Beginner Needle

[A!rbrush]

Ok, expect a lot of questions from this helpless n00b.

I've been reading and practicing and reading and practicing, my dots are coming along but I have nightmares about dagger strokes and my lines are more like squiggles. My question is this:

I bought a Paasche VL (dual action internal mix) and it came with 3 needles 1, 3 and 5 the 3 is what was installed out of the box but is this the one I should be using just starting out?

[brushbyair]

Depends on the type of paint you are using. Paint viscosities is the reason for different size needles, the thinner the paint the lower number needle you can use. Starting with the #3 should be just fine for most paints, What kind of paint are you using, what pressure do you have your brush set at, what type of surface are you painting on ?

I think the Paasche VL is the perfect airbrush to learn with-- the #3 tip & needle is what I would start you with..#1 is very fine & I never use it (nice to have in your kit though) & I've never had a #5..Once you get more adept with your airbrush you will understand the uses for each, but for now stick with the #3.. The dot it'self is not so important--it's what the dot teaches you while you make it that counts for something..you must be able to make a decent looking dot 15-20 times in a row WITHOUT TURNING the AIR OFF, & you have to know how to do this before you move on to a dagger stroke..Practicing dot excercises teaches trigger control.. Learn how to manipulate & control the trigger on a double action airbrush & you will succeed from that point on!! Good luck to you..

[A!rbrush]

I've been practicing with food coloring on paper towels and stenciled a t-shirt for a change of pace last night with Badger Air Opaques. Both are very thin. The compressor is set about 25 with the paper towels and had it up to about 60 when doing the t shirt.

Let's split the difference & work with 40-45 psi--& again this becomes a matter of preference by each artist..after you pay your dues with enough practice you'll begin to have preferences all of your own..I work with very thick paint, but for a beginner about the consistancy of milk would be good..