Airbrush question faq results:

[loathar]

I use baby food jars to store thinned down paint. 35 cents for the cheap meat flavored and my dog and cat love it. They have pretty good seals on the lids.

[nolatron]

What's the recommended way to deal with your paint after airbrushing?  Do you store you paint in the bottle with a solid cap on it, removing the airbrush cap?  Do you soak the airbrush cap in cleaner or water so it doesn't get clogged?

My main issue has always been the "after painting" session and what to do with the bottles of paint I used.  I always end up not being able to get paint out the bottle the next time around because something is probably clogged.

[loathar]

wjstix-That's good to know about the acrylics clogging up an internal. I was thinking about upgrading from my Paache H to an internal, but I'm using a lot of craft paint on structures lately. I was even thinking about one of these.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=95810

Can't go wrong for the $$$.

[wjstix]

I used double-action internal-mix airbrushes in the $80-110 range (c.1990) until acrylic paint came along. Acrylics like to gum up the internal mix airbrushes, at least that was my experience. I ended up going to bottom-of-the-line Testors and Badger external mix units for $15-20 and have been very happy with the results.

p.s. I think Aztec is actually more a model name than manufacturer name, I think they're a line of airbrushes made by Testors??

[cregil]

Here is what I, a soon-to-be-first-airbrush-owner, have learned.  Please feel free to add and offer your own more experienced thoughts, oppinions and advice:

 

• Major manufacturers of airbrushes used my model railroaders:  Aztek, Badger, Paasche
• Single acton verses double action:  Single is easier, and cheaper, but controlling airflow only and not paint quantity in mix, it is less sophisticated than the more popular and more expensive double action brushes which requires greater learning curve and skill.
• Gravity Feed of Siphon feed:  User choice.  Gravity feed cups are usually in fractional ounces-- more than enough for most MR projects; but siphon-feeds make use of reusable storable, cap-able jars so you can mix larger amounts and reuse at a later time.  In some applications, gravity feed, being on top, does allow the airbrush easier access to small work.
• Internal mix verses external mix:  User choice.  External mix have slightly more overspray, but overspray is inherent in the use of airbrushes. Detail work (e.g., fine lines, dots, etc.) may slightly favor internal . but you ought to be taping off anyway, so it may moot.  General painting, weathering and sealing favors neither.
• Tip size:  Medium tips for general purpose in model railroading-- far and away the most useful and popular.  Finer tips for excruciating detail.
• Propel verses compressor:  You'll want (but not require) a compressor unless you are certain of very rare use.  Noise, initial cost and flow rates are issues with compressors.  Specifically for airbrushes, costs are high because noise is low.  General purpose air compressors intended for shop use (relatively loud) are often adequate and less expensive. PSI of around 35 lbs. as maximum, is a rule of thumb with many airbrushes requiring less pressure.  CFI (volume supplied) is also factor.  Compressors with storage tanks that, for example, have tank pressure of 100 psi, will not run continuously as you spray.
• Cost:  Most modelers are paying around $50.00 to $70.00 for single action and $70.00 and up for double action in the brands mentioned here. 

For what it is worth:

As with most hobbies requiring tools, there are “tool junkies” those who include the value of having and working with the best as part of the enjoyment of the hobby.  At the other end, there are the “make do” hobbyists who will look for cost efficient barely adequate deals.  Tool junkies will want to budget at least $300.00 in brush, compressor and accessories.  Make-do hobbyist can get away with about $40.00.  I am somewhere in between, and owning a 2 gallon tank shop-compressor already, ordered by single action, siphon feed, internal mix Badger with cup, jars and caps plus a good hose and moisture trap for less than $80.00 including shipping.

 

Thanks to all who helped me through this purchase. 

Crews