I have seen a couple of different airbrushes at my local Wal-Mart, one for $12 and one for $20. Both these models use an external propellent can. I know that a $100 airbrush would give the best results but I simply don't have $100 to spend. I'm looking for a better way to apply camoflauge patterns to my 1:35 and 1:72 vehicles and brushes just don't give that feathered look. Would one of these cheaper airbrushes do the job?

A related question: can you use acrylic paints with an airbrush? My paint inventory is almost all acrylic and if not, I would have to invest in petrolium based paints.

IMHO the best value for your money would be a Paasche H series single action airbrush. You should be able to find a new one on E-Bay for under $50. I found one with all three tips and an air hose for $56.98. If you can afford only a basic kit, I'd recommend an H-3 for general work. I use both an H-1 and an H-3 for camo work. The Wal-Mart airbrush will probably get you by for general coverage but you most likely will not get satisfactory results on camo. The cost of the aerosol cans will start adding up also.

BTW you can get a perfectly satisfactory air compressor with a 2 gallon tank for about $75. So for about $132 you can get yourself a very nice airbrush set-up. You may have to wait for Christmas or some such thing but it'll be worth it.

Oh, and acrylics and airbrushes go together like bread and butter.

for Paashe, Iwata, and Badger, the best place to get them is from dixieart.com. Free shipping for anything over $45. I got the deluxe 155 anthem set with extra bottles, lines and side cup for $69.95 shipped. Thats less then half retail at an art supply or LHS.

The H(single action) set with jars, hose, and accessories is $49.95 shipped The double action VL with all 3 tips, hose, bottles and color cup is only $64.95. Probably the most complete decent double action airbrush kit for the money. Its been a staple airbrush for over a decade. I would wait another month if you have to to get a better entry airbrush that can last as long as you want to keep it. Just wait another month or buy one less kit, its worth it.

Badger 155 anthem, Paashe VL, or Iwata Revolution(a little more $ though) are probably the 3 best airbrushes under $100 for modeling. Skip the super-cheap stuff, you'll replace it quickly.
There are probably 4 threads a week on this on every modeling site on the net A good starter piston compressor that gives stable air with a regulator and is fairly quiet for indoor use is the harborfreight regulated compressor(about $79). Skip the cheapo hobby compressors they are mostly diaphram and do not put out much PSI nor have regulators and tend to pulsate.

The VL or Anthem sets are really good buys because they have everything else you need other then paint and thinner.

look over some of the other threads on this. The cans will cost a fortune too over time and don't allow for long spraying sessions, nor last long. Under $150 you can get a tool that lasts years. A year of not buying spray paint or propel cans alone more then pays for the whole setup

I fyou are dead set on using a cheaper brush, you can paint the base coats pretty easily with it. Camo will be tricky but can be done with using an index card. Just cut a random pattern in the middle of it and hold a little bit away from the model. It will give you a feathered edge. It might not be as sharp as a nice double action a/b but it is effective.
I started the same way about a year and a half ago, only I splurged and bought the "mighty mini" brush and compressor combo. I finally broke down and bought some good stuff after the compressor blew up one day.

Okay, here's the deal. I had that $20 airbrush kit. Barely more acceptable than rattle cans. Forget camo. The amount of work needed to get a good finish is just not worth it. Canned air...you're gonna use a can per 1/72 model. It tends to loose pressure as it chills and you have to keep stopping to let it warm up. The price is going to build up quite quickly in used, empty cans.
The Paasche H Eric mentioned is a great first brush. I've managed tighly feathered camo on 1/72 aircraft with it. As to an air source, start a "Compressor Fund." Put aside a few extra dollars a week and the money you were going to spend on the next couple kits into it. I've been using the same hundred dollar Sears compressor for at least 16 or 17 years. It's amortized down to about 7 dollars a year so far and still going strong.

Hi there..

Airbrushs are one area where you get what you pay for.. I started out with those "cheapo's" from walmart.. eventually tossed em all.. Also if you use canned air you will in the long run pay more than you would for a low priced compressor..

Also "canned" air is unregulated which means you use a lot more paint and do not have as much control of your basic coverage as you would like and the pressure in cans drop as you use them....

Heres a tip.. If you live near a A.C. Moore or Michales Craft store, look in your local papers esp Sundays for their coupons.. typically 40% off of any regular priced item.. both of these stores at least around here typically carry a few airbrushs including the badger 155 antheims for around $100.. which would be about $60 after the discount..

This week, it's 50% off. If they have a Paasche H, you could get it for just a bit more than the price of those cheapos.