(Part 2) Top products from r/airbrush

Honestly at that age I'd recommend one of those kits that you clip a marker into an airbrush device, Crayola makes one and so does Copic, and I'm sure other companies do as well (fair warning, Copic markers are spendy, about 8 or 9 dollars for a single marker)

Here's the Crayola one

Crayola Air Marker Sprayer, Marker Art Tool, Turn Markers Into Spray Art, Airbrush Like a Pro, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CIMC8JI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_cE-6ybRX58BA6

And here's the Copic one

Copic Air Brush System Kit #3 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001398KDQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_vF-6yb1HP139K


These in general are less expensive and less messy and less complex than a real airbrush system but is good to get a general idea of techniques, using a marker instead of paint that you got to mix to proper consistency and color, easier to clean out and using a foot pump or a can of compressed air rather than a big air compressor which will run a couple hundred bucks on its own.

If she enjoys it and gets the hang of it you can talk with her down the road about upgrading and get an actual airbrush and a mini compressor like this (which is incidentally the one I currently use)

PointZero Mini Portable Airbrush Air Compressor w/ Hose and AC/DC Adaptor https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004KNAGTI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fv-6ybXH2JZJG

Best of luck hope that helps

You typically do not want to take apart an airbrush too often because eventually those little threads on the parts (any parts) will get to where they wont thread back and parts that seal will stop making good seals.

That being said, I have an Iwata CR and I still will break it down completely every so often and give it a good cleaning, typically not the tip unless there is some bizarre issue I cannot resolve. Taking it off hasn’t made it ‘stop’ working before unless you do not get it back on correctly; however, it is not something I normally take off to clean.

If it is gunked up with acrylics, I would suggest taking it off and soaking it in some paint thinner - specifically something formulated for acrylic.

Also, if you haven’t already, get you a cheap set of airbrush brushes:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001N3IX3Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_6M3iDbKRWQ4RN

There are numerous Youtube videos showing how to use them as well. After cleaning your airbush you can use these and always get a ton of gunk out. I am not recommending this specific brand BTW. You can find these anywhere, even Harbor Freight for probably half price.

Edit: Couple other things I would like to add:

Make sure your paint is adequately thinned (always use Airbrush flow improver to thin acrylics).

Other thing, keep q-tips handy. If you see some build up on the tip of the nozzle after some spraying it is easy and more effective to use a wet q-tip in some thinner/alcohol/etc to quickly clean off any buildup and safer than your finger.

honestly your compressor should work fine I just say get a https://www.amazon.com/Master-Airbrush-Disconnect-Adjustment-Connections/dp/B002KDSRQY/ref=sr_1_5?crid=1XUNVKIXPYIIV&keywords=airbrush+mac+valve&qid=1573166536&sprefix=airbrush+mac+%2Caps%2C196&sr=8-5 keep in mind the cheapest is not always best for theses that should help with the wild psi. As far as the cleaner not really a must have item imo although they are prob. handy keeping it pretty clean after every usage should be good I would recommend tearing it down once a week an deep cleaning it depending on how much you use it. just my 2 cents have a good one

Okay, that's a broad question you are asking.

First you need a brush. Get a double action. I recommend either the badger patriot 105, or the iwata neo for your first brush.

You need a compressor. I used a cheap one off amazon pretty well until I upgraded to a larger California air tools silent compressor.

You want a moisture trap as well, plus an air hose.

As far as paints go I really like the Vallejo model air and game air paints. The game air paints have very vibrant colors, whereas the model air line is more like real camo colors from WW2

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004INERK4/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1511452252&sr=8-2&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=iwata+neo&dpPl=1&dpID=31GV4HFiqIL&ref=plSrch

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01LYHYHEA/ref=mp_s_a_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1511452308&sr=8-1-fkmr0&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=california+silent+compressor

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000BQO8W4/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1511452347&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=iwata+hose&dpPl=1&dpID=41K8ruY-CAL&ref=plSrch

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002SAO7QI/ref=mp_s_a_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1511452388&sr=8-11&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=1%2F4+to+1%2F8+npt

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002KSQHB6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

(inexpensive, also includes moisture trap)

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This is the same version I use, pretty useful in a small house. I do use this spray booth to help with overspray, and I use a basic respirator for the air particles. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01I1YI09O/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

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Hope this helps!

Hey I have just started looking into airbrush and your posts have been very helpful Chief thanks. How often do these coupons come up? Are they sent via email or regular mail via catalogs? No hobby lobby right around me but I could drive 30-50 miles if the coupon made it worth it over Amazon...

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I'm thinking of getting a CS and Smart Jet combo, is this too much for a beginner or something else you would recommend?
https://www.amazon.com/Iwata-Medea-K-250-External-Valve/dp/B001V6VOZC/ref=sr\_1\_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1478649513&sr=8-1&keywords=Iwata+MAC


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If you're just learning, this is a decent starter airbrush. I'm pretty happy with mine.

As you progress, look at brands like Iwata.

This would be an external siphon based single-action type airbrush. The external means the air and paint mix on the outside, siphon based means that it relies on the vacuum created by air flowing over a hole to draw paint up from the bottle and into the air stream, and the single-action means that the trigger only does one job - turn on and off the air. Most brushes seen on this sub are pretty much the exact opposite of this beauty, being internal, gravity based dual action brushes.

Now on to troubleshooting, I see that it has a connection to connect to a gas canister (like this stuff). This stuff is... well not ideal really. They drain pretty quickly and when they do, they wont provide the air flow needed to draw the paint out of the bottle and onto the artwork / figure / whatever it is you're painting. Try using a fresh can.

Hard to tell much about this airbrush, they do still make a 100 side feed version, aside from more chromed parts, it might be exactly the same, although best to contact badger directly about parts and servicing if you want to keep and use it.

This kit seems like a good cheap start, haven't used Master airbrush gear before, but the compressor can't be that much different from any other no oil compressor (I started out with an all Iwata kit). Iwata's are really nice to use, and badger's have a warranty you just can't beat...It would be between those two if I was looking at a new airbrush.

Another thing to avoid are chinese knockoff airbrushes that have rubber 'O' rings for the nozzle thread, normally a sign that they have a bad seal or a horrible fit, even the Iwata Neo has it (because Iwata didn't make it, they licensed a chinese company to make them a cheap entry level airbrush, 'O' Rings, 'O' Rings everywhere...Bleh).

I started out with an Iwata Revolution, still used that airbrush after three years, Eclipse are fairly popular as a starting point as well.

Try Don's Airbrush tips he has some reviews of popular models of airbrush and some guides on maintenance and troubleshooting. Also once you find the airbrush you would like to get, find tutorial videos on youtube, and guides on how to take it apart, it is a scary thing to do with something that is totally new to you (it was for me), but you are going to have to do it at some point anyway for a full strip down and clean of the tool.

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

You will have a significantly easier time with a higher quality paint. I recommend the Vallejo line of paints from my personal experience. They make both brush and airbrush consistency paints. However, if you are set on using craft paint, I recommend that you thin them with a copious amount of Liquitex Airbrush Effects and mix them with a Badger Paint Mixer.

For your budget I'll go with a Badger Patriot 105 Arrow, it's so easy to use and clean and the Arrow will give you a fine line if needed. A cheap compressor with a tank and a quick connect and you're good to go !

Badger Patriot Arrow : https://www.amazon.com/Badger-Air-Brush-Co-105-2XR-Airbrush/dp/B00471RFQA/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?keywords=badger+patriot+105&qid=1567304916&s=gateway&sprefix=badger+pa&sr=8-5

Quick connect Badger for all hose : https://www.amazon.com/Badger-Air-Brush-Co-51-038-Disconnect/dp/B000BPOJCO/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=badger+quick+connect&qid=1567305182&s=gateway&sprefix=badger+qui&sr=8-3

Cheap Compressor : https://www.amazon.com/ZENY-Airbrush-Compressor-Airbrushing-Multipurpose/dp/B01M33C8MV/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=airbrush+compressor+with+tank&qid=1567305014&s=gateway&sprefix=airbrush+compressor+&sr=8-3

With airbrush cleaner and thinner, and a cleaner pot, I think I fit your budget.... You can use the standard Badger Patriot 105 but the needle is .75mm instead of .5mm so you get less fines lines

Yes it will, mostly.

Other things that help: Get lubricant for the needle (for example here: https://www.amazon.com/BADGER-122-Regdab-Airbrush-Lubricant/dp/B000BRMYTC) and use Vallejo air colors.

Is this one ok pressure gauge i saw cheaper but i don’t know what is the good one so i pick this

I use a respirator and a cleaning pot.

The paints don't get into the air too much, but the airbrush cleaner does.

Do you live near an airbrush/auto paint type store?

You can ask for a demo.

I dropped ~$500 AUD on an Iwata Powerjet Pro (IS 975)

https://www.amazon.com/Iwata-Medea-Studio-Double-Piston-Compressor/dp/B000TLSYB2