I've been using the cheap Harbor Freight airbrush for a bit now, and it's just not cutting it anymore. I looked up some info that I'd like to share with everyone. Keep in mind, these are just recommendations, not rules.
Choose the airbrush that's right for you. Badgers are top notch, but they also have 50+ different types of airbrushes. Don't rush into buying one just yet until you read up.
INTERNAL MIX indicates that air and paint mix inside the airbrush, producing a thoroughly atomized "fine dot" spray pattern.
EXTERNAL MIX indicates that air and paint mix outside the airbrush producing a larger, coarser spray pattern than internal mix airbrushes.
DUAL ACTION refers to airbrushes on which the trigger controls both air and color (down for air, back for color). This style airbrush allows for varying line widths while spraying.
SINGLE ACTION refers to airbrushes on which the trigger controls only the air flow. The amount of fluid is regulated by turning the needle adjustment screw. When the trigger is depressed, a pre-set amount of fluid is sprayed.
GRAVITY FEED refers to airbrushes with top-mounted color cups in which gravity draws paint into the airbrush. Less air pressure (as low as 8-16 PSI) is required to operate this type of airbrush.
BOTTOM FEED refers to airbrushes on which paint enters through a siphon tube or color cup attached to the bottom of the airbrush. This type of airbrush requires at least 20-30 PSI to operate properly.
SIDE FEED refers to airbrushes on which a small color cup fits into the side of the airbrush. This type of airbrush requires at least 20 PSI to operate.
NEEDLE SIZESFine: Best suited to spray thinner materials such as water colors, inks, dyes, food coloring and gouache.
Medium: The most popular choice; will spray airbrush ready paints, such as Badger's Air-Opaque, Air-Tex, Modelflex, Freakflex, Nail Flair, Spectra-Tex, and other properly reduced acrylics.
Heavy: Ideal for heavily pigmented and/or higher viscosity materials such as enamels, lacquers, reduced glazes, gesso, and varnish.
So, for plugs, you wouldn't want an airbrush with a heavy needle, unless you're making plugs to go catch Jaws.
What I'm looking for in an airbrush is a fine or medium size needle, internal mix and dual action.
The Badger Anthem 155 seems to be the best choice.
http://www.badgerairbrush.com/Anthem_155.aspIt basically has everything that we need for painting plugs.
Once again, everyone has a different style of painting. How I use my airbrush may not be how Chris or Jason uses theirs. Look around, and find what fits you guys best.
Happy turning!
