Air Brushing Questions

[Mayhem]

I want to start Air Brushing I really have no idea what brand of brush to get, I don't need the best and I don't want the cheapest. I have heard of the company Paasche but don't know anything about them. Are they good, are there any other companys? Also what air compresser would I use if I even use one. Please help thanks.

 

[Rolex]

Paasche makes an excellent airbrush. Single action and dual action, the dual being almost twice the price, or about $70. I've had the dual action airbrush for about 4 years, and its' been worth every penny. Check out Aztek, also. A quality tool.
Get a compressor that will put out at least 35 lbs. and will run at that pressure with a constant flow. Some will top out at that pressure, but when you spray, they can not maintain the volume of air you need and drop to a pressure that just won't work right.
You should also get one with a holding tank. Size isn't that important, if you only use it with an airbrush, but with a tank, you will get an even flow of air, rather than pulsing puffs of air.
It's easy enough to make your own tank with an old bar-b-q propane canister and a few adaptors. Just give it time to load up to pressure before you start to spray.

 

[ImBroken]

I am currently using the Paasche VL set & love it... Easy to use & care for... As far as compressors go, I'm currently using a Porter Cable Jetstream (2hp) 6 gallon pancake style, that I bought from Home Depot. I installed a pressure reducing valve & water seperator, & I was good to go... Works great for cleaning the R/C's too...
Good luck..

 

[Mayhem]

Damn I was looking at compressors and they cost more than the air brush its self. LOL ImBroken I was actually looking at that kit thanks.

ImBroken what did you reduce your pressure too? 35?

 

[ImBroken]

Yeah, the compressors can get expensive... I actually bought mine to use a finish nailer for carpentry around the house... lol
I started out with an Aztec A4709 kit. A really nice kit, but the plastic nozzles can be a pain to really get clean.. I started to get some buildup on the internal springs in the nozzles, & had to buy new ones.. A few other painters on RCNT turned me onto the Paasche VL, & I never looked back...

The pressure depends on the paint your using... It's a touchy process, that you'll have to experiment with.. I'm usually shooting (waterbased) Faskolor paints somewhere between 25-35 psi. Alclad II or Spazstix Chrome needs to be shot at a lower pressure, like 15-20 psi, or it will dry in the air before it hits the lid...
One suggestion I have to make, is to always wear a mask when spraying.. Get yourself some throw away paper masks.. You'll thank me later... Most guys will probably laugh, but this stuff is not good to be breathing in, especially the chromes...

 

[Mayhem]

Cool good thing to know. What about a compressor like this.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=28111&item=8139341978&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

 

[ImBroken]

I'm not really familiar with that style compressor. (No holding tank) Like Rolex mentioned, you want to be able to maintain the volume of air needed while spraying. I'm not saying that comp. wont do it, but you might want to wait for a few more replies to your post..

 

[Mayhem]

Well I'm not going to jump in and buy anything for one thing its going to be on my Christmas List so I am just getting ideas on that to get I think I like the gun you linked me to. But the Compressor I'm affaried will get to expensive. But hey it could be somthing my dad always wanted but never bought.

 

[Candyman]

ImBroken and I are set up almost the same. I am using a Paasche VL dual action and if you ask me, you're better off just getting a semi decent dual action brush right off the bat. Trust me, as you get more adventurous, you'll need the versatility. As far as compressors go, I also recommend one with a tank. Although I have never used a tankless one, I heard they can pulse a bit. I use a Campbell/Hausfeld 13 gal standard compressor. I have my airbrush hooked to a moisture trap and just plug it in. If I fill the tank with 125 psi, I can pretty much shoot a whole body with just one tank of air. But if you're looking for something more affordable, try this one:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...item=4331402168&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW&tc=photo

It's small, but should run up to the right pressures. I don't think I've ever painted above 60 psi so that would work well. Just make sure you get a moisture trap. That's important or your paint may drip, smear or otherwise look like crap.

 

[Mayhem]

Thanks a lot. I appricate it I will gather the information and print it out.

BTW how long doest a bottle of paint usally last (amount of body's) I know it depends on how much paint you apply but just an estimate, more than one body? and how much is paint?

 

[FRIDGE]

usually tank-less compressors are not as quiet as those wiht a tank especially if it in not an oiled compressor. everybody here says Paashe vl. the Badger 155 Anthem is a nice gun also it is single needle and the fine lines are competition for the paashe. yes i do own both if you want to question how i know. i use the smallest craftsman compressor its usually always on sale for 98.99 and if its not its just $20 more.

 

[Silent]

Don't get that one on ebay Mayhem. I bought one off ebay similar to it, though mine wasn't rated as powerful as that one, and I couldn't use it. Pressure would build up, then when you pull the trigger, pressure drops. Impossible to get a consistent spray.

I also use the Paashe VL with a small Sears 1-gallon. Guy at our track also had a 1-gallon for blowing off his car, and I was surprised how much more quiet his was, but it ran alot longer. Might be nice if you spray at night while your wife is sleeping <G>.

 

[Mayhem]

I'm 17 with no wife lol

 

[Lessen]

ok, here's my opinion. I may catcha little crap but tis what it is. If you're on a bit of a budget, go ahead and spend a little more cash on a more versatile airbrush. Get a duel action, you'll thank yourself later. O.k. here's the iffy part. Since you're just startin to learn and you may not be in the market to spend a lot of money on a compressor go ahead and used the canned air for your first couple of bodies. Yes, I know, it can get expensive in the long run but they are cheap compared to a good compressor. just use 'em for a while you're learnin (and saving cash for a compressor). Nobody really likes to use canned air fulltime but I feel it's a good affordable start.

btw, I have a regulator for canned air that I don't need anymore if you'll be in need.

 

[Rolex]

I have a couple of smaller compressors for quick work, but my main one is a 1 1/2 HP with a 10 gallon holding tank. It's worth the money since you can run any power tools you want with it, plus full sized spray guns. It's also a good thing to have when you clean your ride after getting back from the track.

 

[Lessen]

I run a Badger Crescendo mayhem. I've had it for quite a few years so I'm not really sure what they cost now. It's dual action and came with 3 size needles, cones, and tips. I've been very happy with it except lately I've been practicing and am having a hard time getting really really light and fine work but I think it has more to do with the paint (fascolor) from other threads I've read.

 

[RatzoRC]

Mahem, I kinda jumped to the end without reading the thread.
I use a Passche VLS pro.
Its a dual action airbrush, and works very well.
Cost around $100.
I bought a compressor at Lowes, 2 gallon Task Force. ($70).
Works great for me. Just add a water trap for around $11.
Hope this helps.

 

[Mayhem]

Well I added the Paasch VL and a Craftsman 1 gallon compressor so my christmas list. anyone disagree?

 

[FRIDGE]

nice choice. are you getting the 3 needle tips and all that crap kit? how much did you find it for. dixieart.com has the full kit for $60

 

[Mayhem]

The Paasche VL in deluxe wooden boxed set

The Set includes:
• The Airbrush
• #1,#3,#5 tips, needles & aircaps
• 1/4oz color cup
• 2 bottle assemblies (1 oz.)
• 6' air hose
• airbrush hanger
• wrench and instruction booklet
99 VLWOOD: VL Set in Wood Box, $79.95

Free Shipping in USA, lower 48

Sound good?