Are the cheap Airbrush kits ok for beginners?

[patsmear]

Hi All,

I am tired of painting my masks by brush. I figure with the airbrush, i can do quick coverage and better veins.

I found this guy at harbor freight, while I am sure it is at the low end,as far as Airbrushes go, would it be a good starter to see if I even like this method?

1/5 HP, 58 PSI Compressor and Airbrush Kit

Pat

 

[Too Much Garlic]

Get a cheap one to practice with. No reason to go expensive until you've figured out if you can even master the hardware.

I got a cheap cap-style airbrush you just screw onto a bottle, with a plastic straw and a connection to a compressor and started spraying with that. It has a wide dispersal, so is good for large coverages, but for smaller, more detailed painting I eventually bought a real airbrush. But the cheap starter one made me realize I could work a lot faster and getting better, thinner finishes.

 

[patsmear]

That was kinda my thinking. Just wanted to make sure it wasn't a waste of money. I figure, could always use the compressor to fill up tires!

Pat

 

[STARTREKTOS]

Wow that is cheaper than I thought an airbrush machine would be.

 

[chewbaccadoll]

Pat, I don't know where you live, but I just recently purchased one from AC Moore: Badger Deluxe 200•3 set. It's middle of the road, but that's what I wanted for now.

I had previously read up on airbrushes (since it had been the early 90's since I last used one) and someone in another forum pointed out that AC Moore AND Michaels often give out 40%- 50% coupons off one store item when making a purchase during the week... not sure if the first purchase has to be of a certain value or higher, but I've gotten them at checkout only having spent $10 or so.

Didn't occur to me at first... I've gotten those coupons before, but forgot they sold airbrushes.


Bottom line, I paid $50 for a $100 airbrush set. They have several to choose from, higher end ones and the cheapee ones that do nothing but sputter out paint unevenly.

I say, do the research on the models they carry, figure out which is right for your needs... go buy a small cost item and get the 40%-50% off coupon at the register and comeback and save!

-Kurt

 

[patsmear]

Pat, I don't know where you live, but I just recently purchased one from AC Moore: Badger Deluxe 200•3 set. It's middle of the road, but that's what I wanted for now.

I had previously read up on airbrushes (since it had been the early 90's since I last used one) and someone in another forum pointed out that AC Moore AND Michaels often give out 40%- 50% coupons off one store item when making a purchase during the week... not sure if the first purchase has to be of a certain value or higher, but I've gotten them at checkout only having spent $10 or so.

Didn't occur to me at first... I've gotten those coupons before, but forgot they sold airbrushes.


Bottom line, I paid $50 for a $100 airbrush set. They have several to choose from, higher end ones and the cheapee ones that do nothing but sputter out paint unevenly.

I say, do the research on the models they carry, figure out which is right for your needs... go buy a small cost item and get the 40%-50% off coupon at the register and comeback and save!

-Kurt

I looked in Michaels last night but I didn't see an airbrush compressor set, just the airbrush and paints.

I'll check again, and see if they were just out of stock.

 

[BlindSquirrel]

I had to replace my airbrush and picked up a $5 single action airbrush at Harbor Freight. Honestly it works just as well as my deceased Paasche airbrush. Hell, even if it only works for one project, it's cheap enough to get another!

 

[patsmear]

Yeah, the reason I am looking at it is because it has a compressor too.

So my friend told me to get a dual action. I was looking at the differences and I think I may need that. I like the idea of not having to stop painting to change size of spray.

 

[Rocker]

Yeah, the reason I am looking at it is because it has a compressor too.

So my friend told me to get a dual action. I was looking at the differences and I think I may need that. I like the idea of not having to stop painting to change size of spray.

The set that you listed there is a good price for what you're getting if it has everything pictured. It looks like it comes with a moisture trap in line with the hose. That's very important in saving you a lot of frustration from having your paint splatter from condensation building up in your hose. (it would be like adding water to your paint if you didn't have one) One thing to remember with this small compressor is to let it rest for longer periods of time because it'll work pretty hard to keep up with an eagar beginner. There's no tank on that compressor so it has to keep pusing out the air as fast as your spraying. I started out with a set just like that and it worked great to teach me the technique. Just remember to take breaks when your practicing because you will loose air pressure with these little compressors when they heat up.

 

[Rens]

I think dual-action is a must, but then I'm pretty impatient.

My first airbrush was an off-brand deal that I got for $30. It worked great for what I was doing, until I lost a part while cleaning it (mental note, do not clean over an open drain). Because it was an off-brand, I couldn't find a replacement part.

I ended up just buying a Paasche brush to replace it, which was about $100, but my local store has replacement parts/needles. It works great.