Airbrush or Spraypaint?

[DZ469]

hey guys, which is more cost effective: a reasonably priced airbrush or a few cans of spray paint? I don't really want to spend a ton of money since i still have other stuff to get for my mod, but my max would be like 50 bucks or so for a complete kit (brush, compressor, etc.). Would an airbrush be that much better than spray paint to justify the cost? Thanks for the input.

[SgtM]

I think it would be. Check out harbor freight. They have some decent deals for the amateur airbrush artist. I'm looking at a brush that's $12.99 right now. No compressor, but I have a work around for that.

[DZ469]

well, i have a huge (I mean rly huge) air compressor that we use to blow off
our lawn mower when it gets a bunch of grass on it. IDK if that would work. It's about the size of a large propane tank.

[tinker]

...and whats the workaround because I don't have a compressor?

[SgtM]

The workaround.. My dad has an airbrush and (really effin small) compressor kit.. I'm going to steal his because it doesn't get used. Or, you could buy some cans of compressed air made just for airbrushes.

@DZ. That would work, just gotta make sure you don't blow out hoses with too much airpressure.

I really wish Commando would chime in here. I've never picked up an airbrush, and he's like teh mast0rz n stuff.

[tinker]

yea.
I've watched quite a few of hit tuts.
He is really really good.

For my next case I want to use his carbon fiber effect.
I don't know if I can get away with just using spray paint or if I should buy an airbrush gun.

[Commando]

If your only willing to spend $50 bucks then go with spray paint.

But once you start airbrushing you'll never turn back.

Airbrushes are for details, patterns, and intricate designs. I still sometimes use spray paint for base colors.

[DZ469]

well my max budget that i have left is $200 and i still need to buy plexi,
nuts and bolts, and the paint so maybe around 150 would be available for
paint. That'll probably give you more headroom for advice i guess. If youre
wondering what im going to be painting click on the link in my sig for my mod.
It'll mostly be recoating the case, not a lot of detail so maybe spraypaint would
be better, IDK that's why im asking. I really want this to be a high quality paint
job so i thought airbrushing would be a good idea.

[Greco101]

they have compressed air cans that are specifically made to airbrush without a compressor. I'll see if I can find 'em

[Greco101]

For the UK (http://www.artifolk.co.uk/catalog/products/airbrush_accessories/copic_airbrushing_system_propellant_cans.htm)

For the USA (http://copicmarker.com/home/cm1/smartlist/110/0)

eBay (http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?query=Copic+Air&MfcISAPICommand=GetResult&ht=1&ebaytag1=ebayreg&srchdesc=n&maxRecordsReturned=300&maxRecordsPerPage=50&SortProperty=MetaEndSort)

[danthegeek]

Just go to an auto-parts store and buy some "Dupli color" brand enamel paint. Its decent for the price and they have quite a few color choices. You can also get it at wal-mart. There is no point in buying an airbrush to paint a case. If you wanted it to add details and effects, thats different.