What to buy to begin airbrushing

This is not that easy to answer.....It really depends on what you want to spend.

The badger 350 is a basic air brush arounf 40.00 to 50.00 bucks or cheaper....thats what I started with.....for about 125.00 to 135.00 you can get a single action airbrush that wil work well for years to come.

A small compressor is the best way to go....Those aerosal air cans can be a nightmare! There is a really nice Compressor out there that runs very quiet and turns on only when you squeeze the airbrush trigger! NOW THATS COOL! That puppy runs about 130.00 or so....Most hobby compressor's start around 100.00 so that one rocks! I can provide more info if needed.....or just visit your local Hobby shop or Michaels art/craft store.....and watch Micheals carefully they often have 40 to 50% OFF everything in the store coupon about once a Month!

Once you start to Airbrush you will never go back!

Super helpful input - thanks very much

QUOTE: Originally posted by Papa-Echo-64 This is not that easy to answer.....It really depends on what you want to spend. The badger 350 is a basic air brush arounf 40.00 to 50.00 bucks or cheaper....thats what I started with.....for about 125.00 to 135.00 you can get a single action airbrush that wil work well for years to come. A small compressor is the best way to go....Those aerosal air cans can be a nightmare! There is a really nice Compressor out there that runs very quiet and turns on only when you squeeze the airbrush trigger! NOW THATS COOL! That puppy runs about 130.00 or so....Most hobby compressor's start around 100.00 so that one rocks! I can provide more info if needed.....or just visit your local Hobby shop or Michaels art/craft store.....and watch Micheals carefully they often have 40 to 50% OFF everything in the store coupon about once a Month! Once you start to Airbrush you will never go back!

Follow up question: what is the advantage of a "Single Action" airbrush and what is/are the alternative(s) - double action?

Single action brushes are designed so the finger or thumb button only controls the amount of air, the amount of paint has to be controlled by adjusting the needle, in the Badger 200, or the nozzle in the 350. A double-action brush has two directions of movement to the button. Pulling back increases paint flow, while pressing down increases air flow, allowing you to vary the effect without stopping to adjust anything. Double-actions are more expensive, and can be more delicate and harder to clean, but they are much more flexible once you get into practice with them. Many dealers offer specials on airbrushes from time to time, and they can make a fine airbrush very affordable.

Some other input from the peanut gallery:
- think about a paint booth with a fan to draw away fumes. Depending on the paint your using, an airbrush can fill a room with toxic fumes pretty quick.
- get a respirator if your dealing with any type of toxic paints or chemicals. That stuff just eats away at your brain over several years and before you know it you won't be able to tie your shoes.
- get a GOOD compressor or air source. Basically, stay away fro cans. Make sure it has a REGULATOR and can deliver continuous pressure up to about 25 psi. You might not go that high all the time, but it's nice for heavier paints. Noise can be an issue, so make sure you listen to it operate before you buy it and remember that it usually sounds louder in your house than it will in a big department store.
- practice practice practice with all kinds of things like air pressure and paint consistency. I've found it hare to describe the right 'formula' for getting things to work correctly. You just need to know from experience (I'm still learning...)

M.