Diving into an airbrush purchase today - have some questions

[maiden rock]

Alright, so today is the day I am diving into purchasing an airbrush. 🙂 Based on my research, I'm pretty well set on the Iwata Eclipse HP-CS. I've got a few follow-up questions that I'll post here, but first one starting out:

1. Is there any model difference between the airbrush that comes in this kit (https://www.hobbylobby.com/Crafts-Hobbies/Model-Kits/Airbrushes/Iwata-Eclipse-All-Star-Versatility-HP-CS-Airbrush-Kit/p/848), which I can get from Hobby Lobby for $150. Versus this one that is $170 on Amazon? https://www.amazon.com/Iwata-Medea-Eclipse-Action-Airbrush-Gravity/dp/B000BQKFAI
   I wasn't sure if the "All Star Versatility" wording in the first link meant something might be different. Just seems odd that a kit with some paints that come with it, would be a little cheaper.

[untold maple]

Nope it's the same model. The difference is the Amazon Tax ^^

[maiden rock]

Great! My next step is to get the compressor and a hose. Is the AS-186 still highly recommended, and does the following hose look like a good option to bridge the two?
https://www.amazon.com/Timbertech-Airbrush-Compressor-Professional-Automatic/dp/B07VT3RV47
https://www.amazon.com/SAGUD-Airbrush-Nylon-Braided-Adapter/dp/B095P9SS1R

[outer ginkgo]

I have that compressor and airbrush and it works great. The hose looks right to me.

[untold maple]

I confirm. Compressor is fine, and hose have the right thread

[pine sparrow]

Tip: get a rapid disconnect thingy, you won't regret the investment 😉

probably something like this (without the pressure regulator is entirely fine)

[outer ginkgo]

I kind of only found that useful after I had 2 airbrushes

But it’s not a big investment

[maiden rock]

Good to know, I'll keep an eye out for a rapid disconnect. Also, it looks like the above Iwata airbrush kit comes a pistol grip moisture filter, one 1oz bottle of cleaner, and one tube of airbrush lube. I assume I'll need to stock up supplies in larger sizes/quantities. Are there any good reference lists of things I should look to buy as part of my initial airbrush "kit" - from a cleaning/maintenance perspective? I plan to do more googling throughout the day, but figured I'd see if anything might already exist in list form

[pine sparrow]

I like having one because I kept putting pressure on myself to go clean the airbrush asap. Unscrewing it got old fast.

but yeah - it's "quality of life" comfort, not mandatory

[maiden rock]

So quick follow-up question. When it comes to thinners, flow improvers, and cleaners - for the airbrush - how quickly are you all consuming those in your use? I'm trying to gauge what size bottles to get for those things, as someone who will be an occasional painter. (And this might be a silly question, but do any of those expire or go bad eventually?)

[untold maple]

As you're US based, you can use Windex (either pure or diluted 1:1 with water) as either thinner or cleaner

[hard nymph]

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQybQSJNR3RXWGD-RGXauP80RO2IgqYzl&si=dMhTG72HnORiZvyY

First 4 episodes of that were super super helpful for me, i just started a couple of weeks ago. Take it slow, and make some mistakes on purpose with spare plaatic or sprue

[zinc coral]

200ml bottles will last you 1y+ with occasional use (say under 100 models per year).

[hard nymph]

Start with 60ml, you might change your mind on colours to prime, or not enjoy it

[maiden rock]

Thanks, will check them out tonight!

[maiden rock]

Would you say they all get used at roughly the same rate? I feel like flow improver would be a lot less than thinner, yea?

[hard nymph]

Yeah flow improver seems low usage.

Marcos videos give you a view of that

Or budget alternatives

[zinc coral]

In order of use: distilled water > cleaner > thinner >>> retarder

Cleaner and thinner, I'd get 200ml. Primers and varnishes are plenty at 60ml.

[maiden rock]

gotcha - appreciate the insight, all!

[maiden rock]

Any recommendations on a specific varnish for airbrush application? I see Vallejo offers acrylic and polyurethane versions

[hard nymph]

https://youtu.be/rEyRbhYc8L8?si=VA7cBeBCuV10lcQm

Vallejo, liquitex, ak

Afaik all seem good. I got a small 18ml ultra matte to start. Satin was recco’d to me for cloaks n weapons to paint on separately.

[untold maple]

I personally use the Vallejo polyurethanes varnishes first (2 coats), then I apply one final coat of AK Ultra matte.
The 1st ones are for wear resistance, the last one for the aspect

[maiden rock]

Do you do anything special for your polyurethane coats? (Separate airbrush, larger needle, etc)

[untold maple]

I have a second airbrush with a bigger needle for these, but it's only because I upgraded to a better airbrush and kept the old one.
Before I was using the same airbrush with same settings without any trouble.