Need Air Brush Help

**brushe** · 05-08-2009,06:29 PM

I wanted to get my wife a air brush for Mothers Day. Well I have found out there is a gravity feed and then the one that draws the paint from a jar. I think she will be using differ colors a lot. Since project will be small, Tombstones , wig heads. The gravity feed looks like it would be easier to clean. Dose any have experience with them? I mean if you could pick , which one would you get.

**Ugly Joe** · 05-08-2009,07:14 PM

I've used both (own both kinds - both gravity feed and siphon feed), and I like my gravity feed better...but then, it's a better airbrush overall, so that may be coloring my preferences.

I've found the gravity feed works better with less air, so it's great for detail work.
The siphon feed, I actually kind of like for broader area applications...it makes a wonderfully fine mist, but takes a bit more air pressure to produce results.

Cleaning the gravity feed is 50x easier than the siphon...but then again, the brush is better designed in general.
(that, and I paid considerably more for it, even at a discount)

If she expects to change out the colors a lot, keep in mind the siphon feed bottles are fairly cheap, so having a number of them around won't be as expensive.
Does the gravity feed you're looking at even have interchangeable reservoirs for paint?
(mine does not - but cleaning it takes no time in-between colors)

I guess the bottom line is: you'll get what you pay for.

Oh, and keep in mind an in-line air filter with regulator will make her airbrushing much easier.

**scourge** · 05-08-2009,08:23 PM

I own both as well. For a gift I would recommend a gravity feed. Does she already own a compressor? With a gravity feed she can test the waters without multiple jars to consider. Just like Joe said, way easy to clean! The Iwata HP-BS (eclipse) is a great airbrush to start with. Cost effective and reliable. Hope that helps a little. And again like Joe said, must get a moisture filter.

**brushe** · 05-09-2009,02:52 AM

Thanks Ugly Joe and Scourge. This is the one I am looking at. I know it's probably not a good one, but all the feed back from the people that have bought it seem to be happy. The way work is now , I am pinching pennies and stretching dollars. So if it works I am sure she will be happy. She has wanted one for a long time.

NEW GRAVITY FEED AIRBRUSH & AIR BRUSH COMPRESSOR KIT NR - eBay (item 380116654062 end time May-10-09 06:32:26 PDT)

**Baron Samedi** · 05-09-2009,03:13 AM

Hi Brushe.
Like Scourge, my weapon of choice is the Iwata. It's a great all round tool, very versatile and easy to maintain. I have had mine for several years and it continues to serve me well.
I'm not familiar with the brand in the link (Powercat), but, looking at the spec it seems to be fairly good value for money, . Plus it comes with the compressor and that all important moisture trap.

**brushe** · 05-09-2009,03:27 AM

Yeah Baron Samedi, it's kind of like a good way to get started. If it was something we needed or used all the time. I would try to find something better, even if it was used. But for wig heads and tombstones, what ever little project she decides to do. At least she will have one to play with. I will have to keep the Iwata in mind though. If she really gets into it maybe we can look into a better one when the economy picks up some.

**Mr Unpleasant** · 05-09-2009,03:41 AM

I'm in agreement with everything that been said so far, and that looks like a decent set-up, specially if you only plan on doing Halloween props here and there. The Iwata that Baron Samedi mentioned is the top of the line and extremely expensive. It's best to start with something like you have in mind just to get the feel for movement of your hand and to see if you enjoy using an airbrush, then move up to a quality brush that suits your needs. Although, I might reccomend using a large compressor if possible, those little compressor tend to be somewhat loud(except fot the $$$ units) and that can get annoying after a while. There's always co2 tank which make airbrushing silent except for the pssst sound from the brush

When I started using airbrushes I took a class that lasted two days, it was a blast and I learned a lot of technique. That may actually be a better gift that an airbrush itself.

p.s. I use a Universal Badger air brush - That means it can be gravity fed or flip the cup over and stick a jar on for siphon feed.

**Terra** · 05-09-2009,07:13 AM

So, can you use the same air compressor that you use for props (I have a 17 gal) for an airbrush?

**Dark lord** · 05-09-2009,08:10 AM

Terra- yep just use a good regulator to dial the pressure down,any compressor will work,the bigger motor & tank better as it takes longer to drain air supply
& compressor kicks on less wear & tear on the motor. I use from hobby comp for small quick stuff to my full 40 gal shop compressor. (use a moister trap)

& as for the EBay airbrush,never heard of it, but the best advice is-can you get replacement parts....? cheap AB's are ok, but 1-if you can't readily get parts then a waste of money.
I use & love Iwata's line of AB's & save me a lot of headaches.Check with Bearair.com & coastairbrush.com. they have great prices & selections of dif AB's
These are 2 companies run by airbrush artist that KNOW the products & can answer any questions & have great prices & stand behind what they sell !
Badgers universal is good for both worlds siphon & grav, don't own one myself,but heard pretty good things about them.
Personally unless you really know your AB's & stuff,i would stay away from EBay....