I’m in the process of gathering materials (drafting table, paints, etc.) and I’m thinking about airbrush vs paint brushing for my models. I’ve never airbrushed before but the looks of the finishes on models that I see on the internet are better than those done by paintbrush, in my opinion.
The primary issue of course is ventilation, which in a hi-rise apartment, isn’t in plenty supply. My hobby section is by the front door, but leaving the door ajar to the hallway isn’t ideal.
We’re also renting here for the next year, so I just can’t spray just outside on the balcony and let paint residue land wherever it feels like. Trying to sneaking in a paint job in a corner of the parking garage wouldn’t be advisable either. When we had a backyard, I use to spray paint my model rockets without concern for the paint landing on the grass, but that was in the past.
So those that live in apartments, how and where do you airbrush?
If your building small,1/72 aircraft,some 1/48 planes,1/35 armor,and you are using acrylics,you should be okay.When you spray if you have the mix and the PSI right,you shouldnt be raising large clouds of overspray,it should minimal.The larger the model,the larger the duration of your spraying will be,so keep that in mind.Perhaps a drop cloth to protect against spills.But small kits should be okay.
I overheard some guys at an IPMS National Convention who had brought in their airbrush rigs and were painting in the hotel room bathtub! Don’t do this, because as careful as you try to be (I have a feeling they were not!), overspray WILL find its way onto surfaces.
An apartment dwelling friend has a portable Japanese A/B rig that he brings over to use when we have our monthly meeting. He has the same problem as you so he cannot do anything but brush paint at his place.
Also, consider a more quiet compressor out of consideration for the neighbors (and your own ears, too). I think quiet models are made but don’t have a specific manufacturer or model to recommend.
Well Kevin, several years ago I purchased two of the Master paint booths and vented them booth out of the same window. We recently moved and I cannot vent out side the house. The solution was to build a box, add a triple filter and vent into it. With the two filters in the booth; I am blowing my paint through a total of five filters! Just to keep things smelling good I have added two air purifiers. I have a 32 inch wide paint area for about $200 including extra filters, but not including the $250 air purifiers.