Florida Newbie has lots of questions! - Oh, and Hi everyone!

[maddjohnny]

Hi everyone!
First off, I have never held an airbrush before.
I am a 46 year old male and lover of old classic and musclecars. Since I was 16 I have ate, drank and slept old cars. I have always enjoyed owning them, but just working on them gives me even more pleasure. In the mid 1990s I decided to give art a try. I wanted another hobby. I completed a 2 year degree in computer graphics. I really liked it. In 1997 I moved to Florida to continue my art education for an additional 4 years. Since I left for Florida, I gave up my car hobby. Too expensive and I needed money for school. School was fine, but I never really got a firm grasp on fundamental drawing and painting. Computer art came much more quickly, but I always felt a void not being very good traditionally. I am now searching for a way to get back into some artwork, but also combine it maybe with my original passion . . . old cars.
I think airbrushing could be the answer.
I have sprayed entire cars a few times, but i know that is very different. I just want to give airbrushing a serious try. Hopefully it will work out for me, especially with some support from all of you on this forum.
Heres my questions:
I have no idea what equipment to start with. Hopefully someday down the road I can get practicing with automotive paints, but for now i guess i better stick with non-solvents. I want to buy a used airbrush. Do you think a good used Iwata R4500 Revolution HP-CR would be a good choice??? Any other recommendations as far as guns, paint, lines, etc... ?

[Satch]

Hi MJ, nice to meet you. You've found the right place for AB help, there's a lot of great people here that are more than willing to help. But, since I'm a newbie myself, I'll defer the questions to the more experienced floks. However, I've owned one badger AB, one Paasche AB and one Iwatta AB. Of the three I like the Iwatta Best. Anyway, Just jump in and try a few things. As Don J. says, "It's only paint." Have fun.
Satch

[heartless]

hello Johnny, and welcome to the madness!!

if you have a store near you that sells airbrushes, go and try out a couple for feel, each one will feel different. then buy the one that feels the best to you - everybody has different preferences. There is a section here on the forum for used equipment and Ebay can be a good source for used brushes as well, just be sure of what you bid on if you go that route (i have purchased a couple that way)

you will also be needing an air source. if you have the place for it & noise isnt a huge foactor, you can get a decent compressor from places like Lowes, Home Depot, or your local hardware store pretty easily and fairly cheap - look for one with a storage tank, around 100 PSI & about 5 CFM or better capacities.
if noise is a factor (apartment dweller) then you will be wanting a "silent" type - they get expensive. a lot of guys have had pretty good success building silent units out of refrigerator compressors and a portable air tank - may be an option for you. might even have to try this out myself one of these days (have an old freezer that quit cooling but still runs)

Good luck and hope to see you posting stuff very soon!!

[quickchange]

Welcome..
Where in Florida are you located?

Buying any used gun is a gamble unless you have knowledge of the owner.
However, in a pinch it is a way to get started as long as you are aware you may be spending money to have the gun repaired, if it is not up to par.

I personally use Anthems and Badgers, but like many things in life, everyone has their own preferences. Since you are completely new to airbrushing, getting a decent paint to start with (IMO) will save you much grief in trying learn. I don't spray anything but waterbase and use the following. Aqua flow, Goldens, Golden Fluid Acrylic and Etac. Each has its ups and downs. Will just depend on what is available to you. Shoot you can even just use food coloring to start with and paper towels.

We all started somewhere and I know this group will help you in any way they can. Class act here.

[maddjohnny]

Originally Posted by quickchange

Welcome..
Where in Florida are you located?

Buying any used gun is a gamble unless you have knowledge of the owner.
However, in a pinch it is a way to get started as long as you are aware you may be spending money to have the gun repaired, if it is not up to par.

I'm located in the Bradenton/Sarasota area of SW Florida. We have an art supply store here called Art & Frame. I'll stop by today and see what they have to offer.
I already have 2 older air compressors. One is a 1 HP 12 gal tank, and the other is a 2HP and about a 24 gal. tank. Both are on the noisy side. They are both located in a small shed attached to my home. Too noisy to bring inside. The climate here is usually sunny, but very humid! I don't know if that comes into play at all when airbrushing.
I suppose I could do all my work outside. I do have an easel if i need it and lots of newsprint. Heck... I have the metal shed outside too as a canvas.
Anyway. I was wondering about the Iwata R4500 Revolution HP-CR. I don't know how old of a model it is. Would if be ok for a good all-around starter gun? Including maybe some solvent based paints?

[Diaz Dezine]

I think that the iwata AB you have will be fine. It has a bigger fluid tip and bigger needle, I think it is a 0.5mm fluid tip. Just make sure it is clean and you already have an air source so now you have to do is have fun!
Post some of your progress as you go.
DIAZ

[xzotic ink]

welcome...........you can find tons of help here, you come to the right place...

[heartless]

since you already have a couple of compressors, you could just run a line into a room of your choice, add a second regulator and water trap (so you dont have to run outside to adjust - leave the one on the compressor fairly high) and paint away!

yes, heat & humidity will make a difference when painting.

another great practice "paint" is india ink - easy to use, and cleans up pretty easy too.

[maddjohnny]

Hi heartless.
Running the compressor outside sounds like the best option. I think for now i will do all my work outdoors, until I can create a space inside giving me enough room. That may be a big task in itself!

I have made a decision and purchased an airbrush.
I think i got a good deal on ebay and purchased an Iwata Eclipse HP-BCS. The specific package is the ECL 2001.
With shipping it was only $70.00.
Item #130092656397
If anyone is interested, here is the link:
http://cgie.ebey.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...6397&rd=1&rd=1

Hopefully i will have it by the weekend so i can get started. I am sooo excited about it! I can't wait to start my dots and dagger strokes.

[Zackary]

Hello and welcome aboard!

[maddjohnny]

thanks for the warm welcome everyone! I feel at home here.
I have struggled with my art in the past and I think a lot of it had to do with a lack of real support. I have a good feeling about this community so far. I can't wait to share with all of you.

I'm still waiting for the airbrush I ordered to arrive. It may not be here until Monday now. Bummer.
I want to register for the online mag., but money is tight now. I know it has to be well worth it, but i gotta wait until I can swing it. Hopefully within a month. In the meantime, I'll get started with some newsprint and do some practicing.

Thanks again for the welcomes!

[Joyce]

Welcome aboard. You'll find lots of inspiration here and good advice too.

[mayhem]

well here is a warm FL welcome to ya I live in port richey FL, sorry for the late welcome , get ready cuz once you get bit by AB bug it doesnt stop !

oh and hear is a word you will hear alot on your journey"fundamentals"