Best mid-level airbrush

Tools, Techniques, and Reference Materials Painting and airbrushing
1

Hello,

I am just getting into airbrushing for my modeling and looking for a solid airbrush. A bit of background first. I am familiar with brushwork and have done quite a bit of painting for several hobby games, (40k and the like) and done only the barest of airbrushing for those painting projects (Makes basing very quick). I have used a basic Badger airbrush so far. Any issues I had with it were likely due to my own lack of skill.

I am looking for a mid range brush, I have some money to throw around on this project but don’t want to break the bank. Currently I have a DML Tiger II as my main project but I am likely going to pick up a ME-262 for airbrush practice before moving onto the main event.

I have worked with Badger and liked it so far. I also was looking at Aztec but saw a lot of mixed reviews. Any other options I should consider? What features should I look for in particular? If it matters, I intend to use Vallejo paint from their airbrush range.

Any other tips and tricks would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

-Kane

2

It all depends on what you want. Single action, dual action, gravity feed, etc…

Go here and make your own decision:

https://sites.google.com/site/donsairbrushtips/home

3

[dto:]

I use a Badger Patriot 105 that’s resonably priced and works well enough for my needs.

4

I have an Iwata Eclipse suction feed for the big items, but my go to is the NEO I picked up. Neither broke the bank at Hobby Lobby with the coupon.

Go with what you are familiar and comfortable with.

5

Hi, Kane -

I have Iwata, Paasche and Badger airbrushes, over the past few years I’ve become an exclusively Badger user. Reasons? Modest price and excellent quality, easiest to clean and service, extremely durable.

My most used are the 200G single action for large area jobs, 100G small cup for precision jobs of small area, 100LG large cup for large area.

I like my Patriot 105 for most any work that will involve precision and/or large area coverage. Before you decide on anything firmly, I’ll enthusiastically second the recommendation to have a thorough look at Don’s Airbrush website. The best info around about all things airbrush.

Most of what I know about airbrushes came from Don, the models I cited are all reviewed there, have a good look and see if that doesn’t help you narrow the search down a bit.

In the end, just about any quality airbrush will do the job and serve you well, but some good info up front can help you get the right one, the first time.

Patrick

6

Thank you all for the advice so far. I think I am going to stick with Badger, as that is what I have experience with at all.

My next question is benefits of a dual action airbrush and differences of the feed methods.

The Don’s Airbrush website is just what I needed and I intend to read the whole thing before moving forward.

Again thanks a ton.

-Kane

7

Hi Kane,

What Badger have you used?

Like Patrick, I’ve used a lot. I currently own Badger, Iwata, Sparmax and Paasche.

If i were you, i’d go for a Badger - for an all-rounder, look at at the 100LG.

The 100 and 150 series give you the option of changing needle and head sizes (fine, medium, heavy) so you can do anything from fine detail to large base coats.

I found i could get very decent fine detail with the Fine head, and it’s probably the one i used the most, until i upgraded to the Renegade Krome (also by Badger).

However, (and this is my experience only) avoid Vallejo like the plague. I bought a heap of their model air range as people were touting them as the next best thing since sliced bread (mainly European modellers) - but i had nothing but trouble.

Despite them being “already thinned for airbrush”, i was still thinning them down by a further 30% - 50% to get them to flow. Then they suffered from dry tip and then they end up clogging in the nozzle anyhow.

Further, they react poorly to most other acrylic style thinners (like Iso Alcohol; Windex etc) so you need to buy their proprietary thinner.

They severely clogged my medium nozzle of the Badger 100LG and i ended up dumping them all. I’d never risk putting them through any of my airbrushes again.

Anyhow, my experience only, others love them and never have a drama.

Hope my suggestions help regarding airbrush selection.

8

I have used a Badger 350 so far and it served me fairly well (again, any issues were likely with me and not the brush) I like the 100LG, looks solid and being able to change tips is a big deal for me.

Sorry for the slow posts, still need to get them approved at this point.

Much thanks,

-Kane

9

Kane,

I’ve not used the Badger 350, but it looks similar to the Paashe H.

If i were you, i’d go for a double action airbrush - you will find the ability to do fine detail will automatically increase, but as with all new tools, there is a learning curve to go with it.

Also, with any double action, you will find they need a bit more TLC and attention to cleaning than a single like the 350.

Regards,

10

Kane -

Like our friend from down under, I have a strong preference for Badger. Simple, durable and very capable sprayers.

Since you’re familiar with the 350, I’ll offer the following thoughts. For dozens of years I used only a single action Binks Wren, it did pretty much all I needed. Then I threw darts all over the board, buying airbrushes by the ton. Single action, external and internal mix, dual action, high end and cheap.

Now, all these years later I primarily use three of them.

Badger 200. Mostly used for broad coverage and primer coats.

Badger 100G and 100LG. All around spray and some detail. The LG is used for jobs requiring larger paint loads.

It might just be possible that the single action 200 will suit your needs perfectly, very inexpensive and easy to use/clean. I do recommend gravity feed over siphon, only because of the ease of cleaning, although that’s certainly not a big deal at all.

For reference, Don Wheeler is certainly an expert airbrusher, as well as Don Stauffer, and they speak very highly of the siphon feed models. Spend a little more time at Don’s Airbrush site, I think you’ll pretty much get the idea of what you want/need.

Good hunting.

Patrick

11

Hey all,

Thanks again for all the advice. I have decided to go for the 100LG as it looks like the generalist brush I need.

Dons Airbrush is a godsend for someone like me, just getting into the hobby.

Now all that is left is to get a nice ME-262 to test and learn on.

Regards,

-Kane