need recommendation for good airbrushes for beginners

[ThatRoundHeadedKid]

Hi all, I'm finally going to try repainting my models using airbrushes however, I do not know what to buy! I just need a nice, simple airbrsh that gets the job done without getting too complicated as well as burning my wallet. I have a few hobby shops that I'm going to stop by tomorrow but I would like to know some recommendations so I know what to ask the sales person for.

THanks!

[pre98zetec]

Badger 250, its a single action, external mix but it sprays just as good as any dual action ive used. They're around 35-40 dollars.

[SteveK2003]

If you are a beginner, you would probably be best served with a single-action airbrush (Press the trigger and air and paint flow, the paint level is adjusted with a separate dial). The Badger 350 or Paasche H are fine airbrushes, and will probably be all you need to paint until you want to get into heavier custom effects. The Testors Azteks are good airbrushes too, but some people have issues with them.

A dual-action (Trigger controls air flow and paint flow independantly) won't be too much more, but use and clean-up is a little more complicated. Eventually you will probably want one, but a single-action to start with is a good idea.

[RallyRaider]

If money isn't a concern then you may as well go for something good that you can use for years and years. Regulars of this forum will know I always reconmmend Iwatas. The Revolution series isn't too expensive and is all you will ever need. It's a double action, so will take a bit of practice to get the hang of, but you will do so quickly. If you stick with the hobby you'll end up wanting a double action anyway, so why waste time and money?

I now have four Iwata airbrushes! Three Revolution CRs, one each reserved for clear, metallic and solid colours. Plus a HP-C for finer work that I haven't played with much.

[mickbench]

Originally Posted by sk8ter_in_ny

Badger 250, its a single action, external mix but it sprays just as good as any dual action ive used. They're around 35-40 dollars.

That is the same airbrush I use. It's fine for all I need, VERY easy to clean, and does the job.

[pre98zetec]

Originally Posted by mickbench

That is the same airbrush I use. It's fine for all I need, VERY easy to clean, and does the job.

I love it, It works perfect for everything, I even paint car bodies with it with no problems.

[ImolaEK]

The Iwata Revolution CR will last you a while and is very easy to use. I use the Iwata Eclipse HP-BCS which is a bit more expensive but is very easy to use and to clean

If you want something other than Iwata, i'd say the Paasche VL as well.

BUT, Iwata is Best.

[ThatRoundHeadedKid]

how much are the Iwatas?

[spidereddie]

As a beginner, this is all you need. DO NOT GET AIRBRUSH PROPELLANT. This airbrush is more than enough for painting bodies. All this stuff about million dollar airbrushes that will last you until you're 120 yrs. old is like killing a fly with a bazooka. It's just overkill, unless you're trying to do some complex stuff. This airbrush will cost you about $15 and shoots out paint evenly. There is nothing else you need from an airbrush if you're a beginner. I have two airbrushes, this one and >$100 one. I use the cheap one for car bodies and big stuff and use the expensive one for smaller detail things. You will have to buy a compressor though.

To clean this brush I just dump the paint, clean the bottles and shoot out some thinner/cleaner through it and put it away.

The other brush (internal mix, dual action), I have to do what I did for the cheap one PLUS take apart, clean each piece well, and then put back together (about 30 minutes more with each use)

[rotatox]

i cant wait to make my next model....just bought my first airbrush, a paasche vl......was gonna go for an external mix single action for ease of use then thought about it and its not like its going to be used every single day, i think i can put up with a little extra cleaning.....

[ThatRoundHeadedKid]

What's the propellant? Also, What if I want to do decals etc with the air brush, and small areas like taillights, and other small areas that you would find needing air brushing?