Hello, I’m new to the modeling world. I’m thinking about getting an airbrush, I’m tired of using my ordinary brush, I just can’t get the result like an airbrush, having brushmarks all the time, can’t do the camouflage properly etc…
So my question is, which airbrush should I get? I’m not spending more than $100 on it. and I will be using it mostly for armor (german tanks) so it should be able to spray german camouflage properly!
Thanks in advance, BlitzKrieg, sorry for my bad english.
start simple with a something like a badger then work your way up.
I recommend a Badger 100lg w/med head assembly or a Iwata HP-CR both gravity feeds and excellent airbrushes.
John
[#welcome] to the forums! Pull up a keyboard and stay a while.
The Badger 100 or Iwata are great gravity feed. You may also consider a siphon feed Badger 150. All are excellent. Just make sure you get a double action so you can control the thickness of lines easier.
What bad English?
Remember that whichever airbrush you buy, you’re also going to need an air source.
If you’re only going to build occasionally, then you might be able to get by using canned propellant, but if you’re going to be building on a regular basis you’re going to go through a lot of $$$ in a fairly short time. You will probably go through a few cans just learning how to use your airbrush.
It might seem expensive, but a compressor is a one-off buy and if you take care of it, will last you a lifetime of modelling. (Not to mention never running out of “air” just as you’re about to put the finishing touches on your model.)
Just something to think about…
I got a Badger 150 from here http://www.bearair.com/, and I am very happy with it.
I agree with John about the Iwata HP-CR. I use it and also have a HP CS and they both are great!
Phil_H is right about buying a compressor. if you intend to build for years then the compressor is a necessity.
Thanks guys, I guess I’ll get a badger 100 or 150, about the air source, my dad got a compressor, though, I don’t know if it will work with an airbrush, do u need a special type of compressor for airbrushing? Another question: will I be able to use one airbrush for acrylics and enamel paints or do I have to get a second when I use different kinds of paint?
~~Blitzkrieg
nope, you can use one airbrush for both enamels and acrylics.
Just want to point out, that when i made the decision to start modelling again with my son, i decided to start small, like not pay £50 or so for a first brush.
One day at my local store they had a revell airspray brush with a 200ml can of Propellant, basic regultaor and a hose, all for £12.99 (ive saw them on ebay go for £8)…Im still using it 
Ok i might not be using the best brush but for a 1st timer and price cost, its ideal…
I will change though to a better airbrush after christmas, with compressor.
sasarchiver
Blitz-any air source will work-maybe just a matter of changing fittings-but a moisture trap and pressure regulator are necessary-you only need about 25-32 PSI (in my opinion).
why is there no edit button?? anyways, http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/REVELL-AIRBRUSH-CRAFT-PAINTING-FULL-SET-NEW-FOR-MODELS_W0QQitemZ8228728812QQcategoryZ28111QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
I am just getting into airbrushing models and found ebay a great place to shop. There are some good deals available at nice prices.
Sasarchiver— since you mentioned Revell airbrush, I have some single action Student model airbrushes that look alot like the Badger 200. Would you know if Badger made them for Revell by any chance? I listed one on ebay last weekend and made reference to the similarity. Thanks.
Mickey
I agree on the double action brush idea… I know the single actions are great and can do the job, but the double action will prove to be more versatile over time when you get more used to airbrushing.
You would want to buy something of decent quality and still remain within your budget. The badgers you listed, along with the Badger 155 (which I own one of) are great brushes. The Iwata HP-CR is a great brush and I own one of those too…it is capable of some great fine detail! Actually if you got the Badger 100LG with the medium head and needle, later if you decided to try your hand at German squiggle camo or such, it would be a simple matter of buying the fine tip and needle for it… a fairly versatile setup! Plus with it being gravity fed I think it will be able to get into some tighter detail for you even with the med head.
I also recommend getting a bottle of airbrush lube with it. It is a oil like substance (actually I believe it is made with glycerin) that you coat your needle lightly with to prevent paint from building up on it and disrupting the airflow over it… it really makes a difference. It’s about $5.00 for a bottle of it and it lasts for years… it goes by Regdab needle juice, or Medea Super lube.
And as one last item to put on the order form when you get it, an extra needle is handy to have too in case you bend yours late one Sunday night and have to wait to get another one till the next week… again, about $6 to $7 for an extra one…
I’ve got all but one of my airbrushes from www.dixieart.com and had great results… they also have free shipping on any order over $45.00… can’t beat free! They have great customer service too…
I’ve heard alot about dixiearts, seems to be an excellent shop! there’s one problem though, I live in Europe so that means I’ll have to pay for the shipping costs which is pretty high I guess…I also had look at some dutch and belgian shops but their prices are ridiculous, nearly 2 times as much as US prices!
Mickeyskinz, email me mate...sasarchiver@gmail.com