There are several brands of airbrushes on the market, each with unique properties. However, you will need to find an airbrush that meets your needs. Therefore, the airbrush must have a well-coordinated system of needles and nozzles, a correct supply, etc.
We have gladly found and selected only the best airbrushes for models and miniatures. We studied the ease of use of the airbrushes, their price and the functionalities they offer. In addition to the list of airbrushes, this article will help you learn the important features you need to take into account when working with airbrushes!
Best Airbrush for plastic weighing models and miniatures 2020
Product | Flux | Buzzard | Action | |
Iwata HP-CS Eclipse (Editor’s choice) | Gravity | 0.35 mm | Double | Check the price |
NEO for Iwata CN (Best for Beginners) | Gravity | 0.35 mm | Double | Check the price |
Härter & Steenbeck: the infinite in solo | Gravity | 0.15 mm | Double | Check the price |
Tie 150 (M) | Siphon | 0.5 mm | Double | Check the price |
Iwata HP-CR Revolution | Gravity | 0.5 mm | Double | Check the price |
Paasche H-SET (household pairs) | Siphon | 0.45 mm, 0.65 mm, 1.05 mm | Individually | Check the price |
Iwata HP-C Highest performance | Gravity | 0.3 mm | Double | Check the price |
Hardener and Stinbeck Ultra X | Siphon | 0.4 mm | Double | Check the price |
Iwata Eclipse HP-BCS | Siphon | 0.5 mm | Double | Check the price |
Hanseatic Chrome 381 | Gravity | 0.3 mm | Double | Check the price |
Iwata HP-CS Eclipse – Best All Purpose Airbrush
If you’re looking for precision when spraying heavy or pre-mixed paint, this airbrush is for you. It is very versatile because it can be trusted for a variety of applications.
The CS double-acting airbrushes are sufficient for spraying Medea’s heavy acrylic and textile colours. Even when airbrushing, the properties of the spray are maintained down to the smallest detail. It is an ideal choice if you use both automatic air and bad paint.
It is designed with a 0.35 mm needle and a self-aligning nozzle for greater efficiency. It is complemented by a 1/3 oz. gravity reduction, the capacity of which is quite reliable. That makes it an airbrush for internal mixing.
The gravity feed hopper is designed in a new funnel style that ensures optimal ink flow. This shape also makes it easier to clean the cup after use.
The advantages of
- This airbrush is easy to use and therefore an ideal choice for beginners.
- It is very durable and well maintained.
- Can be used with different types of paint.
- Smooth mist.
- Gentle linear click on the shutter release button.
Disadvantages
- Not suitable for very fine lines or areas that are too wide.
NEO for Iwata CN – the best for the first user
This airbrush is equipped with a needle with a diameter of 0.35 mm, whose capacity is increased by the single nozzle. In addition, the spray pattern is medium, which allows for a high level of detail in the spraying process.
This gravity airbrush is designed for efficient operation at minimum air pressure. This makes it possible to spray more detail for a high quality result. So you can use it between 5 and 35 pounds per square inch. The manufacturer recommends the use of small air compressors with a maximum pressure of 20 psi.
It has a large loading depot with a capacity of 1/3 of an ounce. It can be replaced by an average cup size of 1.5 kg. They are all funnel-shaped, which allows the inks to flow more efficiently and facilitates the cleaning process.
The advantages of
- It’s very accessible.
- Contains two cups that can be exchanged quickly.
- Works well with small air compressors that produce up to 20 pounds per square inch.
- Balanced
Disadvantages
- Correct ink dilution and careful maintenance are necessary to prevent clogging.
- Not suitable for very fine lines or areas that are too wide.
Harder & Stonebeck Infinity is best for professional use
This is a high-tech airbrush that meets excellent design standards with various smart features. It is produced by Harder en Steenbeck, the leading German manufacturer of airbrush, known for its quality standards.
The airbrush comes with a 0.068 oz. gravity feed cup. This allows you to quickly repair the construction of the syringe without having to refill it frequently. It is equipped with a 0.15 mm diameter nozzle that works effectively at low pressure and delivers detailed spraying results.
The advantages of
- The Infinity airbrush is ergonomically designed to help professional artists meet their design needs and preferences.
- It has innovative features that improve spraying efficiency for excellent design results.
- The quick-release device on the scale allows a more accurate adjustment of the ink flow rate.
- A perfect fine line.
- Compatible with other H&S airbrushes. You can use spare parts for Evolution, Ultra and Grafo airbrushes.
- Interchangeable cup.
Disadvantages
- Spraying paint with this airbrush requires technical knowledge. This means that the airbrush is not suitable for the first use.
- The mouthpiece is too small for most paints if it is not perfectly cut.
- It may be necessary to purchase an additional set of nozzles for larger areas.
- This can be expensive for an occasional modeller.
Tie150 (M) – the best airbrush for a wide range of applications
Dachs This universal double-acting airbrush is ideal for you if you are looking for a classic instrument. It has an internal mixture and the spray paint is led into the cup by suction. The needle has an average nozzle diameter of 0.5 mm, which means that it sprays the image efficiently and effectively within a radius of 1/32 inch and 1/2 inch.
This airbrush comes with a mounting box and an extra box. You will receive a coloured cup and a protective cap to prevent the colour from spreading. It comes with a key and a manual to help you get the most out of the features.
It sprays perfectly restored acrylic paints, acrylic varnishes, lacquers, paints, textile paints, watercolors, dyes, gouaches and various airbrush paints.
The advantages of
- This airbrush model has been on the market for over 30 years and its quality is well known.
- Can be used with different types of paint.
- Quick colour change.
- Parts are easily accessible.
Disadvantages
- Cleaning is not as easy as with the new models.
- Feeding the traps requires a higher compressor pressure, which makes it more difficult to get a fine line.
Revolution HP-CR Iwata – Best Double Action Airbrush
This airbrush has an internal mixture and dual action, creating an excellent spray pattern. It is a top tool with an ergonomic handle that makes it easy to spray. The Revolution HP-CR comes with a 1/3 oz. gravity cup.
It is equipped with a large nozzle that works hand in hand with a 0.5 mm needle for reasons of efficiency. This combination makes it possible to use the airbrush with thick or heavy inks. This increases user-friendliness and efficiency.
It has a release mechanism that has been revised with respect to the previous rules. This simplifies the use and installation of the airbrush. It is complemented by a large needle nut. You will appreciate the PTFE replacement inner needle, which is solvent-resistant and allows you to spray items such as solvents and water-based paints.
The advantages of
- It ensures a constant air flow to keep your sprayers running smoothly.
- It is easy to clean and there are no clogging problems.
- Iwata Revolution HP-CR offers excellent value for money.
- Can be used with different types of paint. It works well with metal, for example.
- It’s a good cover.
Disadvantages
- Not suitable for very fine lines.
- For very fine lines it takes some practice to dilute the ink and adjust the air pressure.
Airbrush KitPaasche H-SET – the best for fast spraying
The Paache single action airbrush is manufactured with a chromed casing, giving it a smooth appearance and durability. It is easy to use, which makes it ideal for a beginner. You can also count on this H-Airbrush if you want to spray quickly.
It provides a spray pattern from 1/16 to 1-1/2. For simplicity, the kit comes with all three main sizes. The heads allow efficient use of airbrushes in different applications. You can use it for coating the entire surface, homogenous lines and for template work.
It is easy to clean, just spray paint cleaner into the airbrush.
The advantages of
- Excellent quality.
- Easy to use.
- Can be used with different types of paint.
- Easy cleaning.
- Available.
- The details are easily accessible and affordable.
Disadvantages
- A single trigger.
- The power supply to the fall requires a higher PSI range.
- Not suitable for lines thicker than 0.8 mm.
- Higher ink consumption with frequent colour changes.
Iwata-Medea High-Performance Airbrush HP-C Plus – Best Airbrush with Total Control
It is perhaps the best dual-purpose airbrush available on the market. It has a curved handle and a pre-set handle. These functions allow quick and easy airbrush cleaning and control of the paint flow.
It is made with large wires around the nozzle so that it fits well with the airbrush. In addition, the nozzle will be well centered, so you can better focus on your design.
Users appreciate the one-piece auxiliary arm that works in conjunction with the needle release guide to make mould assembly easier.
You can use this airbrush with almost any type of paint, such as car paint, stencil, etc. However, you have to make sure they mix well in the gravity cup to get the best results.
The advantages of
- It creates a controlled flow of paint that reduces clogging that would otherwise slow you down.
- HP-C Plus Iwata works well, so you can achieve a sophisticated design after spraying.
- With the pre-set handle you can determine how hard you can pull the trigger.
- HP-C Plus forgives colour saturation errors.
- The airbrush can be cleaned faster using a compartment.
Disadvantages
- However, it takes some practice to dilute the ink and adjust the air pressure.
- It’s not cheap.
Harder & Stonebeck ULTRA X – Best Basic Airbrush
Getting an airbrush with a gravity cup can be too difficult for some users. So they choose the alternative, the pursuit of food. With the siphon power supply the ink can easily be refilled and cleaned.
The airbrush has a chrome layer that increases smoothness and durability.
The lining is supplied with a cap that can be easily removed and fastened for safety reasons. It has a double-acting mechanism, but it is quite easy to use and clean.
It is equipped with a self-aligning nozzle that looks like a base. This allows the ink to flow evenly, especially at low pressure. The nozzle has a diameter of 0.4 mm, allowing efficient production of coatings up to an average thickness.
The advantages of
- The airflow through this airbrush is constant and reliable.
- It is high quality and available at a good price.
- Easy to maintain.
Disadvantages
- Feeding the traps requires a higher compressor pressure, which makes it more difficult to obtain a fine line.
- Higher ink consumption with frequent colour changes.
Iwata-Medei Eclipse HP-BCS – Best Bottle Airbrush for Power Supply
This airbrush comes with a 0.5mm needle that allows you to use medium and thick inks. It also features a combination of self-aligning inkjet nozzles for even ink flow.
The single handle contributes to a controlled flow and also facilitates the cleaning process. It also has a main lever, the tension of which can be adjusted according to use. You will certainly appreciate a solvent-resistant O-ring that limits its use for thin coatings.
You can also spray paint in a circle from the hairline up to 2 inches. Bottle with bottom feed contains 2 ounces.
These characteristics make the airbrush technique ideal for pre-mixed and heavier inks. It is the ideal choice for paintwork that requires precision atomisation. So you can rely on it when spraying medium to large quantities of paint.
The advantages of
- It covers a wide range of applications requiring heavier, pre-mixed inks.
- It ensures a precise ink supply, leading to uniform atomisation.
- The feeding bottle has a large mouth, which allows it to be connected directly to the paint bottle, preventing annoying filling.
- Good for a bastard who doesn’t like the cup on top of the airbrush, because it disturbs the line of sight.
- Cutting allows you to clean the airbrush faster.
Disadvantages
- A higher compressor pressure is needed than with a gravity-fed airbrush and therefore it is more difficult to get a fine line.
- Airbrushing with a trap uses more ink.
Hansa 381 Chrome – Best Airbrush for Fine Colors
This airbrush has an excellent design that consists of a controlled dual action so that when the lever is pulled in one direction, the paint is automatically mixed with air so that spraying can begin.
The airbrush is equipped with a self-aligning spray system that also has a self-sealing function. This works in combination with the progressive movement of the spray consistency lever. It also has a final element with adjustable colour control.
The Hansa 318 is manufactured with a 0.3 mm nozzle that can easily be adapted to other nozzles such as 0.2 and 0.4 mm (sold separately). It has a gravitational feeding cup with a capacity of 5 ml. It is also equipped with a lid for safe storage of paint.
This airbrush can be used with mixed paints because the nozzle is small enough for fine paint.
The advantages of
- It has a quick-release handle that can be adjusted for controlled staining.
- It is very durable and well maintained.
- The gravity feed has a large capacity for a smooth dyeing process.
- Easy cleaning.
Disadvantages
- It’s not cheap, but quality costs money.
Copper Guide – Choosing the right Airbrush
When buying an airbrush for models and miniatures, you should pay attention to a number of essential features.
Tractor type: single or double-acting
Double-acting airbrush means that the lever is pushed in one direction and the airbrush system mixes the paint and air automatically. The air comes out after the first lever has been pressed and the second lever has been pressed. However, this can lead to difficulties in learning to use it. That’s why the double-acting airbrush is only ideal for professional artists and designers.
On the other hand, the color can flow in one click.
Needle size
What type of paint will you use to paint the models and miniatures? Heavy, medium thick, premixed, thin or otherwise? Remember, the bigger the needle, the more evenly it emits heavy ink. However, you can use a smaller needle size if you want to create a finely detailed pattern. In addition, it is not advisable to buy a large needle for small models and miniatures. If you don’t know what size to choose, take 0.35 mm.
Feed rate
There are three main types of foods that are often used in airbrushing: Gravity clutch, side lining and siphon lining. Gravity supply depends on gravity to ensure the flow of paint to the airbrush. The siphon works with air pressure and the side uses partial gravity and a rotary mechanism.
Gravity powered airbrushes are easier to find and more efficient for miniature and small models.
Brand
The brand you choose also determines the quality of your design. After extensive research, we can say with certainty that Paasche, Iwata, Badger and Harder & Steinbeck are leading brands. However, we cannot tell you which brand to choose. It’s up to you to read the customer reviews of each brand and make a decision.
Needle adjusting screw
Although not all airbrushes have a needle screw, it is important if you want an accurate and even spray pattern. The adjusting screw allows you to accurately pull the trigger.
Gun grip
If you want to hold the airbrush comfortably before and after retrieving the trigger, try the gun handle. However, the handle of the gun does not affect the airbrush.
Compressor
Although most airbrushes are not sold with a compressor, a compressor is required for operation. So you can choose between a compressor with or without receiver. Receiver compressors are the best choice for better performance and consistency. However, they cost a lot more, so you have to be willing to dig deeper into your pockets to buy them.
Is airbrushing easy?
Some airbrushes are sold with a brush that makes it possible to completely remove the paint inside. The best airbrush should be easy to clean and maintain.
Summary
Airbrush is not only a good tool for artists and other design professionals who play with colour, it is also a big investment. That’s why you need to consider the factors and characteristics that determine the quality of your airbrushing technique to ensure that you get the best for your needs.
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