Airbrushes
Which Airbrush Should I Buy?
INTRODUCTION: If you aren’t familiar with this saying, you will be after venturing into the world of airbrushing model horses….
YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR
Please keep in mind, statements here are MY OPINION based on my 30+ years of airbrushing. The airbrushes I recommend work for ME for how and what I paint. YOUR MILEAGE MAY VARY.
Some Basics
Gravity vs. Siphon
Gravity fed airbrushes have paint cups on the top or the side. Siphon fed airbrushes have jars for paint that attach underneath the airbrush. The majority of model horse airbrushers prefer gravity fed airbrushes, but if all you have is a siphon fed one, that will work. Note, though, that siphon fed airbrushes usually require a stronger compressor in order for the paint to be drawn up into the airbrush.
Single-Action vs. Double or Dual-Action
All I am going to say about this is don’t waste your money on a single-action airbrush for airbrushing model horses. If you are curious as to what the difference between the two are, Google it!
Airbrushes I Have Used – Pros and Cons
Badger
My first airbrush was a Badger 150 (siphon-fed), which I purchased from a local hobby shop (no Internet in those days). I had no clue what I was doing so I had to rely on the person at the hobby shop to help me. I was first sold a Badger 200, which is a single-action siphon-fed, and I disliked it and took it back and got the 150. I used that airbrush for many, many years. It had 3 head/nozzle combinations (Fine, Medium, Heavy). Recently, I’ve used a 100LG (the LG refers to the size of the cup) and the Sotar 20/20 (which is a detail airbrush).
Badger 100LG
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Badger Sotar 20/20 Slim
(no cup; paint goes in the reservoir on top)
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Pros
Cons
Bottom Line: Badger airbrushes are workhorses and can put up with a lot of use and some abuse. If you don’t have a lot to spend and want to get into airbrushing, you can’t go wrong with buying a Badger airbrush.
- All of the Badger airbrushes I have used can best be described as sturdy.
- Made in the USA.
- Widely available from many different sources.
- Parts are easily obtained.
- Reasonably priced.
- Many different models to choose from – there is a model for just about any use, from wide spray and thick paints to finer details using thinner paint.
Cons
- Not as refined or responsive as higher end airbrushes.
- Uses a different size hose connection so you must either buy a Badger airbrush specific hose or get an adapter to use with “regular” hoses or use a Quick Disconnect system.
Bottom Line: Badger airbrushes are workhorses and can put up with a lot of use and some abuse. If you don’t have a lot to spend and want to get into airbrushing, you can’t go wrong with buying a Badger airbrush.
Grex
I have tried one model in this airbrush line, the XGi. Grex airbrushes are made in Taiwan.
I have tried one model in this airbrush line, the XGi. Grex airbrushes are made in Taiwan.
Grex XGi
Pros
- Very comfortable to use, due to the soft, rubberized hand grip and the soft trigger cover.
- Comes with interchangeable cups in various sizes.
- Well-made and very responsive.
- Reasonably priced, considering the quality.
- You can buy one XGi and purchase conversion kits (fluid needle, fluid nozzle, nozzle cap) to give you a wide range of spray abilities, from 0.2mm for fine details to 0.7mm that will handle heavier paints for priming, basecoating, and sealing.
Cons
- When using the finer needle/nozzle (0.2mm), I found the long distance between the nozzle and the trigger to be cumbersome and affected my accuracy when painting up close.
- Not as widely available as other brands.
Bottom Line: Based only on using the one particular model (XGi), I would highly recommend this airbrush. It is an extremely well-made airbrush for the price and its ability to easily change from 0.2mm to 0.7mm makes this a very versatile airbrush. You can get 4 airbrushes from one body.
GSI Creos Mr. Airbrush
I learned about this line of airbrushes from reading posts from hobbyists that painted military, gaming, and train miniatures. They compared this brand to Iwata (both are made in Japan), so I had to find out for myself. I purchased the model similar to my favorite Iwata airbrushes (HP-A and HP-B), the GSI Creos Mr. Airbrush Procon Boy PS-270 0.2mm Platinum. My comments on this brand are based solely on this airbrush.
I learned about this line of airbrushes from reading posts from hobbyists that painted military, gaming, and train miniatures. They compared this brand to Iwata (both are made in Japan), so I had to find out for myself. I purchased the model similar to my favorite Iwata airbrushes (HP-A and HP-B), the GSI Creos Mr. Airbrush Procon Boy PS-270 0.2mm Platinum. My comments on this brand are based solely on this airbrush.
GSI Creos Mr. Airbrush Procon Boy PS-270 0.2mm Platinum
Pros
- Extremely well-made. It looks and responds much like my Iwata HP-B.
- It has a built-in MAC (micro air control) valve, making it easy to precisely adjust the pressure at the airbrush – no fiddling with the gauge at the compressor.
Cons
- The cup is a bit large for a detail airbrush. I find it to be cumbersome and it adds weight.
- The length from the needle tip to the trigger is quite long for a detail airbrush (much like the Grex), affecting the control you have over precise placement of paint.
Note how much shorter the distance is between the end of the nozzle and the trigger is on the Iwata HP-B (bottom) than the Creos PS-270 (top). Both are 0.2mm detail airbrushes.
Bottom Line: If you can’t afford an Iwata and are seeking a quality detail airbrush, this particular Creos would be perfect. If you haven’t used an Iwata detail airbrush, the longer length from the tip to the trigger shouldn’t bother you. Based on the quality of the Procon Boy PS-270 0.2mm, I would presume the PS771 GSI Creos Mr. Airbrush Custom 0.18mm would perform much like the Iwata Custom Micron B.
Harder & Steenbeck
I have tried only one Harder & Steenbeck and that was the Infinity CRplus Two-in-One (with 0.2mm and 0.4mm needles/nozzles). I was looking for an alternative to the Iwata Micron line or something as good, if not better, than my Iwata HP-A’s (now discontinued). So, my comments are regarding only this particular H&S airbrush.
I have tried only one Harder & Steenbeck and that was the Infinity CRplus Two-in-One (with 0.2mm and 0.4mm needles/nozzles). I was looking for an alternative to the Iwata Micron line or something as good, if not better, than my Iwata HP-A’s (now discontinued). So, my comments are regarding only this particular H&S airbrush.
Harder & Steenbeck Infinity CRplus
Pros
- Extremely well-made (made in Germany) with a smooth trigger and nice balance.
- Ability to change needles/nozzles – 0.15mm, 0.18mm, 0.4mm.
- Comes with various sizes of color cups.
Cons
- They are expensive.
- Replacement parts are expensive.
- Not many vendors in the U.S. (only 4 official dealers).
- More finicky (clogged quicker and more easily) than my 0.2mm Iwata airbrushes.
Bottom Line: Overall, a very, very nice airbrush, too finicky for me. Also, I had a hard time getting used to the trigger and how it worked. For what it’s worth, I sold this airbrush.
Iwata
Iwata airbrushes are made in Japan (with the exception of the Neo, which is made in Taiwan), and are very popular among model horse artists.
Pros
Cons
Bottom Line: My Iwatas are my absolute favorite airbrushes and I have tried A LOT of them. If you are serious about airbrushing, or you’ve tried other brands and decided you will continue to airbrush model horses, you can’t go wrong by investing in an Iwata (or 2 or 9). With proper care, they will keep spraying for many, many years. I switched from a Badger 150 to an Iwata HP-C and haven’t looked back.
Iwata airbrushes are made in Japan (with the exception of the Neo, which is made in Taiwan), and are very popular among model horse artists.
Pros
- Exceptionally well, with smooth finishes inside and out, and very smooth trigger action.
- Offers a variety of airbrushes that can do extremely fine lines to wide-area coverage.
- The best atomization of all the airbrushes I’ve ever tried.
- The Iwata line is widely available online and in brick-and-mortar stores (some models).
Cons
- They are expensive.
- Replacement parts are expensive.
- They rarely go on sale.
Bottom Line: My Iwatas are my absolute favorite airbrushes and I have tried A LOT of them. If you are serious about airbrushing, or you’ve tried other brands and decided you will continue to airbrush model horses, you can’t go wrong by investing in an Iwata (or 2 or 9). With proper care, they will keep spraying for many, many years. I switched from a Badger 150 to an Iwata HP-C and haven’t looked back.
Made in China Airbrushes
These are sold under many different names, including the very popular Master Airbrush line. Other Chinese airbrushes include Central Pneumatic (sold at Harbor Freight), Ophir, Royalmax, and the unbranded airbrushes sold on eBay.
Pros: They are cheap.
Cons: They are cheaply made. They perform poorly, if at all. You might be one of the lucky few to get one that works as it should, but please refer to the above statement: YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR
Bottom Line: I do not recommend ANY Made-in-China airbrushes. If you get one for free, then have at it, but they are not worth the frustrations you will experience trying to get them to work properly.
Cons: They are cheaply made. They perform poorly, if at all. You might be one of the lucky few to get one that works as it should, but please refer to the above statement: YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR
Bottom Line: I do not recommend ANY Made-in-China airbrushes. If you get one for free, then have at it, but they are not worth the frustrations you will experience trying to get them to work properly.
Thayer-Chandler
When I purchased my Thayer-Chandler Omni 5000, it was an independent company. It has since then been bought out by Badger. Thayer-Chandler airbrushes are very similar in quality to Badgers; they are sturdy, reliable workhorses. The Pros and Cons for Badger Airbrushes apply here.
When I purchased my Thayer-Chandler Omni 5000, it was an independent company. It has since then been bought out by Badger. Thayer-Chandler airbrushes are very similar in quality to Badgers; they are sturdy, reliable workhorses. The Pros and Cons for Badger Airbrushes apply here.
Thayer-Chandler Omni 5000
Bottom Line: Like Badger airbrushes, a Thayer-Chandler would make a good first airbrush or an airbrush for someone that is hard on airbrushes.
Where to Buy Airbrushes
Coast Airbrush
Wide selection of airbrush brands, parts, compressors, paints
https://www.coastairbrush.com/
Dixie Art Airbrush
Iwata, Paasche, Badger, Thayer-Chandler airbrushes and parts, compressors, paints. I’ve purchased several airbrushes from them and my latest compressor (Silentaire). Excellent customer service.
https://www.dixieart.com/
Midwest Airbrush Supply Co.
Wide selection of airbrush brands, parts, compressors, paints. Often has sales.
https://www.midwestairbrush.com/
Spray Gunner
The place to get Grex, GSI Creos Mr. Airbrush, Harder & Steenbeck airbrushes.
https://spraygunner.com/
USA Airbrush Supply
This is the online Badger and Thayer-Chandler store. They often have really good sales.
https://usaairbrushsupply.com/
Amazon and eBay
Before you buy an airbrush from Amazon, check the price on the above sites. Amazon does not always offer the best price.
You can find used airbrushes on eBay, often for a great price. If you are buying your first airbrush, I don’t recommend buying a used airbrush. Not everyone takes meticulous care of their airbrushes and you might end up with an airbrush that needs a lot of parts to get it working.
Coast Airbrush
Wide selection of airbrush brands, parts, compressors, paints
https://www.coastairbrush.com/
Dixie Art Airbrush
Iwata, Paasche, Badger, Thayer-Chandler airbrushes and parts, compressors, paints. I’ve purchased several airbrushes from them and my latest compressor (Silentaire). Excellent customer service.
https://www.dixieart.com/
Midwest Airbrush Supply Co.
Wide selection of airbrush brands, parts, compressors, paints. Often has sales.
https://www.midwestairbrush.com/
Spray Gunner
The place to get Grex, GSI Creos Mr. Airbrush, Harder & Steenbeck airbrushes.
https://spraygunner.com/
USA Airbrush Supply
This is the online Badger and Thayer-Chandler store. They often have really good sales.
https://usaairbrushsupply.com/
Amazon and eBay
Before you buy an airbrush from Amazon, check the price on the above sites. Amazon does not always offer the best price.
You can find used airbrushes on eBay, often for a great price. If you are buying your first airbrush, I don’t recommend buying a used airbrush. Not everyone takes meticulous care of their airbrushes and you might end up with an airbrush that needs a lot of parts to get it working.
