Hi all,
I have a couple questions that might seem a bit dumb. I'm fairly new to the modelling hobby and I have been looking into getting an airbrush. I have brush painted most things so far and it just isn't working anymore. I am a little bit concerned about noise though. I know you need an air compressor to go along with your airbrush. I live in an apartment right now above a couple with a 1 year old baby. I am also in the military in a unit dealing with Libya so I am working some crazy hours and usually don't get to start until around 730 or 8 in the evening. I guess I'm saying I don't want to fire up an air compressor and wake up anybody.
Does anybody have any suggestions on airbrush setups to go with? Or maybe you can just educate me a little bit on what it is to use an airbrush. Any and all comments are very much appreciated!
Thanks all!

You can buy cans of airbrush propellant. There are starter kits that include a basic brush, hose, propellant fitting and propellant. I would recomend you start there. I believe Testors has one available.

Gordon- like Matt has pointed out you can use a canned propellant which makes no noise. It is a little unpredictable- a compressor (even without a regulator) gives you a controlled air flow so the air doesn't rush through unpredictably which can cause the paint to 'spatter' as if you'd simply stabbed a loaded brush on the model. I must say though, I used a canned propellant when I first started airbrushing and they did me well for a while and I got decent results (compared to a brush) with a rather cheap airbrush.

Everybody on here will likely have their own views and advice on airbrushes and compressors etc. I can only offer my two cents! My first airbrush was an Aztek A220:

http://www.testors.com/product/136949/8821A/_/Broad_Stroke_EZ_Airbrush_Set_with_Propellant.

I have a nine year old one of these knocking about somewhere and it takes little time to master and is very sturdy.
This is the propellant:

http://www.testors.com/product/136957/8822B/_/6_OZ._PROPELLANT.

You screw the air hose from the airbrush onto the top of the scan, press the trigger and spraw away.

I also used one of these for many years with the A220:

http://www.testors.com/product/141307/50204/_/Testors_Blue_Mini_Airbrush_Compressor.

It is very quiet (a low reverberating hum). The only problem is there is no air regulator and the air flow can be unpredictable.

Anyway, I hope this helps and good luck.

If you are looking for an actual airbrush, the two big names are Badger (USA) and Iwata (Japan). Both make amazing airbrushes that will very seldom give you maintenance problems and are of exceptional quality. I personally have an HP-B Plus from Iwata and its very dependable.

You will obviously need the manufacturers air hose to fit on your airbrush. i think they fit all compressors.

Compressors arent all that loud. At least mine isnt. Its a badger something or other. Compressors can get pretty expensive so shop around. I got mine as a gift from my dad for graduation. Just make sure you get a pressure regulator and a moisture trap.

It may seem like a lot of equipment, but keep in mind if you buy quality, your set for life.

Hi Gordon

and welcome to the site.

there is a thread going in the painting forum here where some of us are showing our airbrushing rigs..

here is some possibly useful info

small hobby compressors are not all that loud, and some are quieter than others.. my first compressor was a Silentair marketed at hobby and art stores and was pretty expensive at the time I bought it, but it was very quiet.

Last year I replaced it with a 1/8 hp compressor from Harbor Freight Tools, (yep a cheap china one but it only cost $40) and I've had no problems.. its louder than some of the more expensive ones but not so loud that it drowns out the rest of the apartment, and my neighbors have never mentioned any noise. If you are worried about how noisy they are tell the salesman and ask if you can hear it running before you decide..

Propellent cans are quiet, but they don't last all that long and gets expensive to keep buying them, and you can't really control the air pressure all that well.

I've pretty much taught myself to airbrush and I will say this much A compressor with a Regulator that you can use to control the amount of pressure to your airbrush is in my opinion a must have option.

I've used Aztek airbrush's and I've seen some nice work done with them, but I myself prefer Badgers.

A good basic double action airbrush that I would recommend would be the Badger Patriot. Its is basicly the same as the Badger Anthem except that it is gravity feed instead of siphon feed. and its not all that expensive.

here is a link to a website that has a lot of airbrush basics..

Airbrush Tips

I now have 3 badgers and they are good solid airbrushs.. I'm sure some off the other brands are as good too but I will only recommend what I've used.

BTW If you do have a harbor freight tools near you.. their airbrush's are cheap and not for serious use.. I got one to play around with and no matter how I tune it it still spits..

So about how long will a"can o' air" last ?I know it depends on how you spray,how you reduce,and all that stuff,just a rough guess,one model,two?

It depends on how many layers of paint you use on a model. Of course, it also depends on how large the model is.

I know,I know Let's say 1/35 tank(pick your poison)primer,no preshade,3 colour camo,go german,no whitewash,and,ohhhh ,I don't know,maybe a top layer of dull coat? All most forgot,no hairspray,and no chipping.

Hey there, I just bought a Paasche Talon and their compressor "package" and it is excellent.

I live in an apartment building as well, and have my own 2 year old. As soon as I know she's asleep I fire up my compressor and off I go. No one is the wiser.

It's not silent but it's probably quieter that you're expecting, I know that's what I thought. Good luck with your new buy!

Personally, I think you'll be unhappy using canned air. I haven't used a 'hobby' compressor but would imagine them being fairly quiet...little more than a refrigerator and less than a washing machine?

For a truly quiet set-up see Matt's CO2 rig HERE.

I use a very noisy Dewalt construction 4 gal. twin tank compressor, but I can fill the tanks during the day (only takes a couple of minutes) and have enough air, when I want it, to fully paint an average 1/35 AFV with camo and do the airbrush cleaning without having to start it up again.

My suggestion for an airbrush is to buy quality and something that will grow with you (interchangeable needle sizes and color cups). Also, make sure parts are readily available, not too costly and user serviceable.

Thanks for all the advice everyone. It is really teaching me what I need to know about these airbrushes. Just as soon as I have some free time (thank you Libya!) I will check them out and see what I can find.

Hi

If you are going to paint more than one model as you are, I wouldn't bother with the air cans of propellent, the price will soon add up and you will end up getting a compressor.

As for the noise, well that depends on the compressor, one designed for workshop use will be very noisey and will be of no use to you at all, but the one designed for airbrush use can be very quiet, even alsmost silent. The very quiet ones are built using compressors that are normally used on domestic fridges, so they are as quiet as a fridge, this type are called silent, so not totally silent but close enough.

I have two of the airbrush compressors sold on eBay and the single pump version is very quiet, but not as quiet as the silent ones.

This is a uk based one but you will also find them on the USA Based eBay

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/HIGH-PERFORMANCE-SILENT-AIRBRUSH-COMPRESSOR-TANK-/200582350692

So they are not that expensive and will often be sold with a couple of basic airbrushes as well

On the other hand this is a silent one, notice the price difference

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Silent-Air-Compressor-El-50-9-/200482266513

I would get one of the cheap ones just to test how quiet it is, if its no good you could sell it back on eBay for almost what you paid for it.

Paul

One thing you might want to try is buying a couple of air tanks like the tow truck drivers carry. The small round ones. You really should have a pressure regulator and a moisture trap. Harbor Freight has them and they are both rather inexpensive. With the air tanks you can just shoot and refill. I would not even bother with the propellant cans, they can become very expensive and do not really last a long time. As for the airbrush, I own to Iwata Revolution airbrushes and one Paasche. I love both brands. The Iwata is a bit finicky at times and I also wrap teflon tape around all the threads only bad part about the Iwata they do leak a lot of air, at least the two I have do.

Well I am actually currently living in Germany so I would need to find a compressor with a 220v European continent plug. I will have to look around here and see what I can find. I've got a couple stores down the road I can try as well. Thanks again for all the help!

Hello,
you have some good choices in Germany.
You can buy JunAir compressors from EFBE in Hannover (1000 EUR range), or Revell compressors (300-400 EUR range), or if you need something more affordable you can go for an AS-186 at Gabbert in Leipzig, at around 150 EUR. These are all very silent compressors. Positively buy one with a buffer tank.

http://www.rdgtools.co.uk/acatalog/AIRBRUSH_KITS_AND_SPARES.html
I bought small compressor from this shop and fairly happy.
It's not that loud but I wouldn't be able to sleep 1 m from it.
Also about those cans...Cans don't make noise, thats true, but when you try to bring airbrush closer to the model it will be fairly noisy because of air under pressure...

When my wife talks over skype, I can't use airbrush and compressor because she can't hear very well people on the other side (she sits about 3-4 meters away). However once she was sleeping in the other room and I was painting...It really depends how tired your family is at 8

And about airbrush...I suggest you to look for one which can selfcenter needle cup. I got badger patriot not so long time ago and very very happy with it. May be it's not precisest airbrush, but paint doesn't clog.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ehafv9SH9UM

I heard that iwata also has something similar.
Btw, don't buy single action airbrush, they are waste of money even if they are cheap. I doubt it's even possible to undercoat with them.

just my twopenerth, bye the the best air brush you can, it will last you a life time, as
for compressors big choice on ebay, some of them are very quite. and less than 150 euros. my own setup is aerograph major, & devillbiss compressor. no tank, direct air with home made foot switch. set up is 30 year old and stil gives good service

Gordon,

Welcome to the site and go Army! I have a best bud who's a Navy Commander in Stuttgart. Know what it's like...

I agree with many on this site, you can buy a compressor that is so quite you cannot hear it in the next room. It's best if it has a tank, even a small one. These compressors are usually diaphram type and the air will pulse without a tank. Also, you might have to get a dual voltage one if you're on European power and you eventually come back home. You can get away without a water trap if it's used indoors. But if you have it outside, you'll need one.

Stay away form the cans of air. If you brush too long they freeze and it's a headache. I know of people who pump up spare tires and other tanks and use those. That works, until it's 10 PM and you want to paint and the tire is empty.

I use T&C Omni airbrushes, but recently got a Badger Renegade. This is an awesome airbrush, but it's a fine-line airbrush. But Badger makes many brushes and they're made in Chicago and parts are available anywhere. I agree with another poster, get a dual-action brush. I have painted successfully with a single-action brush, but it's harder. Also, Paasche makes good brushes, too.

You'll probably have to use acrylic paints, as enamels will stink too much indoors. I use Floquil (and YES you can paint plastic with that, just don't use DioSol as thinner) and Humbrol and Model Master. I believe paint SHOULD stink a bit. But, alas, others don't. Soon they'll be taking the toluene out of airplane glue. They what's the use in building models, eh?

Have fun!

Bill B.

Gordon, I couldn't agree more with what James said, forget the canned air, more trouble than it's worth. If you're looking for ultra quiet you can't beat a CO2 tank. Several guys in my local club have this set-up and they love it. Also go with a quality brand brush, Iwata is my choice, but there are others. The cost will be more upfront but you'll be happier in the long run.

Best,
Mike

i live in an apt as well. i use my airbrush all time time. i have yet to have anyone complain. i wouldnt worry about noise problems from a compressor. besides, the compressor usually doesnt run continous