I need some expert advice

Trying to use an air can for airbrushing is about like trying to chase down a Jaguar with a Mini, it's pretty much a waste of time. As air passes through the orifice of the can it cools dramatically (and I do mean dramatically; ice will form on the can), and the pressure will start to drop almost immediately. When you stop painting for a few minutes the can will start to warm back up slightly and the pressure will increase slightly. This means that the whole time you are trying to paint you are also fighting your air pressure. When you get it just right the can cools or warms and it changes. You can somewhat alleviate the problem by sitting the can in a pan of warm (not hot!) water while it is in use.

In the not so long run buying canned air will cost more than a compressor. You do not have to run out and buy an expensive airbrush compressor, virtually any compressor will work. You can also use a tank of carbon dioxide (available at welding supply houses and the places that service soft drink dispensors). This has the added advantage of being completely silent. A tank used to inflate a spare tire will work. Stop by a gas station and pump it up and then paint on it until it gets too low.

I agree 100% with Scott. It is a choice of pay a little in the front end ($70.00 - $150.00 US) or pay a LOT on the back end. 1 large can of air = 1.5 models at $8 US plus. after 10 models you could have bought an industrial type compressor, after 12 or so a hobby silent type compressor.

I feel it is both economically and technically smarter to get the compressor right away, for both the pressure issues that Scott mentioned, but also the cost factor. And with a compressor that one Sunday evening you want to finish a model you can, where if you forgot to buy a fresh can of air you are stuck!!!

Thanks guys thats what i thought i might hear! ...ok its of to the hobby store tomorrow and spend some hard earned cash....what would you guys recommened? its a bit difficult i know being on the other side of the pond but i really do need some advice on what type i should buy ? ie airbrush and compressor?

Hi there.

I am by no means an expert, very new back into modelling myself. I have however done quite a bit of research on airbrushes lately.

What I have gleened from these forums, is that there are two camps. The Iwata camp, and the Badger camp. While they do socialize, the only thing they really agree upon is the Aztec (Testors) are to be avoided. These are generalities, and there are some who are very happy with thier Aztecs.

One option that is not often covered because of availabilty over here is Aerograph / Devilbiss. Everything I have read leads me to believe these are fine tools, just not very available nor servicable on this side of the pond.

On Ebay there are several Aerograph's up for auction at this very moment. Most of them being sold from the UK (better on shipping for you).

As for compressors, all I know is that you should have a moisture trap in your line. Not much help there I'm affraid.

I am sure your there are many hear that can be more helpful, but I just wanted to share my 2c.

Happy modelling

Yolev.

As you live in UK, you can also consider buying a German airbrush ( Harder & Steenbek Evolution for instance, Two in One model particularly) as they are very good airbrushes. You'll find them easily on ebay Germany (new ones I mean ) . If you prefer buying in shops, I can give you some addresses in Belgium, in Germany and even one in UK. You can also look at Aerograph/De Vilbiss models. You can also look at Badger, Iwata where you will find very good products.As for Aztek, there is an oversize battle around it which seems to turn more emotional than reasonable, so it's up to you, alone, to make up your mind about those ones as they are not mainstream airbrushes; they are different in a lot of aspects. You'll find a lot of posts about airbrushes here but the perfect one for you will be the one you'll choose, use and be happy with; maybe you'll find the best one at first try, maybe not, but once you'll get it, you won't want to live without anymore.( Ouh la, airbrush poetry, it's time to go to sleep )

Silentaire compresors are excellent little pieces of work, they are silent ,cheap and good quality they also come come in a variety of different models depending on what sort of spraying you do.
Ordering them over the web is quite good altough it cost a little extra for packaging I've always found that it is still cheaper than buying from a hobby shop, I live in NZ which is pretty cut off so I order al my gear of the web particulary bearair which has excellent service and a huge choice, maybe you should have a look and consider?

All of the Silentaire compressor motors are made in Italy also so he should be able to find them where he is.
They are blue colored in Europe and black here.

Mike