First of all – I’ve written a much longer article on the subject of picking an airbrush – however, the article focuses on the best airbrush choices to paint
What airbrush do I recommend for larp/cosplay costumes and make-up? I’ve tried several models over the years and I’ve fallen in love with the Iwata Eclipse. I use it for miniatures, weapons, accessories, costumes and body paint. It’s incredibly versatile. However, The Iwata might not be the best option for someone on a tight budget. If that’s the case, then I would opt for a complete kit like this.
The two main components are the airbrush and the compressor. You won’t get anywhere without both. The Iwata Eclipse doesn’t come with a compressor – for me, the purchase of a compressor was justified because of how well the Eclipse performs. It’ll be the only airbrush you’ll ever need. On the other hand, the kit includes the following components at a much lower price.
- Master Airbrush G22 Multi-Purpose
- Master TC-20 Air Compressor
- 6ft Air Hose
- Compressor Mounted Airbrush Holder
- How-To Manual.
The pros and cons of the Master Airbrush Kit
- Pros
- Beginner friendly kit capable of delivering medium-top results when handled correctly.
- Versatility. It can be used for so much more than costumes and make-up.
- Very affordable kit.
- Airbrush capable of spraying both thin lines and wider patterns.
- The compressor is quieter than many other models and upon reaching full air capacity it stops making noise altogether.
- Easy to clean and maintain.
- Cons
- There’s an experimental phase to this airbrush. When you find the right settings for your ventures, you’ll be good.
- The kit is not as high-quality as the Iwata. But with the Iwata itself costing more than the entire kit – what would one expect?
- Clogs if the paint isn’t thinned accordingly.
Conclusion: The kit offers a lot for the low price tag. If you plan on doing a lot of airbrush work – I would get the Iwata right away. Here’s my review of the Iwata Eclipse.
Lastly, remember to always clean the airbrush after use – no matter which model or paint you’re using – over time, the paint will cure and render the airbrush useless. Some paints are more forgiving than others but to be on the safe side – do it every single time you’ve used it.
Airbrush Makeup For Larp And Cosplay
When airbrushing makeup you have to think about using the right brush, the right compressor and lastly, the right makeup to achieve the best results. The makeup used has to have a very low viscosity because you’ll be spraying it at a lower pressure (PSI). Mixing your own makeup could work if you’re experienced. However, it could end up being a big hassle. These are the best airbrush makeups I’ve tried.
- Graftobian
- Mehron Liquid Makeup – It is rare but sometimes I have to dilute the paint with a little water.
- Ben Nye
- ProAiir.
How long the paint stays on your body depends on the climate and your body temperature. Some people go an entire event/convention without damaging their makeup while others need to fix it mid-day (a simple touch-up isnt the end of the world). Some brands offer makeup that endures more than others.
Airbrushing Latex
In comparison to the regular brush, adding latex to gear is a quick process with the airbrush. Keep in mind though, latex is a quite thick substance and can easily clog your airbrush if it isn’t thinned properly. The airbrush will provide a smooth, even coat at the cost of very little time. Another thing to consider is the horrible aftermath of a latex-spraying session – it sticks to everything. Here’s what you can do if you’re spraying indoors. If you’re in a garage or outside, put plastic foil over the things you want to protect.
Before you start airbrushing, make sure the paint is entirely free from lumps. They can and will ruin the airbrush. Stir the paint accordingly. You want the consistency to be like skim milk. If the latex is too thick, use a mix of water and Windex (glass cleaner) to thin it.
When airbrushing latex, always work in small sections and distance yourself 3-6 inches from the object you are brushing. Coat the object from all angles and let the first coat dry before adding another coat.
After you’ve airbrushed latex, remember to clean the airbrush instantly. Put the removable parts in