Thread: airbrush help

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hello everyone, i'm thinking of buying an airbrush but was looking for some info first. my main thought behind buying it was to paint dolls with, the acrylic paint i've been using shows the brush strokes to much, and i tried spray paint but it didn't stick and is still sticky weeks later. but i've noticed there are so many kinds of air brushes online. i'm looking for something on the cheaper scale any suggestions? thank you

Try Harbor Freight. I picked up 2 for I think it was about $7 a piece on sale. You can order them online also.

If your a first time airbrusher, get a Badger 150 double action and a diaphragm compressor, total probably less than $200. The airbrush comes with 3 size needle and head sets. It's a versatile brush, a diaphragm compressor is better than getting cans of compressed air because you could blow through those in no time and they ice up and can leak. They are a little noisy, get warm and not adjustable for air pressure. Keep the brush clean, mix the paints to the proper ratios and have fun with it, 3 words, Practice, Practice, Practice. When you get more proficient you can buy a better brush and move up to a tank style compressor. If you find you don't like airbrushing your not out much and can unload it at a yard sale.

Originally Posted by jrmullens

If your a first time airbrusher, get a Badger 150 double action and a diaphragm compressor, total probably less than $200. The airbrush comes with 3 size needle and head sets. It's a versatile brush, a diaphragm compressor is better than getting cans of compressed air because you could blow through those in no time and they ice up and can leak. They are a little noisy, get warm and not adjustable for air pressure. Keep the brush clean, mix the paints to the proper ratios and have fun with it, 3 words, Practice, Practice, Practice. When you get more proficient you can buy a better brush and move up to a tank style compressor. If you find you don't like airbrushing your not out much and can unload it at a yard sale.

I agree with most but I would start with a lower mid-level priced set. The cheapies tend to give issues and can sometimes get clogged easily if not cleaned PERFECTLY. I have seen some good sets with compressor sell for pretty cheap on ebay. Learn the process first and then upgrade if you take a liking to it! The best of luck to you!

Originally Posted by ter_ran

I agree with most but I would start with a lower mid-level priced set. The cheapies tend to give issues and can sometimes get clogged easily if not cleaned PERFECTLY. I have seen some good sets with compressor sell for pretty cheap on ebay. Learn the process first and then upgrade if you take a liking to it! The best of luck to you!

so what price range are you thinking for the "good cheap set" lol. i am new to the airbrush idea and i don't have a clue. i've found the complete set with an elephant compressor for 70 bucks but the elephant kinda scares me. cause i'm thinking that's probably a little to cheap, if it worked i'd be good with it, but.....

Originally Posted by creepingdth

hello everyone, i'm thinking of buying an airbrush but was looking for some info first. my main thought behind buying it was to paint dolls with, the acrylic paint i've been using shows the brush strokes to much, and i tried spray paint but it didn't stick and is still sticky weeks later. but i've noticed there are so many kinds of air brushes online. i'm looking for something on the cheaper scale any suggestions? thank you

one good suggestion I have for you is to remove the shine off the dolls if you are using the plastic ones.. to remove the shine use some actone carefull dont leave it on rinse the doll off well and dry before painting . the shine seems to keep the paint wet or flake off

Word of warning: Airbrushing is an art. It take practice to just learn how to control it. The more practice on how to paint, even more practice to get effects, not to mention the practice to get your paint "Mix" just right. If you don't get the mix right, you'll learn real fast on haw to take apart and clean an airbrush. Not to scare you, it can be rewarding, but it takes practice, practice and practice. I use a Paasche, double action siphon feed. Cost around $75 or so, good most haunt jobs and such.

One word: Iwata,. You won't be sorry. Far easier to maintain that ANY of the Badger brushes.

thanks witchypoo, i read that once too and forgot all about that, i'll have to give it a try on the next doll.
and thanks everyone else for the advice. still not sure what i'll give a try. think i'll wait till i get to a larger town and see if they have anything for sale in a hobby store. just walmart around here. and it's just to confusing to look at stuff online.

Living dead guy is right. An Iwata custom micron b airbrush does amazing detail ( eyelash thin lines) if you can get one used, but an Iwata hp-c plus does an all around great job and would probably be well suited for your dolls and is much cheaper at about $142.00 new. Find one used if you can. I have seen them online. Less clogging and finer spraying. Good luck.