Quote Originally Posted by Wiley One View Post
Need a good recommendation for my first REAL airbrush and compressor. I am really wondering a few things specifically.....

1. What type of compressor works best? Is there a quiet version of it for indoor use? What price point are we talking?

2. What type of airbrush and why? What is the price point, roughly?

3. What type of paint should be used? Can I still use acryllic or should I be using something else?

4. What stages of the process do you recommend using them for? Is there an airbrush/compressor that is better suited for all stages of the process?

There are two of us here in Dallas that are wanting to try this out. I figured I would ask as I know there are quite a few of you that use them for various stages of your paiting. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
(1) I would recommed a hardware pancake compressor unless quiet is a requirement in which case Iawata Siverjets are damn sweet and expensive. I currently run mine in the garage with small compressor from Harbor Freight. It works. The benefits of a hardware style compressor though is because there is a tank you get nice regular pressure and the motor doesn't run as often though when it does it can get loud. Get an in-line moisture trap

(2) Double action/gravity fed. Iawata, Badger are both good brands. I have a badge revolution that I like and an Iawata that I love. The Iawata is siphon fed though so it gets used for mass basecoats and terrain. I will replace my badger with either the Infinity 2-1 or another Iawata . If I were starting from scratch and money wasn't an issue I'd look at the Infinity 2 in 1. Its a great brush.

(3) I've run GW/VMC/VGC/Reaper/Apple Barrel and other craft paints through mine and all are workable. The new Miniatiare line has gotten solid reviews and is airbrush ready and I like the Vallejo Air (VAC) line, especially for metallics. The minitaire line is more in tune with traditional 40k colors while the VAC line has more in common with historical and natural colors.

(4) I prime (btw VAC Surface primer is the ****), basecoat, shade and highlight with mine.

It's a good tool but like all tools it has a learning curve and practice is important. You can't beat it for simple mass basecoating but if that's your goal you can go cheap or go with the Army Painter spray can line.