I bought a Paasche Dual Action Airbrush kit earlier this year to use with my current mod. I haven't even really tried it out yet, but from what I hear, it's a good set up (especially considering I payed $50). I have a few questions for you airbrushing pimps out there.

1. Is there a good site to buy paints from? Or should I buy from a store?

2. When I buy paint, what should I be looking for? Any specific brands? Should I buy a kit of different paints all at once, or just the colors I need now?

3. My dad has a few different air compressors in the garage, but I'd prefer to do the painting in a well ventilated room or outside, can I just use a pressurized tank of air for the airbrush? If so, what PSI would I typically need?

4. Could somebody direct me towards a site that could walk me through the different steps of airbrushing? I can't really afford a class, but I am definitely interested in learning.

5. Do I need to mix the paint? I've seen some paint at the stores, but I wasn't sure if these tiny little bottles which cost $20 for a set of 8 were concentrated and needed to be mixed with water, or if they were just really good.... Help in this area would be appreciated.... what kind of paint?


Thanks for any and all help on this matter.

Try these places to start...
http://www.paascheairbrush.com/store/search.html
http://www.autobodysupply.net/Painthome.htm
http://www.autobodysupply.net/houseofcolor/houseof.htm

1) Whichever you want. I usually use createx auto-air paints. Local art supply store here has a great selection.

2) I would get just what you need. That way you dont have stuff you don't use getting old.

3) A pressurized tank works but it will continually drop pressure as you paint so you'll have to keep readjusting your regulator. I spray at about 40psi. Anything from 20 to 45 works well with water based paint.

4) Not sure. I am interested in learning more as well.

5) Thin it down with water until it is the consistency of milk.

This stuff is seriously expensive.

Haha who said it was going to be cheap

I was hoping the paint needed for my case would be cheaper than the airbrush and the case combined...

Createx is a good choice to start with,and it can be sprayed indoors as it is water based.The next up would be the Parma line of paints intended for R/C cars,they have a sh!t load of colors including Chameleon type paints.You will need to thin them down a bit,but not too much if you are painting on a smooth non-pourous surface as they will "freak" (spread out from air pressure in little runs) on you,unless this is desirable.
The consistency of milk is too thin for that purpose. If you get Createx or Parma mix it about a ratio of 4:1,4 parts paint 1 part water,i.e. 4 oz. paint 1 oz. water. You probably will not be using that much, its just an example.Keep yor air pressure as low as possible while getting good atomization.When I use Createx in my Paasches I spray with about 15-25 lbs. at a 4:1 mix,you will need to increase pressure for thicker mix and lower for thinner mixes.Play with it you will get the hang of it.

No Sh!t water based paints that stick to plastic...Oil based clearcoat after or what?...

Quote: Originally Posted by ZENNZZO No Sh!t water based paints that stick to plastic...Oil based clearcoat after or what?...

You can use solvent based clears as long as the water based paint is completely dry.If not it will separate leaving large
'fisheye" type blemishes all over.

Quote: Originally Posted by Lunamods You can use solvent based clears as long as the water based paint is completely dry.If not it will separate leaving large 'fisheye" type blemishes all over.

Yep, Luna is right. The problem with airbrushing is it takes time to master. I still don't have the paceince to master it (and I have been doing it for about 15 years). My business rarely calls for "mural looking items", but I still love to airbrush. I started with a Paasche VL, now I mostly use a Iwata C. Createx is great paint, but I have a problem with it clogging the tip (but I am better painting with urethanes than water based media). Clear coating the Createx is easy with a urethane clear, just make sure to test for compatibility first. Here's the last project I did for a friend:

That was for a golf cart, before any clear was applied. Here's one with the rest of the cart and cleared:

I have found out that the Parma stuff is repackaged createx. I used to work at an R/C hobbie shop and was getting Parma paints dirt cheap. Since then, I switched to createx cuz its now cheaper than buying Parma retail.

that golfing cart thing you did looks really awesome man. i really want to get started with the airbrush but I am low on funds for paint. but wow, those graphics on the golfing cart look really awesome, gj.

ok, i am a airbrush noob, and i was wondering if its possible to hook my air brush up to and air compressor i already own, insted of having to buy a specific one. and if so how would i do it.. i have a regulator for it but where could i get the air fittings to go from a quickconnect air hose attachment to an airbrush hose?... if its possible what psi shoild i run it at ?