Aztec airbrush - how to paint fine lines?

Don Wheeler

Check out the videos on this web site.   Brett Green does some really nice work with an Aztek, although he holds it funny.

Don

I have been watching the Brent Green video and reviews for years and learned a lot from them. When I wanted to upgrade from a Paasche H in 2008, I bought an Aztek 4709 (the fancy set in a wooden box). I quickly found out that I am NO "Brent Green". I quickly sold the Aztek and bought an Iwata HP-CS instead. I still cannot draw a pencil thin line like Don Wheeler does. But I just like the feel of the Iwata in my hand and it allows me to improve my skill with little restriction from the hardware.

Bgrigg

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I use the venerable Badger 100LG which you can get from Dixie Art for $72 delivered to the US. You don't have a location in your profile, so if you are truly Irish, you can get it for $84 + whatever taxes your government will add.

They also offer the 100G with a smaller cup for $69, and it has better sight lines than the 100LG. The Thayer & Chandler 4000 ($84), Badger Renegade Velocity ($100.50) and 105 Patriot ($73.50) are all capable of extremely fine lines, as well as anything else you can throw at them.

But.... I bought a 105 for that $ 70 by finding one of Badgers 40% off offers- they are not too hard to track down. Just look at the banner on modeling forums.

Night and day, never look back, etc. Like it better than my old art Paasche. Nearly maintenance free.

I've never used an Aztec, but have heard many horror stories about them.You don't say which Aztec you have.

I use the venerable Badger 100LG which you can get from Dixie Art for $72 delivered to the US. You don't have a location in your profile, so if you are truly Irish, you can get it for $84 + whatever taxes your government will add.

They also offer the 100G with a smaller cup for $69, and it has better sight lines than the 100LG. The Thayer & Chandler 4000 ($84), Badger Renegade Velocity ($100.50) and 105 Patriot ($73.50) are all capable of extremely fine lines, as well as anything else you can throw at them.

Iwata and Paasche also make great airbrushes, but I've had nothing but great service from Badger and Dixie Art and highly recommend both of them.

Check out the videos on this web site.   Brett Green does some really nice work with an Aztek, although he holds it funny.

Don

ok, tried 10psi, very thin paint, and close distance to the model - I was able to get the line thinner, but not the pencil thin line I was looking for - so is the Aztec just a good daily driver like a Honda Accord?  No frills, basic comforts and gets the job done?  Do I need a Lexus airbrush to get those really good thin lines that I am looking for?  I have seen those new green handled airbrushes, and tried one at a show - very pricey but they seem to work really well.  Any help is always appreciated, thanks much

Irish3335

Hi all,

I have the Aztec airbrush and the Testers air compressor with all the bells and whistles (moisture trap and adjustable pressure knob).  For anyone wondering about the airbrush, it is great - real workhorse and puts on a nice coat of paint.  Question I have is in regard to painting fine lines (such as for pre shading, or pencil thin lines for camoflage).  I use the fine tip (tan tip) and I lower the pressure to about 25 PSI but I can not get it to be thin enough (always super thick and no where near thin enough).  Anyone have any ideas out there?  Lower air pressure?  Paint consistency thing?  Thanks for the help

I had the Aztec A4709 kit a while back, but got rid of it within 3 months after realizing my mistake and bought the cheaper Iwata Eclipse HP-CS instead. Never look back. No specific suggestion to offer. But lower pressure and thinner paint is definitely the right direction.

I hope that this sticky on Aztec at ARC will be of some help to you.

awesome, it at least puts me in a direction, thanks for the help!

I'm not familiar with your airbrush, so I can't be too specific, but generally, fine lines will be dependent on 3 main factors.

• thin paint
• low air pressure
• close distance to subject

25 PSI sounds excessive even for general painting (but again, I stress that I'm not familiar with your airbrush). If your a/b is a top feed, I'd suggest dropping to about 12 PSI.

At low pressure, your paint will need to be much thinner than what you're used to for general coverage.

Get up close and personal. As you know, your airbrush puts out a cone-shaped spray pattern. The closer the airbrush is to the surface you're painting, the narrower the cone becomes.

Sorry I can't be more specific, but I hope it helps.