airbrushing for beginners?

Nostril Cheese · 02-07-2007, 03:49 PM

I've built scale models for years, and I would like to start using an airbrush to do fine detail work. I was wondering if anyone here could offer a few suggestions as to good starting equipment. Badger, etc?

I have a small compressor already. I also plan on doing a lot of practice work before I try anything. I'm already pretty good at doing fine detail work with a small brush.

Zeke · 02-07-2007, 04:03 PM

Although I haven't built a model in half a century, I have stopped by the model shop a couple of times. Seems most of these places are hangouts and have a workbench or two. I think my local shop would let me try before I buy. They have all levels of air brush kits.

I think it would be fun to do some air brush work. Man, you could put flames on the lawn mower (I already have them on the vacuum!) and a skull and crossbones on the bar-b-que.

typ550 · 02-07-2007, 04:21 PM

funny you mention this. I haven't built models in about 25 years myself, but just started on a 1/25th scale Speedster and have two 911 kits (purchased from a fellow Pelican) waiting in the wings.

I use a Badger 150L airbrush that i probably bought around 1979 or so (i think the same model is still available). I certainly won't say I'm an expert, but i found the basic techniques fairly easy to learn and got to the point where I could do some fairly complex camouflage patterns on aircraft. I picked up the airbrush last week for the first time in 25 years and it was like riding a bike. Did a few practice shots on some board, then i was back in business.

I have only used this particular brush, but I know folks who swear by Paasche and Iwata. It's good you have a compressor, that's the only way to go.

stomachmonkey · 02-07-2007, 04:48 PM

There are two basic types of airbrushes, Single and Dual Action.

Single are simpler to use and are most commonly used in taxidermy or other jobs were consistent color coverage is needed.

With a single you push the button and the paint comes out. Kinda of like a rattle can.

Dual Acttion you push for air and toggle front to back to control the amount of paint that is being dispensed.

Trickier to get the hang of but is really the best tool for intricate detail, feathering type of work.

If your compressor is one of the small ones without a holding tank then hose absolutely needs to have a moisture trap. The air that comes from the small tankless is warm and cools/condenses along the length of hose. Eventually enough water builds up that it comes out of the airbrush in one big giant splat right on your work which sucks.

I am looking to relocate to FL. Was cleaning a closet and came across one of my old airbrushes. It's a Badger dual. Needs a little cleaning but like a gun you need to clean them regularly anyway.

If you want it PM me your address and I'll ship it off to you.
You'll need to pick up some paint cups for it since I have no idea where those went.

Just hope I did not take to the storage unit.

Nostril Cheese · 02-07-2007, 04:52 PM

PM sent.

way cool, man

TimT · 02-07-2007, 05:08 PM

Paasche VL is a good workhorse, can be had for about $65

www.airbrush.com

stomachmonkey · 02-07-2007, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Nostril Cheese
PM sent.

way cool, man

It's a Badger 150 if you want to look it up.

Comes with two needles, wrench for disassembly, the cups and jars are "somewhere" but that stuff is cheap.

Scott

Jay Auskin · 02-08-2007, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by TimT
Paasche VL is a good workhorse, can be had for about $65

www.airbrush.com

I'd second that. It can handle a wide range of paints, has a decent range of needle sizes. I bought one ~15 years ago, and I still have to say it's very nice.

As for compressor....something quiet, but spend the money on drying/cleaning the air. No matter how nice the airbrush, you can't do anything if the air isn't clean and free of oil/water.