Airbrushes?

[Mudkip Orange]

What's a good make/model of airbrush? You know, for spraying paint all over Greenmax kits...

[lbriand_fr]

I've got a Badger since 1988. I don't used it for at least...10 years.

I use it again for 18 months, and it works fine.

The model doesn't exist anymore, but the Badger 150 Ex look like to be the same.

For the use I have, it's good for me.

But, be carefull of the compressors, and the paint you'll use.

I think 30% of the quality is due to the airbrush, 33% to the compressor and 33% to the paint. And 50% to your experience. 

[Bernard]

I have an Iwata Elipse airbrush, bottom feed  and a Thayer & Chandler top feed. I use the Iwata all the time, I love the way it handles and its comfortable in my hand. (Sort of like a favorite pen) I got the Top feed brush thinking I would use it on small details. (It was a store closing at Pearl paints 70% off, I took a chance)

 

I don't know where you are located but I buy am airbrush paints and supplies for Dixie Arts in New Orleans.

Here is their link:

http://www.dixieart.com/Dixie_Art_Supplies_Airbrush_Main_Page.html

 

It really comes down to a personal preference. I recommend going to a local Art supply store and see if you can try them out.

[CaptOblivious]

I used to use a Testor's unbranded double-action. My brother-in-law just gave me his old Paasche VL, apparently a standard in the art world, and it is an amazing leap up in quality and control. I don't have much else to compare it too, but the VLs are good quality, inexpensive, and readily available.

[Bernard]

Don brings up another good point, single and double action airbrushes. This again is another option and personal taste.

I also recommend getting an air compressor if you plan on doing a lot of painting, cans of air run out quickly and the cost will add up in the long run.

[CaptOblivious]

I used to use cans of air, and I have to say that my new $60 Harbor Freight compressor is waaaaay nicer. Way nicer. And cheap?

 

Single-action means two controls, two functions: Press the button, and paint and air flow. You adjust amount of paint with a different control that can be a little fiddly to play with.

 

Double-action means one control, two functions: Press the button, and air flows. Pull the button back, and paint flows in different amounts.

 

Don't skip a double-action just because it sounds like it needs too much coordination, because the motion is actually quite natural.

 

I think a DA would be better for fancy weathering effects. But if you're just gonna be laying down base coats, a single action is likely the best way to go.

[Mudkip Orange]

Alright, so I'm either getting one of these tomorrow, or not at all. So choice is basically between a Badger 150 (the kit with the hoses and everything) and a Paasche model H. That's what the hobby shops around here have. Same basic price (89 vs 99).

[Bernard]

Mudkip - Did you ever purchase an airbrush?

[Mudkip Orange]

Ended up getting a Badger/Crescendo model 175, double action. Still haven't used it yet on account of Adult Swim / CSI:Miami reruns.