Reddit reviews Master Airbrush Multi-Purpose Airbrushing System Kit with Portable Mini Air Compressor - Gravity Feed Dual-Action Airbrush, Hose, How-to-Airbrush Guide Booklet - Hobby, Craft, Cake Decorating, Tattoo

If you don't build often, or you just don't want to invest in one, then do what works for you.

That said:

Let's consider: a spray can of Tamiya or some other paint retails for about six dollars per can. It's an expendable item, meaning once it's used, it's useless and has to be thrown in the trash. Tower's prevailing price for one canister is 5.60 USD, minus shipping costs. From what you just painted, at minimum, 12 dollars plus shipping.

Ok, great. You've got enough paint to last maybe one or two models, maybe even a third or fourth if you're careful. Except spray cans are also pretty wasteful, more paint going to whatever's protecting your work surface as opposed to the model. But for the purposes of this discussion, I'll ignore that.

So you finished a model, and yeah, it looks pretty good. But say, now, you want to build some other tank that doesn't use that color? Say you want to build an M1A1 or Leopard 2, in actual NATO or desert sand colors. That's three spray cans of paint, 5.60 each again, and again, an expendable item that runs out. Total cost of a three color scheme: 5.60 x 3, so let's call it 16 dollars and change.

Total spent: 28 USD.

So you like this model building stuff, and you keep doing this for every third model or so, and you buy new cans each time you run out. Also, spray cans contain a finite amount of propellant for that wonderful spraying effect you're going for.

At the end of a year, let's say you built four or five models, each with different color schemes, each requiring at least one new spray canister of paint, no refills.

A halfway decent airbrush costs $54 USD (Iwata Neo), or a Chinese clone costs 16 dollars on Amazon.

I use a piece of shit compressor (the "Vogue Air" and nail art compressor): See (my original airbrush kit): https://www.amazon.com/Master-Airbrush-KIT-VC16-B22-Portable-Compressor/dp/B00BF0MW9G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1541901436&sr=8-1&keywords=vogue+air (retailing at 50 USD, but again, I don't recommend this, and you can see the wiki on my write up on this. I still use that compressor, by the way)

That's what, about 10 (if I'm being fairly generous) disposable cans?

I used that for three years, and built half a dozen or more models with that first airbrush, if not more. I still use that compressor. I bought my Badger Sotar 20/20 for just over 50/60 dollars by bargain hunting. It's an unlimited supply of air. I buy maybe 10 colors of paint a year, and those last for years at a time, with a few exceptions. Except, now, I can buy a bottle of paint, spray it OR brush it, and use any color I like, as opposed to a single color in a can.

So, which is more worth it? Part of the cost of a spray can is the propellant, the aluminum can, and so on.

I'd rather buy an unlimited air supply, use amounts of paint measured in drops (I rarely use more than a few milliliters at a time, if that), and have much more pressure control and so on.

As to whether an airbrush is worth it to me, I mean, to me, yes. But I build often (or used to), and I like the finer control. If the spray can works for you, great. For me, it would be uneconomical. Also, I spent way less than $200, and likely far less than if I had to buy a spray can every time I wanted to paint something in a different primary color.

But if you build like...one model a year, spray cans do make sense. But they lack the control of airbrushes, generally speaking, and again, they're disposable.

But none of this is to say you must have an airbrush. If you like spray cans, and it works, go with that.

Sorry had a busy day. Link is https://www.amazon.com/Master-Airbrush-KIT-VC16-B22-Portable-Compressor/dp/B00BF0MW9G/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?crid=3D0I714PNSCNL&keywords=master+airbrush&qid=1554606240&s=gateway&sprefix=master+airbr&sr=8-4

Sorry I don't know how to do the cool "Here!" formatting lol

ok few points:

1. The colored sprays from GW are NOT primer. They are a base color. GW makes 2 primer sprays: White and black. Thanks it/ If you're using the colored sprays as a primer you are going to see a lot of rub off when you start handling them. Those colors are designed to go on AFTER the primer.
   
   
2. Primer color makes some difference in a few ways:
   
   Black: Black sprays will make the colors painted over them darker and will also make recessed areas of the model more prominent. It also makes it harder to do lighter colors.
   
   White: Great for lighter colors or shade only paint jobs. I love GW corax white for painting bone or light human/eldar skin.
   
   Colored sprays: Colored sprays are good if you want to establish a color and not have to use as many coats of paint to achieve a particular color. One "cheat" method I've seen for Imperial Fists is to start with Army Painter yellow, throw a thin yellow layer, dry brush a white and then wash with Cassandora yellow. Simple and easy.
   
   I've used all manner of primers (Kyrlon Fusion, Duplo, GW brands) and so far I've found that the Krylon is good, the GW Corax white is amazing but then I discovered airbrushing and everything changed. I live in a cold/damp area so priming outside or in my garage is a pain in the ass (FUCKING SPIDERS EVERYWHERE!!!!).
   
   My wife got me a simple airbrush for Christmas 2 years ago and I didn't want to use it because I didn't want to reset my skills to zero using it. Then after a nasty rain spell I said "screw it. I'm gonna use this thing to prime models in my basement" and HOLY SHIT WHY HAVEN'T I DONE THIS SOONER?!??!?!?!? No more standing in the cold, no more watching out of one eye to make sure Monstro the Giant Fucking Spider that lives behind my paint cans isn't going to go Face Hugger on me, no more propellant high. It was awesome AND the primer is thinner/doesn't obscure detail. I was blown away. Vallejo surface primer is amazing, it's dirt cheap compared to a rattle can, moisture/cold isn't a factor and there's considerably less risk of dying from a spider laying eggs in your brain. It comes in a HUGE array of colors and eventually you can preshade for highlights with it. I know air brushing can be intimidating but once you make the decision to do it you will not regret it. Seriously. Even just for priming and basing.
   
   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qK5FU_dYpRA
   
   This is the kit I got and I still use it.
   
   https://www.amazon.com/Master-Airbrush-Multi-purpose-Professional-Airbrushing/dp/B006HJCP8S/ref=sr_1_7?srs=2596187011&ie=UTF8&qid=1480784262&sr=8-7&keywords=AIRBRUSH
   
   If you don't need all that then all you really need it the compressor and the G22
   
   https://www.amazon.com/Master-Airbrush-MAS-KIT-VC16-B22-Compressor/dp/B00BF0MW9G/ref=sr_1_1?srs=2596187011&ie=UTF8&qid=1480784313&sr=8-1&keywords=AIRBRUSH
   
   

I'm guessing by your name you're in canada, I found the same airbrush I bought on amazon

The compressor is tankless, fairly quiet (its about as noisy as aquarium air pump) and the airbrush is gravity fed dual action. Its a good starter brush. Be sure to get a set of these sort of cleaning brushes because cleaning the airbrush after every use is important. You don't need fancy cleaner though, this model will do fine with some window cleaner and distilled water.

Save your money. You need $20 more for a decent starter brush here, I wouldn’t buy one of these, I had one, made one model and sold it. In honesty I’d save up, double your money and buy either a kit like this compressor with tank with brush, or preferably just the compressor for $70 and a decent airbrush like the Iwata neo for $60.

A compressor with a tank means the compressor doesn’t run all the time so prolongs the compressor life itself. It has a decent water trap and regulator to adjust pressure.

A Neo is a superb brush for the money, cheap Chinese airbrushes have less accuracy, require deeper cleaner and can give a frustrating experience.

It’s often worth spending once and spending right in this field. Hence I suggest saving your money.

Sure can! You can get new parts and all that from this company on Amazon as well, new nozzles are around $8.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00BF0MW9G/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1505063269&sr=8-5&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=airbrush&dpPl=1&dpID=51sS0IykymL&ref=plSrch

I got myself this set:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00BF0MW9G/ref=ya_aw_oh_bia_dp?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Its my first airbrush so i can't compare it to other setups. But hey... it worked XD

The brushes you need depend on what you do but a few different sizes are nice to have around. Personally I buy really cheap brushes that i don't feel bad about throwing away if they get clogged up with paint.

The Reaper MSP HD paints are some of the best I've used but I also use P3, Citadel and Badger Minitaire but I'm slowing moving away from Citadel as it seems to be getting worse as time goes on. Also Vallejo has a great reputation but I personally don't need any more paint lines.

Airbrushing is the best way to go to get a nice smooth coat like your example. I do my priming with Vallejo primer, base coat and sealer all with an airbrush and then the details with brushes. Here is the airbrush set i use http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BF0MW9G/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1. For under $50 its a great deal and it works great for what i'm using it for. If you have a lot to paint, that with the Vallejo primer will actually save you money in the long run compared to buying Citadel primer at $16 a op.

And there are a lot of painting tutorials on youtube

this is the first set that I bought:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BF0MW9G/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It worked well for a beginner, I eventually transitioned to a much better brush and compressor.

this set https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BF0MW9G/ref=s9_top_hd_bw_bs7Cv_g201_i2?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-3&pf_rd_r=KRJ9HSPFMWH46MPWD0D5&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=f95cd2d5-2bdb-5310-b851-446e13f50d24&pf_rd_i=12897421 Should be fine i just looked at the review's one of the people who reviewed it does gunpla he said its a good starter but it won't be the last one you buy i personally haven't painted model's yet... but i will once i can get my HG Red frame astray.

Purchase something to learn. Last year I bought a top of the line airbrush and compressor and ended up selling it. Seemed like overkill. High PSI compressors create a lot of over spray. Remember you're not airbrushing giant canvas or cars so you dont need a strong compressor. I purchased this for 30$ https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BF0MW9G/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

these were my first minis using it.

http://imgur.com/3jN5peb

http://imgur.com/kGzTS8x

Airbrushing is very different from painting with a brush so its smart to see if you like it before a high investment.
Remember painting is not about gear and money. Its about skill, technique and the tricks you learn along the way.

I don't think I'd recommend anything cheap for too long, but this one has been good to a few friends of mine, but this is the one I was talking about. It's cheap, it's effective, and it works.

https://www.amazon.com/Master-Airbrush-KIT-VC16-B22-Portable-Compressor/dp/B00BF0MW9G/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1525727379&sr=8-3&keywords=master+airbrush

https://www.amazon.com/Master-Airbrush-KIT-VC16-B22-Portable-Compressor/dp/B00BF0MW9G/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1527377179&sr=8-5&keywords=master+airbrush

Tamiya is acrylic which is better for airbrushes as it is pretty thin and dries incredibly fast so it allows for some really cool stuff with layers! I’m on mobile but I’ll try to link the airbrush here: Master Airbrush Set

1- This one
2- Vallejo Mecha color
3- no thinner, I don’t have thinner
4- N/A
5- low to no humidity

under 300 bucks? I can beat that.

at first i bought this: http://www.amazon.com/Master-Airbrushing-MAS-Airbrush-Compressor-The/dp/B00BF0MW9G/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1413554989&sr=8-2&keywords=airbrush

which comes with a crappy little compressor. for a total of 50 bucks,

It kept getting clogged and didnt really work that well. not recomended.

but! I bought this: http://www.harborfreight.com/deluxe-airbrush-kit-95810.html

for 15 dollars on sale at the store, and it is thebomb.com
I've airbrushed a bunch of stuff with it already and it works like a dream. I can do some fine detail work (not too fine). Do not be fooled into spending money that could easily be spent on more models.

And you dont have to buy special paints either. just take about 40% windex, and 60% Games Workshop paint, and you'll be painting.


For your purposes you dont have to spend much money at all.

Amazon also has an airbrush kit starting at about $50. It's got a compressor, and it's got control with the internal mix.

I have this kit. Unfortunately the compressor has no gauge, but supposedly the compressor keeps it at 25 psi. I clean the thing religiously according to instructions I've found here and that seems to help, but it's still frustrating that colors take a million coats because I have to thin them so much.

I'm looking to buy an airbrush to make base coating the larger models a little bit quicker and found this. The reviews seem very positive but would like to ask for your opinions.

I bought [this](Master Airbrush MAS KIT-VC16-B22 Portable Mini Airbrush Air Compressor Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BF0MW9G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_NL6Cyb8TKF9DS) kit for $50 USD from Amazon which is the compressor, brush, and hose. I just wanted something cheap to learn on after an 8 year hiatus and I had never used a dual- action brush before.

Keeping in mind this was a budget-minded beginners brush for me, it has worked pretty well. The compressor is very quiet but does not have a moisture trap or pressure gauge so I start low and dial it up slowly to get the flow right.

For what I needed it's worked well.

This, and getting out of the hobby and won't need them, nor the cleaning kit and pot, the gloss top coat, or the air brush cleaner.

http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00BF0MW9G/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A9M8PF7TMJFVZ

also, don't prime on the sprue, you'll either need to redo it due to missed spots where the sprue touches the peices, or damage from nub removal, etc. priming allows real paint to stick better.

How much is too pricey? My airbrush is technically a "beginner's" airbrush, but it's just as good as a "professional" one and it cost about $45 on Amazon. If you're interested, here's the link for it: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BF0MW9G/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I got this airbrush package: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BF0MW9G The airbrush included is dual action, so you have more control over how much paint is coming out.

As for supplies, I got 200ml containers of Vallejo premixed Primer (white and gray) for airbrushing. I heard mixing primer was especially challenging, that these bottles are pre-thinned, and will last for months.

The rest of that cost is Thinner (Tamiya X-20 Lacquer and x-20A Acrylic), a few paints, and some tamiya 20mL mixing jars (4 for $1.50 each) that I bought at my hobby shop.

I use Master Airbrush stuff. I never used the super expensive airbrushes or whatever, and I don't plan on doing so when i can get a everything I need for a complete airbrushing solution for the price of just one airbrush.

I currently use this: https://www.amazon.com/Master-Airbrush-Multi-purpose-Professional-Airbrushing/dp/B006HJCP8S/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1478092330&sr=8-9&keywords=airbrush

However I wish I had gotten one with an airtank and not just a compressor, as the compressor is always running when I'm actually brushing.

I would recommend going with this:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0017640RK/ref=pd_sbs_201_3?ie=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B0017640RK&pd_rd_r=CS5PGKKXM5455B94V0DA&pd_rd_w=LpOU8&pd_rd_wg=rukUc&psc=1&refRID=CS5PGKKXM5455B94V0DA

It's the same as I am currently using, but comes with an airtank (And that's the lowest price I've seen for it).

If that is a little steep to jump in with, I started with this months ago:

https://www.amazon.com/Master-Airbrush-MAS-KIT-VC16-B22-Compressor/dp/B00BF0MW9G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1478092330&sr=8-1&keywords=airbrush

And it has everything you need (minus paint) to get started, It's a great kit to get started, but the lack of a PSI gauge will limit you fairly quickly. And if you upgrade, the airbrush can still be kept moving forward.

Ok cool, because I am on amazon and I found a airbrush kit with compressor for 50$ USD, I was wondering if that would be a good one, Here I will link it,
https://www.amazon.com/Master-Airbrush-KIT-VC16-B22-Portable-Compressor/dp/B00BF0MW9G/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1502147107&sr=8-6&keywords=airbrush+and+compressor+kit+psi

do you know any good airbrush kits i should buy ? if so plz lmk

Yikes...too far LOL. Toronto here. :/

OOOfff...a decent setup will set you back a few hundred...
[Maybe start from here?] (http://www.amazon.ca/Master-Airbrush%C2%AE-Airbrushing-Airbrush-Compressor-/dp/B00BF0MW9G/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1421834817&sr=8-5&keywords=airbrush+compressor) For my setup I do have the following:

[Testor's Mini Blue - bought about 6 or 8 years ago] (http://www.amazon.ca/Testors-Mini-Airbrush-Compressor-Home/dp/B00M7HUKEU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1421835484&sr=8-1&keywords=testors+mini+blue)

[Paasche Talon - bought 2 years ago] (http://www.amazon.ca/Paasche-TG-3F-Double-Gravity-Airbrush/dp/B002N0QA9A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1421835533&sr=8-1&keywords=paasche+talon)

[Iwata HP-BCS - bought with the compressors] (http://www.amazon.ca/Iwata-medea-Eclipse-Action-Bottle-2001/dp/B000BQKFA8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1421835581&sr=8-2&keywords=iwata+hp-bcs)

Here's the thing, i do imports because I'm not really into the whole "latest" gunpla...my tastes are...weird to be honest. If the kit looks cool then I get it and usually local or online sellers don't have the kits I get...soooo...yeah. I usually go HLJ or Hobby Search, haven't tried Amiami or Amazon...YET lol. And yes...shipping will kill it unless you want the kit there ASAP, unlike me who has a buttload of backlogs...I can wait when I order and select the cheapest shipping with Tracking.

HMMM...I have a plethora of tools and custom tools that I made myself for specific purposes. For now the sidebar starter tools will get you going for a few years and when you do decide to step-up your skills...then I can suggest more. But if my memory serves me right I spent about $100 to $200 in files, dental tools and sanding blocks, not including sand-paper.

Yeah, a thread on /r/Gunpla a couple weeks ago said that this airbrush is a really great one to start with.

I just got a new compressor to replace my tiny little one. I haven't set it up yet but I'd sell the old tiny one to you for the cost of shipping if everything works out.

TBH, though, you'd be best served by buying this http://www.amazon.com/Master-Airbrushing-MAS-Airbrush-Compressor-The/dp/B00BF0MW9G/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1420043708&sr=8-2&keywords=airbrush+compressor+set - it's the same starter set I currently have and am upgrading out of. Gives a really good intro to airbrushing. Only reason I'm upgrading the compressor is because I'm using more and more Alclad, and Alclad is VERY picky about steady psi.

I use this one:

Master Airbrush Multi-Purpose Airbrushing System Kit with Portable Mini Air Compressor - Gravity Feed Dual-Action Airbrush, Hose, How-To-Airbrush Guide Booklet - Hobby, Craft, Cake Decorating, Tattoo https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00BF0MW9G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_UNC1Cb4P65RYN

It's the finest airbrush that $50 can buy.

Shots primer, base coats and transitions just like an airbrush.

East to clean, no fear of ruining something fancy. Does exactly what I expected.

I still lost for an iwata eclipse, but I haven't needed one yet!

Obligatory airbrush recommendation question -

Anyone have experience with this kit (specifically the compressor) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BF0MW9G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_91ZzCbJ789KAR

This is the one with the “mini” compressor. What are the potential issues one would have with a small compressor like this? I plan to spray mainly Vallejo acrylics, if that matters. This would be my first try at airbrushing, so I’m sure I want to commit too much to money to something I may not actually be into. Thanks!

I figure airbrushes are you get what you pay for sort of thing, but how would this work out for a first purchase?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BF0MW9G/ref=sspa_dk_detail_1?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B00BF0MW9G&pd_rd_w=fIw5x&pf_rd_p=10ebaf99-73de-4f5d-a994-e7f5fc52f86f&pd_rd_wg=l39LL&pf_rd_r=W269W8V7EW06YVEE4MJP&pd_rd_r=5b7c47ad-3475-11e9-be21-35813f0c3692

This is a solid starter kit and will have everything you need. TCP Global has, in my experience, fantastic customer service. Their quality control could use some work, but they are very good at sending replacements if something is not functioning properly.

The vast majority of your airbrush work is going to be spraying onto a single part or a taped off section of a part. You don't need hairline precision for this and if you're just starting out, you're not going to be able to achieve the kind of steady line you would need for that anyway. You simply need a method of getting the paint onto the part, and for that this setup is perfect.

If you're looking to go cheaper, you can pick this up. I had one sitting by my sink and use it only for cleaning out my airbrush. It only creates about 10-15 PSI which will work for putting paint onto plastic, but I would only consider this if you can only afford $50 and absolutely cannot spring the extra $30 to get a proper compressor.

The kit that comes with the tank is quite a bit more expensive and a tank can be added later on with an NPT <> BSPP adapter and an extra airbrush hose.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BF0MW9G/ref=asc_df_B00BF0MW9G5424256/?tag=hyprod-20&creative=395033&creativeASIN=B00BF0MW9G&linkCode=df0&hvadid=198071540295&hvpos=1o2&hvnetw=g&hvrand=12556250896845492134&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9008154&hvtargid=pla-318190335306 I started with this airbrush and love it. make sure you pick up some cleaner and something to clean the airbrush with. also I'd recommend getting some airbrush primer and using that to learn how to use the airbrush. This is a really cheap way to try out airbrushing and comes with a tiny, quiet air compressor. Its a great starter kit.

Yeah. I had really good success with this kit: https://www.amazon.com/Master-Airbrush-KIT-VC16-B22-Portable-Compressor/dp/B00BF0MW9G/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_201_bs_t_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=PT6KKYDY6PBF4S0BN0JK&dpID=51sS0IykymL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=detail

Actually, I used it to paint my Astaroth: https://www.mechagenre.com/single-post/2014/06/01/Demonstrations-throughout-Europe-get-more-violent

Are you going for solid colors or were you going to try designs?

Solid colors you could get away with just spray paint cans.

If you do want an air brush, ~$60 is about the cheapest entry point and even then the compressor is super cheap so I wouldn't get too upset when it breaks, (not and if, but a when). The nozzle is good enough, but you'll probably want some extra wire to keep it clean. And maybe some Simple Green to clean the joy con shells if you mess up.

Assuming it’s this one here

You really should consider returning it and saving up for at least the one that’s like 70-80 on amazon, if not a better one.

This has been probably the most informative comment and I definitely needed it.

Yeah I saw there was this set on Amazon Since I don't have a compressor or ANYTHING besides cheap ol' Wal-mart paints (which I don't even know if they would work with it) I figured I would consult reddit to see what the good people of r/minipainting would know.

It all sounds awesome. Yeah, in Texas there are super humid days and there are just days where priming is an absolute NO. And when I do prime, they come out clumpy :( I also figure an airbrush would be good for painting the Bones set, which are the f*cking death of me and the bane of my existence but they are cheap.

So the airbrush is mainly for: Priming, blending, and zenithal highlights? (I'll have to check up on what those are...)

This is definitely not going to be any better than hand-painting. A cheap airbrush and compressor set off Amazon is maybe 50 to 80 dollars, will give much better quality, and you will be able to use the paint that most people are using already to hand-paint parts.

I got a $80 one [here] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001TO578Q/ref=twister_B074F4LZH7?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1) as my first and painted a model that placed in the GBWC a few years ago.

A friend of mine got this for $50 and gets comperable results. He hasn't had any complaints about it going on a year and a half.