Airbrushing for the Beginner #1: Buying an Airbrush Setup

[08junkie]

very informative, I have been looking into airbrushing for a month now and this is the most info I found in one place . Great job

[aldoinsomnia]

hello, how do you think about IWATA IS 50 SIlver Jet Hardware Compresor and IWATA HP-CH Pen Brush? thx

[Scot14222]

I have a 3 gallon Cambell Hausfeld shop compressor can I hook it up to an airbrush?

[SMConsortium]

@Scot14222 yes. Gotta get adaptors and make sure you got a regulator so your don't blast a hole in the plastic. ;)

[Jayr322]

Hey man, thanks to your very informative channel, and looking forward to the next wideo on your corsair series.. im trying to get an airbrush setup and would like to get your opinion on this particular model of compressor which is readily available to me, "Mr. Linear Compressor Petit-Com" which is available at hobbylibk japan for reference... im new to scale mod and i dont have someone to teach me as well...

Thanks and keep modeling...

[MrGimpyLoser]

Paasche Talon airbrushes are the bomb I got two of the bastards.

Clog proof compared to a iwata

[Gauzl]

"If you can read this you really need to get laid"

[zosgoat93]

My kid nearly gave me a heart attack when he told me how much he loves to do graffiti on others' private property. My father brought up airbrushing as an alternative to encourage, so off I went to research the possibility. Your videos are excellent resources in that regard, thanks! He loves gaming miniatures too so that's an unexpected bonus I hadn't initially considered. We'll be back.

[iGoten1]

i was wondering so i only need the airbrush.. , a air can thing . and thats it???

[nuzuk]

Thank you so much, i am looking to upgrade from my pasche that i bought relatively uninformed and was debating what kind of brush was for me.

[GundamMeister2011]

Hello Sir I just recently watch your videos and I find it very informative I'm actually looking for an airbrush with compressor, what you recommend on your video is not available here in the Philippines what we do have is this for compressors (Tamiya Basic Spray Paint w/ single action trigger type airbrush gravity feed $140, Kawasaki Mini Air Compressor $90, Hobbiworkz Mini Air Compressor $90, Vespa Air Compressor $140) as for dual action airbrush gravity feed price ranges from $20 - $80. Thanks

[Hummingbirds2009]

Thanks for sharing!!!! Can't wait to get my airbrush!!!!

[kirkconway]

Im getting back into plastic kit's im 51 and ive been doing kit's for yrs but never was able to get this VL paashe thinned right on model enamel's.

need help on this some say dont use model enamel's in an airbrush, gumm the thing up.

am confused on this.

[Hyberchonda]

Thx u for the vid mate!

I like your voice and the leitmotif (which never drops) and guides u thru solid long 15min. But I never was bored or temped to skip something.

This video has a really a lot of information, I'm sure this 'll help me out.

Pls keep more of this series cummin', greets

[Rialge]

I have watched your series and I am giving up the paintbrush after 15 or so years! I can not thank you enough for this set of videos. I am an action figure customizer. If you can do such amazing work with tiny models, it should be cake for my figures. Thanks a million!

-Rich

[cesar418]

what do you think about the badger 150?

[trackspike64]

Hello wow you have a gr8 video line of how to on airbrushing thanks so much can u do one on showing how to thin paints I would be using enamals testors paint its all i have right now and paint is not cheap its over 3 bucks a bottle so i want to use what i have then switch ...or can u tell me what the thin ratio is for that type of paint or is that soemthing i have to dial in Oh I just bought the tc-20t compreesor and tank set with a very nice duel action brush for 139 shipped

[SMConsortium]

@trackspike64 Hey ya! I would make a vid on thinning enamels but I don't use em. :( Sorry but it's pretty much the same rule... thin it to a consistency of milk

[MultiAwsomeman101]

i was able to read it

[TheRocketSilo]

Go easy on Paasche,some of the best artists in the world used Paasche airbrushes including H.R.Giger and the father of modern airbrushing Charles White... these people are immortal in the airbrush world

[pullharderbaby]

thanks for posting the vids man, very useful ;-)

[Mvfasalways]

Hey I can't get my paint to come out I'm using acrylic paint how much water do I mix it with

[RabbitLitvyak]

do i have to use vallejo paints. can i just thin down citadel paints

[PiotrThePrimate]

@RabbitLitvyak You can use any paint that you can thin down to the consistency of full-fat milk. If you are using a really small needle and nozzle i.e. < 0.2mm or you want to push the 0.2mm to the limit then thin down to skim-milk consistency. Don't use window cleaner or water as a thinner, use an acrylic paint thinner such as the Vallejo thinner and you should be fine.

[warder120]

is there are a particular name for that type of regulator you have? I see it has both the regulator and water filter on it and you have 2 hoses attached to it. Thanks.

[thinace]

great video man, i really learned a lot. by the way, i just started making fishing lures as a hobby, what is the best for painting lures? thank you man, i really appreciate it.

[PiotrThePrimate]

@thinace If you visit lure making forums you'll see that all sorts of paints are used. You can pretty much use anything because you will prime/undercoat according to the material (wood or plastic) and then you will topcoat with 2 part epoxy or 1 or 2 part clear.  It all comes down to personal preference but in the USA the Createx paints are popular because there are metallic, pearlescent and iridescent colours that make really pretty lures.

[dwardu92]

Have you ever heard of DeVilbiss airbrushes ... if you have what do u think about them?

[SMConsortium]

@dwardu92 No I haven't, sorry. :(

[lodhol]

@SMConsortium Im new on modeling,and you look like you know a lot about airbrush and compressors.So can you please help me,and tell me what is AIRBRUSH exactly??And can it work without compressor?And can you recommend me what airbrush and compressor to buy?I dont want cheapest thing to buy?And do you get different needles with airbrush?Thank you very much,and sorry If I asked you something what you think is boring:D

[ceconk123]

@lodhol Well of course you'll need a compressor because you need airflow for the airbrush to work and be able to throw paint.You can search on google and there are sets of airbrush&compressors on eBay

[PiotrThePrimate]

@dwardu92 DeVilbiss airbrushes are well regarded in the airbrushing community.

[bugs181]

Also, to note, in most of the video the OP talks about getting bottom fed, top fed, or side fed. If your having a hard time making the choice, then check out the Badger 360.. It has a rotating cup and can do all 3.

[SShmz08]

Can you paint scale models with just a regular paintbrush?

[SMConsortium]

@SShmz08 Yes

[SMConsortium]

@SShmz08 I don't know how to reply to this comment. lol

[bugs181]

@SShmz08 It would be impossible. As soon as you open the pack of brushes you would release electrons. Then as soon as the brush touched your model they would ignite and cause extreme gamma radiation to yourself. Thus causing a chain reaction that would magnify the Earth's magnetic fields, causing asteroids to destroy Earth. Aside from the world blowing up, and death to yourself, your model would melt.. This is all hypothetical of course and extreme sarcasm.. YES YOU CAN USE A PAINTBRUSH!!

[GLOWTURTLE]

WANT TO KNOW IF AIRBRUSH WORKS GOOD ON CARDBOARD ITEMS...& SYROFORM...LOOKING TO WK ON THESE ITEMS FOR WEDDINGS & QUINCE...THANKS FOR UR TIME...VIDEOS ARE GREAT

[SMConsortium]

@GLOWTURTLE It should work fine, yes.

[BUBearL]

I'm willing to spend around 200. What would be a good system to buy for that amount?

[shevah2]

@BUBearL i dont understand why what he recommends is so expensive. You can get quality dual action airbrushes for retail 50$ or lower from certain sellers. Im getting the Masters g25 for 30$ retail is 50$ but iv heard others for that exact price. My compressor im getting a tc-20 but im still undecided, its for 110$ im looking around for better deals thats the retail. So im spending 140$ mabey more for hoses and cleaning and nozzle supplies.

[shevah2]

@BUBearL sorry dont do that i did sum research quality comes with price so im going with iwata. I got iwata smartjet and iwata revolution CR jus incase u want to know

[bugs181]

@shevah2 All in all, a $200 budget isnt that hard to accomplish. I got my brush for about $110 after shipping prices. In the video he recommended against getting a Paasche brush. Im sorry the OP didnt have a good time with this brush as I very much LOVE mine. I got the Paasche Talon 2 and can pull extremely fine detailed lined. Great for model cars, canvas, or miniatures. But it all comes with preference as he mentioned also.

[shevah2]

@bugs181 you said u got an airbrush for 110? What about your compressor? My iwata airbrush was 90$ but my compressor was a hefty 250$, although i did get discounts from my DickBlick store and came down to 300 dollors. A 200dollar budget is gonna be very hard on the compressor. I did a ton of research and found some at 100-150 price range, but they were big, loud, primitive and noisy. I am japaneese and put trust in iwata, and tamiya especially, not being racist lol. Anyway happy u enjoy it

[bugs181]

@shevah2 Look up "Jason Jones DIY Silent Compressor" on google. I went out to harbor freight, bought the $45 pancake compressor, then went to the local dump yard and found a refrigerator motor for under $5. I put the 2 together, using almost NO engineering skills with various pieces and fittings from my local hardware shop. I had a silent airbrush compressor for under $60. Its even more quiet than most AB compressor you can buy.

[MrPsk93]

do you need a water removing devices when you use only the tank??

[bugs181]

@MrPsk93 Yes. You still need a water trap. It filters out the water (condensation from the tank) that leads to your brush.. If water mixes with your paint (whether it be oil paints, or water based paints) it will cause undesirable effects. Hope this helps.

[albertism1127]

hi there,

i am planning to get into airbrushing and invest for a good airbrush...do you recommend buying the badger 100-lg?

thanks...

[carvinrigged]

I'm looking to buy an airbrush to spray clear lacquer for touch ups and also do sunbursts on acoustic guitars . I really do not need an ultra detail or fine spray for fine detail work. Do you think one of the cheaper models would work for me ? All my paint will be lacquer and will need to be thinned . Thanks for the video .

[SMConsortium]

@carvinrigged It depends. Do you need to get into details? lol I mean if you don't need to get that fine of a spray for whatever work you're doing then no.

[3dcga]

Great video. I am a toy sculptor. I make sculptures ranging from 10-20 inches. I was thinking to get into painting my statues as well. Do you think a smaller size compresser with auto on-off feature (used for nail art etc) which produces about 15-25PSI good enough for the scale I'm working with? Do note that I'll be airbrushing and hand painting at the same time, so I might not be extensively airbrushing.

[SMConsortium]

@3dcga Yeh, it should work fine.

[carvinrigged]

@3dcga Hi , This might seem like a redneck idea ,but just to save you some money do a YouTube search for homemade compressor . There are many made from discarded refrigerator compressors that can easily supply enough air for your needs . Add about $20.00 for a regulator and air filter,dryer and it will probably last a lifetime . You can even doll it up and make it look like a storebought pro model . I have and it's easy! Spend the extra on a high end airbrush !

[twiprod002]

I have all my airbrush equipment already but this is a very informative video those who are getting started . I whouldn't change a thing , Great video. Five stars*****

[llazy1]

Since I already have it, can a tool type compressor be used? I think it's a campbell -hausfeld 3 gallon compressor- turns off when full.. loud but might be ok if I'm outside..and what level psi would you want if you're using an iwata eclipse 2000 for painting on canvas? Thanks.

[SMConsortium]

@llazy1 yes. It'll be very loud but you can with no problems. Just make sure you get a regulator and the right parts to convert to the right size hose to your airbrush.

[llazy1]

@SMConsortium Thanks- It already has a regulator. I picked up the fittings so I could use a quick release type of connection. Tried it out for the first time just using water. Got another question tho..I did a painting a few years ago just using spray cans.. I think enamel. I'm planning to use acrylic paint with the airbrush. Can that be used on top of the enamel if I want to add to that painting? Or will not stick - flake off etc? Thanks.

[SMConsortium]

@llazy1 Ah, I can't tell ya.  I'm not too sure about that. This is being done on a canvas?

[kw4z0rn]

Nice vid. Thanks man!

What do you think about kit number 3. at this page?

[Donald6899]

Awsome video - helped me a lot.

Thank you.

[jaja1818]

filipino??



[soaringwithfreedom]

wow this helps so much :D

[hihihoho1234]

just what those others say: Thanks !!

[attenink]

Thanks for the vid, it was very helpful

[dmacara76]

Many thanks for this series- guided me through all stages of setup with no mucking about. Much appreciated!

[1761341]

i bought the infinity airbrush,. for about $300.. and i can't get it to work >.< the damn thing keeps spitting my paint.. any idea on what the problem is??

[RAMIAM86]

At 5:01 where do you buy parts for that airbrush?

[SMConsortium]

@RAMIAM86 Pretty much any place that sells Badger Airbrushes. Try Tower Hobbies :) towerhobbiesDOTcom

[TheRocketSilo]

I've been shopping for hobby compressors lately and was told the main point of the coil hose is to minimise pulsing.(I'm dreaming of a sil-air)

[granander]

Do you or anyone around here have any experience with Aztek airbrushes?

They seem pretty nice and seem to be in the midrange when it comes to price. Also they seem to be working of a different design than most airbrushes. Anyone have any opinions on this?

[darked777]

didnt like the video !!! LOVED IT

[cLoAcez]

i have a master brand airbrush and its a dual action gravity feed but wont spray clean thin line?

[SMConsortium]

@cLoAcez Couple things I can think of. Need to clean your needle and needle tip or you're not thinning your paints enough or mixing them up enough.

[cLoAcez]

@SMConsortium Thank you it was the paint

and just one other thing. what do you reccommend as the fastest and most efective way to clean the gun?

really appreciate the help

[SMConsortium]

@cLoAcez Either Iwata airbrush cleaner or Vallejo Airbrush cleaner. :) You can also just use windex or alcohol is you wanted to.

[tomsmith100]

@cLoAcez Windex is cheap and works just as well as Airbrush Cleaner

[rmparra1]

the resevoir of my smartjet is halfway full of water. How do i empty it out.

[SMConsortium]

@rmparra1 put a cup under the moister trap and open the valve! :)

[superdude77]

I gotta say thanks for a great video!! I'm going for an Iwata HPCS...still thinking about the compressor....like the CO2 given the silence. Thanks again.

[SMConsortium]

@superdude77 You're welcome! There's absolutely nothing wrong with the CO2 set up. Only annoyance is the need to get it refilled :) But if you get two, it won't be so bad. :)

[lopuilap]

hey would you recommend the sparmax

[SMConsortium]

@lopuilap Maybe, if I know what it was. ;)

[SMConsortium]

@lopuilap OH! I went and googled it. I never used those airbrushes before so I have no clue if they are good or not. :)

[00sven00sven00]

I see a lot of no name brand compressors on ebay that seem to have all the bells and whistles and they look pretty cheap. Any reason why i shouldnt get one? As it is just a device for pushing air im guessing one wouldnt need to be as fussy with which one they get as opposed to the actual airbrush which im willing to spend a bit of money to get a quality one.

[solovdo]

thanx, good info. Question: Could I use my industrial compressor that I got from Hm Depot ( Campbell Hausfeld 5hp 120 volt

6.5 scfm @ 40psi

5.5 scfm @ 90psi

22 Gal Tank) and add another regulator with a water seperator and a manafold for say six different spray guns? thanks

[SMConsortium]

@solovdo Yes. :)

[SimpleModels]

Are all badger hoses the same ?

[SMConsortium]

@SimpleModels yeh. Just read the packaging or the description and it'll tell ya what brushes it fits :)

[SimpleModels]

@SMConsortium well it's on webairbrushes and it says its for a Badger and Iwata hose but could you check plz

[SMConsortium]

@SimpleModels Should be ok. might mean it comes with an adapter.

[SimpleModels]

@SMConsortium Okay is that good or bad

[SMConsortium]

@SimpleModels Should be good. :) I can't be completely sure since I don't sell it. lol At least give me the item number for what you're looking at to give me a place to start.

[SimpleModels]

@SMConsortium oh sorry its number 36-010 on webairbrushes

[SMConsortium]

@SimpleModels I can't seem to find it. How did you get to the airhose from the menu? Stupid site doesn't have a search feature.

[SimpleModels]

@SMConsortium ok at the home page click on accessories then on air hoses and you will see product 36-010

[SMConsortium]

@SimpleModels OK I see it but there's no description. It should work but I'd call them and ask just in case.

[SimpleModels]

@SMConsortium will do thanks

[MoreDakka101]

wow dude. You've got like the compressor knowledge AND a multitude of actual items to show. Great video. I'm not currently in the market for one (though I'm sure it would help me immensely) but I feel more comfortable with them having this information.

[SMConsortium]

@MoreDakka101 Haha yeh, stuff accumulated over the years :)

[SimpleModels]

Is getting a Badger 150 a good idea for a scale modeler?

[SMConsortium]

@SimpleModels Yeh! I'ts a decent brush to start with :) When you get more into it, you'll probably get the urge to try better brands or a high quality airbrush in the badger line. But the 150 is fine. You might find the bottom feed annoying after a while too. But yeh, if you can get access to it, the 150 is fine brush to start with. :)

[SimpleModels]

@SMConsortium yeah I think its a side feed is that okay or should I just go all out and get the velocity

[SMConsortium]

@SimpleModels Side feed is fine too. Again, that's a preference kinda thing. In my opinion coming from using siphon feeds, it's so much easier to use a gravity feed brush. Should you go all out on the velocity now? If you can, I would say yes but there's nothing wrong with starting out with a 150 right now either. Side feed though I would be annoyed with. It'll block the line of site when you're looking down on the model.

[SimpleModels]

@SMConsortium I see your point I like the look of the iwata eclipse that might be all mine for christmas but where can I get a hose?

[SMConsortium]

@SimpleModels Are you getting a compressor? A hose usually comes with one. If not, then you can get one in any place that sells airbrushes.

[SimpleModels]

@SMConsortium I am getting a compressor yes but it might not be that good its called the Mini Diaphragm Air Compressor for Airbrushing. Is it any good?

[SMConsortium]

@SimpleModels errr. I dunno. Do you have a link? The ones I talk about in my vid are considered a mini air compressor. :)

[SimpleModels]

@SMConsortium youtube won't let me give you a link but its at ....

everything airbrush.com

[SMConsortium]

@SimpleModels The blue one?

[SimpleModels]

@SMConsortium yeh do you think its good?

[SMConsortium]

@SimpleModels My friend had one of those a while back. Yeh it's pretty good and it'll work great. It's quite quiet too. I don't think it comes with a hose though. Depending on what airbrush you get, you'll have to get a hose for it.. As I can figure, there's generic hose, iwata hose, badger hose and paashe hoses. You can always get a generic hose and get the proper adapter for the type of air brush too. I forgot to mention that.

[SimpleModels]

@SMConsortium errrrrrr great right so I think I'm going to get the Badger 105 and also get this compresser I will look for a hose for it, thanks :)

[yambam26]

Ah i subscribed to you a few weeks back and im glad i did as ive really found your videos useful :)

Ive been looking for just this kind of video to explain things better and you did it perfectly :)

ive been looking at badger and iwata but ive also been looking at the AB-183K which seems to be a cheaper kit.

ive got a compressor already in my garage, but im not sure if the airline that comes with the airbrush will suit as it goes from 1/8bsp male to 1/4bsp female adaptor. hope you can help!

[SMConsortium]

@yambam26 Well for the hose, you can easily just get the right adapters. Check TCP Global. They have tons of adapters. If you got an industrial with a large tank and you pull a line into the house, it should work just fine as long as it's not TOO long. You might start loosing PSI pressure if it's too long. Get get the right adapter and you should be just fine. :) going from 1/8 to 1/4 is fine. it's 1/8 to 1/4 right out of my compressor itself.

[yambam26]

@SMConsortium Thanks thats helped me alot mate, Ill check out TCP Global and ill be looking forward to your next video :)

[sushifan67]

Perfect timing for this excellent vid!  I'm getting an airbrush/compressor this week! Thanks for the tips!

[SMConsortium]

@sushifan67 Right on! It'll be the best purchase you've every made! lol

[VividAdventures2010]

Great vid man. I followed Cranberry here. He mentioned this vid and your channel tonight during our discussions on Skype. A lot of great info here. I'll be heading to sub in just a moment. Keep up the great work!

[SMConsortium]

@VividAdventures2010 Right on! Thanks for subbing

[moavbilly]

Reminder....Be sure to get an OIL LESS compressor. Even with a trap on the out let you WILL get oil particles passed on to the air brush. A moisture trap is a necessity, you must keep the air to the airbrush clean. Spend a few bucks and get a GOOD trap.

[SMConsortium]

@moavbilly Thanks! I'll cover that in the next video.

[bakabomb45]

Thanks for the info and great job.

[SMConsortium]

@bakabomb45 You're welcome!

[darkcloud1975aj2007]

Hey there Dk is scott making any more vids?

[SMConsortium]

@darkcloud1975aj2007 yeh. he's just taking a break right now. He said he's going to try and get back in to some vids again in the upcoming holidays

[CranberryMuffinmanz]

Fantastic video man i think you did a great job

[SMConsortium]

@CranberryMuffinmanz Thanks!

[ModelManTom]

Excellent overview, dude. $350 for a setup is way to much money,

Ebay, TCP Global, Dual action brush and a compressor with 3 gallon tank $130 shipped. These are generic brushes that work AWESOME without paying for brand logos. I swear by them. Unless I'm gonna go up to a $500 ultra wonderful brush, brand names are a waste of money.

PS To anyone reeading this, never waste money on cans of air. Just throw the cash down on a compressor. It's the same price as a dozen cans of air.

[SMConsortium]

@ModelManTom I've heard alot of horror stories about those generic airbrushes that breaks apart after a couple months of usage and on those really cheap air compressors just quitting after a short period of time. :) So I dunno if I could have recommend those. But yeh! you definately can get way cheaper sets out there. Which TCP global set is for $130?

[ModelManTom]

@SMConsortium I've heard people who have heard of horror stories, but the people who have actually bought it themselves have loved the stuff. A quick search utrned up $160 for a 3 gallon tank and dual action brush. It could be the time of year and they raised prices a little for xmas, or prices have simply gone up since I bought mine from them last year.

I can't paste a direct link to the page here, but here's the post title

New PRO DUAL-ACTION AIRBRUSH KIT w/TANK AIR COMPRESSOR

[SMConsortium]

@ModelManTom Ok thanks. I'll include that in the follow up video. I couldn't fit everything in 15minutes. I had to cut out the workspace and paints part of it. So annoying but this is good. I missed a few things people mentioned on the other channel as well.

[ModelManTom]

@SMConsortium Workspace and fans and stuff is definitely a critical thing too, so glad you are covering that as well!!! Health safety is most important thing in airbrushing.

[ModelManTom]

I figure, even if I destroy the brush completely, another $40 gets me a replacement. The tank is about $80 last time I saw.

The customer service was excellent in my case the one time I emailed them and I have not had a problem that wasn't user error.

[ModelManTom]

What I don't like is the equipment is prohibitvely expensive for common folk. There's an air of elitism in the 'professional airbrush' community and the manu's cater to and foster that environment.

Though back in my college days a low end compressor was $400+ and brushes were similarly huge cash. So while prices have come down, they still have a ways to go. Just my thoughts.

Your overview was thorough and well done regardless of what I have to say!!! :)