Need advice/suggestions

[Jason S]

Whats up everyone! I am brand new to airbrushing, but I'm trying to learn as much as I can. This site is OFF THE CHAIN! I've been looking through websites about airbrushing day and night, and this is hands down the most complete, informative, straightforward guide to ab I have come across. Don, you are the definition of a pro. I don't know why anyone who is seriously considering airbrushing would not sign up for the online journal. I love the videos too, any chance of more of those soon?

Like I said, I'm reeeeally new to airbrushing, but not art (I’ve attached some of my work). I am hoping that my color pencil experience can translate over to airbrushing. Hopefully, all the practice I plan on putting in will pay off. I have been commissioned to kustom paint several cars when I am ready, and if all goes according to plan, a couple dozen more. I know I want to start with tshirts after I perfect my strokes. I've been doing a lot of research on the forum, product reviews and articles from the online magazine. They are extremely informative but I know the only way for me to be successful at airbrushing is to practice, practice, practice.

Before I can do that, I need the equipment. I've read your reviews and compiled a list of the equipment I will eventually need to kustom paint. I would love suggestions from anyone on equipment I've chosen, other supplies I will need, or how to use the equipment best:

Gravity AB: Iwata custom micron b
Bottom feed AB: NEED SUGGESTIONS
Practice Paint: Golden Airbrush colors, Doc Martins
T-shirt Paint: NEED SUGGESTIONS
Auto Paint: Should I go with the HOK kits? Which do you all use?
Compressor w/ regulator/trap: Does a silent compressor make that big a difference?
Masking mats: Transfer Rite Frisket Film, any suggestions?
Hose, Cleaning Tools, ect

Am I missing anything? Will I need a spray gun if I am planning to leave the base and clear coating to the pros? Also, Do most auto body shops do the base and clear coating? How much does that generally cost? Any input anyone has would be of great value to me.
Thanks,
J

looks like you know where your headed equipment wise not sure i can add anything to that, just take your time and don't forget we do this to relax, have fun, to be creative, there's no hurry after all it's just paint

nice work you posted i'm sure we'll do great adding the airbrush to your artist tools

[vilner]

That is some nice work you posted. I just have one comment about your airbrush. The custom micron is a great airbrush but I wouldn't recomend one to someone just learning how to airbrush. I would recommend getting botha Iwata HP-CS and a HP-BCS. These are good airbrushes for the variety of surfaces and types of painting you are looking to do. They will also be way easier to learn on.

John

[Jason S]

thanks for the advice! I am def going to take my time and get the fundamentals down. You are right Don, you've got to have the right intentions when doing any kind of art. It's got to be because you love to create, I feel ya. I think I will also go with the two ab you suggested John and maybe get the micron b sometime down the road when my skills are sharpened. You are the second person that pointed me towards both the HP-BCS and HP-CS! They must be solid. I am goign to buy my supplies and airbrush next week, so any more advice would be much appreciated. Thanks everyone else for your contributions to the airbrush technique site too. It helps beginners like me more than you know! Don, how do i get a pic next to my name on the thread?