Good starter Airbrush

[Guest]

Hello in the next 4 months I plan on getting an Airbrush.

 

I am looking for something for a beginner.

 

Main goals to start with is good priming, basecoating and learning the basics of shading.

 

 

 

Oh and anyone with experience with Citadel air paints?

[Wassa]

I bought the Abest Airbrush Kit. It's very cheap and pretty basic (and loud), but for priming and basecoating it does the job. I haven't tried shading as I don't use it on my models.I mainly bought it so I could base my model in colours that GW don't provide spray cans for.

 

The citadel spray paints are good, and they provide a much greater colour range. They also sell Air Caste Thinner which allows you do mix standard GW paints to make them thinner and usable in an airbrush, though probably any thinner would do. I haven't used any other brands yet though I shall be trying soon for a new army so I don't have to worry about matching existing colours.

 

 

I've since discovered the world of stencils and I painted the camo on these with it before using a brush to do the detais. Masking tape works too.

 

 

I'd probably recommend a better one if you were going to do more serious stuff with it but for being cheaper than a tank model it's pretty good.

[Rik Lightstar]

This compressor is pretty much the "industry standard" as it were:

 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00JAJTKWQ/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_6rlTCbD5T3MKQ

 

The Airbrush isn't great, but it's good to get some practice in with.

 

Rik

[Arkhanist]

It's worth spending a little more on a compressor with a tank and water trap to start with such as Rik Lightstar links; you can upgrade to better brushes later, and you can keep using the same compressor. The cheap ones are generally AS186 compressors rebadged for around £80-£90, and they throw in a cheap chinese airbrush or two. There's also a slightly improved version with a fan that runs a little longer before overheating, the AS186S, like this one.

 

Having a tank means

a] the compressor itself runs to fill up the tank, then cuts off till the pressure gets too low. So it's quieter overall, and also runs for longer before it needs a break to cool down (around 45 minutes continuous use)

b] the airflow stays at the set pressure, without pulses of small changes, so better quality spray. The water trap also stops any water drops messing up the spray.

 

The chinese airbrushes themselves are basically disposable; you can't get replacement needles or parts, and they clog fairly easily, but they're fine for learning the fundamentals and laying down base coats. They can be fiddly to clean, but that itself will be good practise too!

 

If it turns out you like it, and want more control and ability to do finer work, it's worth then buying a badger patriot 105 or harder and steenbeck ultra 2 in 1. Both are great workhorse brushes without breaking the bank, and you can keep the chinese one for varnishing. I personally love harder & steenbeck brushes, as the quality is superb, while badgers feel a little like they're made out of repurposed iron pipe; but the end results with either is solid.

[Guest]

Thanks guys I was kind of leaning to a reasonable compressor and "cheap" airbrush.

 

If I get on well I will get a more advanced Airbrush.