I know this has been posted probably like a million times but WHAT SHOULD I GET?

I've been back in this hobby since 1987 and I've always--always--recommended a good single -action airbrush to beginning modelers. (You must first walk before learning to run.) They're very user friendly, easy to clean, and will work well for the projects you'll most likely to tackle as a beginner. You can always graduate up to the more complex and expensive airbrushes once you've gotten not only some confidence but a heavy dose of practical experience under your belt. A Paasche H (set) is an excellent choice for the reasons stated above--it's also a time-tested design. The Badger 200 (I prefer the 200 model with the gravity-feed color cup) is excellent for many of the same reasons. Both would be excellent choices and are sold on eBay all the time at very good prices. Be sure to shop around for the right set--be a hog for a bargain.

(If it were still easily available, I'd also recommend the Binks Wren "B" (medium tip) to you--I still use one and still love it after all these years. It's the best and most comfortable single-action airbrush I've ever used. Binks still supports and makes the Wren but it''s only available from one on-line supplier, and, as a result, it's not cheap any more.)

Well, the simpliest and most practical air source to start off with would be a piston compressor (with pressure regulator) that will deliver 10 -30 PSI. There are many out there, but Badger is all over the place. (Shop around for bargains of course). Important: Be sure to install an in-line "mosture trap" on the air hose, placed a foot or so down from the airbrush connection--and be sure to bleed the condensed water out it often! If you use a paint bottle attachment (as opposed to a color cup model) be sure to get a (tublular) fine-mesh pigment filter that fits over the airbrush's siphon tube. Adding these three things will _greatly_ reduce the annoying problems you'll likely encounter while airbrushing. Then, of course, practice, practice, practice with your "new toy."

Oh, yes, one more thing: Kalmbach Publications, (who sponsor FSM and this website) has an excellent book/magazine on airbrushing technigues and mastering same. Buy it.

The above suggestions will get you past most first-time user difficulties (and remember to always practice, practice, practice with that airbursh set up when your finally able to afford it). Good luck, Jedd.

--Ken

ok so its not required. i thought so. are there any sites with airbrush and compressor reviews? Also what all do i need, i need some jars and cleaner and stuff right?

I really love having one with a tank. Only 15 seconds of motor running to about every 5 minutes of silence while airbrushing. That's with a 2.6 gallon tank.

Mine doesn't have a tank. 9testor blue ice mini) I would reccomend it. Cheap, reliable and pretty quiet.

well thanks. i dont know how cool it would be to see MY work but...
Ok i will take into consideration everything everyone has said. im not going to be able to get it for a while.(If you havent guessed yet im a kid and im broke as can be right now) but i like to do reasearch and stuff and decide on what im going to get so then i can see what im working for (that is WHEN im workin)
Thanks again
-Jedd

EDIT:
Ok i was looking again, and a bunch of those compressors have tank, but a bunch do not. Do you have to have a tank? im so confused.

Jedd, if your not worried about noise, you can get a $50-70 household compressor at the hardware stores or walmart They actually not too loud and they shut off when the tank is full. I paid 60 for the compressor, 5 for the moisture trap (not the fancy kind, it just holds desicant inside), and another 5 for the adapter (between the comp and trap). It's reliable and I can refil my car tires
EDIT: I forgot to say it has a built in pressure regulator (red knob - it's important - not the same a an air regulator)

Just my suggestion. Heres a pic


Tim's suggestion on the Paasche is a good one for a first airbrush and even many longtime airbrushers use that same brush.

Even though this is a model forum, it would be cool to see your paintball gun and some of t-shirt work anyway.

i'd get a double action if i were you. the ones that are mentioned the most around here are the Omni 4000, Badger 155, Iwata HP-CR, Iwata HP-CS, and the the Paasche VL. all will do a fine job with model paints, and all can be found at dixieart.com. good luck on your choice, and ofcourse, yes, there are many others to choose from as well. later.

So, any thoughts on whats a good air compressor?
and thanks. I was thinking about getting one of those kits, but i dont know if that would be a good deal or not. i want to get started right while still not spending too much

I know it can be pretty hard to make a decision on the first air brush you buy. I have used airbrushes for 35 years. A Paasche model "H" with 1, 3, and 5 paint tips is a good starter brush. Paasche puts out a set that has all 3 of the tips, paint cup, paint bottles, and a hose. I recomend this brush because its works well and it's easy to clean. I have used my "H" with air sources that range from a spare tire to compressors, and I use it with a nitrogen tank now. It always works great. Along with the brush you'll need some basic supplies for mixing paint and cleaning the brush. For mixing paint you'll need eye droppers, and small containers for mixing. For cleaning you'll need Q tips, pipe cleaners, and lacquer thinner to do a good cleaning before you put the brush away for the night