Paint and airbrushing tips and advice

[Thurmus]

I was given a couple of old Star Wars models by a mate. Every time I tried to paint them it would not stay on. I have been advised an airbrush is the best option.

I like making dioramas and toys out of pine for the kids as well.

I suppose I am wondering what is a good set up for a beginner? I have seen kits on Ebay but am not really sure where to start.
A guy at a hobby shop recommended one where you could adjust a pin to make it not spray as much paint as well.
Also I want to know if I can use it to paint the stuff I make the kids out of pine. It is stuff like a monster truck track and jumps for My Little Ponies.


Thanks

[M-bot]

I was given a couple of old Star Wars models by a mate. Every time I tried to paint them it would not stay on. I have been advised an airbrush is the best option.

I like making dioramas and toys out of pine for the kids as well.

I suppose I am wondering what is a good set up for a beginner? I have seen kits on Ebay but am not really sure where to start.
A guy at a hobby shop recommended one where you could adjust a pin to make it not spray as much paint as well.
Also I want to know if I can use it to paint the stuff I make the kids out of pine. It is stuff like a monster truck track and jumps for My Little Ponies.


Thanks

I love my airbrush. Once you go down the airbrush path, you'll never look back.

There was a great deal at ALDI (couple of posts back) in July, you might get lucky with stock at your local. Personally, I'd suggest a dual action gravity feed. They're not difficult to learn how to use, but it does take practice and a lot of trial and error to get really good results.

[UltraMarginal]

When the deal was on at Aldi I checked eBay and there were a lot of units on there that appeared similar if not slightly better delivered for about the same amount so there are definitely other options out there for cheap systems.

[reillyd]

When the deal was on at Aldi I checked eBay and there were a lot of units on there that appeared similar if not slightly better delivered for about the same amount so there are definitely other options out there for cheap systems.

Can you suggest a particular brand of model for a beginner? I don't know what to look for, and what features are important

[UltraMarginal]

not really as I don't have one myself yet, I was just comparing stuff on ebay against the product at Aldi.

[gamblor916]

Iwata Neo is a good starting point.
A double action brush where you can control both the air and amount of paint coming out is probably the most important thing to look for. Gravity fed so you can use just a tiny bit of paint for detail work when needed.

Iwatas are great, so are Harder & Steenbeck brushes. HLJ have the H&S ones listed under Airtex.

[UltraMarginal]

I did figure out that a compressor with an air tank is a good thing, it means you don't have the compressor going all the time and you also get more consistent airflow.