Getting Started with Airbrushing: The Perfect Beginners Airbrush Setup

Guide to beginner airbrush kits:

Are you excited to dive into the world of airbrushing but unsure where to start? Choosing the right airbrush kit for beginners can be overwhelming, but we’re here to help you understand the essential components and recommended accessories for your first airbrush setup. Let’s explore the must-haves and some excellent beginner-friendly options to get you started on the right foot.

Essential Components of a Beginner Airbrush Setup

Airbrush

The airbrush is the heart of your setup. For beginners, a double-action gravity feed airbrush is often recommended due to its ease of use and control over paint flow. If you have a limited budget, here at SprayGunner we always recommend saving on compressor and other components, but pay premium for a great quality airbrush that will be in your hands every time you paint and provide you the best airbrushing experience.

There are multiple reputable brands, each with its own take on the beginner airbrush. In our next article, we will talk more in-depth about the best airbrush for beginners. We recommend selecting your first airbrush from the following brands: iwata, Harder & Steenbeck, Badger, GSI Creos, or Sparmax. If you have a really tight budget and planning to get one of the cheapest airbrushes, we have a NO-NAME brand selection for you. These are extremely affordable beginner airbrushes with full support from SprayGunner in the USA.

Compressor

A compressor is an air source essential for an airbrush setup to operate. There are options from mini battery-powered compressors to full-size shop compressors capable of running multiple airbrushes simultaneously. The ultimate choice for your beginner airbrush kit will depend on the projects you plan to work on and your budget. Bigger is better in most cases, however – if you want to have your setup portable, there are some amazing options that are small but capable. Determine what your airbrush kit will be used for: miniature painting could be done with just a cordless battery-powered airbrush compressor, while to airbrush a full car you’d need a much more powerful air source. Here are some highlights in the airbrush compressor for beginners section:

• Battery-Powered Cordless Airbrush Kit: A convenient option for beginners painting small projects – airbrushing has never been so convenient and affordable. Popular models like NO-NAME NN-CA22-180 are used in different industries, from scale model painting to in-field fixes by professional artists in theme parks and such. This cordless airbrush kit is portable and easy to use, making it perfect for those new to airbrushing.

• Tankless Quiet Airbrush Compressors: these used to be the smallest and most affordable options before cordless compressors emerged. Tankless compressors can deliver more power and be portable enough to carry around but the downside can be inconsistent air pressure due to lack of air tank, In a tankless air compressor the pressurized air goes directly from the compressor’s piston to the airbrush. This can cause pulsation and additional air turbulence. To avoid these issues, we recommend using a longer coiled air hose and moisture trap that help stabilize the airflow. Here are a few of the most popular tankless airbrush compressors for beginners:
• The Rooty Tooty is a great option for those who want a quiet, consistent airflow without the noise of a traditional compressor. This model has a lot of cooling power that allows this beginner airbrush compressor to run non-stop for a long time.
• Iwata IS800 is a great choice from one of the top airbrush brands. It’s quieter and has an overheat-prevention feature that will stop the compressor when it reaches a critical temperature.

• Air Compressor with Tank: For a more stable and continuous airflow, consider an airbrush air compressor with tank. Popular options in this category would be Cool Tooty or Sparmax TC610H. These compressors come with tanks that store air, reducing the pulsing effect and providing a smoother airbrush experience.

• More Powerful Compressors: If you need more power, the iwata IS925HT or Master Blaster II are excellent choices. They offer higher pressure and airflow, making them suitable for more demanding projects.

• Large Compressors for Multiple Airbrushes: The Super Cool Tooty or iwata Workshop Compressor can run multiple airbrushes simultaneously or even a minigun, making it perfect for large-scale projects or professional setups.

Air Hose

• An essential component that connects your airbrush to the compressor. Ensure you choose a durable, flexible air hose compatible with your airbrush and compressor. If your beginner airbrush kit is based on a tankless air compressor, we recommend using a coiled air hose. In most other cases braided air hose will be the choice. Most airbrush manufacturers in the world use standard 1/8” connectors on their airbrushes, with some exceptions like Badger and Paasche – their airbrushes will need an adapter or a special hose. All others can be used with 1/8” air hose for airbrush. Depending on the air compressor you’ve selected, you will need either 1/8” to 1/8” air hose or 1/8” to 1/4" hose. For example, most of iwata compressors come with ¼” connector so 1/8” to ¼” will the the right choice. All NO-NAME compressors except for Super Cool Tooty come with 1/8” connector.

Paints

• Start with high-quality airbrush paints designed for beginners. Acrylics are a popular choice due to their ease of use, quick drying times, and easy cleanup with water. It’s good to start with the primary color set because it allows you to learn color mixing and create additional colors to the base colors included in the set. Options like Createx W101 or NO-NAME primary set are recommended for beginners.

Recommended Accessories for a Proper Beginners Airbrush Set

Airbrush Holder.

• Keeps your airbrush secure and accessible when not in use. A stable holder is crucial for preventing accidents and ensuring your airbrush stays in top condition.

Quick Coupling set.

It’s an amazing convenience component in any airbrush setup. Quick coupling allows you to quickly disconnect your airbrush from the air hose and put it back when needed with just a pull on a QC collar. The best price and quality option is iwata I1603.

Air regulator.

Air pressure is crucially important in airbrush painting. Different paints or techniques will require different pressures of the air coming into the airbrush, so having an air regulator is important. The closer it is to the airbrush is better. There are options like H&S 104703 or iwata K250 external MAC valve that is attached right between your airbrush and air hose and are a convenient way to control airbrush air pressure right in your hands.

Moisture traps and filters.

The quality of the air sprayed through the airbrush is important for the overall painting experience. Particles, moisture, or oils in the air can cause defects on the paint surface. There are multiple options when it comes to airbrush air filters and moisture traps. One of the best solutions is Minnow by FishEye filter or NO-NAME SG-08SPEAQ which includes both” filter and air regulator.

Cleaning Pot

• An airbrush cleaning pot is essential for easy and effective cleaning. It helps you flush out paint without creating a mess and reduces the risk of clogs.

Cleaning Supplies

• Regular maintenance is key to keeping your airbrush in good working order. Invest in cleaning brushes, needle lubricants, and airbrush cleaner to prolong the life of your equipment.

Stencils

• Stencils are a great way to achieve consistent patterns and designs, especially for beginners. They help you learn control and technique while producing impressive results.

Other Components

• Additional items like masking tape, practice sheets, and spare needles and nozzles are also useful. These accessories help you experiment with different techniques and ensure you're prepared for any maintenance needs.

Building Your Beginners Airbrush Kit

When assembling your first airbrush setup, consider starting with a comprehensive kit that includes an airbrush, compressor, air hose, and a selection of paints. This ensures you have all the essential components and can begin practicing immediately. As you gain experience, you can expand your setup with additional accessories and upgrade components based on your specific needs.

Example Beginner Kits:

• Basic Starter Kit: NO-NAME NN-CA22-180 cordless airbrush kit, a small selection of acrylic paints, and essential cleaning supplies.
• Intermediate Kit: Rooty Tooty tankless quiet compressor, double-action gravity feed airbrush, air hose, paint selection, cleaning pot, and stencils.
• Advanced Beginner Kit: Cool Tooty compressor with a tank, high-quality airbrush, comprehensive cleaning supplies, airbrush holder, a variety of paints, and additional accessories like masking tape and spare parts.

We also have beginner airbrush kits we’ve pre-selected for your convenience, check them out here.

Choosing the right airbrush kit for beginners can make all the difference in your airbrushing journey. With the right tools and accessories, you'll be well-equipped to explore your creativity and develop your skills. Happy airbrushing!