General Opinion on New Airbrushes

[JRB]

So, as I build up my model stash and equipment in preparation for returning to modeling when retirement hits, need some opinions.  Expect to model in 1/48, 1/32 and 1/35.  Have just purchased a new Paasche H (H3-AS) and 

a new Iwata double-action HP-C+.  Will these cover my needs for very fine soft-edged camo lines in these scales, like where it is almost hard-edged, but not quite?

Thanks for any opinions!  Regards.

[dromia]

Can't comment on the Paasche as I have no experience of the air brush.

 

The Iwata however I do know a little about and it will definitely do what you desire if you do your bit.

 

Most airbrushes will perform well it is all down to the paint, how well it is thinned for the job, air pressure and volume along with distance form the surface and your trigger technique. The essence of airbrushing regardless of the airbrush.

[flyboy2610]

The Paasche H is a time-tested airbrush tha has been around a very long time. It's a good single action airbrush. It's great for spraying primers that are usually thicker than normal paints. It's easy to clean. I think between the two airbrushes you're covered!

[JRB]

On 4/9/2024 at 11:02 PM, dromia said:

Can't comment on the Paasche as I have no experience of the air brush.

 

The Iwata however I do know a little about and it will definitely do what you desire if you do your bit.

 

Most airbrushes will perform well it is all down to the paint, how well it is thinned for the job, air pressure and volume along with distance form the surface and your trigger technique. The essence of airbrushing regardless of the airbrush.

That's what I kind of thought - thanks for your input!

[JRB]

On 4/10/2024 at 3:49 AM, flyboy2610 said:

The Paasche H is a time-tested airbrush tha has been around a very long time. It's a good single action airbrush. It's great for spraying primers that are usually thicker than normal paints. It's easy to clean. I think between the two airbrushes you're covered!

Good to know, that is one of the reasons I got the Paasche, to general overall coverage stuff.  Thanks!

[Corsairfoxfouruncle]

I have owned 6 airbrush’s in my modeling time. Started with a Paasche’ Double action in 1988 then a Tamiya, folliwed by a Badger D/A. When I came back after my 10 year break I now have 3 Iwata’s an HP.BCS .50 needle, an Neo with a .35 needle and an HP.B+ with a .20 needle. I sometime will cross parts on my Neo with the B+ control to do fine lines with more paint. Most of my work is usually done with one of the two smaller brush’s. I rarely use the .50 HP.BCS unless Im doing anything large like a B-17, or a real Motorcycle helmet or Gas tank. 

[Steve McArthur]

@JRB The brushes you have are fine to start out. I've used airbrushes for around 40 years and for the first 20 just used a single action Badger 200. I still use my Badger 200 probably more than any other. Primers, clears, parts either a single color or fully masked, the single action is fine.

 

Unless you are an airbrush savant it will take you time to develop the skills to be able to free hand tight camouflage patterns with the HP-C. For tighter patterns you usually thin more, spray at lower pressure and closer to the work. There are masking techniques to help with a tight yet still feathered edge. Look into masking putty, blu-tack, or loose paper masks.

 

Eventually you'll probably want a brush with a finer tip. Starting out you won't have the control to really see a difference. I've got a 0.2mm HP-AH and a 40 year old HP-B off eBay. I really like the cup-less designs of the HP-AH for just a few drops of paint. It's plenty for small jobs. Since I got the HP-B I usually use it where I would have grabbed the HP-C.

 

BTW, Iwata still has a few of the HP-AH on a closeout sale.