What’s The Best Airbrush? Discover Our Top 5 Choices

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Everything You Need To Know About The Best Airbrushes And Where To Find Them

 

There’s a whole world of art tools out there – but where can you find the best airbrush for your practice? We’ll explore all your potential options in this informative and helpful guide.

 

 

What is an airbrush?

Unlike a paintbrush or spray can, an airbrush is less widely known. However, their uses are just as important and diverse. For artists who may be unaware, an airbrush is a small piece of equipment that applies seamless coverage to any surface by atomizing droplets of liquid, such as paint. The device is held by hand like a pencil with connection to an air compressor, pushing liquid to be controllably sprayed out of the nozzle. 

 

The possibilities with an airbrush are endless, covering everything from body makeup to cake decoration. They’re very popular with miniature model painting too, as you’re able to create very fine detail with ease. The best paint for an airbrush is really up to the artist – but usually anything that isn’t too vicious will work fine with the tool. It needs to be able to pass through the small nozzle, delivering a fine, even spray. For example, watercolours work well and usually acrylics do too, although you may need to buy an additional thinner in some cases.

 

 

What are the different types of airbrushes?

When choosing the right airbrush, you firstly need to understand the different varieties on the market. These are 2 main types of airbrushes that you’ll commonly come across when researching.

 

Single action – This type of airbrush uses two separate controls when it comes to airflow and paint volume. The trigger in which a user pulls back only affects the air. In order to adjust the paint, an independent dial will need to be set accordingly. 

 

Although the lesser popular option of the two, single action airbrushes are useful when needing the exact same setting over and over, in product production for example. Beginners may also opt for this type of airbrush to get used to the process before upgrading to a more controllable double action kit.

 

Double action – This most popular airbrush type consists of one main trigger that can control both the air and paint at the same time. The dynamic trigger also allows a user to control the amount of paint and air being released, depending on how much pressure they apply.

 

For artists, a double action (also known as dual action) airbrush is probably the best option. They enable a lot more control and customisation, allowing a wide variety of effects. For this reason, a lot of our airbrush recommendations happen to be the double action type.

 

 

Different components of an airbrush

 

Airbrush feed

When looking on the market for the perfect airbrush, you’ll also need to consider the feed style, referring to the way in which paint is fed into the airbrush itself. 

 

The most common style that you’ll come across is the gravity feed. Available in both larger C cups and smaller B cups, the paint is drawn from a paint container that sits on top of the airbrush. As gravity helps to bring the spray material down into the airbrush, high air pressures are not as needed in comparison to different feed models.

 

There are also two other airbrush feed options. A Siphon feed is different as the paint is drawn up from a container underneath the airbrush, requiring the air compressor to work harder. Side feed options have a paint pot located on either the right or left of the airbrush, a great option if you need better visibility of your work.

 

External vs internal

External: In the case of this airbrush type, paint and air are released from two separate nozzles, with the paint section being located underneath the body of the airbrush. This means the paint is atomised outside the airbrush. Although easier to clean, external types were how airbrushes were originally made and have been largely replaced by newer internal models.

 

Internal: As the name suggests, internal airbrush types mix paint and air inside the body, with them both leaving the airbrush through the same aperture. Most airbrushes these days will be internal mixes, as they produce far better atomisation and even coverage.

 

To learn a little more about the whole process of airbrushing before buying your own, check out this useful video below:

 

 

The 5 best airbrushes for artists

 

1. Pinkiou Airbrush Kit Dual Action Temporary Tattoo Set for Body Paint Nail Art Car Cake 0.2mm/0.3mm/0.5mm Needle

BEST FOR: Budget 

 

This airbrush kit is one of our cheapest on the list, making it ideal for beginners and students alike. A lot of people new to airbrushing recommend it for it’s easy to use and surprisingly high quality. As a multi-purpose tool, this Pinkiou airbrush can be used on a multitude of projects including airbrush makeup, nail design, cake decoration, model painting and more.

 

These projects are completed with control and accuracy, as the dual action technology releases airflow and spray medium at the same time. Within the airbrush kit comes 3 different needle sizes, perfect for creating fine detail and a variety of marks. It does lack the finishing touches of more expensive brands, but as a beginner these can be overlooked. Usually, quality can be compromised by a lower price, but this Pinkiou airbrush does well to avoid this.

 

✓  Very affordable compared to other options.

✓  Double action technology for control.

✓  Multiple needle sizes.

✘ Comes without a protective case.

✘ Might not be as reliable long term.

 

2. Paasche TG-100D Airbrush and Compressor Package

BEST FOR: Art and hobbies

 

Despite being an impressive and complete package that comes with a compressor, this might not be the best option for beginners. The set up process can be fiddly if you’re unaware of how it works, so doing your research beforehand is essential. However, when working and set up correctly, this Paasche airbrush is a great high quality alternative for a reasonable price.

 

Suited for both heavy and lightwork, the tool is powerful yet quiet. As both a double action and gravity feed model, it combines the most efficient airbrush elements to produce professional artwork. Despite its power, the tool is lightweight and portable, allowing users an enjoyable experience.

 

✓ Reasonable price for the whole kit.

✓ Professional quality projects.

✓ Good customer service help.

✘ Occasional reports of manufacturing faults.

✘ Can be difficult to set up.

 

3. Iwata-Medea Eclipse HP Dual Action Airbrush Gun

BEST FOR: Intermediate user

 

With very positive reviews, Iwata’s Eclipse is a popular choice for good reasons. It’s definitely not the cheapest, but you are sure to experience the difference in quality when upgrading from beginner kits on the market. One great feature is the 0.35mm nozzle which prevents blockages when using thicker spray material like acrylic.

 

It may not be the best airbrush out there for fine detail, but the Eclipse offers a pleasurable painting experience straight out the box. Also a dual action, gravity feed model; the airbrush boasts a generous sized paint cup and high paint flow capacity to suit a variety of projects. Alongside it’s functional perks the easy set up and cleaning process, making this professional looking tool manageable for any artist upgrading their kit.

 

✓ Can handle thicker spray material.

✓ Easy set up and cleaning process.

✓ Well manufactured.

✘ Better options for finer detail work.

✘ A bit more expensive.

 

4. Master Airbrush Professional 3 Airbrush System

BEST FOR: Small scale projects

 

Not only does this 3 airbrush package come with an air compressor, cleaning tools, air hose and more, it also contains a paint set to get you started straight away. However, beginners won’t be left feeling overwhelmed. The Master set is packed with instructions, colour charts and even online access to many resourceful videos.

 

It seems this airbrush kit in particular is very popular with miniature model painting and other small projects rather than covering big surfaces. Both the included Model G22 and Model G25 possess the common gravity feed system, but you also get the option of a Siphon feed system through the Model E91. Although the price may seem steep at first, the amount of product that comes with this airbrush package makes the investment very worth it.  

 

✓ Complete package so you can start straight away.

✓ Choice of 3 different options.

✓ Includes additional instructions.

✘ Quality of the paint varies.

✘ Overall manufacturing not as professional as others.

 

5. Badger Air Brush Co. Patriot 105

BEST FOR: Professional artists

 

Another big name in the game, Badger have their highly recommended Patriot 105 tool that scores good points across the board. The stainless steel system is also a dual action, gravity fed model with a fairly large ⅓ ounce colour cup, not forgetting an additional spill proof cap. Its versatile nozzle suits a variety of projects and uses, without the need to change the nozzle variation.

 

This only adds to the Badger’s accessibility and ease of use. Even the body of the tool is comfortable to use, ensuring the perfect balance and precision. Do be aware that you may need to fiddle around with this kit before you get it working properly. However, artists will be able to get many hours of creativity out of this airbrushing tool if they decide to buy it.

 

✓ Great coverage for larger work as well as fine detail.

✓ Comfortable hold for extended periods of work.

✓ Large colour cup.

✘ Reports of maintenance issues out the box.

✘ May need additional parts.

 

 

Which airbrush machine is best?

When choosing the best airbrush, you really need to consider your own, practical needs. Each airbrush kit on this list is best suited for different things. As a beginner, the right airbrush for you might not be the most expensive option. Once you evaluate your uses, requirements and intentions, the best airbrush for you should be easy to find.