Airbrush equipment

[TheBearminator]

So I've painted my first layer on my first tank. I use a cheap double action airbrush and a rather inexpensive compressor (for swedish readers; they are both bought at Jula) some years ago, they don't seem to be available anymore).

A problem I experienced was that the hose got lose in either end during painting. The nut sits tight but the plastic hose won't stay in place. Appearantly it can't withstand the pressure. I've tried to find another hose on Biltema and Wentzels but all they had was. Much bigger than mine. I belive mine is M4 in each end. Theirs seemed to be 1/4 inch or something. Any good ideas for this matter?

Also, you who paint models using an airbrush; what kind of a brush and compressor are you using? I was looking at a Harder & Steenbeck, Evolution 2 in 1. But then I realized that there was two models with almost the same name. One that was 50 euro more and could regulate the pressure directly on the brush. Is this of any use for a miniatures painter?

What should you be looking at when considering a compressor upgrade? Mine seemed more powerful (more L/min) than some cheaper products (from Biltema). Is this relevant information at all?

[Sophet Drahas]

I'm running an Iwata Eclipse airbrush and a Power Jet Pro compressor. It was pricey but I love it and it's quiet.

One thing I recommend if you haven't done it already is to use some Teflon tape on any of your screw threads to make sure you don't have any leakage and it will also help to hold the grip a little tighter when screwed together.

[nosebiter]

I find that adjusting pressure on the brush itself isn't really used. Pick the 2 in 1 brush so you have the correct size nozzle for the jobs at hand. Then it is practice practice.

Take a sheet of white paper and practice brushing thin and consistent lines, then brush control will com swiftly.

[nedsta]

I use an Iwata sprint jet and a Revolution CR brush, again yes it was costly but a damn sight better than the little compressor and cheapy airbrush I used to use. It is well worth spending as much as you can on your kit, and like nosebiter says just practise As much as you can.

[jez]

I use an Iwata sprint jet and a Revolution CR brush, again yes it was costly but a damn sight better than the little compressor and cheapy airbrush I used to use. It is well worth spending as much as you can on your kit, and like nosebiter says just practise As much as you can.

This was the advice I was given. Get the best you can afford for your money. True, there's also an argument for getting something cheaper and trying it out to see whether or not it's for you, but all you really end up doing is buying twice.

I'm running a Harder and Steenbeck 2-in-1 Infinity with a Sparmax TC-620 compressor. Compressor is probably bigger and more powerful than I'd ever need but at least I won't need an upgrade. The airbrush is just beautiful both to use and to look at. It's like a little Steampunk piece of art. It handles wonderfully. I did loads of research before I got it. One of the most appealing things for me was just how easy it is to strip and clean. I've also got a quick release coupler which means the airbrush just clips on and off, which would solve your 'hose problem'.

Like anything of this ilk, it's a learning curve but if you stick at it, I doubt you'll regret it. Like Nedsta and Nosebiter iterate just practise as much as you can.

[TheBearminator]

What's the difference between evolution 2 in 1 and infinity 2 in 1?

Is there an infinity 2 in 1 without ability to regulate pressure?

[jez]

I think the difference is the button lock function, ie you can lock how much paint you release. It's a nice function but not a deal breaker. Saying that, it is nice to have the option at times.

[prowla]

So I've painted my first layer on my first tank. I use a cheap double action airbrush and a rather inexpensive compressor (for swedish readers; they are both bought at Jula) some years ago, they don't seem to be available anymore).

A problem I experienced was that the hose got lose in either end during painting. The nut sits tight but the plastic hose won't stay in place. Appearantly it can't withstand the pressure. I've tried to find another hose on Biltema and Wentzels but all they had was. Much bigger than mine. I belive mine is M4 in each end. Theirs seemed to be 1/4 inch or something. Any good ideas for this matter?

Also, you who paint models using an airbrush; what kind of a brush and compressor are you using? I was looking at a Harder & Steenbeck, Evolution 2 in 1. But then I realized that there was two models with almost the same name. One that was 50 euro more and could regulate the pressure directly on the brush. Is this of any use for a miniatures painter?

What should you be looking at when considering a compressor upgrade? Mine seemed more powerful (more L/min) than some cheaper products (from Biltema). Is this relevant information at all?

For hose, check that you aren't missing rubber O-rings from the ends. It sounds like a bit funny problem.. does the hose pop out completely or what? You could try putting some tape or something where the hose sits inside the ferrule. In any case, I think I have seen at least one or two cheapo airbrushes at Biltema etc. that have the M4 hose - I think in those kits that are ment to be used with a spray can pressure source.

With compressors, you need more liters per minute and more pressure when you work on larger things, to increase the fan size and make it look nice and even. The third thing is noise. For smallest stuff like miniatures, very little is required - about 10-20 litres. If you want to cover something like an A4, you want 20-30 litres per minute. For pressure it's the same: 30 psi for small stuff, 40-50 for larger stuff. Of course, more powerful you go, more noisy and/or expensive it's going to get.

[Maskedman5oh4]

Wow after looking up some of the kit you guys have, I am thinking I bought some shiz. I have zero experience and just bought this....

http://www.amazon.com/Airbrush-Depot...d_sim_sbs_ac_8

EDIT: the compressor gets good reviews, maybe I should just upgrade to a different brush...

[TheBearminator]

I think the difference is the button lock function, ie you can lock how much paint you release. It's a nice function but not a deal breaker. Saying that, it is nice to have the option at times.

Jez: What do you mean, "lock" the button? Is it a way to block the lever to go back beyond a certain point (ie to make 25 or 75 % your new maximum for paint flow)?

And to all of you: Where do you shop airbrush stuff? I found the simpler Evolution 2 in 1 (without pressure regulation) for sek 1199 (roughly € 139) with shipping included from the swedish Web store Puma Hobby. Could you find that one or something even better for around that price? Guess I need a cleaning station and so on so perhaps some kind of starter kit without the compressor would do.


I would also need a new hose for it but I don't know which kind since I don't know what kind of coupling it sports. Would the cheap one (€ 4) from Biltema do? Does anyone know?

EDIT: What's this deal for example? Air hose, pistol grip (?) and cleaning brush included at 155 euros.

http://www.spraypal.com/shopexd.asp?id=1788

What's the thing in the picture to the right? Also,on some evolution brushes it says solvent resistant. Aren't they all?

[jez]

Jez: What do you mean, "lock" the button? Is it a way to block the lever to go back beyond a certain point (ie to make 25 or 75 % your new maximum for paint flow)?

Yep, exactly that. You wind the nut down and it restricts how far back the lever will go. That way you can 'fix' it so that you can determine exactly how much paint is released. Screw it right down and you only let a minimal amount of paint through. Like I said, not wholly essential but helps if you're a bit heavy-handed. It's easy to pull the lever back too far, let out far too much paint and spoil your paintjob.

And to all of you: Where do you shop airbrush stuff? I found the simpler Evolution 2 in 1 (without pressure regulation) for sek 1199 (roughly € 139) with shipping included from the swedish Web store Puma Hobby. Could you find that one or something even better for around that price? Guess I need a cleaning station and so on so perhaps some kind of starter kit without the compressor would do.

I got mine from Everythingairbrush in the UK. Could have probably got it cheaper in Europe or maybe the US but when I'm buying electronic / mechanical goods I prefer to get them in my own country just 'cos of regulations, electricity difficulties, ease of sending back / communication if anything goes wrong.

[nedsta]

http://www.airbrushes.com/ for my stuff, great customer service and very fast delivery

[TheBearminator]

Haha! I just cut off an inch of the hose and now it sits tight again. Don't know why I didn't think of that. Problem solved for now. Sooner or later I will upgrade anyway.

[TheBearminator]

My god. The upgrade demon got the grip on me. I was considering an evolution silverline 2 in 1, but ended up with an Infinity CR plus 2 in 1. And a bunch of accessories. I simply couldn't resist. Now I'll have to survive on bread crumbs and tap water for a week.