There are so many overwhelming choices in features and configurations, to mention a few Dual action, single action, trigger action, gravity feed, siphon feed, side feed.
Then you have different manufacturers, each to their own reputable brands Iwata, Badger, Paasche, Grex, Richpen, Harder and Steenbeck, which one should you choose?
Its simple:
- Choose a gravity feed, dual action, internal mix airbrush from a name brand manufacturer like Badger, Iwata, or Paasche.
- If you use a one airbrush per color, or one bottle per color setup, choose a siphon feed instead of the gravity feed.
When questing for the best airbrush you will come across many different things to consider. Each of these things, like having the ability to get great coverage easily versus achieving fine detail, will have slightly different requirements. see our guide below to learn all about the best airbrush systems with all everything covered for you.
Quick List
| Preview | Price |
|---|---|
 Iwata Medea Eclipse HP-CS Gravity Feed Dual Action Airbrush |
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 Harder & Steenbeck Infinity CR Plus 2in1 Airbrush |
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 Iwata – Revolution Cr Airbrush |
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 Paasche Airbrush H-Set Single Action Siphon Feed Airbrush |
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 Paasche TG-3F Double Action Gravity Feed Airbrush |
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Best Airbrush Reviews
#1 Iwata Eclipse Hp-Cs Value Set with Hose Cleaner and Paint
Iwata is known as a reputable brand of producing high quality brushes and Eclipse is no doubt one of them. The Eclipse HP is a popular model for small or large projects. It has a special high paint flow design which produces thick spray & heavy paint like acrylic. Therefore this makes it ideal for train builders and whom require thick paint. The thicker spray achieves a textured appearance if desired. Medea Textile colors are thicker paints made for fabrics are also great for miniatures. This airbrush has the ability to spray fine lines with thick paint. If you are looking for versatility of spraying different types of paint then the Eclipse is the best option. It has versatility, quality and durability.
Key Features
- Optimal Working Pressure: 25-35 psi
- Spray Scale: 0.2 mm to 1.5 inch
- Gravity Fed
- Dual-Action Trigger
This airbrush is made of stainless steel with chrome finish which makes it easy to clean. The spray head with threads is manufactured in a way that prevents stripping. Further it features dual functionally to provide greater control over the spray. Eclipse HP CS has a 0.35mm needle for fine line to wide spray patterns. As you move the brush further away you can get up to two inches in diameter. The mounted cup with removable lid holds upto 0.30 oz of paint. Clog removal is a snap due to the single cut away handle. Simply move the chunk back and front a few times to clear. Loosening the rear chunk and pulling the needle through to the front of the airbrush you can clean the needle and prevent backflow of paint. The trigger tension chunk can be accessed at the back part of the handle.
Overall, the Eclipse is the only airbrush most artists will ever need thanks to its comprehensive function.
#2 Harder & Steenbeck Infinity CR Plus 2in1 Airbrush
The craftsmanship and presentation is truly beautiful and presentation. The brush exudes quality whilst being light and etched into the left side of the brush is infinity and right side is the manufacturers name and model. All beautifully presented in a professional case.
- Double-Action
- Comes with a 0.15mm and 0.4mm nozzle/needle sets
- Comes with 2ml and 5ml paint cups
- “Quick Fix” end piece with graduated dial and memory re-set button
This is a great airbrush to spray bigger objects with the thicker needle or even miniatures. The key feature of this airbrush is the adjustment on the rear to lock/unlock a specific setting. This allows ease to alternate between heavy spray pattern to fine line instantly by unlocking the wheel at the end. This allows you to set the maximum needle travel, thereby you can select the same width and density of spray pattern again and again by turning the set screw.
At the top of the body you will find the interchangeable colour cups, at the bottom is the needle passing through to the nozzle. Making a very short paint path eases cleaning.
This airbrush works flawlessly with acrylics from, Vallejo, Tamiya, Alcad, Lifecolr and Xtracrylic. However when using cellulose thinners you will see a little swelling of the Teflon seals. This is temporary and allowing the dissembled airbrush to dry will put the seals back to normal.
Overall, the Harder & Steenbeck Infinity is a fine quality airbrush. Combine this brush with a good supply of consumable spares and a quality compressor, to keep it well maintained. It will no doubt give you years of service. Easy operation, easy to dissemble and clean make is suitable from novice to professionals.
#3 Iwata-Medea Revolution CR Dual
Iwata’s Revolution airbrushes are best described as an all round airbrush thanks to its perfect balance of quality, performance and value.
Key features
- Optimal Working Pressure: 20-30 psi
- Spray Scale: 0.25 mm to 1.5 inch
- Gravity Fed
- Dual-Action Trigger
Whilst this is a dual action airbrush, all level of users gets the hang of the dual action trigger and excel with this model. Equipped with a large nozzle and 0.5mm needle makes it a great choice to tackle variety of lines. You can switch from solvent and water-based paint with no concern thanks to its replaceable solvent-proof PTFE packing. Highly good choice for body painters needing the versatility of switching between permanent paint and non-permanent paint.
Pair this airbrush with a second needle and nozzle set for very fine lines and you can handle any projects with no limitations.
The Iwata Revolution a versatile brush for model work with 1/3 ounce gravity-feed cup with 0.5mm needle and nozzle. The large nozzle makes it easier with heavy paints.
Overall, this airbrush is great for beginners, powerful yet simple to use. With a large cup you can control the smallest detail and work for longer. It will do any project from makeup, Gundam modelling to spray painting.
#4 Paasche H-Set Single Action Siphon Feed Airbrush Set
The Paasche H-SET Single Action Airbrush Set is a good complete set of airbush accessories to provide a beginner with tools they need to complete a wide range of projects.
Key Features
- Set of accessories
- Three different head sizes
- Easy to use
- Straightforward to clean
- Durable storage case
The single action allows simple to use yet professional results when doing large amount of repetitive work. Featured with a siphon feed you can easily clear this great tool. Compared to dual-action models, the single action is straightforward and simple to use. Subsequently cleaning being easy and quick through simply running paint cleaner.
Whilst it is not the best for detailed work, with this this wider spray brush you can use for small furniture, simple accents on cars, special effect prosthetics or model kits. You can obtain 1/15 to 1.5 inch wide patterns.
Bear in mind that the set does not come with an air compressor which you need to buy directly from the manufacturer.
The Paasche H-SET Single Action Airbrush Set presents a great set of airbrush accessories for the beginner, being able to use the included airbrush for numerous uses and purposes
#5 Paasche TG-3F Double Action Gravity Feed Airbrush
The Paasche TG is an American well known brand of airbrush. Great for spraying fine detailed lines this is an incredible value for what you get in the package. Made from chrome finished stainless steel with gold toned anodized back handle and cup lid. A large 0.4 ounce cup for those long projects.
Key Features
- Achieve patterns from a hair line to 1-1/4-inch
- The handle includes a needle stop to assist with consistent paint release
- Set includes all three head sizes and special fan aircap
- Double action air brush
The TG2L being a dual-action feature has a needle stop feature that will assist with consistent paint release. No issues with enamel based paints or other thicker paints is great for modellers.
With quick clog removal due to cut away handle, the TG disammbles easily for cleaning. However this modle requires the needle to be removed from the back for internal cleaning process which makes it complicated to clean.
The set comes with a six feet braided hose is particularly convenient. The device comes with size 1, 3 spray heads, 0.25mm, 0.38mm, 0.66 mm fan air caps. The needle is 0.35mm. You can create spray patterns from fine lines to upto 1.5 inches very simply by alternating the distance between the brush and project. The TG-3F capably handles solvent-based and any water-based mediums.
With the varied head sets, this is a good kit to take care of most tasks. Be versatile with the various needles and nozzles and nozzle caps to do just about anything you need to do.
Buying Guide – How to choose the best airbrush
Here we will go through a few types of airbrush systems and attributes and features of airbrush. It is imperative that you get a compatible airbrish with your intended use and paint type being acrylic, enamel, or artist ink.
Airbrush Types
The action of an airbrush simply describes how the paint and air flow are released by the button or lever/trigger. This, in part, determines how much control you might have while painting your illustrations
Single Action Airbrush – This allows users to open and close the airflow value by pressing a trigger. There is no adjustment to paint flow by a button. This is instead adjusted by the needle depth in the nozzle. The adjust you would need to stop painting. Therefore it is more suited to beginners since its easy to learn with.
Dual Action Airbrush – This allows control of air and paint flow with a trigger. The action of pressing the trigger allows air to flow and the second action of sliding the trigger allows the paint flow to be adjusted. The further you push down the increased airflow or paint. This provides versatility but requires practice to get used to.
Consider the paint flow and air adjustment you require when deciding between the two. Either way, they are equally capable however the dual action provides more efficiency.
Siphon Vs Gravity Feed Airbrush
This feature is important when choosing how the paint is delivered.
Gravity Feed Airbrush – Delivers paint by placing the paint cap at the top of the airbrush pen. The paint is pulled into the airbrush by gravity. This allow for a lower working air pressure which can be an advantage when painting fine lines and details on illustrations. Possibly the gravity fed will have a small paint cup size which may be a drawback as you may require to refill your paint more depending on your project.
Coverage Vs Detail
If you are after coverage you need to take a look at spray guns. Remember the bigger the spray pattern is, the easier it is to cover and blend. Therefore your goal is to spray your desired area in a few goes as possible. However you don’t want one that is too big as you will be left with a lot of material waste (sprayed paint that doesn’t stick to the surface).
If you are after detail you will need a long pointy needed that translates into an airbrush.
