I'm starting to get into projects that now not only need but require the use of an airbrush. I don't know why, but I've been scared to use mine with anything but craft store paint. My airbrush is a Testors Mighty Mini with compressor, scored it for $20 from walmart in the last days of them selling models. Anyway, I'm mainly worried about not properly cleaning enamel type paints out of it correctly and ruining the airbrush. I'm likily to use mostly ModelMaster enamels and acrylics in the unit. I know this isn't the best airbrush, I'm willing to consider another airbrush if it will work with this compressor and not cost to much. Any advise on settling my fears is appreciated.

Anthony, two words for you, Harbor Freight.

They have airbrushes from single action to double action, various sized openings, and the best part of all is that they are way cheap. They do work pretty well and you can order online if you don't happen to have a store anywhere close to you. They also have just about any sort of connections that you may need to hook your compressor up so just like dive right in there and get happy. Find an old model or some scrap cardboard and get some practice when you get one. Best way to get over something like that is to dive right in.

Remember, if you don't get any on ya' it ain't no fun!

Jay that is classic and good advice for almost everything in life. lol

Really, the hardest thing about airbrushing is learning how to get the right mixture of paint. Too thick and it doesn't want to come out, too thin and it runs like water. Cleaning??? Well I use an old Paaschee. I run almost exclsiely enamals through it. I always spray paint cleaner / thinner through it until it comes out clear. Then I pull off the tip and nozzel and run some more cleaner on them and leave them disassembled. I do the same for the paint cup. My brush is 30+ years old though I have changed nozzels and caps a couple of times through the years.

Ahoy Anthony,

Since I got a coupon from Harbor Freight in my E Mail today and more than one, or two, or three ain't nearly enough, I went down and scored another one of their inexpensive and pretty fair Air Brushes. How inexpensive, they have it on the shelf listed at $14.99, with a 25% off coupon, it cost me all of $11.24 plus tax. And as I said before, if you don't have a store handy, they are online and sell direct.

For the above mentioned sum, you get a double action, pull the trigger to get air, push down on the same button to control the flow of paint, air brush with a 22 cc glass jar, 5 cc metal cup, storage case, metal hanger and wrench. The air brush is chrome plated brass for durability and ease of clean up and has a lock down screw so you can set the air pressure and just use it like a single action brush if you so desire. I have managed to get lines down to 1/32 of an inch as well as broader area coverage of about two and a half to three inches if you want. I have one of these that I have used for over 5 years and it is still ticking along just fine. I wanted a second one to devote to strictly Acrylic paint use and I will relegate the older one to enamels. Clean up is as easy as flushing it out with thinner or water until it runs clear, remove the air cap and tip, set them in the bottle with some thinner or water and agitate or brush clean then rinse and reassemble.

This is what the box looks like:



And this is what comes inside:



So for any of you who are in need of a fair to middlin' air brush to try your hand, or a second one to use for whatever reasons, this is about as cheap and easy as it can get.

As to some blow for it, an air compressor is your best bet, they also stock those in several sizes at several different prices, If push comes to shove you can get an air storage tank for about $12 from them that you can take to the gas station, fill up and then use at home or go for the most expensive option, cans of Propel(canned Air) from the hobby shop.

Thanks Jay for the info. I been to the Harbor Feight now in my area and got a airbrush. I'll see how it handles on my next project.

Personally I would stay away from anything from harbor freight and there little subcompanies.

I’ve dealt with them as a woodworker. They got about $100 from me and all I got was junk. I think the only thing they sent me that works it a hammer.
And when one of there power tools stopped working about a min after opening it up I gave them a call only to find out there costume service is as bad as the products and they wouldn’t even honor the warrantee.

Sorry for the rant but just wanted to point it out.

I don't quite agree; I'm sorry that you had bad experiences with Harbor Freight, but I've been getting good service out of a drill press and a belt/disc sander that I bought from them, no problems at all.

Ahoy Shipmates,

Go Anthony Go! Can't wait to see how you like your new Air Brush.

Jacob, I am sorry that you had such a bad turn of luck with your local Harbor Frieght store. The one that we have here in Las Vegas is most excellent. Any time that I have had a problem, the manager either coughs up an immediate replacement or comes up with something else that works as well giving up a discount on its' purchase. Like Clark, I have one of their benchtop drill presses as well as a ton of other stuff and it has given me excellent service over the years.

I got my double-action internal mix airbrush at Harbor Freight, and it works great. I also picked up a 2-gallon air compressor there for $50. I would recommend this route, as you won't be out much money if it doesn't work out for you. Eventually I plan on moving up to an Iwata.

Anthony,

back to the original query - yes, practice!

Airbrushes are FANTASTIC! Well, the end-result is, getting there is a pain, but worth it. I've had terrible experiences with acrylics, but my wife and my mate have had great experiences, and cleanup is much easier 9tho just as important). jay says it all with practice. You want to get to the point where it's "ahh, using the airbrush is a pain because of cleanup" instead of SCARY. And the results will be worth it.

Once you paint a few things (and some badly), it'll be a piece of cake!