gun. Your paint will generally never be thinner than this, and if the gun is working properly, the thinner will tell you that it is the mix of the paint, not the gun itself (the paint you are using is too thick for the suction to pull it up from the cup).

Part number 19 is the packing nut and screw. You can remove them, clean and then reinstall them. Screw this nut down until you can feel a little friction on the needle when you insert the needle (you will have to check the fit several times to get the right feel). This will prevent paint and air from going back into the main body of the gun. Also, against the advice of Paasche, I recommend that you always insert your needle (when reassembling or taking apart) from the front of the gun and not the rear. It will always protect the tip of the needle from damage or scarring and will prevent problems with the cone/needle set up.

If you can't get it to work after all this, you can ship it to me, I'll try and fix it and send it back not charge. I know what's it like to have a gun that doesn't work and it's sucks.

If you need further help, don't hesitate to ask.

David

http://www.paascheairbrush.com/2008pdf/VL%...0Airbrushes.pdf

[crazyjim]

Northern Tool & Equipment has a single cylinder air compressor designed for use an air brush with a .08 gallon air tank for $79.00. Model #1202S152, Item #123009. They also have a double action air brush for $39.00. And they have the work I want for $79.00. I was planning on going up to Ocala tomorrow, so maybe I'll stop by the Northern Tool store for the cart.