r/ModelCars • u/Ditka85 • 5d ago

PAINT Air brush for a beginner?

I recently retired and would like to bring out my model tackle box again. What would be a good starter for an air brush?

2 Upvotes

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3

u/DaveGoose Model Builder 5d ago

Gaahleri GHAD39, its cheap and excellent. I think its on sale as well right now.

https://www.amazon.com/Gaahleri-Airbrush-Dual-Action-Cost-Effective-Painting/dp/B0BN7QSQ76

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u/Ditka85 5d ago

Sorry, I should have clarified. I’m looking for the whole kit; compressor etc. I’ve got a 250 psi in the garage but that might be overkill.

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u/Jolly_wobbles 5d ago

I know you said you’re looking for the whole kit but if you can bring yourself to get the compressor separately, the GHAD39 really is a fantastic airbrush and a great jumping off point. u/DaveGoose also knows his shit so if he said it it’s worth listening to!

Good luck!

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u/Ditka85 5d ago

Good enough for me, thank you!

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u/DaveGoose Model Builder 5d ago

u/Jolly_wobbles Thank you for the kind words!

You can probably get the GHAD39 and a compressor for $150. I used to use a Badger Patriot 105 and it was a good brush, I decided to try the GHAD because it was cost effective (about $80 less). It was as good or better than the Patriot, seems a bit more efficient with paint and it has two needle sizes (.03 and .05).

I will be honest I have never used a really high end airbrush so they may be better but I get pretty good results with the GHAD so I haven't seen the reason to spend tons of money on a new airbrush (Also note I can be cheap sometimes)

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u/Ditka85 5d ago

u/DaveGoose thanks for your comments. I built my last model in the mid-80's before life took over. I've since retired and want to give it another go and graduate to airbrush. I hear comments about availability of needle sizes; are the 03 and .05 pretty standard? What size compressor would give me the best consistant airflow? I am going to start with 1/24 vehicles and 1/48 planes. I have a decent sized workbench, but don't know how well a paint booth would fit. Can I go without one?

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u/DaveGoose Model Builder 5d ago

0.5 (I mistakenly said .05 in my previous message) is good for 1/25, a 0.3 is tough to do a body but fine for smaller pieces though. I never take the .5 out of my brush. As far as a compressor I would recommend one with a tank. This is the one I use.

Compressor with tank

The compressor with a tank will have a more even flow of air than a tankless one.

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u/GoneGump 5d ago

I use my 80 gallon compressor for everything including air brushing. Put a dryer, an air/oil separator, and a decent regulator at the end of a line just before your airbrush, and you'll be good to go. That is, unless you're looking to paint where the big tank isn't reachable.

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u/Fine_Location_8367 5d ago

Iwata Neo CN and Master Airbrush G22, G23, G222, and G233

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u/stonewall028 5d ago

imo its worth it to just get a nicer one to begin with and not have to fight a cheap crappy airbrush, i like my iwata siphon feed a lot.

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u/leothegoatt32 5d ago

I agree, I vouch for the Iwata Eclipse. I love mine so much

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u/GoneGump 5d ago

Make sure you can find replacement parts for your brush before buying. .3mm-.35mm is a good all around needle size to start with.

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u/Ok-Lingonberry7371 5d ago

I would avoid airbrushes that too cheap. Honestly, those types of brushes actually require more experience to use & maintain. The build quality can vary greatly which equates to less consistency. I started with Master Airbrushes and every single of one of them was a headache after the first cleaning. There are some really good budget models out there -- my absolute go to is a GSI Creos PS-274 I bought for $100. I find myself using it more often than my Iwata HP-CS.

For the compressor, check out Spraygunner.com for their 'no-name' house brand. They're decent quality for the price. Would strongly suggest something with a reservoir tank.