Buying a new airbrush

As far as cleaning and paint economy are concerned, a gravity feed brush is certainly advantageous.

I use a Sparmax SP-35C gravity feed and mostly Tamiya and Gunze acrylics. Cleaning is usually a simple matter of wiping out the cup, backflushing and blasting some denatured alcohol through till it runs clear. Often this can take less time than it does to clean a regular paintbrush. Overall, this convenience makes the airbrushing experience much more pleasant and cleaning less of a dreaded chore.

When painting, I can mix as little as two or three drops of paint with thinner put it in the well of the brush and use it effectively.

The downside to a gravity feed is that many gravity feed brushes have small paint cups (when compared to the paint jars on siphon feed brushes) and may require more frequent refilling. Another possible issue is spillage if you get a little overenthusiastic while painting when the cup is full. However, many gravity feed brushes have caps for the cup. Mine does, but I've never used it.

As for brands, there are so many quality brands and differences of opinion between their users that it's like discussing your favourtie make of car.

Good luck with your search.

StoneCW

I'm getting back into modeling and it's obvious that it's time for me to break down and get an airbrush ...

But I don't have the slightest clue what kind to get. I remember that by old badger seemed to require a considerable amount of paint in the jar for it to work, and entirely too much paint thinner to ever clean up right when using enamels. I prefer painting with acrylics (Vallejo, etc.) now.

I'm wondering if a gravity feed brush would be a better option. Any opinions?

I agree with what Phil_H said about gravity feed. I switch from a Paasche H to an Iwata Eclipse HP-CS and never looked back.

Do you homework on the internet. Look for reviews by modelers.

An review of the Iwata Revolution by Steve Wilder at the ARC site.

An video on cleaning the Iwata HP-CS from the Airbrush Technique Magazine.

Today's airbrush design is much easier to use. It still needs practices to master the basic skills, but cleaning is not longer the drag it used to be.

After the homework, find a local art supply or craft shop that has a good selection of airbrush brands and check them out yourself. Don't let the store clerk to push you into something they carry.

A few things to look for:

1.  It balances well in your hand.

2.  The trigger is silky smooth without play to give you a feeling of precise control and have a long linear travel.

3.  Easy to clean by backflushing and easy to disassemble for cleaning.

4.  High quality nozzle and needle that is more resistent to damage or bending. No plastic part.

5.  It atomize well over range of paint consistance.

Last, but not the least, reasonably price and easy access to spare parts. This should not be difficult if you live near a metro area in CA.

Between the two Iwata mentioned above, the CR is much cheaper (<$80), but the CS (~$120) seems to be easier to get parts in the US and a better nozzle design.

I highly recommend the Badger patriot 105. They are easy to clean and a great all around brush. I highly recommend this company http://www.tcgraphicsandpaint.com/badger-patriot.html . They are very speedy and if you ever have any questions they are very quick on a response.