Airbrush + compressor purchase advice

[Bobfrog]

Hi guys,

Anyone able to give advice on what would be a good airbrush set up + what general pitfalls might be when looking to buy etc?

FYI I'm going to be using it to paint statues and although I want to get good value for money I am not adverse to spending extra to get quality kit first time rather than buying something cheap and then having to replace later once I've improved. So feel free to hit me with you advice whether it be cheap or more expensive.

I'll lay out a few things I've considered below and if anyone can add their thoughts + info on what model airbrush / compressor setup you use + what paints work well that would also be much appreciated!

1. sounds like I need a gravity fed dual controlled airbrush. Iwata has been suggested - the revolution model and more expensive Eclipse which allows you to set levels for more accurate fine painting.

2. Compressor - probably want to get one that is relatively quiet but more importantly has an automatic shut off when the airbrush isn't being used.
- not so sure on what I need to look out for otherwise here so any advice is helpful.

If you have any links that cover all the above then feel free to post those rather than explaining here.

and links to any stores (preferably in the UK would be great) :thumbs2:

Thanks peeps

[Python]

Iwata are good, I haven't owned one personally, but they are well spoken of, don't throw aside the other manufacturers however as there are plenty to choose from that may suit your needs. I would definitely say go for the dual action type, they are harder to master, but offer more control once you know what you're doing. I have the Harder and Steenbeck infinity 2in1 CRplus. It wasn't cheap, but it's a thing of beauty and should last a lifetime if looked after. There are lots of models you could choose however, narrow it down to a few and head over to youtube where you'll find plenty of reviews.

As for compressors, well if you really need something quiet, you could go for one with a tank on it. But if you're just painting smaller statues, you probably won't need that. I have a revell standard class compressor which I believe is actually produced by sparmax. It won't annoy the neighbors, but it isn't silent either, it does the job I need and it does cut off automatically.

As for UK sites, try these, I've used both in the past, you could always shoot them both a message with your needs and see what they suggest...

http://www.modellingtools.co.uk/ (formally Little-cars)

https://www.everythingairbrush.com/


http://i.imgur.com/F5RuRJD.jpg

[Bobfrog]

Iwata are good, I haven't owned one personally, but they are well spoken of, don't throw aside the other manufacturers however as there are plenty to choose from that may suit your needs. I would definitely say go for the dual action type, they are harder to master, but offer more control once you know what you're doing. I have the Harder and Steenbeck infinity 2in1 CRplus. It wasn't cheap, but it's a thing of beauty and should last a lifetime if looked after. There are lots of models you could choose however, narrow it down to a few and head over to youtube where you'll find plenty of reviews.

As for compressors, well if you really need something quiet, you could go for one with a tank on it. But if you're just painting smaller statues, you probably won't need that. I have a revell standard class compressor which I believe is actually produced by sparmax. It won't annoy the neighbors, but it isn't silent either, it does the job I need and it does cut off automatically.

As for UK sites, try these, I've used both in the past, you could always shoot them both a message with your needs and see what they suggest...

http://www.modellingtools.co.uk/ (formally Little-cars)

https://www.everythingairbrush.com/


http://i.imgur.com/F5RuRJD.jpg

Thanks for the tips mate. Yep, I've heard of the Steenbeck ones. I'll take a look. Your's looks v.nice...almost looks Iron Man inspired with that yellow gold paint job!

Re: the compressor it's more because I'll probably be doing this stuff in the evenings i.e. when my kids are asleep so don't wanna wake them up. So I think I'll see if I can get one with a tank attached and auto shut off as well.

I'll take a look at those sites tomorrow and see what I can find.

Out of interest what do you use yours to work on statues / kits?

Cheers

[Python]

Lots of different things, mainly model kits and touch ups. I have many statues on the list for paint work but I don't have a proper area to work in currently so I haven't really done much at all with it for months now... Apart from clean the dust out of my PC which works wonders ;) It's also good for painting artwork on flat surfaces although I haven't done much in that regard. I did buy a few stencils to play with however, just need to find some suitable paper and paints. The good thing with the 2in1 I have is that you get two needles of different sizes so it's good for very detailed work and larger areas alike. Badger are another good brand to look in to. And yeah, I never really noticed, but now you mention it, it is pretty Stark like lol... Best of luck whatever you go for, they are good fun.

[UnicornPegasus]

I just bought this Paasche set, as a beginner it's very easier to get started with so far:

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B002N0QA8Q/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I did a lot, and I mean a LOT, of research before picking that one. Granted, I do not have experience with any other brand for comparison, and I did balance price with quality, so it's not the tippy top of the line, but it's not a "throw away" one either. It's very quiet, comes with the moisture trap, automatic turn-off, is dual action, gravity feed, and comes with three sized needles for a good variety.

One note, it seems to be missing the brush set from the factory with that Amazon listing, but Paasche customer support was super and shipped me out a set.

[Bobfrog]

Thanks Python - and yeah I know what ya mean about not having a proper work area!

Thanks Uni - I'll defo take a look at that. Man there's almost too much to look at. Hopefully will pick one up soon as I've got lots to paint!