I am buying my first airbrush, a Badger 150. So my next question is "how to". Paints? I guess I can just pour in some testors paint right outta the bottle? Air pressure? I hear around 10 to 15lbs. is the "ideal". Read a couple of the articles, but still a little fuzzy don't want to kill it once I get it.
Ideas? a better guide link to using one?
Airbrush Challenged
Moderators: DasPhule, Moderators
Paints. Most paints will need to be thinned with the approriate thinner. Some paints are labels as thinned for airbrushing.
Air Pressure. Somewhat of a personal prefrence, but 15psi is a good starting point.
Cleaning. Alwasy clean the brush after use. This means, at the very least, spraying cleaner through the brush for at least 30 seconds.
Ventilation. A mask is essential, even if you're spraying in the great outdoors. Even if it's just a simple paper dust mask, thou' the 3M 8247 is better.
Air Pressure. Somewhat of a personal prefrence, but 15psi is a good starting point.
Cleaning. Alwasy clean the brush after use. This means, at the very least, spraying cleaner through the brush for at least 30 seconds.
Ventilation. A mask is essential, even if you're spraying in the great outdoors. Even if it's just a simple paper dust mask, thou' the 3M 8247 is better.
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I've recently started using my airbrush for more than just primer coats and here's what I've found so far:
But the best way is to just jump in and start using it. 
- * Lower pressures work better for detail work. The Badger Crescendo I'm using works great with ~15 psi with the fine needle, and ~20 for the medium needle.
* Not all Testors Model Master (enamels) need thinning but most of them do. You need to find the ratio of paint-2-thinner by experimentation. Mine's approx. 90% paint 10% thinner (sometimes less). Metalizers need no thinning as far as I can tell.
* Tamiya paints need little or no thinning out of the bottle, but I still add a few drops of denatured alcohol to speed the drying time.
* Practice 1st with an old model you have not finished or plan to dump. It'll help get used to the airbrush and you can experiment with pressures, thinning rations & settings to until you get the results you want.
* If you're gonna use both acrylic & enamel paints, do not use the same airbrush for them. I use the Crescendo for enamels and a 150LG for acrylics.
* Use a mask when airbrushing. The surgical masks that cover both your nose & mouth will work if you have adequate ventilation.
But the best way is to just jump in and start using it. "If people make you sick, maybe you should cook them longer."