Collecting and painting scale models are time-consuming hobbies and can cost quite a bit depending on how disciplined you are during your visits to the game store. I’ll confess, I have spent more than I should have on several occasions.
With boxes of unpainted miniatures stacked upon each other in the garage, I came to the conclusion that getting an airbrush would make me efficient enough to finish what I’ve started before buying something new.
The procedure of painting miniature models has always been pure relaxation for me. However, I’ve gathered way too many miniatures to go about it the old way.
If you, like me, own several armies I’m sure you’re looking for a quicker method to paint your miniatures without sacrificing the final results – I’m recommending airbrushing. It’s quick, easy and yes, you can do it indoors – even in an apartment.
Why do I recommend getting an airbrush?
Painting with an airbrush and painting with a brush are two different things. I’m not saying one method should cancel out the other, instead, I think they can complement each other to achieve incredible results with much less effort and time. These methodologies require different skill sets but mastering them will provide an extremely broad arsenal of painting techniques.
Read more: To Airbrush Warhammer and Miniatures: The Ultimate Guide
Even for intermediate painters, airbrushing will be the way to reach a higher level of execution when it comes to miniature painting.
So instead of speculating if an airbrush is better at painting models than a brush, think of them as two different tools. The airbrush can base-coat and prime in a couple of seconds while the regular brush is irreplaceable when it comes to detailing work and small aspects of the miniature model.
Therefore, they are complementary to each other.
The airbrush can be used for a lot of different effects and is super effective if you’re painting armies or larger-scale models. If you only paint several figures now and then I wouldn’t spend a lot of money on an airbrush, you might even be better off with your brush at first.
However, if you’re the owner of more than “a couple” miniature models and paint them frequently, I wouldn’t wait a second before getting an airbrush. The airbrush will deliver table-top-level results quickly. I use my airbrush for everything except the detailing of my army figures – this has cut down my time spent on a single miniature model by more than half.
Even though the time spent on each figure has been reduced drastically, the quality and final results are better than ever before.
The benefits of airbrushing scale models
So, you might be wondering if there are any benefits to airbrushing scale models. Well, I’m here to tell you that there are.
- You can effortlessly apply an exceptionally even coat
- Lacquers will dry very quickly if used with the airbrush
- The airbrush is good at delivering some top-level gradients and blends
- The most efficient way to base-coat models
- Superior finish on larger models and areas
- Using the Zenithal Prime method
- Incredibly smooth coating
- Very quick in comparison to the brush
As you can see, the airbrush is a very versatile tool that can achieve various effects depending on how you use it. Over time, you’ll learn how to maneuver the airbrush and find your own techniques.
That’s why I use an airbrush for my Games Workshop miniatures. There are guidelines but most of the time I’ve come up with my own strategies, trial and error style.
In addition to techniques and methods of painting, the airbrush itself has a lot of different functions and features. I’ve written this buyer’s guide to help beginners pick an airbrush. Some airbrush features are good for painting miniatures, some are even better and some are just very bad. I’ve taken all of this into consideration when writing the buyer’s guide.
When I first started airbrushing I was over-analyzing everything, In the end, I was doubting my ability to airbrush properly. It turned out to be much easier than I thought. Of course, I had to stick with the basics at first.
What I’m trying to say is that learning how to airbrush miniatures isn’t very hard for beginners – at first, you’ll only know some basic moves and techniques. That’s the way life goes, as you use the airbrush more frequently you develop your own skills and techniques.
In the end, you’ll handle the airbrush like a true artist.
Earlier I mentioned that I only recommend getting an airbrush if you paint scale models regularly and own more than a handful of them. Come to think of it, the quantity of the collection might be the primary way to justify the purchase of an airbrush, either that or priming.
Yeah, priming alone makes the airbrush worth it.
Why?
Well, I know I’ve been sugar-coating the airbrush for a while but it does have its downsides too. Of course.
An airbrush is a rapid tool when painting miniatures – it can be time-consuming when preparing and finishing a session. Getting set up for a session of miniature painting can be a minor hustle and afterward, the airbrush will need a final cleanup, that’s why you don’t save too much time if you only plan on painting a single miniature.
What you need to start airbrushing models
- Airbrush
- Compressor
- Paint, preferably the airbrush-specific paint lines.
All of the information you need is included in the aforementioned buyer’s guide. Getting started is easy – picking the right airbrush can be quite difficult without guidance.
How much does an airbrush cost?
You can get models for as little as 25-50 bucks on Amazon but I would recommend paying a bit more to get a high-quality brush. Iwata, Badger, and Paasche are top-quality brands in the industry and some of their state-of-the-art models will cost you a couple of hundred bucks.
I’m using an Iwata brush and I’ve got nothing but love for it. Paying for performance and quality is the best option in the long run. This is the best brush I’ve used and the one I use now.