Good Airbrushes for Beginners

[DutyBeforeAll]

Exactly what it says on the tin. What’s a decent starter airbrush for someone starting out, ideally one that’s cheap enough that you don’t waste a lot of money if you decide not to continue with it.

[Imren]

As a beginner, get a rugged one with big nozzels and needles that doesn't necessiate too gentle handling and strict cleaning. I suggest badger patriot 105 because of the following reasons:

• It has a bigger nozzle and needle that is more robust.
• As a beginner you will most likely prime, basecoat and do highlights on larger areas, and not fiddle with detailwork, so the standard 0.5 or 0.7 mm needle that comes with badger 105 is sufficient for you (no need of 0.15 or 0.2 mm detail needle, they are too fragile along with their nozzles).
• It's prices lower than other airbrushes of same type and quality level
• It has higher quality level than the cheapest chines no-name airbrushes

[Grimoire]

The Devils in the details here. Airbrushes fall into roughly two main types. Internal Mix and External Mix. And additionally two sub-types. Dual Action or Single Action.

 

Single Action brushes are easier to learn but are more limiting once the user gains experience.

 

My preference(s) would be, in almost every case, Dual Action - Internal Mix. And I'd personally avoid anything that said "Badger" on it.

 

 

Now with all that said - Personally an Airbrush, while indispensable for modelling in general is less useful in my opinion for WH40K unless considering larger vehicles. 

[DutyBeforeAll]

I’m mainly thinking of trying Imperial Fists. I think I’d be easier to spray yellow than hand paint it.

 

But to get my toes wet, I was thinking maybe $100 all in.

Compressor, air brush, hose, and fittings. I understand that you get what you pay for, but I’m just looking for s toy to play around with right now.

 

If I really like it, then I’ll spend what I need to for a better setup.

[Rik Lightstar]

You're quoting Dollar amounts so that probably rules out what was going to be my first suggestion, the "Harder and Steenbeck Ultra" they are allegedly hard to source in the states. If you can find one though, they're fantastic, easy to maintain (for an airbrush) and as wallet friendly as a branded airbrush is likely to get,

 

Badger get mixed reviews, I have one and love it, but it is a far less forgiving tool than my H&S.

 

The only reason to buy the cheap chinese airbrushes (the ones in a black and clear case with blue foam and no branding) is to put varnish or undercoat through them without killing the expensive one.

 

The issue with a cheap brush is that you'll be more likely to have a bad experience with it and not progress, that's exactly what happened to me and a few others I know. The cheap ones are a false economy, if you don't get on with a branded one, they have a decent resale value (70% of purchase price) when in good condition, and you should be able to find one similar on ebay.

 

The key features for something you'll be able to use longer term are:

• Gravity Feed
• Dual Action
• Available spares

Rik

[Arkhanist]

I’m mainly thinking of trying Imperial Fists. I think I’d be easier to spray yellow than hand paint it.

 

But to get my toes wet, I was thinking maybe $100 all in.

Compressor, air brush, hose, and fittings. I understand that you get what you pay for, but I’m just looking for s toy to play around with right now.

 

If I really like it, then I’ll spend what I need to for a better setup.

 

A nice solid yellow will be a lot easier to airbrush than hand brush, that's for sure.

 

For that kind of money, you're definitely looking at a chinese compressor and they usually throw in an airbrush or two.

 

So you're looking at something that's a rebadged AS-186; one with tank, regulator and water trap. For a little more, there's an upgraded version (AS-186S) with a built in fan that will keep the compressor cooler so you can airbrush for longer before it needs a break - usually around 40-60 minutes of continuous use.

 

The compressor will get rebadged (they always do), but they're all the same one underneath - I've been using one for years and it's still trucking just fine. The tank does make a big difference to steady airflow (and noise, as the compressor only runs when the tank runs low) so it's definitely worth paying that bit extra for one with.

 

The chinese airbrushes are well... pretty crap. You can't get spares, the nozzles are fiddly, and they're a bit of a pain to clean. BUT, they do work for getting your feet wet, and you usually get one pretty much free when you buy a compressor. You ideally want one that's gravity feed (has the paintcup on top) and dual action as that's what's most suitable for our scale and what you'd likely upgrade to if you do.

 

So I'd start with something like this one (based on the AS-186S with fan) for $116; no recommendation for that particular seller, they just have the appropriate compressor with good feedback.

 

 

If it turns out you like it then the included chinese brush is basically disposable, and you can just use it for say varnish so you don't mess up a later good brush. Just bear in mind it will be more work to clean than a decent brush will be, and not spray as well. So definitely don't be too discouraged, cos the brush included with such compressors is much harder work than a better one; but it is a way to try it out for cheaper.

 

You can then get a badger 105 patriot or a H&S ultra 2 in 1, good solid workhorse airbrushes that will be a lot easier to work with and clean. I wouldn't bother with a 'starter' brush like the iwata neo; having owned one for a while, it's not that much of a step up from a cheap chinese brush. You ideally want to be using a 0.4 or 0.5 nozzle; the much smaller nozzles are aimed at inks rather than acrylics, so you have to thin acrylics a lot more to get them to spray.

 

Frankly, the biggest issue with learning to airbrush is a] thinning the paint and b] cleaning it, both between colours and the end of session. A nice chunky friction fit nozzle, like the patriot 105s or H&S use makes life so much easier. But that's a decision once you've decided to invest a bit more, and you've already got a reasonable compressor.

 

Personally I prefer H&S to Badger - my H&S evolution crplus is a lot nicer than my 105, with removable cup, separate nozzle prong and awesome build quality, but then it cost me a lot more (got the 105 in a massively discounted birthday sale) and I know the 105 is much easier to find cheap in the States.

[DutyBeforeAll]

 

 

I’m mainly thinking of trying Imperial Fists. I think I’d be easier to spray yellow than hand paint it.

 

But to get my toes wet, I was thinking maybe $100 all in.

Compressor, air brush, hose, and fittings. I understand that you get what you pay for, but I’m just looking for s toy to play around with right now.

 

If I really like it, then I’ll spend what I need to for a better setup.

A nice solid yellow will be a lot easier to airbrush than hand brush, that's for sure.

 

For that kind of money, you're definitely looking at a chinese compressor and they usually throw in an airbrush or two.

 

So you're looking at something that's a rebadged AS-186; one with tank, regulator and water trap. For a little more, there's an upgraded version (AS-186S) with a built in fan that will keep the compressor cooler so you can airbrush for longer before it needs a break - usually around 40-60 minutes of continuous use.

 

The compressor will get rebadged (they always do), but they're all the same one underneath - I've been using one for years and it's still trucking just fine. The tank does make a big difference to steady airflow (and noise, as the compressor only runs when the tank runs low) so it's definitely worth paying that bit extra for one with.

 

The chinese airbrushes are well... pretty crap. You can't get spares, the nozzles are fiddly, and they're a bit of a pain to clean. BUT, they do work for getting your feet wet, and you usually get one pretty much free when you buy a compressor. You ideally want one that's gravity feed (has the paintcup on top) and dual action as that's what's most suitable for our scale and what you'd likely upgrade to if you do.

 

So I'd start with something like this one (based on the AS-186S with fan) for $116; no recommendation for that particular seller, they just have the appropriate compressor with good feedback.

 

 

If it turns out you like it then the included chinese brush is basically disposable, and you can just use it for say varnish so you don't mess up a later good brush. Just bear in mind it will be more work to clean than a decent brush will be, and not spray as well. So definitely don't be too discouraged, cos the brush included with such compressors is much harder work than a better one; but it is a way to try it out for cheaper.

 

You can then get a badger 105 patriot or a H&S ultra 2 in 1, good solid workhorse airbrushes that will be a lot easier to work with and clean. I wouldn't bother with a 'starter' brush like the iwata neo; having owned one for a while, it's not that much of a step up from a cheap chinese brush. You ideally want to be using a 0.4 or 0.5 nozzle; the much smaller nozzles are aimed at inks rather than acrylics, so you have to thin acrylics a lot more to get them to spray.

 

Frankly, the biggest issue with learning to airbrush is a] thinning the paint and b] cleaning it, both between colours and the end of session. A nice chunky friction fit nozzle, like the patriot 105s or H&S use makes life so much easier. But that's a decision once you've decided to invest a bit more, and you've already got a reasonable compressor.

 

Personally I prefer H&S to Badger - my H&S evolution crplus is a lot nicer than my 105, with removable cup, separate nozzle prong and awesome build quality, but then it cost me a lot more (got the 105 in a massively discounted birthday sale) and I know the 105 is much easier to find cheap in the States.

Thanks for all the advice!

I’m looking at Harder and Steenbeck Ultra air brushes and can get one under a $100 so no real problem there. Honestly I’d prefer to pay more upfront for less hassle down the road.

 

What are some decent compressor brands? Again I’m willing to pay more for an easier time later. Though as always I’m not really wanting to put several hundred dollars down on something I’m not sure I’ll even be seriously getting into.

 

Fittings and hoses are also something that I could use help with. What about those ventilated spray booths, they worth looking into?

[Arkhanist]

When it comes to compressors, it comes down to tank size and power. There are several models of small tankless compressors designed for nail salons etc, but are a bit underpowered for modelling use; they run up to about 30-40psi, and run continuously when providing pressure so they overheat pretty quickly. They're not much cheaper than the tank variant.

 

The tank makes a big difference in buffering the airflow so it's constant at the airbrush. You then want to be able to fill it to a reasonable pressure so the compressor isn't running all the time, so the usual power for a desktop is 1/6HP, which can go up to 4 bar max pressure with a tank size of 2-2.5 litres - the compressor kicks in at about 40 PSI, then cuts off ~60PSI. That gives you a minute or two or airbrushing off the tank before the compressor kicks in to repressure it again.

 

You've basically got the aforementioned chinese AS186 which fits this design, and you get to recognise the rebrands very quickly -  my one is branded KMS, then you've got fengda, switzer, ophir, and I've seen a number of others, they're all the same compressor underneath with a few twiddles, such as the S variant with the fan.

 

The other alternative in this space is sparmax TC-610H, which is around triple the price in the UK for the same horsepower and tank as the AS186 rebrands, the main difference is that it comes with a metal shroud, and is backed by a professional company. I don't think there's much difference in actual use (maybe a touch quieter?), maybe if you're using it all day every day it might be worth the investment as you can then get it repaired, but I've not seen people having problems with the AS186 variants. I believe Badger sell these under their aspire brand.

 

Then you get into much bigger tanks and compressors that are suitable for use with all sorts of other tools, with 10 litre tanks up and much heftier motors so they'll run off the tank for far longer. Suitable for use in the garage or the like, I don't have the space or budget to compare those for use at home, I'be heard of ABAC, Bambi, stanley etc.

 

Big industrial compressors come with 1/4" BSP outputs, smaller hobby ones like we use come with an 1/8" BSP which is pretty much the universal standard for hobby airbrush hoses. Badger and I believe Paasche use a different standard; so you can either fit a 1/8" BSP -> badger adapter on a 1/8" BSP hose, or replace the hose that comes with compressor with a 1/8"BSP to badger hose; not needed with H&S or Iwata. When you have multiple airbrushes, or even with just one, it's nice to get a quick release adapter. This screws into the 1/8"BSP hose end, you put the quick release coupling sized for your airbrush (again, 1/8" BSP for most except badger) and then it's a quick spring release to separate your airbrush for cleaning etc, while leaving the tank pressurized. Not essential by any means, but a nice convenience.

 

Spray booths aren't really worth it for acrylics; I have one, but stopped bothering, there wasn't anywhere near enough dust to be a problem (my cat generates far more!). If you're spraying organic solvent-based paints like oils or alclad, then it would be worth it to vent those outside. Do get a respirator or dust mask though, you want N95 standard or higher for acrylics. Cheap or disposable dust masks with a N95 or N99 rating will work fine for blocking out acrylic dust and paint from your lungs, the micron size is well above what N95 masks will block. A half-face mask with bigger filters can be more comfortable to wear which is what I use. If you use nastier solvent paints than acrylics, get a full face with organic filters, or a half-mask and safety goggles, and you probably want to get it properly fitted to your face.

 

Surgical or cheap dust masks that aren't rated N95 will help, but probably aren't good enough as they don't filter enough round the edges; you only get one pair of lungs given you're usually spraying a few cm away from your breathing space.

[Kalamadea]

I was just talking about htis on DakkaDakka earlier, I'll copy my recomendations for a cheap starter setup that you can upgrade from or continue on with if you're happy with it for about $100 USD

 

I've been using the same cheapo MASTER brand compressor for over 5 years and it's still going strong. I linked the tankless one that I use regularly, most people recommend getting one with an attached air tank, they're about $20 more if you want to go that route. W/ tank is probably better, but I've never had any issues w/ the tankless kind and it's quiet enough I can airbrush and still watch TV or at night when people sleep without disturbing anything, it's about as loud as a refrigerator when the compressor kicks on. I still use the original hose and built-in moisture trap from this kit as well

 

https://www.amazon.com/Master-Airbrush-Performance-Compressor-Dual-brush/dp/B005H3CBXO/ref=asc_df_B005H3CBXO/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=198071540295&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=8960612919430161501&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9031488&hvtargid=pla-318190322546&psc=1

 

I've used a number of cheap airbrushes, mostly Badger knock-offs and a couple actual Pasche airbrushes, my absolute favorite airbrush was recommended to me a few months ago and it's also the cheapest, this is a GREAT airbrush that I highly recommend

 

https://www.amazon.com/HUBEST-0-3mm-Gravity-Dual-Action-Airbrush/dp/B071NTM8TY

 

You will need an in-line moisture trap in addition to the one on the compressor itself or else you'll get water spurting through your airbrush (ruining your paintjob) after 45 minutes of use. An airbrush w/ a tank will have this as less of an issue, but the moisture traps are super cheap on ebay

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1-8-Airbrush-In-Line-Mini-Air-Filter-Moisture-Filter-Water-Trap-Spray-EB/372079375119?hash=item56a1a8b30f:g:ePUAAOSwZkNZv5Fq:rk:1:pf:0

 

Not necessary, but highly recommended is a quick-disconnect, makes switching airbrushes or taking them out to clean really easy  

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1-8-Fittings-Part-Airbrush-Quick-Disconnect-Release-Coupling-Adapter-Connecter/130690819370?hash=item1e6dc7a52a:g:URIAAOSwYmZXNXbE:rk:23:pf:0

 

A cleaning jar is also good to have, you can buy one off amazon or ebay for $15 to $30. I just use a coffee can with a hole drilled in the side and another hole cut into the lid that I put a filter in for much cheaper. My airbrush itself hangs from my overhead lamp on a hook I bought from the dollar store when not in use, so you can spend the money or go a cheap DIY route

 

I also have a sonic cleaner, they're about $30 on ebay, but again, you can just use a little elbow grease and not spend the money. 

 

For cleaning solution, you can use all sorts of different cleaners, most airbrush companies sell a branded cleaning solution but Simple Green and Windex both work really well so long as you're diligent and clean right after use. If you get dried gunk in there, use some PBW cleaner off amazon. Just a spoonful in a small tub/sonic cleaner of hot water and let it soak

 

For thinning paints, I recommend getting BOTH Vallejo airbrush Thinner AND Vallejo Flow Improver, I tend to use about 50/50 thinner/Flow Improver to thin the paints down and had a lot of problems using just thinner. Using thinner and flow improver together really helps keep everything spraying as it should. There's DIY options for both if you look around the webs but I like the actual Vallejo stuff. 

[PeteySödes]

The Devils in the details here. Airbrushes fall into roughly two main types. Internal Mix and External Mix. And additionally two sub-types. Dual Action or Single Action.

 

Single Action brushes are easier to learn but are more limiting once the user gains experience.

 

My preference(s) would be, in almost every case, Dual Action - Internal Mix. And I'd personally avoid anything that said "Badger" on it.

 

 

Now with all that said - Personally an Airbrush, while indispensable for modelling in general is less useful in my opinion for WH40K unless considering larger vehicles. 

 

Can I ask why the badger comment?

[Laughingman]

In terms of compressors, It might be worth searching your local classified ads for industrial oriented compressors they usually have larger tanks and don't have to go on all the time, be wary of rusted out tanks though... 

 

Personally I've had good luck with badger airbrushes (Patriot 105) And would recommend them to anyone in the market for entry level airbrushes...

[CMDR_Welles]

A lot of people have already said mainly what I would have already.

 

The one thing I will say, is your approach is wrong. You need to think of Airbrushes as an investment to your hobby. Picking up a cheap airbrush to "learn" on is only going to cause you endless trouble and frustrations, meaning you will more than likely give up..

 

Buy a good airbrush and compressor. Yes, this means more money spent up front; but what it saves you in hassle is priceless.

 

Things to look for in an airbrush:

 

Gravity Feed

Dual Action

 

 

Things to look for in a compressor:

 

Air tank (this will mean the motor isnt constantly running and since the air is coming from tank and not the motor, its a consistent constant airflow

Pressure Gauge and Moisture Trap

 

Accessories:

Quick disconnect valves

Air hose with Moisture Trap (having a second on on the hose itself is good to have)

Cleaning tools

 

 

A Badger Patriot 105 is a great starter brush for the money. Its easy to use, clean, and get parts for.

[Subtle Discord]

I have to agree with CMDR_Wells on this one, you don't need to get something top-of-the-line but invest in a reputable mid-range airbrush and compressor and don't risk having a bad experience that might sour you; I absolutely adore my Badger Sotar 20/20 since it's versatile enough to handle different tasks but it's better suited for lighter detail work than as a general workhorse.

 

After building and painting scale models since I was roughly seven and building and painting tabletop miniatures since I was roughly fourteen, I can say for me personally that investing in a good airbrush was one of the few tools that completely changed my perspective and approach to the hobby. Even if you only use it for basic techniques, once you get the hang of it, the speed and quality you can achieve are simply unmatched. After using it for a few other larger projects and priming duties, the first time I used an airbrush to put colour on some miniatures (a bunch of Skitarii robes for my AdMech project) I took a week's worth of work and did it in a few hours and produced far superior results than I could ever hope to get by hand. Do it right the first time and enhance your hobby experience forever.

[PeteySödes]

I have to agree with CMDR_Wells on this one, you don't need to get something top-of-the-line but invest in a reputable mid-range airbrush and compressor and don't risk having a bad experience that might sour you; I absolutely adore my Badger Sotar 20/20 since it's versatile enough to handle different tasks but it's better suited for lighter detail work than as a general workhorse.

 

After building and painting scale models since I was roughly seven and building and painting tabletop miniatures since I was roughly fourteen, I can say for me personally that investing in a good airbrush was one of the few tools that completely changed my perspective and approach to the hobby. Even if you only use it for basic techniques, once you get the hang of it, the speed and quality you can achieve are simply unmatched. After using it for a few other larger projects and priming duties, the first time I used an airbrush to put colour on some miniatures (a bunch of Skitarii robes for my AdMech project) I took a week's worth of work and did it in a few hours and produced far superior results than I could ever hope to get by hand. Do it right the first time and enhance your hobby experience forever.

I totally agree with the one thing being you probably don’t need a Sotar until you get the proper control, ie not a first airbrush. :)

[Subtle Discord]

Oh, I wasn't recommending it as a starter airbrush and that's what I was eluding to when I said it's not a workhorse. I suppose I should have been more clear.

 

But really, it's a good time of year to be considering something like this; just wait until after the holidays and there's a good chance you can find a higher end unit at the same price as you'd pay right now for something mid-range. It's not like a brush that's $50-100 more than your budget (if you can get it on sale) will be any harder to learn control with, it will likely just have better build quality and smoother action. And as long as it gets used it will return on the investment in saved time alone.

 

Don't overspend for no reason by any stretch, but if you need to hold out a few months to save up a bit more for a solid mid-range airbrush that won't cause you extra headaches as you're trying to learn, it's worth it.

[Grimoire]

 

Can I ask why the badger comment?

 

 

Absolutely :)  I've been modelling for a long time. Not WH40K ...... But a lot of Military Aircraft and Tanks. SCI-FI etc. My first airbrush, purchased in the mid 70's, was a Pasche Single Action, Internal Mix. While not a recommended brush for a beginner It's still alive and kicking today. As are the Pasche VL's and the smaller turbo as well.  I give Pasche high marks because they are virtually indestructible.

They have very few, non metal parts. Two small O-Rings (from memory lol) Which means that cleaning them is at my descretion. And I can use *any* cleaning mechanism available. Such as Lacquer Thinner, Acetone etc etc.  The Badger Brushes that I have seen were simply not as well made. Including inferior materials. They do however, likely offer higher end models that might not suffer from this. But the cheaper ones ....... well, they're cheap. Save your money. Pasche, Iwata etc make exceptional brushes.

 

Some additional information.

 

Water Traps.  Moisture can cause a lot of issues so use a water trap AS CLOSE TO THE BRUSH as possible. Putting one on the compressor/tank is usually not the best location.  Put an inline trap almost at the brush.

 

Air Pressure(s). Less is almost always better. Probably less than 20lbs.

[Rik Lightstar]

If you can get a Harder and Steenbeck Ultra or Evolution then they are quite simply the best you'll get for the money.

 

I have both a badger and an H&S currently, the RRP on the Badger was three times that of the H&S. The H&S performs equally well until I get to the really close in work, and that's only down to nozzle and needle choice, I bought the Badger with a smaller one array.

 

Rik