Anyone interested in recommending an airbrush for my LightBurn cut projects?
After trying brushed on liquid acrylics (solid, vivid color, but easy to miss spots) and aerosol can sprays (easy coverage but smelly), I’m wondering if airbrushing might be the way to go – but I don’t want to spend $200 on an “experiment” which might prove less than satisfactory.
Any types or brands you’d recommend (or NOT recommend)?
Any paints or stains for airbrushes that you’d recommend (or NOT recommend)?
Any tips or techniques for cleanup or getting the best results?
Any suggestions for a “paint box” or area in which to paint?
I have a 30+ year old Paasche VL set that still works great. Several nozzle sizes. It’s a siphon feed airbrush.
For detail work I have an Iwata HP-CH that I also really like ( gravity feed ). You need to think about what material you want to spray to choose the right nozzle.
Cleanup depends on what you are spraying. I have this glass jar type of setup that you spray thinner through the airbrush and into the jar ( small opening for the airbrush and a filtered exhaust port to catch the mist ), works so so. Also wipe the exterior of the air brush to remove any paint. It is important to clean these after each use. If the paint dries hard in them, it becomes a much more difficult job.
Where I spray and if I wear a mask or not depends on what I’m spraying and how much I have to cover.
Do you find that either the siphon feed or the gravity feed is easier to hold and maneuver than the other?
Are the air compressors sold separately – and if so what do I need to know before purchasing those so that I don’t get one that is over- or under-powered? (Do you use the same compressor for both the Paasche and the Iwata?)
Thanks for your observations. Helpful and appreciated.
I just bought my first airbrush recently, partly for the same usage, partly to do painting.
You can get combo compressor (get one with a tank) and airbrush for a reasonable price (I took them separately), it seems that modern Chinese airbrushes are decent, and allow to try your hand at the hobby and see if it suits you before jumping (if ever) to more reputable brands like Iwata, Paasche, Badger or Harder Steenbeck.
For the price of one of these above, I got three Fengda airbrushes: a gravity one (with three needles / nozzle sizes), a siphon feed one (for bigger tasks: they have bigger paint container) and even a (small) sandblast gun (to erase paint, perhaps more).
Neoeco, Sparmax, Gaahleri, Master Airbrush are other names that are told to be OK, by seasoned airbrushers (their advice is much better than mine!).
Some say these brands have lower quality control, sometime can be harder to clean, might be less comfortable, might have a shorter life… Not sure if beginners can notice, frankly.
Now, you should go and watch videos explaining how to manipulate them, how to clean them (important!), base gestures, etc.
Note: if you spray acrylic (water based), you might not need a ventilated paint box, I used just a cut cardbox, and a filter mask. Or do it outside, if possible.
As said, I am a beginner (but I studied the topic intensively recently…), so don’t take my word as absolute truth…
For a low cost start, visit Harbor Freight. I have their small tank compressor and the two smaller air brushes, both gravity feed. One is call air brush, the other is call a touchup sprayer. I am not a pro painter, so they work just fine for me.
I probably like my Iwata best for holding. The big difference is the Paasche can hold more paint. The Iwata has a fixed size cup on top. Even though it’s small, I find it holds enough for most of what I do.
Air compressors are separate. I have a badger compressor as well a a small tank compressor. The tank compressor is noisier, but only runs when the tank pressure gets low. I think it is better overall than the badger which runs all the time. I think any little 2-3 gallon 110V compressor would be fine.
