Been reading this forum - cost of airbrush and accessories

[mossiepilot]

Hi guys

As i'm thinking of getting an airbrush, i've been reading up on this forum to find out what would be best to get. But the more I read the more expensive it seems to get started. I live in a smallish house and do my modelling on a table in the corner of the living room. After reading up on airbrushing I find I need not just an airbrush and compressor, but specialist paints and thinners, a well ventilated area or ventilating equipment. So the question is, can someone on a limited budget and limited space start airbrushing. Please help, I want to improve my modelling skills without breaking the bank.

Tony

[Guest]

Biggest cost outlay is the compressor, they're not cheap, even the cheap ones if you see what I mean there.

If you're restricted to spraying in the living room and have other house occupants to consider then the only true option is a water thinnable Acrylic, (vallejo i think fit this?)

Tamiya Acryl require IPA or tamiya thinners which has alcohol in, if it's just yourself and you can crack open a window and live the the smell till it clears then Tamiya would be OK in relatively short sessions.

£60 will get you a mini compressor and gravity fed AB kit from ebay, (Iwata-alike), this will be plenty good enough to get started and build your skills then you could add a better AB later if required, I have and still use my original cheap one.

A bathroom extractor fan and tumble dryer hose will make a quick heath robinson extraction unit if routed to a nearby window. I spray in an attic room and just open the window a little when spraying then once the bits are in the drying box i open the window more fully to air the room while I have a drink of coffee I wear a respirator when spraying too

[mossiepilot]

Thanks, looks like I'm gonna have to save my pennies.

cheers

Tony

[stona]

Hi Tony,I build and in our front room which is effectively all mine since the kids left home (main lounge is off limits!). I spray in a connecting corridor between the kitchen and outhouse/utility room. It is not as bad as it sounds and I have a door I can open to the outside patio for ventilation so it's free. There's room for a table and my compressor etc. This system forces me to be well organised with my spraying in order to keep the sessions to a minimum.

You must get yourself a mask,whatever you are spraying. It is an additional cost but you shouldn't gamble on your health.

Cheers

Steve

[mossiepilot]

Thanks Steve, when I was modeling as a kid, airbrushing never crossed my mind so all this is new to me. We have a spare bedroom and I think a bit of negociating - did I spell that right - with my partner is in order. It's my birthday soon so we'll see what the good fairy brings

cheers for the advice

Tony