Recently through a project at work, I had the opportunity to have them buy an Iwata HP-CS airbrush, compressor and associated things for my team. Once that project ended, I was able to bring these things home and I’ve been building some 1/24 scale auto and 1/12 scale motorcycle models.
Although I’m sure there is a learning curve to airbrushing, I’m not feeling fully satisfied with the results I’m getting with the Iwata HP-CS airbrush that I’m using.
For painting smaller parts, the HP-CS is great; my issue with the HP-CS is for larger parts, like vehicle bodies. I feel like I’m finding that the spray pattern is too narrow, making it quite difficult to achieve an even ‘wet’ coat of paint, particularly on bonnets (hoods), roofs and boot (trunk) areas. I believe that another issue might be in the maximum amount of paint that can be sprayed out when the trigger is pulled fully back. Obviously if the amount of paint sprayed is low, this will also make it difficult to achieve a ‘wet’ coat necessary for a glossy finish.
I have already spent the money to get the 0.5mm needle and nozzle set (from the HP-BCS), but didn’t find any significant difference in spray pattern and when I measured it, the amount of paint sprayed is less than the 0.35mm set! (As a test, 2ml of 91% IPA took 42 seconds to spray with the 0.35mm set vs 63 seconds with the 0.5mm set)
Now that I’m enjoying the hobby again, and I’ve built up some experience with the Iwata Air-brush, I’m not against spending some of my own money this time on an alternative airbrush if that’s going to improve my models, and that’s why I’m posting.
Several scale auto builders on YouTube seem to favour the Harder & Steenbeck range of airbrushes, and I’ve seen a comparison review on YouTube that seems to indicate that the 0.4mm needle on the Evolution / Infinity air brushes produces a large spray pattern and flows a lot of point. My understanding is that Harder & Steenbeck airbrushes have not been available in the US as long as other brands, and that might be a reason whey they seem to be used more by Europeans.
Could my issues be improved with practice and technique, or might trying a different airbrush help?