OK, looking for my first airbrush kit?

[team3six]

OK, Im looking for my first airbrush kit, and I want something that is somewhat easy to use, but that I can also adjust. I am not sure who makes it. But I have seen one that when you push it down you can also move the trigger forward or backwards to adjust the flow of the paint stream!? is that right? I have found an aircompressor that is really quite and has this air tube on the end that keeps the air flowing in a constant instead of an accidental pocket of air and takes the moisture out of the air as well. I will take any advice and if you can point me in some online direction as to seeing the product, it would be appreciated. I am looking to spend about $350.00-$600.00. Minus paint obviously

[davecnitrors4]

The airbrush you want is a "double action" type. Press trigger down to start airflow, rock it back for controlled paint flow.

Iwata Revolution brushes are very affordable and very good quality. Around $100-120 for a HP model.

Compressors...all with work unless they are too low of a pressure output.

For the budget range you stated, you could get setup very nicely!

For lots of good info (but they don't carry Iwata anymore) visit

www.bearair.com

[team3six]

The airbrush you want is a "double action" type. Press trigger down to start airflow, rock it back for controlled paint flow.

Iwata Revolution brushes are very affordable and very good quality. Around $100-120 for a HP model.

Compressors...all with work unless they are too low of a pressure output.

For the budget range you stated, you could get setup very nicely!

For lots of good info (but they don't carry Iwata anymore) visit

www.airbearexpress.com
Yeah that is the model of airbrush. The compressor is aloso at Venture hobby. it's really quite and has that moisture catch/airflow glass. thanks alot there (davecnitrors4) Ohh and by the way I went to that link and it does'nt work

[davecnitrors4]

Yeah that is the model of airbrush. The compressor is aloso at Venture hobby. it's really quite and has that moisture catch/airflow glass. thanks alot there (davecnitrors4) Ohh and by the way I went to that link and it does'nt work


OOPS...fixed link....

Iwata's are very nice.

I purchased a Thayer-Chandler Vega 2000 set with three tip/needle sizes, hose, tool, cups, bottles...everything a starter set should have, for $60 !!! Great Value and works better than I can at this stage of my learning.

[team3six]

what about Badger. I heard that they are really good as well as Aztek

[PyroMike]

Badger, Paasche, Aztek, and Iwata are the big names in brushes. Aztek's are nice only you change out the nozzle to get the spray pattern you want instead of messing with the needle. They spray well, and they clean up eassy (you don't have to take it apart to clean it) which makes them user friendly. I use the 470, and it works great. Also you can find Aztek parts and Accessories at almost every hobby shop.

[Pig]

3six, putting down that type of money is a commitment. Here's some things to keep in mind.

Get a decent aircompressor. Avoid the hobby compressors and stick with the tank compressors. Hobby compressors usually pulse the air and will only cause problems down the road. Tank compressors spray smoother and have a thousand and one uses. You don't need a monster compressor, something between 3 and 5 gallons will do what you need it to. They're smaller, so you can take them in and out of any room to accomodate your new found uses for the compressor.

You'll want a good moisture trap. I know some painters who insist on running two moisture traps. Personally, I think it's overkill to run two, but you'll need at least one good one.

For your airbrush choice, here's the true commitment. With airbrushes, you'll get what you pay for. If you're willing to make the commitment, then go for a good brush that you'll eventually grow into. Iwata's are the top of the line brushes. If you want a good brush, get an Iwata. The HP line will do everything you need it to and more. Stick with the gravity feed, they clean easy and spray super smooth. Look at Coastairbrush.com, they're reasonably priced and will give you great service. Starting off with a good brush will make things quite a bit easier in the long run. When you get your brush, also get a few extra needles. You'll thank me later...trust me!

Getting the setup for an airbrush is only the first step. Make sure you get a good set of protective eyewear and a good respirator. Don't skimp on the safety equipment!! It's your health and welfare that's at stake.

Once you get the setup, practice. Before you even try to paint any RC bodies, practice first. Several hours of practicing will make your first paint job just that much easier and better. It'll take a lot of willpower to avoid cranking up the compressor for the first time, loading up some paint, and spraying a body. So, practice, practice, and practice again.

[davecnitrors4]

Pig, good advice on the practice!

I keep every scrap piece of clear plastic packaging I can get my hands on and practice techniques and colors. It's cheap and avoids an "on body" nightmare!

I like to practice on plastic, because paint really behaves differently on plastic than it does on paper, cardboard, or cloth.

[PyroMike]

I agree with Pig. You should get a brush that you can grow into not out of. Thats the same thing as buying a scooter or a high performance car.

[dalercpainting]

2 liter pop bottles are an inexpensive item to practice on. They have a similar finish to lexan, (which paints much different than practicing on paper) and you can learn to work around curves, etc.

[GASMAN]

i use the badger anthem, it works really good

[woody101]

i need to get an air brush also but i have a low budget. i need something under $80 :o

[davecnitrors4]

They don't sell Iwata anymore, but those aren't $80 brushes.....shop here for lots of others to choose from. Again, I am very happy with the Vega 2000 set I bought for $60.

www.bearair.com

[Pig]

Two more things you should get (shame on me for not mentioning them before) are a good quality repsirator and some safety goggles. Safety takes precedence over all phases of painting. You only have two lungs and two eyes, and you NEED everyone one of them! When going for a respirator, avoid the cheap cotton masks. They block out nothing! Get a good respirator with replaceable filters. Head down to Home Depot or Lowe's and let them know what you're going to be doing and ask for help. They'll point you in the right direction for the respirator you need. Be prepared to drop 40 bucks on a good respirator. While you're there, get a good quality and comfortable pair of safety goggles. The first time you see paint spatter on them, they've paid for themselves.

[team3six]

Thanks Pig appreciate the suggestion. I got it covered though. I paint the big cars pretty good as a part time thing and I have a home built paint booth for the lexan projects. I will most likely purchase an airbrush by the end of the year. just really have'nt been looking but wanted to get the feedback on what were the good products