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At first I thought about getting a regulator/moisture trap for a garage compressor I already have. Now I think I'd rather have a smaller one indoors, for this hobby. The Master one /u/Onewaytoskinthecat linked to is one I'm considering. As well as this AS186 clone from Amazon. But according to the reviews it has a wrong valve or something on it and I'm not sure I want to bother with trying to replace that. The Spraygunner one, also linked above, looks nice too.
ZENY Pro 1/5 HP Airbrush Air Compressor Airbrushing Kit w/ 3L Tank and 6FT Hose Multipurpose for Spraying Cake Decorating Tattoo Nail Craft Painting https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M33C8MV/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_DeAwFbJE1JENP
Something like that is the normal compressor. Main needs are having a tank, regulator, gauge, moisture trap, and emergency shut off. Most normal compressors have that stuff, even larger ones. It’s the mobile ones you should avoid
And you can use the enamels through the brush, but using them for everything will be troublesome, and will cause respiratory issues if you aren’t using proper ventilation and a proper respirator
The one I use regularly is this
It's works pretty well and had gotten me through several projects in the past two years.
I'd get one with a tank like this one for example. That way it can fill with pressure and you can get a bit of painting before it refills itself, where as the alternative is the compressor being actively working all the time and making noise.
You don't have to get the one I linked. Most of the ones you'll find on a place like amazon are more or less the same unit with random brands slapped on to them. If you do want some reassurance with a brand you can easily come to with customer support, I've heard the NoName Tooty compressor from Spraygunner is good. It's probably more or less the same as others with maybe a little quieter motor, but I'm speaking more in if anything goes wrong, you know what company to actually contact rather than random amazon brand.
Despite the downvotes, airbrushing will give you a far superior finish to hand brushing. The number of people who can hand brush at airbrush quality levels is very small indeed.
Something like this compressor would be a great start. Don't skimp and buy one without the air tank, it's a false saving.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M33C8MV
The very cheap ($20) airbrushes are a bit of a lottery, some are very usable whilst others are total garbage. If you can afford the low end Iwata, Badger or Harder and Steenbeck airbrushes then you'll be doing yourself a big favour.
This guy has done a few reviews of this type and they seem OK. Personally, I'd still go for the ABest 186 type for around $90. Don't cheap out by getting one without the airtank.
https://www.amazon.com/ZENY-Airbrush-Compressor-Airbrushing-Multipurpose/dp/B01M33C8MV
I have that exact one, although it's branded as Abest. You can find it under other names too.
I started out with a cheaper amazon compressor and it was fine. I used it for about a year or so and to be honest I pretty much ignored its duty cycle rating (how long you can run it before you have to let the motor cool down). Honestly for learning it was fine. I'm in the UK and I paid about £60 for the compressor and the one I have now I spent about £2-300 on (tankless smart jet pro, which I love).
Looking on amazon.com the one I got looks exactly like this: ZENY Pro 1/5 HP Airbrush Air Compressor https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M33C8MV/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_navT_g_3RD60VGB6ZNP8XFQ7J1N
It has a tank but you will find that when you spray at above 20 psi the motor will end up near constantly running anyway but it does prevent phasing (the airbrush like pulsing as the air pressure fluctuates) by having the tank as a buffer. I think you'll find roughly the same compressor under multiple brand names (such is amazon).
Crap like that will just give you a miserable experience and do nothing but discourage you from going further.
For painting models, you really need a gravity-fed dual-action airbrush. I'd recommend something like the Badger Patriot @ $70 to give a really nice starting experience. But a generic Master-style brush in the $30 range can get you started. Might not last real long, and will give a few more headaches with clogging, cleaning, etc, but it will do the job.
The real problem is the compressor - I would plan on spending at least $75 on a compressor with a tank. Think of it this way - if you can't get a nice, steady, consistent stream of air, you won't get the paint atomized properly, and you will have a bad time, no matter which airbrush you have. I'd recommend something like this. Depending on the compressor you get, you may also need a hose, and potentially an adapter if you get a Badger airbrush (they use a larger connector than most).
It's not exactly a cheap hobby, but it's one of those deals where cheaping out on your tools is just going to create a bad experience that makes the whole thing unenjoyable.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M33C8MV?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
This compressor is what I've been using with my Patriot. Good capacity, fills quick, is able to keep that constant low pressure you need for airbrushing, and to top it all off it's quiet as all hell. Just a heads up, for most standard compressors you're gonna need a hose converter to fit the Badger Airbrush. If you look up Badger Iwata Airbrush Converter you should find it though. Enjoy!
Hey, I just bought an air brush, so I can give you a beginners beginner view, as well as bring the reasoning of why I bought my airbrush.
I think it's a question of cost more than anything. If you plan to keep painting minis for a couple more years I recommend it. It's just cheeper to get a nice airbrush and compressor that will last that long and one big bottle of Vellejo primer. I personally just invested in a Badger Patriot 105. It's worked wonders. I've primed upwards of 30 infantry models, and 1 tank with it, and I've maybe only used 1/6 of a Vallejo 200 ml bottle, which is about 20 USD.
If you're looking for a small space and quiet inside, this air compressor is compact and stupid quiet, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M33C8MV/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_JSS0QK5XAKEJ7SJN0D3W?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1.
DM me with any more questions.
Thank you so much for your advice..
I’ve actually ordered this compressor:
ZENY Pro 1/5 HP Airbrush Air Compressor Airbrushing Kit w/ 3L Tank and 6FT Hose Multipurpose for Spraying Cake Decorating Tattoo Nail Craft Painting https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M33C8MV/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_PS1F7GJ42RXDYS47WFEV?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
It had good reviews, and was recommended on an article I read.
My girlfriend sent me a link to an Iwata eclipse and asked if that was the one I wanted.
I told her I wanted a dual action gravity fed one, and she did some looking around and came across the eclipse.
From what others have said online, I think I am leaning towards Iwata.
This is the kind of compressor you'll want if possible:
https://www.amazon.com/ZENY-Airbrush-Compressor-Airbrushing-Multipurpose/dp/B01M33C8MV
Almost all airbrush specific compressors will more or less be this model. You can use hardware grade air compressors if you can dial the pressure down but they are also much louder.
The airbrush you found is a siphon feed model. Those are designed for canvas painting where large amounts of paint are needed. You want a dual action gravity feed model.
Ok this is gonna sound dumb. So I recently got an air compressor for some painting, but I was wondering if I could also use it to fill the tires in my car. Based on the specs it should work up to 57 psi and and my car needs 32. Thoughts? https://www.amazon.com/ZENY-Airbrush-Compressor-Airbrushing-Multipurpose/dp/B01M33C8MV/ref=sr_1_6?crid=2XM3UFAIQEKD9&dchild=1&keywords=airbrush+compressor&qid=1610235051&sprefix=airbrush+%2Caps%2C184&sr=8-6
I have a few quick airbrush questions I can't seem to find the answer to if someone has the time:
I bought mine off Amazon. After looking around for a while I noticed most of them are the same one made in China just rebranded. This is the one I bought. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M33C8MV/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I paint mini's and it handles that duty fine. It isn't very loud.
I have this variation of the second one. To be honest, the thing about Amazon compressors (and many products in general) is that they are all the same product branded under different names.
If you already have a compressor with a tank then you're really probably not upgrading with any of these compressors and if you truly want an upgrade pick up a name brand from a hobby store. If your compressor doesn't have a tank, then any of these would be an upgrade and they will all preform similarly.
Almost every airbrush compressor out there is one of three types made in China. One is a basic compressor with no tank, one is the same compressor but with a small tank, and then the third is the same type but in a dual piston configuration. Paasche and Badger compressors are just rebranded versions of that same Chinese compressor but with some new skins and embellishments. A quick Amazon search says this one is the current best deal.
Any cheap air compressor with a tank on amazon will work. The all come from the same Chinese factory and are just rebranded.
Anyone that looks like this
ZENY Pro 1/5 HP Airbrush Air Compressor Airbrushing Kit w/ 3L Tank and 6FT Hose Multipurpose for Spraying Cake Decorating Tattoo Nail Craft Painting https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M33C8MV/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_i_Kl.0EbT8TQ83G
Doesn't have to be that listing.
For the hose, the braided style that you have is perfect. I have had the one Iwata makes for at least 8 years, and I have kept it pressurised pretty much that whole time, and I have not had any problems with it.
Not sure about putting a regulator on the compressor you got. I would probably put the money towards a better one that has a nice regulator with a pressure dial installed. I just did a quick google search and found this one on Amazon that is very similar to what I use. No clue how good it actually is, since the one I'm using is a different brand that I got 8 years ago, but it looks like the exact same model, just from a different company.
I bought this air compressor for airbrushing model kits. I was wondering if I could also use it to dust out my PC. It comes with a moisture trap, but I'm not exactly sure how to deliver the air.
My first thought would be to just use my airbrush, assuming it's completely dry (I can run IPA through it to ensure it's dry) and letting the PC dry overnight (just for added safety), would this be a good idea? Or should I buy a cheap airgun instead?
u/142hours Here's a cheaper option
The majority of compressors are all the same. They're all rebranded Chinese compressors with either a tank or just alone. The one linked is the cheapest currently available on Amazon with a Tank which is preferred.
Sometimes the Amazon product page won't specify the technical model name. The one I picked up, for example, didn't have the model name. You can tell it is the AF version because the pictures will show a little fan on the side of the motor that faces the pressure regulator.
Here is an example of the right model from Amazon Canada: https://www.amazon.ca/Airbrush-Compressor-Multipurpose-Hobby-Tattoo/dp/B01M33C8MV/ref=sr_1_149?dchild=1&keywords=airbrush+compressor&qid=1610559560&sr=8-149
Here is the same model of compressor, but sold by Paasche so it's twice as expensive because the motor is painted blue and it has a different sticker (yes, really): https://www.amazon.ca/Paasche-D3000R-Compressor-Regulator-Moisture/dp/B001CJPWYM/ref=sr_1_40?dchild=1&keywords=airbrush+compressor&qid=1610559649&sr=8-40
Here is an AS model, so you can see that it doesn't have the fan on the side of the motor: https://www.amazon.ca/Timbertech-Airbrush-Compressor-Professional-Airbrushing/dp/B01984G4SU/ref=sr_1_17?dchild=1&keywords=airbrush+compressor&qid=1610559756&sr=8-17
This is the model when I first got the tank I had NO idea you had to release the air and drain it. the trap has been replaced with a passche model.
This would work perfectly. I even bought a very no name brand one a few years ago for about $65 that I still use today. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M33C8MV/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_3MWCBWC4ENZ7S7YJX35T
Compressor might be a little over kill. i went with this compressor, comes with a hose and moisture trap as well https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M33C8MV/
100% agree. Get a good airbrush and a no-name compressor. I'd recommend the Iwata Eclipse HP-CS (never used the other though) and this compressor.
https://www.amazon.com/ZENY-Airbrush-Compressor-Airbrushing-Multipurpose/dp/B01M33C8MV
I am newish to mini-painting and I just got my airbrush setup. I did a ton of research and ended up getting the Iwata CS. It has been a dream so far. You will need to get an airbrush compressor as well. I ended up with this one: https://www.amazon.com/ZENY-Airbrush-Compressor-Airbrushing-Multipurpose/dp/B01M33C8MV/ref=sr_1_16?geniuslink=true&keywords=Airbrush+Compressor&qid=1638750131&sr=8-16
You will also need to get some airbrush cleaner and thinner too.
ZENY Pro 1/5 HP Airbrush Air... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M33C8MV?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
This is the airbrush that I use and that I also personally recommend to everyone. Good range in pressure and super quiet.
If you're using the Badger Patriot you're gonna need this piece for most hoses.
Badger Air-Brush Company Iwata... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004RM2DIO?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Oh yeah this one I think: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M33C8MV/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_APGHT9BNCD8JJXF5M4DB it looks the same, has a hose and its less pricy. Looks the same but top is flipped. Included hose should be good enough right?
I haven't priced them recently to give a specific recommendation.
There is an overview video on compressors here & some basics and model recommendations in the follow up video from Marco Frisoni's airbrush video series. His compressor is similar to this one.
Some other good airbrush resources to check out for both picking one out and how to learn to use it:
I did the same thing and ordered everything from amazon. i got the following:
Compressor came with a hose
Cleaning Kit came with a pot and cleaning brushes
Plumbers thread tape to prevent leaks from screw on fittings.
You may need additional fittings to connect the airbrush to the hose. i got a badger patriot and needed an adapter. i can't speak for the iwata because i don't own one. but the thread sizes should be listed in the product description.
as for paints, i paint miniatures so i'm not sure the paints i use would be what you are looking.
I would recommend building or buying a spray booth to catch any over spray.
this is the compressor i use, it has a little bit of a leak around the regulator connection but that can be fixed with thread tape or an o ring https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M33C8MV/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_jbv3FbZHBE10Q
95 dB is very very loud, like city traffic / subway loud. That's... a lot.
I use this one, it is 59dB, refrigerator or office building quiet, $85. It seems to be a generic AS-186, and my understanding is many of the brands are more or less equivalent.
I have the top part of the compressor, the silver part, the one that I listed for you. This is the compressor with tank I'm talking about:
Notice how this one has the big black cylindrical tank underneath it. This should be fine for 1/35 tanks
This is the one I use for painting model car kits, have had it for a few years, it works great and haven't had any issues yet. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M33C8MV/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_EhpZFbPFRA8DH
compressor
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airbrush
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moisture trap
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HIB8128/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A1BCPSKFGKN8A0&psc=1
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airbrush cleaning liquid
I use an Iwata Eclipse HP-CS (the gravity feed one, and not the CN knockoff) and it works pretty good. My nozzle clogs up every now and again if I've got my thinning slightly off but otherwise, no major problems yet. I ended up picking up the compressor that was discussed here on the wiki and it works pretty well so far, and it's quiet enough that you can't hear it in the room next door. I live in a townhouse so that was really important for me. As with anything though, see what works for you and read reviews. This Amazon link is the exact one that I bought (and according to honey, its about 30% now than it was a month ago, so good time to buy lol).
All their stuff is labeled "central"...I thnk I found what you were looking at.
Just IMHO....
Depends on your budget, but you get what you pay for...a 90 day warranty and a 20% restocking fee on returns doesn't inspire confidence. It's also tankless. I usually read the 3 star ratings on a product like this. If you have to buy it twice, you could have got a decent starter with a tank for not that much more.
You also want a gravity feed airbrush rather than a siphon feed...looks like it is a siphon feed. Getting a incredibly cheap airbrush can make learning how to use one a nightmare.
Better to go on Amazon and order anything AS-186 and get a Neo CN airbrush.
This one has free shipping, a 1 year warranty and great customer service.
Airbrush
Thanks! do you have any recommendations? the one ive been recommended is this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M33C8MV/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?smid=A10PRH2DFOVNA8&psc=1
but i also dont see the hose size on this one either
I'm not sure where you're getting it or how much, but for what I saw on that compressor, for $75 USD more, I bought this one with my Iwata HP-C+. That's 75 more to buy the compressor and tank with the Iwata. It's been running well for a year now:
This one is just fine in my opinion:
Note that many of the lower cost compressors use the same or similar 1/5HP motors and a single piston pump. This is a well know set up. I have a spare compressor I picked up (missing the fittings) at a pawn shop for $10.
This have a tank this dont No tank, its a tank that storage ari so when you are spriying isn't always on. If he doesn't have a tank its always taking air and doing noise and also it hots faster.
Thanks! can you tell from the look if this compressor will fit with the eclipse; or what I should be looking for to determine compatibility? $65
There's a super cheap generic one with a tank for $70. Also this one for $109 by TCP Global, which is a known airbrush distributor.
I've never used any of these, including the one you posted.
Youtube has some reviews on TC-20/TC-20T and probably the G22/G222 as well.
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=tc-20t+airbrush+compressor
Iwata NEO CN or Badger 105 Patriot and any Air Compressor with a tank(One of the more afforadable ones ).
This Compressor and Iwata NEO are the best combination for starting off as the price is fairly low and the quality on the Airbrush is great.
I recommend you get those 2. You can shop around and try to find the Iwata NEO a bit cheaper as its usually closer to the $45-$50 price range.