is a airbrush a must have?

No, it's not a must have. You'll just end up with crappy looking models, that's all.

Not yes, but Hell, Yes!

It definitely offers capabilities that cannot be duplicated with a brush or spray-can. I use mine mostly because I just plain enjoy it. It's a fun tool to play around with and clearly has improved any kits that I've built (although I just completed one a couple of months ago that used a rattle-can and it turned out to be my best effort so far.)

All that said, there is a gentleman in my local club that builds some awesome armour pieces and he does not use an airbrush. Only paint brushes and Humbrol paints. Amazing work and a real example of what you can do without an airbrushl

Murray

I have just returned to the hobby just recently. No, I am not an expert in modeling but I have been doing painting works (watercolor, oils,acrylics, enamels) since I was small and have had good results before without an airbrush.
If your are doing airplanes and cars where shiny-smooth-showroom (no visible brush strokes allowed) finishes are often required, then I think an airbrush would be a very good tool. Spray cans will do but you tend to waste a lot of paint when spraying on some small details (unless you have an airbrush attachment). Armor (in my own opinion) does not necessarily require the use of airbrush (except for those complicated camouflage patterns) because after all, it is often weathered and mudded-up for realistis effects.

I have the Tamiya Basic Compressor Kit. It is not very powerful but it helps me cut time in painting large monotone areas.

In the end however, I believe that alot of handpainting is necessary to finish up any kit.

Good luck.

Dwight

I don't want to make a bunch of guys upset, but in my 21 years in the US Army armor force we brush painted most of our tanks (camo or solid color) and up close they didn't look so great. I understand they are mostly gun painted now, but many tanks get painted in the field by hand, therefore an air brush isn't required, but keep in mind, brush strokes wouldn't show much in scale.

I'm in with J-Hulk. I've seen some really beautiful models that were hand painted.
I personally never had that skill. I got back into modelling after a 15 year hiatus because someone gave me thier old airbrush (a paasche cartographers AB) and have been happily building away since.

I also work in a small space with oils, but my AB station is set up near a widow (luckily at desk hieght) and I always spray towards it.

No, I don't think it's a "must-have."
I've seen many a beautiful model finished with only spray cans and brushes.
I will say this, though: an airbrush sure is a lot of fun! Out of 30 years of modeling, I've only had an airbrush for about 4 years now. Can't say I've mastered the art yet, but I'm fairly happy with the results I get, and I can do things now that I couldn't do before.

So, is an airbrush a valuable, versatile tool that can help you create amazing models?
Oh yes!
Is it a "must have?"
Nah.
I had 26 years of very happy modeling without one!

Having said all that, I would't build a model without one now....
Ah, what a contradiction-filled post this has been!

Yes!

Yes, it's a MUST have. I will not settle for any finish less than an airbrushed one. It's a matter of looks, quality, and overall satisfaction.

Freefall, if you know your going to be building a lot of kits in the future,then an airbrush would be a good investment. I switched to an airbrush after a couple of years of hand painting and I have never looked back. Once you get used to using one, you'll enjoy a much better range of painting effects and finishes.

Good luck,

Darren.

Trust me on this one, YES!! An air brush will make a difference. I would suggest getting a decent one from the get go. I have never heard of anyone saying “this airbrush thing stinks, im going back to the can, or brush.” Even a single color finish can be enhanced greatly with and air brush, especially when it comes time to weather the model. Having said that, I also believe that some quality finishes can be achieved with a spray can. Yes, even camo paint jobs can be done well with a can.

Good luck on whatever you decide.

i went online to Bearair.com, and looked up airbrushes and found some really decent kits for relatively cheap prices, alot cheaper than paying retail. i suggest you check there, they have a whole lot of assortments and brands for whatever you choose.

QUOTE: is a airbrush a must have?

NO.

Do I have your attention? A single color paint job can look great with a spray can.
HOWEVER, as every one else says, you will get a much better finish on multi-color paint jobs with one.

If money is tight and you have never used one, I would suggest getting a basic Testor's airbrush set (you can find these at most department stores) They connect to the compressed air cans that can be purchased as needed. You will see a dramatic improvement in paint application.

I used one for quite a while, before going the next step in getting a compressor and better brushes. Also, clean up is quite easy because of the fact you don't need to disassemble the brush itself.

Roughly $30-$40 will get you a decent Testor's double action brush (Testor's single action are usually cheaper)

Tigerman has a good point too, Michaels always has 40-50% off coupons in the paper. They carry (mine does anyway) Badger and Aztek brushes.

Good luck!

I agree with the others, you need an airbrush to get a quality paint job. I don't consider myself a great painter, but I started with the Badger 350 and could immediately see an improvement. If you have a Michaels nearby, they have 40% off coupons and that would make your first airbrush pretty darn cheap. All it takes is a little practice and a single-action airbrush is a good starting tool to learn. As for the ventilation issue, you could purchase a respirator or facemask that blocks the fumes. Model near an open window with a fan blowing. Hope these tips help.

I used to ask my self the same question. Right up until I used my first airbrush. No longer does the question enter my mind.

The answer is simply YES. If you want to make painting easier and better. YES

You can get okay paint jobs with a spray can or by hand brushing, but if you want to paint elaborate camouflage patterns or achieve a natural looking finish you have to have an airbrush. I do my modeling in a basement and ventilation can be a problem but I get around this by opening a couple of windows and I also have an oscillating fan on when I airbrush. You won't be disappointed when you get use to painting with an airbrush.

I find that I can achieve top quality realistic finishes only with an airbrush. I've been building kits for about 25 years, the last 10 or so years with an airbrush for painting. I feel like I didn't really get serious about building models until I had the airbrush.

I have suggestions to help with the issues you mentioned. To reduce the need for powerful ventilation try using water based paints. My favorite line has always been Model Master. There is no need for toxic thinners or mineral spirits with acrylic paints. As for know-how, FSM prints several articles each year on airbrushing; from the basics to advanced techniques. If you have access to these articles, study them and practice airbrushing on some old kits you no longer want. You'll be amazed at the results you can achieve with a little practice. Just think... no more brush marks!!!

Good luck!!!