I want an airbrush...

[Suzy78]

I would like to get an airbrush specifically to help do effects like fog and breath in cold air, but which one should I go with! I'd like to keep total first investment under $100 to see how I like it. I paint in watercolors, acrylics, and oils, but am most interested in having an airbrush for acrylics. Any advice? Or info about where I could get a good airbrush used?

Thanks,
Suzy

[kdkbrown]

Suzy78

When you get your first Airbrush you will be amazed at its effects. My first AB was Iwata HP BCS price was right around $100.00

You might find this thread helpful. http://wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=147380

Looking forward to hearing what you decide to buy.

Donna

[Alan Cross]

I am also looking into getting one and the Iwata HP was the one I was looking at...
Alan :)

[kahlua]

I was looking through a catalog I have from BearAir (http://www.bearair.com/) and it looks like just about every airbrush will spray acrylics. If you get their catalog, there is a chart for every airbrush that shows what the recommended usage is for each one. Their prices are good too, I have been buying my airbrush supplies through them for years. The Iwata is a great brush, but a bit pricey if you're unsure if you even want to airbrush. The Vega 2000 from Thayer Chandler is about half the price and has about the same feel. The line quality isn't nearly as good though. If you're not going to be doing really fine details, you don't need to worry about getting fine lines. Don't get me wrong, you can get a hairline spray with the Vega, but you can get half a hairline with the Iwata. As long as you make sure you get a double-action airbrush, you should be ok no matter what you buy. Good luck, hope this helps.

[Penny220]

I only own Iwatas and I won't recommend anything but the Iwata or possibly the Olympos. Olympos can be harder to find. I recommend the HP-BCS otherwise known as the Eclipse. It's syphon fed and an all around airbrush, it comes with a 10' braided airhose and costs about $80. It's the perfect first airbrush that you will always keep. Once you get addicted you will simply buy another AB but you will always have your eclipse around and will still use it. You can shoot just about everything in just about every airbrush.

Do NOT buy used! The reason is that you can never be guarenteed the condition of the nozzle and needle and replacing them will cost you big $$$ so it's never worth while.

[Suzy78]

It sounds like Iwata is the way to go. I am mostly interested in an airbrush to add details, so I think I will try and get one of them. I've never used one before, so I might need lots of help after I order it. :)

Thanks everyone!


Suzy

[Penny220]

Help is what we are all here for.

[acyaws]

My first and Only is a Paasche. It has the double action thingy. Can you tell I havent used it yet....lol....but it was $99.00 US. It had a No.1, 3 and 5 needle with it. im not sure if its a good one. I was told it would be good starting out. The more I read tho, everyone has an Iwata....Sooooo Im not sure....lol

[Penny220]

What you have is the Paasche VL and yes it's a decent airbrush, in fact there are pros that use them exclusively. Its a personal preference thing. You may very well find you prefer the Paasche brushes, you may choose to add a few different brands in along the way, but regardless of what you get, the brush you have is good to go and a great first ab. Maybe I am sentimental but I remember my first airbrush in the same way as I do my first kiss.

[_00_]

Hi,

Pasche VL is the popular first brush for beginners and pros. Very versatile for different media and viscosity of paint (textiles, acrylics, etc). An Iwata is more elegant and refined. Also more expensive. The classic HP-C is versatile as well. I have an HP-C and HP-B as well as a Pasche AB turbo and 2 VLs. I have the first Aztek but it is too light for my taste, being plastic. The rubber band trigger is difficult to control. Never used the Pasche turbo but it is a worthy instrument for fine lines. I have an Iwata WhisperJet III pump. I will probably sell everything. I do not plan to airbrush again.

Carl

[Colorfast]

Colorfast here,
I would suggest a VL it it was just me. If you buy a VL3, you can go back later and change the needle & head to make a VL5. That way you can just about spray a real BARN DOOR.
I have a VL and use it somewhat, but I have always loved my AB most of all. When I purchased the AB years ago, it came with 12 needles and I could not do anything with it. I spoke with a representative from the company and here is what he told me. I love it. He said try a needle and if it don't work for you, try another, and another. I did. When I found one that would work, I never replaced it. I used it for over 5 years. I had to replace the turbine.... so I replaced the AB. 30 years later and I am on my 3rd AB. Just think of all the needles I never had to buy.
Whatever you decide to buy, remember....if it don't work don't rush to blame the airbrush. They are on their own course in life. It will just take a little while and you will be having fun with it.
I always say, Life is short, so have fun with it!
Colorfast
http//www.stonesriveraaca@cs.com

[Colorfast]

Colorfast Here!

I said I would be back to tell you about my experiences with the AB. (see Classic Cars thread)

It is so much fun to use, one often wonders what all the fuss is about. Some say they just can?t get past the noise, well if you turn up the music a bit and get to your work, it?s not bad at all. Some say they can?t create the fine detail they had hoped for. My only objection has been the time actually spraying is only about 10% as opposed to the 90% cutting the frisket film. But if detail (sharpness) is what you are after, then frisket film is the answer.

Colorfast?

PS: Did ya get it?
By the time I had tried all of the needles as the representative from the company had suggested, I had learned a little about what I was doing. Then the fun began. And yes, I never replaced any neddles after that, Scouts Honor. Oh, I replaced the AB, but not the needles.

[_00_]

Originally posted by Colorfast
Colorfast here,
...Whatever you decide to buy, remember....if it don't work don't rush to blame the airbrush....
Hi Colorfast,

Did you think I was saying something was bad about the AB turbo? I just said I never used it but it was a worthy tool. I never learned how to use it and found what I liked in my Iwata HP-B and C. The turbo is a $200 brush. You seem to be advocating spending that kind of money on a brush instead of a replacement needle. Whatever you prefer that works is all that matters. Airbrushing can be loads of enjoyable time.

Carl

[Keith Russell]

I like my AB well enough, and I did learn how to use it. But it is tedious to use, and the Custom Micron 'B' works virtually the same as my AB, without all the fuss.

K