(Part 3) Best airbrush sets according to redditors
We found 442 Reddit comments discussing the best airbrush sets. We ranked the 103 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the products ranked 41-60. You can also go back to the previous section.
You wanna be the best fiance ever u/vickicamfield?
Get him one of these.
His neck will thank you, his hands will thank you, his precision will thank you. Probably the best purchase I've ever made for minis. You can snag em at most hobby shops.
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Bonus, if he wants to do detail work I recommend a cheap set of reading glasses. He won't have to strain his eyes as much and they are a nice magnifying glass....es... you get the point lol.
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PS: I recommend bright white light for better color recognition and more akin to natural light.
Edit: Also if he is thinning with water, get this. I find it works better than water and mixes with metallics!
Edit 2: For brush care, dont forget to get some brush cleaner and conditioner. Maybe a wet palette for longer paint sessions. For brushes, winsor and newton are always a solid choice.
Edit 3: Folks are asking for essentials. Here is a short list:Vallejo thinner
Masters brush conditioner
Wet palette
Kolinsky brushes
Mini holder
Liquid cement for plastics
Vallejo paints
Citadel paints
Warhammer TV
Cheap airbrush for prime/basecoat
Definitely need a regulator. There's nothing on the airbrush that will control the airflow so you're blasting probably 47psi through your brush. Though you shouldn't need to spend that much on the regulator. This should work, though you may need a thread adaptor to match it up to the compressor. Badger's is only a little more expensive and should work without an adaptor.
And just for general knowledge, most airbrushing should be done in the 12-20, maybe 25, psi range. I spray Alclad and thinned lacquers as low as my regulator will allow me. If you're spraying thicker stuff, like aqueous acrylics, you'll need to be on the higher end of that range.
The reason why /u/triviper said it's about $200+ to start airbrushing is because you need not just the airbrush, but the compressor, moisture trap, hose, and adaptors if you're buying everything separately and want a setup that will last you a long time.
My setup isn't the best, but I got
*ie=UTF8&qid=1469082512&sr=8-1&keywords=moisture+trap)
Total = ~$145
Hope this helps. Brings me back to when I was researching all this for myself.
My setup isn't the best, but it's the bare minimum that I was comfortable with. Two years later and I'm still using the same stuff except I got a spray booth and respirator since I'm using lacquers now
/u/MacdougalLi /u/xhui /u/arkanoid2520
Edit: my bad, this doesn't factor into the paint, alligator clips, and various topcoats. Note that I had all of the former because I started out with spray cans. The cost will probably go up to $170 - $200 depending on what you also get
I recently bought a setup about a month ago so if you are in the US, I'd recommend the following:
I have the compressor, the hose, and the booth and they've worked great for me so far. Honestly, you save on shipping vs. the Master Brand and mine came preassembled with the regulator installed. The Master Brand ones are notorious for having regulators that you screw in and they end up tilted to the side. In fact I think people in this sub have pointed this flaw out (there's a better link with pictures, I just can't find it). Items were shipped promptly and got here in one piece. You also get the discounts if you buy a certain amount from them.
I actually have an Iwata NEO that I got from Amazon for about $40ish. I'm still on the fence as to whether or not I like airbrushing or not. Honestly, I wish I had gotten the PointZero brush just as a cheap intro dual-action brush.
I think someone on this subreddit once pointed out that an airbrush is like a regular brush, just powered by air. They weren't kidding. It takes time to master. If you have the money to spend on a fancy >$100 airbrush like the Krome, then less of your time will be spent trying to master the idiosyncrasies of your brush. But it doesn't change the fact that it takes practice to be able to lay down really smooth, thin coats consistently.
I don't know how busy you are as a student, but it can be time consuming to set everything up, test your spray conditions, mix your paints, actually paint, and then clean everything up. If you find you like the process, then you can invest in a better brush in the future and keep your old one for laying down primer or base coating.
But there's nothing wrong with OOB snap builds if you find that's your thing.
edit: for link formatting mistakes, and also to say that I'm not very experienced yet, so take my advice with a grain of salt.
edit 2: My other regret is not considering compressed CO2. I live near a welding supply shop and a restaurant supply shop that both sell compressed CO2 cylinders. A 10 lb tank with high pressure regulator would have been around $120 and then some for converters or extra regulators. People on the fine scale forums claim that a 10 lb tank could last months for airbrushing and it's only $17 to refill at either shop. Would have been perfect too for carbonating beverages for homebrew purposes. Just another option to consider. Definitely do not buy the Badger compressed air cans. They don't last long enough.
This should get you taken care of
Premium-Quality 10-Ft Braided Airbrush Air Hose 1/8" - 1/4" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003Q0VZJ6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_TBcWDb0JM8AAG
I’d also recommend getting this
ABESTAIR Airbrush in-line moisture trap mini air filter https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HIB8128/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_wCcWDbEJTARFS
I currently have master airbrush and compressor and they work great
Thank you! Since I am new the airbrushing scene I didn't want to spend to much, I got a Gocheer duel action gravity feed airbrush. It works pretty well, I just need to get the thinning ratios and PSI setting better. While I'm at it, this is my compressor
I have this one and so far I love it. Painted acrylics, enamels, etc. Everything works well. I've painted faces and hands on miniatures and they turned out great. You can do really broad strokes or fine strokes as well.
Airbrush Booth - You really shouldn't breath in the fumes. If you are painting indoors, you should use something like this to capture and filter the overspray/fumes. This is in addition to wearing a mask. You will see people in youtube tutorials not wearing masks and not using a booth - it's really bad practice if you care about your brain cells. I like the one below, but the fan is louder than the compressor.
80$ on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Master-Airbrush®-Portable-Airbrush-Painting/dp/B00BMUH8L6?ie=UTF8&ref_=pe_385040_128020140_TE_3p_dp_1
$20- Paint mask/respirator - See notes above. I use one designed for spray painting.
https://www.amazon.com/3M-07192-Paint-Spray-Medium/dp/B0002STR22/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1469825823&sr=8-1&keywords=Spray+paint+mask
Airbrush - I recommend starting cheap until you get a hang of it. It's easy to damage parts. It's been a while since I've researched, so I apologize for having forgotten the terms. You want an airbrush that is fed from a cup on top (gravity fed?), a trigger to control the air separately from the paint (maybe called dual action?), and needles .2 to .5mm. This airbrush came with a quick connect (to snap on and off of the compressor hose), which is a big convenience. They are cheap if you need to buy separately.
$30 https://www.amazon.com/PointZero-Precision-Airbrush-Valve-Crenelated/dp/B004KNDQMM?ie=UTF8&ref_=pe_385040_128020140_TE_3p_dp_1
$10Airbrush cleaner fluid and brushes - to flush the airbrush and clean it after use.
$10- Airbrush cleaning pot - You spray cleaner and excess paint into this.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005H46T0O/ref=od_aui_detailpages01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
90$ - Compressor with Tank - The separate tank is key, it will maintain constant pressure very well and provide good steady flow. This one is pretty quiet as compressors go, but still noisy enough that you need to work behind a closed door.
https://www.amazon.com/PointZero-Portable-Airbrush-Compressor-Oil-less/dp/B004KNDQCM?ie=UTF8&ref_=pe_385040_128020140_TE_3p_dp_2
$10 - Airbrush hose- https://www.amazon.com/PointZero-Airbrush-Braided-Air-Hose/dp/B004KNAH7E?ie=UTF8&ref_=pe_385040_128020140_TE_3p_dp_5
All in, it cost me $250 before paint.
Heres a good starter https://www.amazon.com/Master-Airbrush-Decorating-Compressor-Chefmaster/dp/B074G4XC1W?ref_=Oct_MGiftedC_12897421_2&pf_rd_r=PSKJBGNKBEK48SJS22H1&pf_rd_p=efd35924-bc49-5125-bacd-b99c3f6fafea&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-6&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_i=12897421&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER
I would likely recommend something like this. The price point is good right now, its small and easy to handle. And if you guys get really into and need to upgrade you haven't broken the bank. For a novice this is the type of thing I would recommend. If you guys were looking to go pro though I would highly recommend dropping good coin and getting one of the big jet engine looking badboys :)
Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds
So like this one here?
Thank you for the help, I'd also like a QD mount. Here are things ive found. Which one/combination of these things should I get?
https://www.amazon.com/Badger-Air-Brush-Co-51-042-Coupler/dp/B003EGZB2Y/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1549178476&sr=8-4&keywords=badger+quick+disconnect
https://www.amazon.com/Master-Airbrush-Fitting-Conversion-Adapter-x/dp/B0038NJYHG#customerReviews
https://www.amazon.com/Iwata-Medea-I-160-3-Disconnect/dp/B001P5S5CO/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1549178637&sr=8-13&keywords=airbrush+quick+disconnect
https://www.amazon.com/Master-Airbrush-Release-Disconnect-Connections/dp/B001MKGOUM/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1549178655&sr=8-5&keywords=badger+quick+disconnect
Awesome, thanks for the info. And yeah I don't have a compressor so I'm looking for a combo if possible. I found this one that seems to have pretty good reviews so I may give it a try. Do you think this would be too cheap or should I just suck it up and invest more in something good. I don't want to buy a piece of crap that will break in a month or not do what I need it to do. Thanks so much for the help.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001TO578Q/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A23ADOZFIJNPFB
Edit: This is another one I was looking at that seems like a better quality airbrush but it's more expensive, which I don't mind paying if it makes that much of a difference http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001CEEWX4/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_7?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A23ADOZFIJNPFB
I've been using a second hand Paasche airbrush since August, and it's been working really nicely for me. I really like how easy it is to disassemble and clean. I just ordered a new Paasche H to replace the one I've got because I like the design so much, and I'd like to finally have all the parts so I can try some of the fancier techniques I see folks pulling off (like shading and fine details).
I started out hand painting (and still do it when I just want to add some minor details), and having the airbrush is really convenient. I can spray all my parts in an hour or two (depending on how many parts and how many colors) and then work on other things for the rest of the evening, instead of having to devote an entire evening (or more) just to prep and painting.
If you don't have one, you'll want a compressor too. I love this one, it's nice and quiet when it runs. I've got it under my desk sitting on top of a towel and you can barely hear it. It does need an adapter for the Paasche hose tho since of course the Master fitting is different.
If a bit of noise isn't an issue, there's also this Paasche setup with everything all in one pack . Down side is no tank, but the compressor isn't very loud.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0017IJL9K?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01
The Iwata ones are usually cited as being the best. I’ve never used one, but it’s probably true.
I use this Gocheer one as it is cheap, has everything included including the compressor and has good reviews from modellers.
I’ve had good results with it.
The downside is that the power cable is not very long so I can’t use it in my hobby room and have to use it on the dining table, which annoys my wife if she is watching the telly as the compressor makes a vibrating noise on the table.
Other than that, it’s a great package and has served me well.
If this was the kit you're looking at then I should warn you that it is missing the compressor. If you already have an air compressor capable of producing a steady 20PSI then you'll be good to go, but if you still need a compressor them, fair warning: the compressor can be just as expensive as the airbrush itself - which is probably why they didnt include one in that kit. Asside from a missing compressor, it does look like a solid kit
https://www.amazon.com/Airbrush-Cleaning-STARVAST-Cleaner-Station/dp/B0794SX16Y/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1526263410&sr=8-2-spons&keywords=airbrush+cleaner&psc=1
This is a must have if you want to airbrush - I have the same kit and the key is to always clean after every session or between colors - I usually run thinner, then windshield washer fluid (or windex original - with ammonia), and water (repeat until the airbrush spews clear) - no need to buy specific airbrush cleaner solutions
If your compressor doesn't turn on when you plug it in, you need to increase the pressure (lift and twist the black knob and turn towards the plus sign - 25-30psi will be fine)
A lot of people use Citadel but I'm more used to Tamiya but the concept is the same - thin paints (in general 1:1 paint:thinner) prior to airbrushing
I would stick to the dual-action guns over the single-action in that kit since the former has more utility and control - I haven't found a use for single-action yet but I'm sure there is - all you need to know is pushing down the trigger controls air flow while pulling up on the trigger controls how much paint comes out - practice on paper first
I've heard that using windex is a great alternative to using thinner for acrylic paints but I haven't tried yet - if so, then it's a great money saver
I would also look into a airbrush booth if you plan to paint indoors to collect the fumes - I have the generic portable one and it works great (https://www.amazon.com/Master-Airbrush-Portable-Painting-T-shirts/dp/B00BMUH8L6/ref=pd_sbs_201_1?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00BMUH8L6&pd_rd_r=36F6CYT7WNA7Q9Y4AVS9&pd_rd_w=18wRl&pd_rd_wg=V3l93&psc=1&refRID=36F6CYT7WNA7Q9Y4AVS9)
r/modelmakers has a great post on airbrushing if you need further help including how to and maintenance
Multi-Purpose Airbrush Air Compressor Kit Dual Action 0.3mm Nozzle 7CC Capacity Paint Spray Gun Kit Portable Air Brush Set Battery Charger https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07MKJTZ5V/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_PixkDb7C20WJD
If your budget is like that, get this for your compressor: https://www.amazon.com/AIRBRUSH-COMPRESSOR--Airbrush-Published-Exclusively/dp/B001738DXU/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1473190155&sr=8-3&keywords=airbrush+tank+compressor
Then get this airbrush: https://www.amazon.com/Paasche-TG-SET-Double-Gravity-Airbrush/dp/B0017IJL9K/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1473190197&sr=8-2&keywords=paasche+talon
The Talon has all the features of the Iwata HP-CS at a fraction of the price. I've been using one for some time. My only complaint is that I'm looking at a wider nozzle, but that might just be me needing to nut up and thin my paint even more than I normally do, and just be more patient.
Oh yeah, there's that bit of caveat though. The comp I linked to is more for general hardware use (which is kinda a good thing since it's meant for more robust work and can take the beating). So it uses a Quick-Detach pneumatic connector. You will need an adapter for it. Also the system, while it does have a regulator, does not come with a moisture trap so I ended up getting one of these. You can direct plug it with the adapter but I ended up using another airbrush hose that way I can snake the new regulator moisture trap closer to my airbrush station so I can manipulate PSI on the fly. All in all yeah, that's about another $30 in cost.
So I guess a Master is good enough for a starter comp as it is pretty much plug and go but the Senco I alluded to would probably be a good next level comp to take if you ever get tired of the Master Brand.
Long post incoming....
So, I don't think I've seen many airbrush discounts. Badger did a nice promotion where you could buy any airbrush for $55 for their 55 year anniversary this summer, but other than that it's kind of hard to find discounts. As far as Prime Day, I doubt they're going to have discounts on airbrushes, that's a pretty niche product they don't really get into. If you want to get started with that, I'd do something like this:
You then need a cleaning pot, some cleaning fluid, and an airbrush hose All told, that's like $300.
Then you need paint, paint brushes, a hobby knife, super glue, a mini hand drill, some small drill bits, sprue cutters, basing materials (cork board, model railroad ballast, etc) and I find a pair of tweezers helpful. That could add up to another $200 in materials (and obviously can cost way more, paint is expensive). So of your $550 budget, you would then have $50 remaining for models... which will buy you one model kit. So if you're looking to get started for $550, I'd probably forget the airbrush for now, and just get paints that can be used with one later. I recommend Vallejo paints. The eyedropper bottles work great for airbrushing, and you can just thin them with water. I haven't met one yet that doesn't work. A paint set like this would set you up nicely for doing an Imperial Guard army.
As far as what army to play... Guard is fun, but if you like the modern military aesthetic, Space Marines might be more what you're after. The new Repulsor Executioner tanks look awesome, and the new Primaris marines are great looking models... some of the best GW has produced. The Guard kits are looking kinda... dated IMO.
hmm, may have to look into picking one up. tought i would offer some tips about airbrush matinence incase you have not used one before: first make sure you Pick up a airbrush cleaning kit. I use this one: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B003CHU7WO/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1 but there are other styles you can get like a cleaning pot. However, I have not used one before so i do not know how well they work.
youer going to want to take apart your airbrush for a therow cleaning after you have finished, two HG/ and standered 1/100 kits or a full IBO 1/100 or MG kit. (I have around 150 page clips for drying and i used up a of them Just on the frame of the kimaris, and i still had to pin a few of the piece). I between coats and colors you just need to run some water and cleaner threw your brush.
Wiping out the gravity feed cup with a paper towel or t-shirt material like rag will save you a lot of time in cleaning out some time. you will want to put your finger on the nozzle and run some air threw it to clean off the needle. i tend to run cleaner threw the brush after using water just to make sure its completely clean, then run some water threw it again to remove any traces of the cleaner.
Also you will wana clean the nozzle out with a qtip every 15-30 pieces to prevent it from being clog by dried paint. this is especially important when your spraying a top coat.
you will also want to check out what size nozzle your airbrush is, generaly most airbrush paints are ok to use on anything with a .5mm or larger nozzle, but thining it out by adding a ratio of 1 to 1 of thinner to paint.
also make sure you use the apropriet thinner for the type of paint your using. as thinner/drying agent for water base paint will not mix witha lacquer based paint. I learned that the hard way and lost about half a bottle of the Mr metallic DX bloody red. its about 5 bucks for a 18 ml bottle, but well worth the price as its IMHO the best metallic paints out there.
Paints: depending on what you want to do you can get and thinn out tamiya, Mr hobby paints. but if you want to mix your own colors make sure you get self curing paints and not ones that need heat to be cured. cause even on the lowest heat setting or with a blow dryer will deform the polystyrene that the armor of older kits and every kit made after 2014 like the G-reco or IBO. i have used a few brands but highly recommend Createx Colors Wicked Color's or Testors AZTEK paints. however Testors AZTEK pigments will separate in about 12-24 hours so you will have to shake them up again before each use.
Also if your mixing your own pigments I highly recamend using a small digital scale and a notebook or word document to record how much of each color you use. Because if you run out of paint half way threw a kit, you can never quite get the same color if you mix it by eye.
For storage of thinned paint or unused paint, the cheapest way to go is to just buy some labware bottles off amazon.com i particulerly like these: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00I3OYKZQ/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1 however i also have 1 Oz bottles for inital mixing of pigments and thinning out paint as the extra room makes it easier. you will definetly want the larger bottles when Im mixing pigment for MG and IBO 1/100 kits. for storing leftover paint for latter use or your not mixing pigment, any colored bottle will work, but you defiantly want a clear bottle when mixing pigment just to judge the color. Because I find that when im making a new color I like to mix them up before making the final recording so i can deside if it looks right and or if it need say a bit more green, or a touch of white to make it a bit lighter, ect.
Also its fun to think up a crazy name for a color you just made. for example i call my latest blue Zigon 7.
If your mixing two different brands of paint together make sure you record the brand name and color for later use, as no two companies use the same base colors. even if the colors are made by the same company different labels still use different shades.
Hope this helps you avoid some future problems when your trouble shooting your new airbrush, and have fun. =) (Sorry for any grammar/spelling errors I really do not feel like going back and checking every thing since I wrought a lot here.)
Ohio area. I almost need like a heavy duty pipe cleaner.
So after just a google search of "Airbrush cleaning kit" found something like this
Airbrush: https://www.amazon.com/Iwata-Medea-Eclipse-Action-Airbrush-Gravity/dp/B000BQKFAI/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1520896361&sr=8-3&keywords=iwata+eclipse+hp-cs
Compressor: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0038D38AA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Hose: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002FDX36I/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1
These are all that I use and have been nothing but happy with them. I'm one of those with the mindset that if I'm going to invest, I'm going to invest - and the Iwata Eclipse is praised far and wide as one of, if not the, best airbrush out there.
If you want a small compressor you want something like this. They come with and without the airtank but if you're willing to shell out the bucks one with a tank is a better option. The one you've linked isn't really suitable to your needs. You could look at a deal like this one and then get a better airbrush as your next purchase. As well, check out sites like harborfreight, they often have deals on compressors.
Here are the pictures
The Output on the compressor is a 1/4 quick connect port, which I then run a 3/8 hose with 1/4 ends to another quick connect to the regulator and then a 1/4 to 1/8 adapter, that I can't remember if it came with the regulator or not, then the 1/8 hose that I got from Harbor Freight, but is probably the same as [this] (https://www.amazon.com/Master-Airbrush-Premium-Standard-Fittings/dp/B001CJNFSC/ref=sr_1_5?s=industrial&ie=UTF8&qid=1501807470&sr=8-5&keywords=master+airbrush+hose) and then some of these
This is what I'm using at the moment. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001L4S3KS
I've only seen some tutorials on YouTube, but almost all of them used this type of airbrush... Don't know if that helps...
Yes. You just need to be able to throttle between 5 and 35psi, so a good regulator on your compressor is helpful to dial in that air pressure. You just need a 1/4 inch to airbrush adapter and a hose. Consider getting the master airbrush anyway to get started and then just use it for varnish and priming jobs, or questionable paints. They clog like shit but they get the job done and its better to practice with that then start bending needles or losing tips for a $150+ airbrush.
You're not going to want to airbrush with a compressor like that indoors due to sound but it's okay for priming and varnishing in the garage or something. Later on you can get an indoor airbrush compressor which are quieter and smaller. That s how I started. I actually did my first prime job outside lol.
They look like this but honestly you can get the same adapter at harbor freight with a hose for cheaper. The hose has a plastic fitting and breaks easily, so watch out for that.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002VZO0Y4/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1526492907&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=1%2F4+inch+to+airbrush+hose+adapter&dpPl=1&dpID=41EcwRGv0mL&ref=plSrch
It looks like this, I'm pretty sure this is the one with the adapter on it. Mine broke so I kept the adapter and returned the hose. :o
https://m.harborfreight.com/14-in-x-10-ft-braided-nylon-airbrush-hose-69578.html
Here's the 20 dollar airbrush. I still use mine for suspect jobs.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001L4KBBW/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1526493484&sr=8-5&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=master+airbrush+g22&dpPl=1&dpID=41XUrdB00pL&ref=plSrch#nav-search-keywords
This compressor - https://www.amazon.com/AIRBRUSH-COMPRESSOR-Airbrush-Published-Exclusively/dp/B001738DXU/ref=sr_1_29?ie=UTF8&qid=1509625656&sr=8-29&keywords=masters+airbrush
Plus this airbrush - https://www.amazon.com/Multi-Purpose-DUAL-ACTION-AIRBRUSH-Precision-Spray/dp/B001L4KBBW/ref=sr_1_35?ie=UTF8&qid=1509625712&sr=8-35&keywords=masters+airbrush
Grab a spray pot, some vallejo primer, and some airbrush cleaning fluid and you are good to go.
(There is a cheaper all inclusive kit with a cheaper compressor that's around $80 total which is what I started with for priming and base coating. It's 10000% worth it. Wish I would've invested way ealier.)