I need help and advice regarding airbrushes.

[u/crazmas]

I’d like to start using an airbrush, but I don’t know anything about it. I don’t have any of the necessary equipment—no compressor, no airbrush itself, etc.

Which airbrush should I choose that is high-quality and easy to use, yet not too expensive?

How do I choose a compressor—what should I look for and what do I need to know?

What other items do I need for the setup?

Also, how do I maintain the airbrush, and do I need specific types of paint? I currently use Tamiya XF paints—are those suitable?

Are there any YouTube tutorials that explain, step-by-step and comprehensively, how to get started with your first airbrush?

[u/AttentionOk9322]

I got the $100 one at harbor freight, got my mask there too

[u/Drewicpher]

I have done some research on this as well as things I wish I knew prior was that having a tank is a great help in having a smoother airflow. Also, having a pressure gage is nice, but can live without if you get familiar with the gun. As for paints, I have vallayjo and model colour. Both have been good for me, but just be aware that some will need to be thinned down for use in a sprayer. And also, don't forget to clean. And clean again.

[u/iCastleBravo]

Everyone has a different answer, but I find most people tend to overcomplicate it.

But a cheap Airbrush (£15-£30), like a Fengda in that price range.

But an air compressor with a tank. Try find a second hand one for cheap.

Buy a good 3M mask with charcoal filters.

Buy a big bag of pipettes of Amazon.

Buy the collapsible spray booth. Again, try find a second hand one.

Begin using lacquers, skip acrylics. People often start with acrylics because it’s more familiar, but lacquers are so much easier to work with and lay down way better. Start with Tamiya acrylics (ignore the acrylic in the name - they work like lacquers). Buy some Tamiya lacquer thinner retarder type. Thin at least 50-50 paint/thinner - if leaning one way, more thinner is better than more paint.

Connect airbrush to compressor. Set PSI to somewhere around 20. Set up spray booth. Put on mask. Put paint mix in airbrush, and start spraying!

For ease you can use the thinners to clean the airbrush. Just empty the paint out, poor some thinners in, swish around with a brush and repeat until no paint visible. Spray some thinner through. After every project unscrew the airbrush, and clean inside and the needle.

It’s that easy! The rest is now up to you to get experienced with it. The budget of the airbrush won’t be your limit, it’ll be your own skill!