start airbrushing

LP112 · #1 08-07-2011

what you i need to start and where are the best deals?
how much would it cost just for the basic equipment?
thanks liam

eyeayen · #2 08-07-2011

You need a basic airbrush kit and a compressor to get you started. Then probably a scalpel / sharp cutting device, liquid mask and paints.

The paints and liquid mask are available from Jon at RCS he has a thread on here http://www.rcsgraphicworx.co.uk/

And for everything else you can't buy from Jon these people are probably the best and cheapest http://www.everythingairbrush.com/index.html

The Chef · #3 09-07-2011

I bought a G35 premiair air brush from ebay a secondhand tankless compressor and a £7 pound scalpel. My total kit cost £82 plus the fast mask and paints from Jon Miller on here. And you can buy as many or as few as you like.

I've been enjoying what I think are fair results with what was essensially the cheapest kit i could find.

Just get some gear and have a go

gainsy · #4 09-07-2011

Chef your results speak for themselves mate
Top work

LP112 · #5 09-07-2011

would this:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Premiair-Premi...item3362726399

and

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/FINESPRAY-PIXI...item3cb999016a

be any good for airbrushing shells

thanks liam

U1timate PigDog · #6 09-07-2011

Hey,

It can be a little costly when first starting out but its worth the effort if you enjoy doing this kind of stuff.

I personally would always recommend buying decent equipment ( I dont mean expensive just good quality) as this causes less expense in the future if your having upgrade the stuff you bought.

Any decent compressor will be good doesn't have to be for airbrushing specifically (I got mine at machine mart).
Water trap and hose (also available at machine mart)
Airbrush ( try Jon Miller at RCS or if your wanting something a little special the iwata brand are extremely good quality)
Paint and liquid mask (again speak to Jon)
scalpel.
Paint mask (I highly recommend getting something decent here as your health is No.1)

and your on your way

. Let the painting begin!

U1timate PigDog · #7 09-07-2011

I'd recommend getting a compressor with a bit more power personally, something with at least 80 psi or something like this

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/SMALL-TIGER-AI...item3369574fc1

as for the airbrush if your going to spend £40 on one i'd say go that little extra and get something like the iwata revolution (gravity feed) you can get them a little cheaper I think

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/IWATA-Airbrush...item45fb8ec96a

but like I said i'd give Jon a call or pm him and I'm sure he would sort you out.

The Chef · #8 10-07-2011

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Premiair-Premi...item3362726399

This air brush does me just fine. If you have never done it before like me it is good to have a try with modest gear first, just incase you don't enjoy it.

My compressor is similar to this one and does me just fine. So you could be painting for under £100 oh and don't forget to order an air line for your brush or you'll be stuck for a couple of days like i was.

Like this nice, soft and flexable. Be sure to check the fitting thread and fitting size on the compressor and the airbrush.

LP112 · #9 27-07-2011

what do people cut the liquid mask with? and where to buy it? as it is the only thing i have forgotten to buy

The Chef · #10 27-07-2011

Jon Miller RCS He is on here top bloke to deal with. helpful too.

eyeayen · #11 27-07-2011

I use scalpels, a no3 handle for general stuff with the not so sharp blade and a no7 handle with the fresh no11 blade in it.

If you go through the tutorials on Jon's site you'll see he's fashioned himself a scalpel handle out of an out paint brush and some tape to hold the blade in I think.

You can pick scalpels up at art shops.

LP112 · #12 28-07-2011

do i need to water down the paint (the paint is from rcwgraphicworx)

eyeayen · #13 28-07-2011

The waterbased paints Jon sells are best diluted with the correct thinner, it works better than just adding water. I'm not at home to look at my stuff and see which number it is, sorry.

RC944 · #14 28-07-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by eyeayen

I use scalpels, a no3 handle for general stuff with the not so sharp blade and a no7 handle with the fresh no11 blade in it.

If you go through the tutorials on Jon's site you'll see he's fashioned himself a scalpel handle out of an out paint brush and some tape to hold the blade in I think.

You can pick scalpels up at art shops.

having gone through the motions last night i can say that im not entirely fond of the xacto scalpel and will be ordering a swann and morton #3. the xacto does not seem to locate the blade firmly in the mount and relies on the closing of the prong when you tighten the knurled widgit. the swann will locate the blade firmly in place and wont come lose in the same way the xacto can. can get them cheap on flea bay

LP112 · #15 29-07-2011

one last question before painting
what do people use to clean there airbrush

eyeayen · #16 29-07-2011

Depending on your paint, if it's water based flush it through with water then screen wash is great because it doesn't mess up your rubber o rings.

Solvent based you just need a standard cheapo thinner, that'll do it.