Darren Baker takes the Iwata HP-C Plus High Performance Plus Airbrush for a spin to see if the grading system holds up thanks to Airbrushes.com

Read the Review

If you have comments or questions please post them here.

Thanks!

Great review Darren.

I have had a HP-C plus for many years. Careful cleaning will result in effortless work every session. I clean the AB and remove the needle and store that separately when not in use. Otherwise, you may find the needle may stick inside the body if any residue of paint/cleaner finds its way in - tolerances are uber fine.

Please note. If you are a broad, one coat painter, this is not the airbrush for you. The fine needle is better suited to fine lines, etc, rather than a flood of paint. It will cover in nice thin coats and preserve detail if you are prepared to take time in your base coat finish. I find when spraying Tamiya matt paints they can be a bit grainy at times so I usually add some Gloss clear and use Tamiya acrylic lacquer thinners to get a fine smooth and even coat.

It will spray at low PSI as Darren says, but always start off the model to avoid splatter or pressure pulse. I keep a piece of paper handy to spray on then move off onto the model.

AK/MIG paints can be sprayed with it (and very thin layers is the way to go with these paints) but be prepared to clean the tip regularly as these paints will clog the HP easily.

My original AB came in a sturdy Plastic case, not a cardboard box and it required a specific air hose to fit it, as the old Badger sized fittings are not compatible (at least on the old one).

Great review. I use an HP-CS which is the same mid range type of airbrush. The build quality and the feel of it in the hand is excellent and it is just a pleasure to use.