Looking at getting my first airbrush

[Scipunk]

Ok folks i am ready to buy a airbrush but i have 0 idea of what to get. I don't wanna drop a ton of money but i don't want junk.  I am thinking around $150 ish 

Single or Double?

Brand? 

Features i should look for?

I have a small compressor (not a airbrush one but a 2.5g i think) but if anyone can recommend one more suited i can add it for later

Is the Tamiya one available and is it pricey?

I know it's a lot of personal preference but I find i make better decisions when i have multiple points of info

Thanks!

[speedy_w_beans]

I really like what this person has to say about airbrushes.  He's done quite a bit of testing and has many good tips about everything related to airbrushes.

Don's Airbrush Tips

[Bromley]

I have an Expo AB602 airbrush and compressor set. It's served me well for a about 7 years now.

This is the one: https://www.ebay.co.uk/p/Airbrush-Compressor-Deal-AB602-Dual-Action-Expo-Tools/2256010549

 

[Scipunk]

7 hours ago, speedy_w_beans said:

I really like what this person has to say about airbrushes.  He's done quite a bit of testing and has many good tips about everything related to airbrushes.

Don's Airbrush Tips

Thanks speedy, ill have a look at that site. So much to learn lol

4 hours ago, Bromley said:

I have an Expo AB602 airbrush and compressor set. It's served me well for a about 7 years now.

This is the one: https://www.ebay.co.uk/p/Airbrush-Compressor-Deal-AB602-Dual-Action-Expo-Tools/2256010549

 

Thanks, i'll look into it, 7 years is a good track record

[Steelyglint]

Apologies for resurrecting an old thread - I want to buy my first airbrush.. the thread points to an airbrush still available from eBay via a reputable model seller... Do people rate this still? I don't own an airbrush or compressor so just want to check if anyone has any other recommendations? I don't want to spend more than this. Just want one for RC cars and static models. 

[GrandOlDaz]

I'm also thinking about an air brush set up and have no idea.

 

The must have for the compressor though seems to be a separate air tank so make sure you get one with a tank...that's as far as my knowledge goes at the minute lol

[alvinlwh]

.

[Howards]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/p/Airbrush-Compressor-Deal-AB602-Dual-Action-Expo-Tools/2256010549

These are fine for beginners. The brush itself is a cheap asian knock-off but can be improved with some simple mods. It will teach you what you need to know about using an airbrush, cleaning an airbrush, and thinning paint so that it will spray predictably. It's double action so that you can adjust the size of the spray dynamically, and it's gravity fed so as above, it's easier to troubleshoot. 

The compressor has a small tank. As well as driving the airbrush It will just about drive an hvlp gun for few seconds, enough to apply a coat of liquid mask or flat colour to a body. 

 

SMC sell them: https://www.sussex-model-centre.co.uk/expo-complete-airbrush-deal

[GrandOlDaz]

Alvin, WOW, thank you so much for a very informative post, brilliant info, laid out with explanation, just what us newbs need...thank you so much mate

 

8 hours ago, Howards said:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/p/Airbrush-Compressor-Deal-AB602-Dual-Action-Expo-Tools/2256010549

These are fine for beginners. The brush itself is a cheap asian knock-off but can be improved with some simple mods. It will teach you what you need to know about using an airbrush, cleaning an airbrush, and thinning paint so that it will spray predictably. It's double action so that you can adjust the size of the spray dynamically, and it's gravity fed so as above, it's easier to troubleshoot. 

The compressor has a small tank. As well as driving the airbrush It will just about drive an hvlp gun for few seconds, enough to apply a coat of liquid mask or flat colour to a body. 

 

SMC sell them: https://www.sussex-model-centre.co.uk/expo-complete-airbrush-deal

Awesome, thanks for the info and sugestions with link, brilliant stuff guys thanks

[Willy iine]

@Scipunk

Another point of info one might consider is the location you will be running your airbrush.  I found that is it somewhat similar to buying speakers for your audio room, the room and air make a HUGE difference in the results.  Can't just buy good speakers thinking it will sound good in any room.. because it won't.

So in my case I chose a low dust location in my house with consistent temperature to paint (65F and higher, 50% or lower RH all year long) and air filtering to suction out all the fumes and paint dust out of the painting space.  I mostly only use rattle cans (TS/PS paints) but I have a portable airbrush sold by Tamiya to use from time to time when I want to spray mixed colors.  It is compatible with the higher end airbrush nozzles, but for me, rattle can level does plenty so I've not looked into it any further.. 

GL with whatever you decide.