Heya! I am your airbrush, and let me give you a few tips.
I'm just like your wife, husband, life partner, etc.
If you get one that's cheap, it may look good at the start, but you will be sorry you didn't get a better one. One that is to cheap will always turn on you. You will love it, but it will turn on you sooner or later.
Spend a lot of time with me. I can be used right out of the box, but if you take some time and get to know me....it can be bliss. Period. Practice makes perfect, and is tons of fun!
Keep me clean and healthy! Every time you use me, give me a good rub down with alcohol afterwords. Clean every nook and cranny. Once a month, take me apart and really go to town. Use up lots of Q-Tips.
Don't feed me the cheap stuff, it just clogs up the works. If you feed me anything purchased at Wal-Mart, I will vomit all over that nice new thing you were working on. And not like baby vomit....it will be chunky.
Don't allow your friends to use me. They can get their own.
Keep in mind that sometimes I will screw up for no reason, it happens. Never trust me completely or that's when I'll ruin something. Kind of like a cat.
Don't drop me, I will break.
We can have a loving relationship for many, many years, but sooner or later I will wear out. Then you can get me new parts!
Love,
Your Airbrush
Now on a serious note! A TON of people say you MUST have a good compressor with an air tank. For miniature painting it just isn't true. A compressor that constantly runs puts out air pressure in a pulsing manner. In my opinion, this doesn't detract from painting models. You are looking for a natural, scattered effect. If you want a very flat surface with no color modulation, try a can of spray paint. I use a REALLY cheap compressor, probably made to do nails with lol [url]http://www.tcpglobal.com/airbrushdepot/abdtc16.html[/url]
Like I said, it works for me.
Here is the brush I use. [url]http://www.tcpglobal.com/airbrushdepot/paasche.aspx[/url]
It is the paasche talon. Made in Chicago. VERY reliable and super sturdy. You will notice that prices have a wide range depending on brand. This one is low priced but is just as good as one you would pay a few hundred bucks for. Stay away from unknown knockoffs made in china.
Now get out there and try an airbrush! I would see if any of my friends has one, and get a lesson from him or her. Watch some videos. Ask some questions. See if it might make you a better painter.