Is it necessary to have a "good" airbrush?

[Ceaser_Sa1ad]

So I have this airbrush. And it is technically parts of 3 airbrushes put together. The main body is from this "Gocheer" company, the needle is from some nail salon airbrush and the spring and trigger system are from a cheapo chinese airbrush.

The compressor is just the small box compressor from the Gocheer, and it honestly is a bit of a pain to use.



But despite the fact that this airbrush is not a "good" airbrush like an Iwata or Grex or Pasche or anything like that, I can still manage to get some pretty good paint jobs. The below images are the first car I used my airbrush on. I really love the way it turned out and I can only get better from there.






So my question you to guys is, is it better to have a limited understanding of how to use a "good" airbrush, or be comfortable and understand a "crappy" airbrush? Also, what do you guys use? Let me know.

[BlackSheep214]

My first airbrush is a Paasche H single action that was given to me by my grandparents as a birthday present in 1982 or 1983. Never used it until recently about 3 years ago. It’s a workhorse and my go-to brush for most applications.

I also have an Iwata Neo gravity feed dual action from Hobby Lobby and a Badger Patriot dual action - also a gravity feed brush. Never used both yet… The Patriot I got through a special promotion through US Airbrush Supply 2 years ago. If you sign up for their email, you will get notifications of sales and promotions. Here’s the link:

https://usaairbrushsupply.com/

My compressor I got I think was at Hobby Lobby and served me well. It does have a moisture trap.

I did had to buy an adapter hose for both the Iwata Neo and the Badger Patriot. My current hose from the Paasche needs to be replaced since mine is leaking air leak from the attachment. Hobby Lobby has them so that’s not an issue for me.

I’ve been wanting to get a better compressor for quite some time - preferably a piston type, oil-less, and quieter. I’ve got my eye on this one…

https://usaairbrushsupply.com/products/ ... compressor

There’s is one site that’s well worth a read on airbrushes is Don Wheeler’s Airbrush Tip site. Here’s the link:

https://sites.google.com/site/donsairbrushtips/

He’s damn good, very informative and reviews a wide variety of airbrush brands. This should be your bible in helping you choose your next airbrush. You will not be disappointed.

Good luck on your finding your next new airbrush and do tell us what you decide which one you got. I really love to get the Harder & Steenbeck airbrush who knows? Someday….

Hope this helps.

[LyleW]

Don’s link is very helpful. The Iwata NEO isn’t a bad starter.

[Stuart]

No

[LyleW]

Infidel.

[KSaarni]

I started also with a very cheap, but totally functional single action airbrush. Changed though pretty quickly to a Chinese dual action airbrush, and was very happy with it. Took a few years before I decided to buy a "real one", and it was a Harder & Steenbeck Evolution.
Holy ghost what an improvment it was! Suddenly having an airbrush that was light to use, very precise mechanics and most of all, so easy to clean. No need for tools to break up the gun.

Since then, I bought, through the same US Airbrush supply promotion as Blacksheep, my first Badger (Krome Renegade). And since that the Badger has been my to-go airbrush. Now with the Zero I used the H&S also and will probably, for the change, use it.

There is however a pretty significant difference between the Badger and the H&S. With the Badger you can shoot with suitable thinner the "pipes" and the needle clear and load a new set of totally other color. Or even colortype ! The Badger does not mind if first some water based acrylics, then some lacquer based etc. Until of course to a certain point, when it starts to complain and a cleaning session is needed.

But the H&S needs to be cleaned pretty well after every session. And that is one of the reasons I don't use it so often. But overall, a good one. I bought the big-brother to the H&S Evolution, the Infinity. But haven't really become good friends with it. It's like the Evolution, but still different..

- Kari

[Stuart]

Infidel.

In answer to your question Declan, it's like anything else in life that requires tools You can do a good job with cheap tools, but a 'good' one makes it easier - Like the when I was a mechanic and replaced my cheap stuff with Snap-On stuff, man that made a difference.

But like all else in life, to get good what you really need is Practice Practice Practice..

[jeaton01]

If the one you have is working well, then it is good enough. The main things I want are good atomization at low pressure, easy to clean, and good parts availability.

[keavdog]

I bought a cheap double action cake decorator and loved it until it broke. I've struggled with my double action (nice brushes like iwata, krome etc) but it's clearly user error. My Paasche H is my go to and what I do 99% of my work with.
I switched to a CO2 tank years ago and haven't regretted it. I have a little compressor as a backup but the silent, consistent, dry CO2 is awesome.

[Floki]

Since I think you are going to be in the hobby for the long haul I would recommend buying a good airbrush. Either a iwata eclipse, my personal choice, or a Badger. As for airsupply I would look into a California airtools compressor, they are ultra quiet, I can have a conversation with my wife without having to raise my voice while it's running. If you have the room and means to transport and fill a CO2 tank that's the best option for quiet.