Looking for the best airbrush? There are so many functions and configurations… Gravity feed, siphon feed, side feed. Outer mixture, inner mixture. Double action, single action, trigger action.
Check the airbrush dictionary if you want to know what all these terms mean, or just keep reading.
The various manufacturers must then be taken into account. Iwata-san, Badger-san, Paash-san, Grex-san, Richpen-san, Harder-san and Steenbeck-san, numerous other private labels and even anonymous airbrushes that resemble one of the above brands.
How do you choose the best airbrush?
Extremely short version for impatient beginners
Actually, it’s just…
- Choose gravity feed, double-acting airbrush, internal mix airbrush from brands like Badger, Iwata or Paasche.
- If you use an airbrush by color or a bottle by color, choose siphon feeding instead of gravity feeding.
Here we go.
Best beginner brushes set – 2020
I could lead you through the different branches and choose, but most people end up with either gravity or siphon feeding, double action, internal airbrush mixing.
Let’s see what’s the best airbrush for circular applications….
1. Iwata-Medei Eclipse HP CS
Iwata has a reputation for quality brushes, and Eclipse HP CS is no exception. The Eclipse HP CS is still one of the most popular models and is used by artists specializing in small and large projects. Its ease of use, cleaning and maintenance also make it the best tool for beginners.
Assembly grade – The gravity-fed airbrush is made of solid stainless steel with a polished chrome plated finish, making the exterior easy to clean. The large paint gun quickly breaks into pieces to expose the wires made to prevent them from being removed. Eclipse has double functionality for better spray control.
Spray Scale – Eclipse HP CS models are equipped with a 0.35mm self-aligning needle for applying fine, wide-spread patterns. Move the brush away from the project to obtain a pattern with a maximum diameter of two inches.
Tape – The top-mounted funnel-shaped cup has a removable lid and can contain up to 0,30 ounces of colour.
Cleaning – You can use the handle with one knife to remove blockages with a latch. Just move the cartridge back and forth a few times. To clean the brush tip with the needle and mouthpiece, release the rear chuck and pull the needle through the front of the airbrush to prevent the paint from flowing back. The rear part of the handle is also removed to gain access to the trigger clamping element.
In general, due to its complex function, the solar eclipse is the only set of airbrushes that most artists will ever need.
2. Paasche TG-3F
Paasche is proud to have been airbrushing Chicago for over a century. The American-made Paasche TG-3F is incredibly valuable for everything it entails.
Quality Assembly – Aerography is one of the latest models of the company. It is made of chrome-plated stainless steel, with a rear handle and a cup lid made of anodised and gold-plated aluminium.
Colour Capacity – A large 0.40 oz. cup adds a little extra weight to the airbrush, but overall the unit is well balanced and comfortable to store and use.
Spray scale – The unit is connected to the 1st and 3rd spray scales. Nozzle supplied with the 0.25 mm, 0.38 mm and 0.66 mm air blower cap The needle itself is 0.35 mm long. Create spray patterns of fine hair up to 1.5 inches in diameter by simply varying the distance between the airbrush gun and the project. The tip of the crown protects the sensitive tip of the hand.
Cleaning – Use the handle on the cutting slot to quickly remove blockages or adjust tension. The TG-3F can be easily disassembled for cleaning. However, the needle must be removed from the back of the brush, which makes internal cleaning difficult.
AirbrushhoseHose – The Paasche airbrush has a one size air hose coupling. The fact that it comes with a two-metre long braided Easter chesnake is therefore very practical. Otherwise, many people prefer to use a universal closure to solve problems.
The supplied hanger makes it possible to place the brush when it is not in use. You will also receive two keys, a manual and a textbook. The TG-3F can easily handle all water or solvent-based liquids.
3. Das Patriot 105
The affordable price makes the Patriot attractive for beginners or professional artists. The Patriot 105 is the perfect airbrush for everything, including car art, custom motorcycle painting, helmets, fine art, illustrations, t-shirts, models.
Construction Quality – The American Badger Patriot 105 is a versatile and easy to use airbrush with tip adjustment, gravity feed, 0.30 angle cup and dual-action functionality.
Spray tray – The close-fitting lid allows the Patriot 105 to be used at different angles without spilling paint. The device comes with a 0.50 mm needle, making it easy to process thin or thick substrates. Even with a larger needle, artists can make fine lines with a pencil. Remove the brush from the project to obtain a beam with a maximum diameter of three inches.
The nozzle tip has fewer parts and much more than many models, making it much easier to track parts. The tip is also simply inserted into the device. So you don’t have to worry about removing the wire. The nozzle sleeve holds the end in place.
Cleaning – Use the handle on the cutting edge to quickly remove blockages and adjust trigger tension. There’s a pen on the back of the needle. The handle, in combination with the large size of the needle, makes it easy to handle. However, removing the needle from the back of the brush is like running paint over the block, making cleaning a little more complicated.
This airbrush kit contains a foam case for easy and safe storage. A detailed instruction booklet will help the artists to get up and go in no time. The tie provides a one-year warranty on the device against manufacturing defects. Teflon gaskets and factory work come with a lifetime warranty. Patriot 105 is an affordable universal tool.
Best Airbrush Purchase Manual
Things you should know by now.
- Now you need to know what you’re gonna do.
- Such as models, miniature paintings, decorating cakes, tattoos, tanning and the list goes on…
- Now you need to know what kind of paint you’re going to use with the airbrush.
Coating vs. part
Do you want extensive coverage?
If you do that, you have to look at the spray guns. Remember this rule. The larger the spray, the easier it is to mix and coat. Your goal is to water the area in as few passes as possible without it becoming too expensive. Conversely, you don’t want to become too big, otherwise you’ll eat material waste (spray paint that never sticks to the surface) to your money.
Do you want a lot of details?
When you do, you need something with a long, sharp needle. Normally, but not always, we airbrush.
The rest of the article suggests you’re looking for an airbrush. If you are looking for spray guns, do not hesitate to contact me for a recommendation. Be careful if you’re in a strictly regulated state, like California.
Beginners vs. veterans
Are you a beginner?
Beginners need an airbrush that is more forgiving for their mistakes than professionals. The biggest problem most people face when working with their airbrush is the problem of the user, i.e. problems with cleaning, colour consistency, lack of control over a small motor instead of a product. This means it is best to have equipment that teaches you these things, but you don’t have to know them inside out.
I brush down to the smallest detail. Beginners should build MANDATORY airbrushes from an amazing superduper ultra-micro-nanometric line that solves all your problems with precision.
These are great airbrushes, but let me break them.
They’re too light for you. These airbrushes are actually too surprising for beginners, simply because they give you your worst nightmare…
Control of all possible aerographic parameters. The more variables there are, the harder it is to learn and the learning curve for airbrushing is already quite steep.
I use that analogy. Have you learned how to drive a Formula 1 driver? No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. They must have learned to drive legally on the road.
Veterans
I assume you know how to clean the airbrush and how to change the consistency of the paint (tension, reduction, etc.) Because you know a little or a lot about airbrushing, you need to do more research to find the brushes you need. There are three ways to do it.
- Experimental research – This is actually what most people do. You buy a new airbrush and you adjust it. It is actually a good way to find the right type of airbrush, but there are some drawbacks. It’s expensive and time-consuming.
- Read reviews – Think about the experiences of others.
- Mixing the two – Eventually it comes down to this. They hear about the product and test it. The costs will be slightly lower, but you should still expect from time to time to find tools that no longer interest you.
Internal mixing vs. external mixing
The way the paint enters the airstream is important, because it changes the appearance of the aerosol when it touches the surface.
If you don’t have a good reason for choosing an external mix, you should choose an internal mix because you will get a more consistent and uniform spray pattern.
Internal Mixture
The color touches the center of the airflow.
External mix
The paint is injected by spraying an O or D jet in the direction of the airflow. Reasons for choosing external versus internal mix.
- The grains do not disturb them, the spatters are less regular.
- You don’t need small parts, just a small detection range.
Double action versus single action against rejection
It’s about how you physically manipulate the airbrush controls. It’s the same here: If you don’t have a good reason for choosing something else, opt for the double-acting airbrush technique.
Double Action Airbrush
Secure the air. Let’s go get some paint. Most people use double-acting airbrushes, and most techniques are based on how they work and how they work. In addition, manufacturers have accessories that allow them to replicate many of the advantages of other types of weapons without sacrificing the benefits of double action.
Single acting airbrush
Press the air that normally activates the paint. Reasons to choose a single action instead of a double action.
- They always spray the same amount of liquid.
- The airbrush goes through many unprepared hands to do the same thing over and over again.
- If you are looking for a scientific application, I generally recommend the use of single-acting airbrushes, simply because they are a little easier for the logical scientific types you order. You can take a few steps and they basically stay the same. You don’t have to worry about this stupid mess of relative and artistic measurement!
Triggered Action Airbrush
This setting is intended for people who want to use their airbrush as a spray gun. Reasons for choosing the trigger for action, no double action.
- You use guns forever and you feel them very well. It will be easier for you to get used to it than to study a separate sentence.
Gravity feeds vs. siphon feeds vs. supplementary feeds
This is how the paint is brought into the airbrush. As a general rule, you choose a gravitational food, unless you have a good reason to choose something else.
Gravity source
Gravity pulls the paint down to the tip of the nozzle. The paint needs to be sprayed. It is economical and can be operated with a single drop of paint. You can also use a lower air pressure for effective spraying. With a lower pressure, smaller parts can be cast than in other configurations.
Delivery siphon
The fast moving air creates a low pressure zone at the end of the nozzle. It pulls the paint through the rod to spray it. Although they need a little more air than gravity airbrushes, they compensate for this by being able to absorb much more paint, depending on the size of the bottle attached to it. This is why an airbrush with gravity siphon power is used.
- They use a machine with multiple guns. One airbrush per color. It’s faster because it requires less cleaning.
- You need extra strength because you spray a lot of paint at a time. So tanneries use siphon-fed airbrushes because they don’t have to worry about reactions.
- They need a quick cleanup.
- You have a lot of colors that you use all the time.
Newsfeed
The side-feed airbrush is a cross section between a direct fall or a direct gravity airbrush. If the ink level is higher than the tip of the nozzle, it is a gravity feed. If the ink level is lower, there is a siphon power supply. Reasons to use the side-feed airbrush instead of gravity
- They want an airbrush to do everything.
- You have to spray from head to toe…
- You have no objection to the cost of additional accessories.
- You don’t mind taking a little more time to clean up…
I really like side-control airbrushes. If I had to pick an airbrush, that would be it.
Choice of manufacturer
I usually recommend one of three or four manufacturers because they have a good reputation and understanding of customer service [avoiding the cheap airbrush technique]. This doesn’t mean you won’t find good equipment in someone else’s house, but it’s some kind of blow or failure.
Iwata Airbrush
Click here to read the Iwata Aerography article.
Iwata is at the top of the food chain as a quality airbrush. Eclipse CS (gravity feed) and Eclipse BCS (siphon feed) are the two most popular products they produce for the airbrush. I know their customer service and technical support.
Tie Shot
Click here to get the best score for Badger Airfield.
Of the three badgers, this is definitely the cheapest. Personally, I don’t think they’re the best airbrushers in the world, but they’re certainly not the worst. They support their products and continuously introduce new design solutions.
Airbrush Pacha
Click here to see the best rated Paasha airbrushes.
Paasha is one step away from Badger. In fact, a lot of people I’ve met have heard about Paasche VL for the first time. I’ve never treated a customer or Paasche’s technical support, so I can’t say yes or no, but I’ve never heard complaints that it’s bad.
All others
There are other brands I’ve heard a lot of good things about (Harder and Steinbeck come to mind), but I’ve never played with them or done a lot of research on how they work or how companies deal with their end customers. At the other end of the spectrum are the clones. Most clones come from China or Taiwan and are exact copies of the first three. Try to avoid the clones. The clones show they’re not in demand. Iwata-san, Badger-san, Paashe-san and most reputable manufacturers have their names engraved on the side so you can call them and understand what happens when something goes wrong. Clones, no.
Conclusion
It’s time for you to find the best airbrush. Once you’ve found it, it’s time to choose the right type of airbrush compressor to drive it.
Good luck!
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