Airbrush Tips


me
Hi.  Welcome to my web site.  My name is Don Wheeler.  I'm a retired manufacturing engineer who likes to tinker.  
I titled my site Airbrush Tips, but maybe I should have called it Don's Adventures in Airbrush Land.  A couple of years ago I started building plastic kits as a hobby, and it wasn't long before I decided that I needed an airbrush. After some research, I settled on either a Badger 150 or 155 Anthem.  I wanted an internal mix, double action brush with good parts availability but not too expensive.  Fortunately, I live just a few miles from Coast Airbrush in Anaheim.  They have good prices and they are really nice to deal with.  It was almost a toss up, but after handling both, I chose the 155.  I liked the way it felt, and the idea that it can put out a lot of paint when needed, but still do fine work without changing the needle.  I'm really happy with it.

I'm far from being an expert, but I've learned a few things about my Anthem and airbrushing during this time, and I'd like to pass them along.  This is not meant to be a complete tutorial on airbrushing.  However, I hope that you will find something of value here.  Naturally, my examples will be of the Badger Anthem, but most airbrushes are pretty similar and much will apply to other brands and models too.  I will not try to cover external mix airbrushes, since I have no experience with them.
 
I use only enamel paints; ModelMaster and Floquil so far.  I may try acrylics eventually, but right now this keeps things simple, plus they are readily available in lots of colors. I also use Testors DullCote clear lacquer. I have been thinning both about 50/50 with lacquer thinner. I spray next to an open door, and always wear an organic vapors mask and nitrile gloves while doing it.

I'm not an artist, and I admire those who can create realistic images with an airbrush.  It's something I could never do.

If you have comments, I would enjoy hearing from you here.

Contents:

1.  Basic Stuff
2.  Cleaning
3.  Safety
4.  Practice
5.  Filters
6.  Spray Pattern
7.  It Sucks
8.  Work-Around
9.  Paint Cups
10.  Needle Bearing
11.  Future
12.  Paint Measure
13.  Paint Bottle Hygiene
14.  Static Electricity
15.  3155
16.  Stuck Needle
17.  Ergonomics
18.  Tuning
19.  Troubleshooting
20.  105 Patriot
21,  Old Style 200
22.  Conclusion
23.  Links