Gservo
27th January 2003, 09:04 PM
by FAQ Files
Question: I am thinking of getting an air brush but have not used one before and am unsure of what brand or size to buy. Anyone have any tips or can share their experience?
- Mel Savage
I purchased the Paasche Double Action airbrush and Compressor carried by Tandy. After much discussion with other members, I chose the Paasche: #1 because there were no "horror" stories as with some other brands; #2 parts and accessories are readily available; #3 Tandy had a special on the set for a great price.
It is my understanding that Badger also makes a good brush and compressor. No matter which one you choose, consider availability of accessories and warranty, but most important, buy from a "reputable source." (Someone who will stand behind what they sell.)
After much discussion with Bill Boyd, I decided to go the extra $30.00 and get the "Double Action" set. I am very glad I listened. I had the opportunity to use the "Single Action" in my Airbrushing Class, and found that it is much more cumbersome to use. On the "Double Action", adjustments can be made "on the fly" whereas with the "Single" it is a start and stop process. I like the flexibility and flow control that I get with my "Double."
One added note: I had a hard time dealing with the no on/off switch feature of the compressor. I found a foot control (similar to a sewing machine foot switch) to give me the ability to shut the compressor down just by lifting my toes.
- Annie
You will also need a compressor for your new airbrush. If you already have a regular duty air compressor (like a Sears or something) with a tank attached, you can use it with some attachments for the hose available at most art supply or hobby centers. If you do your brushing in a damp environment, you won't need a moisture trap if you have an air tank (most Sears types do). If you use one of the quieter
and more portable tankless compressors (such as Tandy's or Paasche's) and you work in a damp environment, you will need a moisture trap, which will run about $50. You will also need an air gauge of some sort to adjust the pressure for different types of paint and sizes of tips. Some tankless models come with the gauge included.
As for the brush, definitely go for a double-action because you adjust the air to paint mix with the finger tip lever. This allows you to gradually increase the paint/air mixture while over the work in progress. Single action brushes do not give you this gradual type control. Therefore, single action brushes are only good for wide area spraying.
- Rick Van Eman
If you get the "set" it should have everything you need. The compressor, if made for an airbrush, should not require a regulator. If you buy a larger all purpose compressor then the answer would be yes on the regulator (so you can cut down the PSI to an "airbrush level" - 40 PSI). You might want to pick up a few extra GLASS storage bottles. You will need them to hold your mixed colors; I also keep my solvents ready in them. (I prefer glass--it cleans up well--unlike plastic) The bottles are less expensive at the Franchise "craft houses" i.e. "Michael's."
Tandy HAD a video called "Air Brushing Leather". It is very basic. I rented it last summer. (Check with your local Tandy they may still have the rental available) It is not something I would recommend purchasing, but it is good to watch to get the general idea. Also you can check with the manager and see if he/she would be willing to give you an "Air Brushing Class." I requested it as a part of the "Coloring Class" here. It was very enlightening.
An inexpensive book I found that was helpful is "Airbrushing Tools Techniques Materials" by Peter West (Walter Foster Publishing). It is devoted to the use of the brush on paper, but the same principles apply. (I found this book at Ben Franklin Crafts for $8)
- Annie
Before you buy an airbrush, check out the prices in Jerry's Artarama (1-800-
U-ARTIST). They have a great selection of art supplies including air brushes. They also have GREAT prices!
One problem people have with airbrushes is keeping them clean before they get stuck up on the insude, and the non-ease of cleaning keeps people from doing the cleaning job they should do!
I agree that you should purchase a double action airbrush. But before you make up your mind, look into the AZTEK 3000S airbrush. The wonderful thing about the Aztek airbrushes is that the paint goes directly into the nozzle from the paint jar and not through the center of the brush. To clean up or change nozzles, you just unscrew the nozzle from the front of the tool. Works great and they are in line price-wise with the Paasche. They also have lots of accessories to go with it!
I own both the Paache VL and the Aztek 3000. My favorite is the Aztek. I have had no problems with any of the nozzles. The fine tip easily takes the Color-aire airbrush dye (acrylics) from Tandy with no problems. For those who use other brands of acrylics and want to "water them down" to airbrush consistency, Liquitex has a medium for mixing with the acrylics that eliminates watering down too thin and losing the color in the paint. I think it's called airbrush medium or airbrush mixer.
I'm not real excited about the Paache for three reasons: the weight (heavy) and balance in my hand; the button on top which is kind of rough; and the pain of clean up.
On the subject of artists who use what type of airbrush, leather artist Claude Overstreet, whose work can be seen on our IILG web page on the IFOLG show page, recommended the Aztek to me as the one he uses.
He likes it for the same reasons I have grown to like it: it is light in weight; the controls on top are nice on your hands; the clean up is easy and it works well.
But, to each his own--I have had people recommend Iwata brand and Paasche and Badger--I guess it's all in what you are looking for and what works for you.
- Ann Waters
I personally use both Iwata and Badger. I have found that the one that is best is the one that feels right for you and will do the work you want.
- Frank J. Zaharek Jr.
While out shopping today, I went to one of my favorite places to look around. What caught my eye this time? An Airbrush set!
1) Aztec, double-action airbrush (easy clean-up, takes all aztec tips)
2) can of propellant and adaptor
3) set of acrylic paints
For $49!
I know it's probably not top of the line, but it IS double-action, it IS an Aztec brush, with their patented brush design for easy cleanup, and it DOES come with a set of paints and a can of propellant!
For the beginner, I think this would be an ideal place to start! I mean, you get all the good stuff (except an actual compressor) and paints too, all for a remarkably low price of $49!
Now, you'll want to know WHERE I saw this, of course. You'll never guess. The model cars section of my local TOYS-R-US!
Again, I'm sure it's not the best one can buy, but it has all the desired features, and is very economical. Heck, it's inexpensive enough to just buy on a whim! Who cares if you don't end up becoming a spokesperson for using an airbrush, IT's ONLY $49!
FYI: It's a special set put together by "Testors" model paint company, so keep an eye out for it if you're looking to give airbrushing a go!
Also, I'm sure you can find it at most hobby shops, or toy stores that carry model cars and paint and stuff.
If you want more info than that, you'll have to go to the store and look at the box (or wait until I can scrounge up $50 for my own!)
- Greg Gaub
Does anybody out there have experience with the Aztec? MicroMark (1-800-225-1066)
has it in their winter catalog. They specialize in small tools for model cars, trains, doll houses etc. The deluxe version has four nozzles, four color cups,
two siphon bottles a video and A FITTED WOODEN CASE. I'm a sucker for wooden
cases. But, my concern is that modellers seldom shoot media as thin as dye, and
the Aztec seems to be aimed at that market. I really hate cleaning my brush though, and the easy-to-clean tips are intriguing. Can anyone tell me how the Aztec compares with a Paasche VL?
- Ken Swenson
I have a Testors airbrush (basically the same as Aztec) and also a Badger single action (which I have not yet played with). The Testors (Aztec) has many good features but I don't like the control. I think it would make a good single action, but cleanup is not as easy as they make it seem. The tip interchangability is nice but the spray patterns seem somewhat erratic. I used airbrushes long ago for photo work, had Paasche and Badger double action, but the Testors looked like a good deal. I think the Testors can be used for general work, but I would get something better for fine detail.
Keep in mind these are my first impressions using this airbrush. I'm sure others have more experience with them than I do.
- Jim Hagen
I do have a badger airbrush and used it for many years painting model airplanes.
I have used the aztec a friend had. It is much lighter, being mostly plastic, but the results were more than satisfactory. I didn't try any of the interchangeable nozzles.
I do use a Sears small piston compressor and it worked fine for airbrushing, but you do loose some control with them. If you really want the best control, it takes a compressor that the air pressure can be better regulated. If you start with the aztec and air cans you may like the results so much you will soon be looking at Badger or Paasche...then the double action...heck it never ends does it?
I only recently started using my airbrush on my leather work. I like to use super sheen as a resist, but those of you who do not know: DON'T put a spirit dye over supersheen with a dauber or brush or sponge. But with an airbrush you have much better control laying down the dye. As soon as you spray over the resisted area wipe it of the spray. Of course so the spray does not rest on the super sheen. WAIT...one pass...one wipe of the resist...let the dye settle for a few minutes until it takes. Always handy to have that hairdryer near the bench to speed up the drying. Keep repeating this step until you have the depth of color you are seeking. This tip came to me from Noel at the Tandy Store in Burien Washington.
A plug for MicroMark...great resource...I have gotten their catalog for over 5 years now. Almost always the first thing I will look through from my mail. Their service is extremely good and fast. Pleasant folks to talk to when you call in your order. I highly recommend them...and if your library does not have their catalog, it is incomplete.
- Charles
I just bought a Aztek A4709. I haven't had a chance to use it with dyes yet but I know of no reason you couldn't. It cleans up really easy because the paint or dye only goes through the nozzle not the whole brush as in the Paasche. That is why I bought it. I just went to a demo yesterday and I saw what it will do and I think it will suit my needs very nicely. I'm going to be taking a class this next two weeks to get some tips on how to use it best.
- Mel
MicroMark is in Berkely Heights, NJ. Phone 1-800-225-1066. Or, visit www.micromark.com. The catalog is 78 pages of small tools.....airbrushes, Dremels, hand tools...anything you can think of for model making.
- Ken Swenson
I bought an Aztek A3000 about a year ago on the advice of the art store clerk. The novelty of different tips swooned me more than anything else. I also tried a Paasche VL, but thought it was heavy and at the time couldn't control the thing and create fine lines - which I know now was just due to too much pressure.
My complaints with the Aztek have been these:
1) It comes with a chart for different paint mediums, suggesting various air pressures and tips for each. I found that acrylic paints - I use tee shirt acrylics and thinned artist acrylics - are not compatible with the fine tip, which bummed me out! They suggest inks or dyes only with the fine tip. btw, the medium size tip, which IS meant for acrylics does a good job on larger items, but not very well
for details.
2) It's true that they make cleaning the tips sound much easier than in reality. The tips are also very fragile and have pulled one or two apart accidently while cleaning them. The instructions state that once the tip has been disassembled, they cannot be accurately put back together - shell out $10 for a new one. I did put them back together, and they didn't behave differently...okay...I bought 1 new anyway...
I also found that cleaning each tip before changing colors was a hassle, so I got some airbrush cleaning fluid - about $3 for 8oz. It was then I realized - this is no different than cleaning any airbrush.
One more thing. Not knocking the Aztek, but, checkout one of the airbrush mags at an art supply store. Look at what the featured artists are using...I haven't found ONE that uses the Aztek as his bread & butter brush.
- Rick Van Eman
Question: I am thinking of getting an air brush but have not used one before and am unsure of what brand or size to buy. Anyone have any tips or can share their experience?
- Mel Savage
I purchased the Paasche Double Action airbrush and Compressor carried by Tandy. After much discussion with other members, I chose the Paasche: #1 because there were no "horror" stories as with some other brands; #2 parts and accessories are readily available; #3 Tandy had a special on the set for a great price.
It is my understanding that Badger also makes a good brush and compressor. No matter which one you choose, consider availability of accessories and warranty, but most important, buy from a "reputable source." (Someone who will stand behind what they sell.)
After much discussion with Bill Boyd, I decided to go the extra $30.00 and get the "Double Action" set. I am very glad I listened. I had the opportunity to use the "Single Action" in my Airbrushing Class, and found that it is much more cumbersome to use. On the "Double Action", adjustments can be made "on the fly" whereas with the "Single" it is a start and stop process. I like the flexibility and flow control that I get with my "Double."
One added note: I had a hard time dealing with the no on/off switch feature of the compressor. I found a foot control (similar to a sewing machine foot switch) to give me the ability to shut the compressor down just by lifting my toes.
- Annie
You will also need a compressor for your new airbrush. If you already have a regular duty air compressor (like a Sears or something) with a tank attached, you can use it with some attachments for the hose available at most art supply or hobby centers. If you do your brushing in a damp environment, you won't need a moisture trap if you have an air tank (most Sears types do). If you use one of the quieter
and more portable tankless compressors (such as Tandy's or Paasche's) and you work in a damp environment, you will need a moisture trap, which will run about $50. You will also need an air gauge of some sort to adjust the pressure for different types of paint and sizes of tips. Some tankless models come with the gauge included.
As for the brush, definitely go for a double-action because you adjust the air to paint mix with the finger tip lever. This allows you to gradually increase the paint/air mixture while over the work in progress. Single action brushes do not give you this gradual type control. Therefore, single action brushes are only good for wide area spraying.
- Rick Van Eman
If you get the "set" it should have everything you need. The compressor, if made for an airbrush, should not require a regulator. If you buy a larger all purpose compressor then the answer would be yes on the regulator (so you can cut down the PSI to an "airbrush level" - 40 PSI). You might want to pick up a few extra GLASS storage bottles. You will need them to hold your mixed colors; I also keep my solvents ready in them. (I prefer glass--it cleans up well--unlike plastic) The bottles are less expensive at the Franchise "craft houses" i.e. "Michael's."
Tandy HAD a video called "Air Brushing Leather". It is very basic. I rented it last summer. (Check with your local Tandy they may still have the rental available) It is not something I would recommend purchasing, but it is good to watch to get the general idea. Also you can check with the manager and see if he/she would be willing to give you an "Air Brushing Class." I requested it as a part of the "Coloring Class" here. It was very enlightening.
An inexpensive book I found that was helpful is "Airbrushing Tools Techniques Materials" by Peter West (Walter Foster Publishing). It is devoted to the use of the brush on paper, but the same principles apply. (I found this book at Ben Franklin Crafts for $8)
- Annie
Before you buy an airbrush, check out the prices in Jerry's Artarama (1-800-
U-ARTIST). They have a great selection of art supplies including air brushes. They also have GREAT prices!
One problem people have with airbrushes is keeping them clean before they get stuck up on the insude, and the non-ease of cleaning keeps people from doing the cleaning job they should do!
I agree that you should purchase a double action airbrush. But before you make up your mind, look into the AZTEK 3000S airbrush. The wonderful thing about the Aztek airbrushes is that the paint goes directly into the nozzle from the paint jar and not through the center of the brush. To clean up or change nozzles, you just unscrew the nozzle from the front of the tool. Works great and they are in line price-wise with the Paasche. They also have lots of accessories to go with it!
I own both the Paache VL and the Aztek 3000. My favorite is the Aztek. I have had no problems with any of the nozzles. The fine tip easily takes the Color-aire airbrush dye (acrylics) from Tandy with no problems. For those who use other brands of acrylics and want to "water them down" to airbrush consistency, Liquitex has a medium for mixing with the acrylics that eliminates watering down too thin and losing the color in the paint. I think it's called airbrush medium or airbrush mixer.
I'm not real excited about the Paache for three reasons: the weight (heavy) and balance in my hand; the button on top which is kind of rough; and the pain of clean up.
On the subject of artists who use what type of airbrush, leather artist Claude Overstreet, whose work can be seen on our IILG web page on the IFOLG show page, recommended the Aztek to me as the one he uses.
He likes it for the same reasons I have grown to like it: it is light in weight; the controls on top are nice on your hands; the clean up is easy and it works well.
But, to each his own--I have had people recommend Iwata brand and Paasche and Badger--I guess it's all in what you are looking for and what works for you.
- Ann Waters
I personally use both Iwata and Badger. I have found that the one that is best is the one that feels right for you and will do the work you want.
- Frank J. Zaharek Jr.
While out shopping today, I went to one of my favorite places to look around. What caught my eye this time? An Airbrush set!
1) Aztec, double-action airbrush (easy clean-up, takes all aztec tips)
2) can of propellant and adaptor
3) set of acrylic paints
For $49!
I know it's probably not top of the line, but it IS double-action, it IS an Aztec brush, with their patented brush design for easy cleanup, and it DOES come with a set of paints and a can of propellant!
For the beginner, I think this would be an ideal place to start! I mean, you get all the good stuff (except an actual compressor) and paints too, all for a remarkably low price of $49!
Now, you'll want to know WHERE I saw this, of course. You'll never guess. The model cars section of my local TOYS-R-US!
Again, I'm sure it's not the best one can buy, but it has all the desired features, and is very economical. Heck, it's inexpensive enough to just buy on a whim! Who cares if you don't end up becoming a spokesperson for using an airbrush, IT's ONLY $49!
FYI: It's a special set put together by "Testors" model paint company, so keep an eye out for it if you're looking to give airbrushing a go!
Also, I'm sure you can find it at most hobby shops, or toy stores that carry model cars and paint and stuff.
If you want more info than that, you'll have to go to the store and look at the box (or wait until I can scrounge up $50 for my own!)
- Greg Gaub
Does anybody out there have experience with the Aztec? MicroMark (1-800-225-1066)
has it in their winter catalog. They specialize in small tools for model cars, trains, doll houses etc. The deluxe version has four nozzles, four color cups,
two siphon bottles a video and A FITTED WOODEN CASE. I'm a sucker for wooden
cases. But, my concern is that modellers seldom shoot media as thin as dye, and
the Aztec seems to be aimed at that market. I really hate cleaning my brush though, and the easy-to-clean tips are intriguing. Can anyone tell me how the Aztec compares with a Paasche VL?
- Ken Swenson
I have a Testors airbrush (basically the same as Aztec) and also a Badger single action (which I have not yet played with). The Testors (Aztec) has many good features but I don't like the control. I think it would make a good single action, but cleanup is not as easy as they make it seem. The tip interchangability is nice but the spray patterns seem somewhat erratic. I used airbrushes long ago for photo work, had Paasche and Badger double action, but the Testors looked like a good deal. I think the Testors can be used for general work, but I would get something better for fine detail.
Keep in mind these are my first impressions using this airbrush. I'm sure others have more experience with them than I do.
- Jim Hagen
I do have a badger airbrush and used it for many years painting model airplanes.
I have used the aztec a friend had. It is much lighter, being mostly plastic, but the results were more than satisfactory. I didn't try any of the interchangeable nozzles.
I do use a Sears small piston compressor and it worked fine for airbrushing, but you do loose some control with them. If you really want the best control, it takes a compressor that the air pressure can be better regulated. If you start with the aztec and air cans you may like the results so much you will soon be looking at Badger or Paasche...then the double action...heck it never ends does it?
I only recently started using my airbrush on my leather work. I like to use super sheen as a resist, but those of you who do not know: DON'T put a spirit dye over supersheen with a dauber or brush or sponge. But with an airbrush you have much better control laying down the dye. As soon as you spray over the resisted area wipe it of the spray. Of course so the spray does not rest on the super sheen. WAIT...one pass...one wipe of the resist...let the dye settle for a few minutes until it takes. Always handy to have that hairdryer near the bench to speed up the drying. Keep repeating this step until you have the depth of color you are seeking. This tip came to me from Noel at the Tandy Store in Burien Washington.
A plug for MicroMark...great resource...I have gotten their catalog for over 5 years now. Almost always the first thing I will look through from my mail. Their service is extremely good and fast. Pleasant folks to talk to when you call in your order. I highly recommend them...and if your library does not have their catalog, it is incomplete.
- Charles
I just bought a Aztek A4709. I haven't had a chance to use it with dyes yet but I know of no reason you couldn't. It cleans up really easy because the paint or dye only goes through the nozzle not the whole brush as in the Paasche. That is why I bought it. I just went to a demo yesterday and I saw what it will do and I think it will suit my needs very nicely. I'm going to be taking a class this next two weeks to get some tips on how to use it best.
- Mel
MicroMark is in Berkely Heights, NJ. Phone 1-800-225-1066. Or, visit www.micromark.com. The catalog is 78 pages of small tools.....airbrushes, Dremels, hand tools...anything you can think of for model making.
- Ken Swenson
I bought an Aztek A3000 about a year ago on the advice of the art store clerk. The novelty of different tips swooned me more than anything else. I also tried a Paasche VL, but thought it was heavy and at the time couldn't control the thing and create fine lines - which I know now was just due to too much pressure.
My complaints with the Aztek have been these:
1) It comes with a chart for different paint mediums, suggesting various air pressures and tips for each. I found that acrylic paints - I use tee shirt acrylics and thinned artist acrylics - are not compatible with the fine tip, which bummed me out! They suggest inks or dyes only with the fine tip. btw, the medium size tip, which IS meant for acrylics does a good job on larger items, but not very well
for details.
2) It's true that they make cleaning the tips sound much easier than in reality. The tips are also very fragile and have pulled one or two apart accidently while cleaning them. The instructions state that once the tip has been disassembled, they cannot be accurately put back together - shell out $10 for a new one. I did put them back together, and they didn't behave differently...okay...I bought 1 new anyway...
I also found that cleaning each tip before changing colors was a hassle, so I got some airbrush cleaning fluid - about $3 for 8oz. It was then I realized - this is no different than cleaning any airbrush.
One more thing. Not knocking the Aztek, but, checkout one of the airbrush mags at an art supply store. Look at what the featured artists are using...I haven't found ONE that uses the Aztek as his bread & butter brush.
- Rick Van Eman