Hobby Advice: Airbrush for Beginners – What You Need to Start

Allright, so you decided to start with an airbrush. You’ve made some reconnaissance, picked an airbrush and compressor and the only question that stands between you and a lifetime of airbrushing is “what else do I need to start?”. This very question was asked to me a lot since I myself started airbrushing. It might be about time to turn the answer into a short article, in hope to help all the beginner hobbyists out there…

Assuming you’ve already picked an airbrush and compressor, there’s still a list of items you should get before you’ll be able to start airbrushing. Let’s dive head on into the list of necessary items…

Air hose is used to link the airbrush with compressor. When picking an air hose it is important to check which models of airbrush / compressors it’s fitting is compatible with. You can simply ask the store to recommend you an air hose compatible with types of fitting of your airbrush / compressor.

In case your airbrush has different type of fitting than the compressor, you will also require an Adapter, or a Multi Way Vavle Assembly with a proper type of connection. Take a look at E-Bay to see how many different types of fitting there are…

A filter equipped spray out airbrush pot and an airbrush holder (prefferably 2 in 1 like below) are also necessary. Thanks to these you will have an option to rest the airbrush on a holder inbetween different activities (like mixing paints, or even resting for a bit). Spray out airbrush pot will also keep the majority of paint waste contained in an easy to clean glass pot.

You will use these too clean up the insides of your airbrush.

You will use this tool to clean up the nozzle. When picking this one up make sure it is recommended for the type of nozzle of your airbrush. Too large tool might damage the nozzle.

(On the picture top: ALDER tool, damages H&S nozzles! bottom: H&S tool, perfect for H&S nozzles)

You will use this duo to remove the excess of paint from your airbrush without the need to spray it all out.

Airbrush Cleaner, Airbrush Thinner and Airbrush Flow Improover – these three liquids are a must have.

Below are some additional items that while not necessary, will come in handy once you start airbrushing your way to hobby glory.

Airbrush needle is very delicate. A vast majority of beginners damage the needle during first few days of airbrush adventure. I advise you to get a spare needle, just in case.

Long hair, medium size, round brush to remove excess paint from the tip of the needle without the need to dismantle entire airbrush.

You might use these to mix paints before pouring them into the cup on top of airbrush to avoid clods of paint to get inside.

Obviously you will require paints. It is not necessary to get any type of special airbrush paints. Thanks to Flow Improover and Thinner regular paints will do, but that’s a story for another article…

Thanks for reading. If you think I skipped a necessary or useful item that a beginner airbrush users should get, let me know in the comments section. Cheers!