Venturing into airbrushing is an exciting step for any miniature painter. But with so many options on the market, it can feel overwhelming to decide where to start. Fortunately, our community on Discord has shared some fantastic advice on airbrushes and compressors. Here’s a curated guide, with my thanks to all of them for such an amazing list!
Airbrushes: Start Small or Go Big?
When choosing your first airbrush, opinions are split on whether to start with a budget-friendly option or invest in a high-quality model.
Bruce of GitGud Painting suggests beginning with a £20 Amazon airbrush with a 0.3mm needle:
“They’re absolutely great for beginners. You can go a long way with one before upgrading.”
This is echoed by Feral_BrushLicker, who adds:
“Your first airbrush will likely face some wear and tear, so make it a cheap one. Later, it can become your priming or varnishing airbrush when you upgrade.”
However, Drew offers a different perspective:
“Cheap airbrushes can be frustrating to learn with. If I were starting now, I’d go for a Badger airbrush. They’re robust and controllable, ideal for beginners.”
For those ready to invest more, MonkeyBeard highly recommends the Iwata Eclipse:
“I’ve used mine for five years with no issues besides replacing a nozzle. It’s worth every penny.”
Similarly, DaemonRebecca highlights the Harder & Steenbeck Evolution CR+ 2-in-1:
“It’s versatile, easy to clean, and great for fine detail or large areas. Definitely worth considering.”
mobius9010 shared their experience transitioning from a budget airbrush to a high-end model:
“The main difference I noticed, and why I would never go back to using a cheap one, is usability. With a cheap airbrush, I had to stop every 10 minutes to unclog and clean it, which made the process frustrating and time-consuming. After switching to a Harder & Steenbeck Infinity, I could paint for over an hour without clogging. Dry tip still happens, but it’s manageable with IPA and a brush. Ultimately, the more expensive airbrush saved me time and made painting enjoyable.”
Dnoble3 adds a balanced view:
“H&S, Iwata, and Badger all make excellent airbrushes. Each has its strengths, so it’s about what feels right for you. H&S is known for their engineering, Iwata for their smooth trigger mechanisms, and Badger for their beginner-friendly robustness.”
Compressors: Features to Consider
When it comes to compressors, there are a few key factors to keep in mind.
Dnoble3 advises investing in a model with a tank:
“A tank helps with piston longevity and ensures a consistent air flow. If noise is a concern, consider an oil-based compressor like the Sil-Air or Bambi. They’re almost silent but come at a premium price.”
“Having a tank ensures a smoother, more consistent air flow, reducing micro-pulses that can affect precision.”
For a more budget-friendly option, MonkeyBeard recommends:
“I use a Timbertech compressor. It’s reliable and affordable, perfect for hobbyists.”
Drew adds that compressors are an area where you can save:
“You don’t need anything fancy. A basic compressor without a tank is fine for starting out. However, adding a quick-release coupling for the hose is a must-have. It makes switching airbrushes or detaching them for cleaning far more convenient.”
Top Tips for Beginners
Several community members shared valuable tips for those just starting with airbrushing:
- Feral_BrushLicker: “Start small. Your first airbrush will likely face some wear and tear, so make it a cheap one. You can always upgrade later.”
- Bruce: “Don’t dive into the most expensive gear immediately. You might find airbrushing isn’t for you. Better to experiment first.”
- Drew: “You shouldn’t be damaging your airbrush early on. Invest in a quality model, and it will last you a lifetime if cared for properly.”
- DungeonsAndDryGins: “If you’re uncertain, the H&S Evolution Silverline is a solid starting option. It served me well before I upgraded to the CR+.”
Community-Approved Recommendations
Here are some specific products highlighted by the community:
Airbrushes:
- Iwata Eclipse (recommended by MonkeyBeard 🧇) – Reliable, durable, and versatile. Particularly noted for its smooth trigger action and ease of maintenance.
- Harder & Steenbeck Evolution CR+ 2-in-1 (recommended by DaemonRebecca) – Great for detail work and easy to maintain. Comes with interchangeable nozzles for flexibility.
- Badger Sotar 20/20 (recommended by Dnoble3) – Exceptional trigger response and detail capability. Best for controlled, low-pressure painting.
Compressors:
- Timbertech Single-Piston Compressor (recommended by MonkeyBeard 🧇) – Affordable and efficient, a great entry-level choice.
- Sparmax Quantum Orange Compressor (recommended by DaemonRebecca) – High-quality and reliable, suitable for more advanced users.
- Sil-Air or Bambi Compressors (recommended by Dnoble3) – Ultra-quiet and high-performing, ideal for those working in noise-sensitive environments.
Airbrush & Compressor Cheat Sheet
Choosing your airbrush and compressor can feel like a daunting task with so many options available. Whether you’re a beginner exploring the world of airbrushing or an experienced painter looking to upgrade, this guide will help you navigate your choices. From budget-friendly options to high-end tools, we’ve compiled recommendations and tips to ensure you find the right fit for your needs.
Airbrush Recommendations
| Product | Pros | Cons | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iwata Eclipse | Reliable, durable, smooth trigger, low maintenance | Higher price point (£170 approx.) | Excellent for both beginners and pros |
| Harder & Steenbeck Evolution CR+ 2-in-1 | Versatile (fine detail and large areas), easy to clean, replaceable nozzles | Can be finicky with thinning ratios for water-based acrylics | Comes with interchangeable nozzles |
| Badger Sotar 20/20 | Exceptional trigger response, great for low-pressure painting, lightweight | Complicated to disassemble; less polished internal finish | Ideal for detail painting |
| Harder & Steenbeck Infinity | Very reliable, minimal clogging, saves time, ergonomic design | Higher cost; occasional dry tip requires light cleaning | Great for long sessions |
| Budget Amazon Airbrush | Affordable (£20 approx.), perfect for experimentation, good for priming/varnishing | Limited precision, shorter lifespan | Great for absolute beginners |
Compressor Recommendations
| Product | Pros | Cons | Notes |
| Timbertech Single-Piston Compressor | Affordable, reliable, suitable for hobbyists | Slightly noisier than premium models | Excellent entry-level option |
| Sparmax Quantum Orange Compressor | High-quality, reliable, consistent air flow | Higher price point | Great for advanced users |
| Sil-Air or Bambi Compressors | Ultra-quiet, smooth air flow, excellent build quality | Expensive (£250+), overkill for beginners | Ideal for noise-sensitive environments |
Additional Tips
- Compressor Tank: A tank helps ensure consistent air flow and prolongs compressor life by reducing micro-pulses.
- Quick-Release Coupling: A must-have accessory for easy airbrush switching and detachment.
- Start Small: Beginners can experiment with budget tools before investing in premium options.
- Care and Maintenance: Clean your airbrush regularly to extend its lifespan and maintain performance.
- Time vs Cost: Higher-end airbrushes like the H&S Infinity or Iwata Eclipse offer more consistent performance and save time by reducing clogging and cleaning interruptions.
- Usability Difference: Higher-end airbrushes are easier to disassemble and reassemble, making maintenance less intimidating. They’re also less prone to frequent clogging, saving frustration and time.
- Craft Tool Parallel: Similar to the difference between craft paints and high-quality paints, or synthetic vs sable brushes, investing in a higher-quality airbrush early can make the learning process smoother and more enjoyable for beginners.
Airbrushing is a rewarding skill that opens up new possibilities for miniature painting. Whether you start small or invest in premium equipment, the key is to find tools that suit your needs and style. As elderandre82 wisely put it:
“It’s one of those things where you wish there was an airbrush shop to try them out. But at least I have you lot to help!”
We hope this guide helps you on your airbrushing journey. Big thanks to our incredible community for sharing their expertise! If you have more questions or advice, join the conversation on our Discord.
