Airbrush Basics: I Made Every Mistake So You Don't Have To

[@Dj_PushStart]

"Baptize him in my mists" = instant like. Another winner Jon, thanks for this knowledge bomb.

[@astrozombiac3535]

Sounds Jon found another T Shirt slogan

[@TheStafman97]

Exactly what I came here to say

[@marauder7209]

There are 4 brushes that every painter should have; The Trusty Brush, for daily use The Crusty Brush, for abusive use The Crystal Brush, for eternal aspiration The Airbrush, cause I can't say what I will do if I have to paint another Space Marine by hand.

[@coalitionofrob436]

The last point is exactly why I broke down and bought one!

[@NicholasVernem-GroovyNickyLee]

I feel this. Trying to grind my way through an entire battle company of my homebrew chapter, gave up part way through 2 squads and a captain and got an airbrush.

[@daggerfly0087]

Me who collects tau: HA can't relate The vehicles and battle suits: alow us to introduce ourselves

[@RapiDEraZeR]

I'd add in the tooth brush.

[@TheUnoriginal2394]

@@RapiDEraZeR it really helps get the finer details on my teeth to the right shade

[@duerf5826]

I use a water flosser to clean my airbrush. It's probably the fastest and the most stress free method throughout my 10 years of airbrushing.

[@kyley9768]

I have one I never use hahaha now it has a purpose, this is genius!!!!!

[@stephenvaden4718]

I really like that you show how the topic at hand fits into a painting project. Not just, "Here's some airbrush info", but "here's how to use the information to actually paint a model". Thanks!

[@kofmanmi]

Awesome video. Some additional tips: 1. If you keep the cap on the airbrush cup, it will keep the paint inside from starting to dry, adding additional protection from clogs and will make cleaning a lot simpler. 2. When applying paint in bursts, keep the air on by continuously depressing the trigger, this will help with tip-dry. 3. Lubricating the needle will also help immensely with clogs.

[@kylejmxb]

I was told to never ever ever pull the needle out of the back of the brush, by my local shops owner, who seems to know her stuff. Interesting to see so many folks pulling stuff out the back

[@BarokaiRein]

After trying out a pistol grip airbrush I'm probably never gonna touch a regular one again. I don't care if regular double actions have supposedly better air to paint control than double action pistol grips,I'm far better at using the pistol grip and it doesn't cause my joints pain.

[@notsonerdgaming3406]

Its true that dual action is better for air flow and usage, but if a pistol grip makes your hands feel good, and you still get the quality your happy with. Go for it, send it, you do you. Im just happy your having fun :D

[@paulhogan3116]

Generally double action is easier for European painters and Pistol Grip is easier for Americans.

[@jrod5113]

​@@paulhogan3116 Yes it's part of our 2nd amendment 😅.

[@chillchinna4164]

@@paulhogan3116it’s called the freedom grip in America.

[@Fridelain]

"Wargames, being necessary training for a well regulated militia, the right of the people to keep and paint minis, shall not be infringed."

[@grubywudda7104]

My woman bought me an airbrush and I'm taking it for a ride today! Awesome tips, short and sweet! Thanks Jon!

[@Thornspyre81]

I'm a few days away from getting an airbrush setup myself after years of putting it off, good luck to you!!

[@adamg4336]

thank you for the tip regarding bubbling. I've been using a brush to mix it in the pot so this will save me cleaning effort

[@kmylo9]

Hello, I am from Colombia and I am about to start this beautiful world of painting. I have searched for many tutorials and videos, and in this video, I found everything explained in a simple way, from mixing thinner and flow improver, which almost no one else mentions. This is something that would help a novice like me a lot to avoid clogs. I can only say thank you for this video.

[@earthad1000]

I've heard a lot of people say Iso is bad for the rubber gaskets and backflow to mix is also bad and will degrade them. Marco Frisani, for instance, claims this. A lot of scale model painters do too. Thoughts?

[@seldomfollows]

I live like a 20min drive from Michigan Toy Soldier, and it's so cool see them get a shout out on this channel. They totally deserve it, too. Best hobby shop I've ever set foot in.

[@tombombadil9338]

All Hail Spray Mordius! Lord of the Primer and the 9 Hellscapes of Miniature Painting, Master of the Crispiest Blends, and Devourer of All Things Mini.

[@GlazedMcGuff1n]

That montage music?! That got me weirdly pumped.

[@Scherdnr]

I was all primed to go to karate in the garage while it was on!

[@Jauphrey]

Even as a commission painter, these videos are worth their weight in gold, Jon. You're such a talented educator on top of being a wonderful painter. You're teaching me about things I feel like I've mastered years ago; really humbling and I just wanted to say thanks for inadvertently keeping me motivated to improve!

[@NibNa5ty]

Hey, Vsause! Michael here! How much does a video weight?

[@MichaelB-iz4uk]

Well presented Jon. As for the color change cleaning I dump and wipe the pot, back bubble with thinner or solution, and jet the port at the bottom in and out with a pipette or eye dropper. Repeat until it sprays clear on a paper towel. I rarely have much to clean at disassembly. But I like that water flosser idea the previous gent mentioned.

[@Thomas-mh7kp]

Monument Hobbies (Pro Acryl) primers are the bees knees to spray out of an airbrush if anyone is looking. Love your videos bro!

[@HJKampe]

Better than Badger Stynylrez primer, if you've tried both?

[@Thomas-mh7kp]

​@@HJKampe TL;DR I prefer Monument Hobbies (MH) for overall performance and protection. I have used both and had good experiences with both primers. MH primers I feel perform better with its consistency coming out of the brush. Specifically MH White is glorious to work with because I've never had it clog. Badger's line is overall alright but their white is hit or miss. My only gripe with MH is with the black brown primer, I had to shake the dickens out of it before hand to have a consistent color. MH puts a mixing ball in it already for you so its not bad. The last thing though is how well it hardens after waiting for it to fully dry. Badger is okay but I found myself sometimes scratching the primer off when painting after waiting 24hrs for it to dry. I feel like MH puts a solid shield around the model I'm working with. I have been able to work on a piece 4 hours after I primed it with no issues. Hope this helps.

[@Thornspyre81]

​@@HJKampegood to know! I just bought almost the whole Pro Acryl range and an airbrush so thanks!

[@Bannerninja]

most essential piece of advice I have seen was an airbrush illustrator who said “first and last thing out of your airbrush should be air - press that button down to let air through before and after switching to paint - cuts down on the airbrush having paint stuck in it and blocking the needle” Great stuff here Jon - lots of good advice and i will definately try out that thinner/flow mix

[@androidthumper]

Love the increased use of oil paints in project workflows. Marco would be proud. Killer music choices in your recent vids as well!

[@PXLJUC]

Marco would also say not to mix directly in the cup with backflow so not as proud =P

[@tombombadil9338]

@@PXLJUC yeah, his airbrushing advice doesn't seem widely practiced. When I get back to airbrushing, going to give his care and cleaning techniques a shot.

[@The_WarL0rd_Way]

Great video, one thing to add to the airbrush cleaning when your done and ready to store it. Loosen the needle and pull it back from the nozzle a mm and the tighten it back down. Learned that from the CK Studios class on airbrushing vehicles. Just don't forget you did that then next time you use it like I did. Lol

[@marcjones5862]

To stop it banging on stuff while stored?

[@The_WarL0rd_Way]

To stop the needle from gluing itself to the nozzle incase a little paint was left behind.

[@RoofusKit]

I'm not an airbrush pro, but I was told to never pull the needle out of the back of the airbrush like you did. Always remove the nozzle and push the needle out the front so no paint gets in the back of the brush.

[@harrisonlorens3585]

The fact that you left that paint bubble on top while you were airbrushing the primer was killing me 😂

[@Carnalpain]

Heh. OCD kicking in! There shall be no bubbles in the paint pot!

[@Winterydee]

Ain't no one got time to pop that shit! It's MF'ing SPRAY TIME!!! That bubble will go away when the cup is empty!

[@joshuagoss6896]

Right? Bubbles in your paint cup usually means you haven't got some connection tight.

[@manga3040]

@@joshuagoss6896 or you just plugged the front on purpose.

[@adron1261]

It was providing an air seal to keep paint better longer. Jon is such a genius!

[@zephyfoxy]

Clicked on this to learn about airbrushing, insanely grateful for the other things you showed. I just got an airbrush and I'm starting to print things I 3D print, and I've been wondering how people get such amazing effects, and now I know. I'm gonna use this to make a list for future shopping. Thank you for this~!

[@Spiraticus]

This is the exact kind of video I need as a learning newbie to airbrushing! From my experience, I’ve found that there’s not that much in the way of fundamental instruction but you touch on that in this video with stuff like the tinting. What I’d really like to see is a video describing and showing these fundamental techniques in detail because the one issue I have with lots of videos, even from other otherwise great channels, is that they’re either oriented to people with zero clue about airbrushing or they talk with the assumption already know how to do certain techniques with crumbs of information for those in between like me.

[@adron1261]

Another classic, filled with great tips. I tend to dump my airbrush slop at end of a session but I suppose you can keep it. . . . . .

[@funboy46]

THIS is the video I've been needing to see. Been wanting to get an airbrush but my utter cluelessness on them has kept me away. Thank you so much!

[@coalitionofrob436]

So unbiased review of the Airbrush linked. Received off Amazon the other day and got straight into it. Basically for a tool at the cheaper end it works well. I clean it fastidiously between paints, including Alcohol. Only had one blockage, from some old Waagh Flesh paint. back flushed it with Alcohol a few times, its fine. Only been running the .3 needle, it comes with a .2 and .5. My Space Marine Batch (Flesh Tearers) is coming along nicely. Compressor set at 30psi. I know I can change this up, so min/maxing pressure and using the right needle will no doubt go a long way. So why the comment? I assume many people like me are interested in AB, but are also "buyer beware" of the cheap stuff. I use a lot of hand/power tools, and I know you get a lot of bad stuff these days, so I held back. This video gave me the kick along to get the cheap one (compared to Iwata's). I also bagged a small range of good quality brushes, and keep using cheaper synthetic brushes for a lot of things (based on Jons brush video). Does it work as well as an Iwata? No idea, but for me it has worked well, and cost 60 AUD, versus maybe 150 (most seem to be 250 on Amazon). So long story short - Thanks Jon. Your an amazing painter/artists/*whatever you like to be called*) but you give us insight into how we can lift our game without spending too much cash.

[@juliehamel8330]

Your choise of colors on this minie are spot on. Gives me shivers 😝

[@notnubilous3804]

*children enters into room* "Daddy what are you doing?" "HAIL SPRAY MODIUS!" "Mom, Dad is doing the thing again."

[@grimdarksandwich66]

The portion on cleaning is excellent. The airbrush is a great tool. Easier cleaning= more painting and better results. Thanks for this video.

[@karmallama7629]

Such a useful video for both experienced airbrush painters and beginners alike! Amazing work earned a like from me! A habbit I personally try to do is always take the needle out forwards from the airbrush rather than backwards after painting if i need to clean the needle - maybe a bit too ott but i like to think it removes the risk of paint getting into the parts of the airbrush you dont want it going

[@MrStatistx]

Speaking of good practice, to remove a possible clogging trap, mixing your paint OUTSIDE the cup is safer. Translucent plastic shot glasses are a good and cheap idea or like Angel Giraldez uses a plastic lid. That way you don't risk of getting too thick paint that you haven't properly mixed into the head of the airbrush before you even start. Probably a good idea for new airbrushers.

[@spacebill721]

This video and a new airbrush changed the way I hobby. The tinting tip is so helpful. Saves me so much time wet blending with my poor hands until I get arthritis. I liked it so much I got drunk and bought your slay the grey hoodie. Good stuff.

[@TheBinklemNetwork]

My dog did not like the voice of the airbrush. She gave the cutest sassiest borks and then settled when it came back to you just to get set off again with the back and forth of the skit. Great content, subbed

[@sisterpanic9588]

Very nice video! Personally I learned Airbrushing at art-school from a teacher who mostly does motorcycle detailing and usually do photorealistic paintings with this technique but I am looking to incorporate it into mini painting so your video was very helpful to introduce the model specific techniques. One tiny thing you forgot to mention (for dual action pistols anyway) is that it is important to always keep your trigger down, while you're painting so you always have an even airflow. This is important so the pigments are misted evenly and you do not get splotches. This is what frustrates a lot of beginners because they tend to use the airbrush like a spray can. Always remember the pushing down motion is for airflow the pulling backwards motion is to control the paint flow. :) Also I prefer Haarder&Steenbeck (specifically the Evolution) over Iwata, I find the H&S fine mechanics a little more responsive but this is personal preference. Another thing worth mentioning is, that there are different nozzle/needle sizes for the more expensive airbrushes. Some airbrushes even come with two sizes, most commonly 0.2 and 0.4 (nozzle and needle logically need the same diameter). If you are pretty proficient with the airbrush but still fail to get that superfine detail maybe you need to put in a smaller diameter needle. ;)

[@matttran7161]

I love how I always learn something new. Like the 10% flow improver 90% thinner mix.

[@spamstabber]

Eh cup mixing is a great way to find out if your paint has any lumps when it clogs up. Takes a couple of seconds more to mix your paints in an old blister pack or something, and is much easier to see.

[@joseromano1395]

Just would like to add that I have an Iwata Eclipse for over 20 years used a few hundred times and is still fine. Changed thinnest needle once (my fault ). Also got a Micron, very little used. The Eclipse is my favorite ! Ciao. Jo.

[@lisasairy251]

Thank you for sharing with us your unique methods for taking care of our airbrushes!

[@QuestionRealityMedia]

my girl, is letting me buy one for Christmas this year (never air brused before always hand painted) cant wait to give it a try

[@wonsworld61]

seriously love your vids. Thanks for the info. I'm slowly moving out of "sh*t skerred" mode and getting closer to attacking the stash of minis I have been buying and not touching. I will get there :)

[@ironbomb6753]

Ha! You say that now!

[@travisbennett5762]

Great video. Everyone who paints any kind of models should watch. Awesome, simple techniques shown very here.

[@hanswurst5222]

all in all good video. a tip i picked up along my airbrushing journey, and also one of the most essential imo, is: the first and the last thing that should leave your airbrush while painting is air. helped me with avoiding speckles, clogging and building that triggerfinger muscles.

[@scoobydruid]

Great video! Super helpful for a newb who just got an airbrush and is worried about what he's getting into.

[@kriss667]

Holy hell Jon. I gotta admit that when I first saw Scott recommending you I thought "duud, do not try to make your friend happen". But oh boy are you one of my favourite painters right now!

[@brycecampbell824]

I honestly prefer jon

[@sablemoreno5095]

I got an airbrush from a family friend, so i was looking for info before i jumped in and this was super helpful! Im not sure if my enamel hobby paints will work properly with it yet but ive got at least a few of the other paints/inks youve used so im at least a little on my way to the proper supplies

[@evinoshea5215]

This video has saved me some much time effort and hassle, I'm new to airbrushing but I have had no issues with it because this video taught be everything I needed to know to care for it. Thank you for the great video!

[@stephenmacdonald2684]

Huge help seeing this as I am trying my set up for the first time!

[@Zorvax]

As a new painter my airbrush always intimidates me, but I feel much more comfortable picking it up after watching this. Thank you!

[@f.s.3197]

Everyone has done the typical airbrush tutorial. But this one has nice new touch. Fun to watch👍

[@8MrDonut8]

i just ordered my first airbrush! thank you for all the tips!

[@johnathanrhoades7751]

Just picked up my first air brush ever (thanks to another of your vids...) Thanks for all the tips!!

[@gagonthis2389]

I painted that same model and thought it had come out nice, until i saw what you did with it. now i have to strip it and do it like you. my ego has been crushed.

[@hundun5604]

Oh, that aluminium-foil packed paint palette is an awesome idea!

[@Blake4216]

I found myself saying frack yeah the whole way through. So much great content in a fun size vid. 🤟

[@nyleen]

Actually my fav hobby video now. Thanks Jon. ♥️

[@nerdragehobbies6318]

Thank you so much for the sponge backflow idea. I've been using a Badger patriot and can't believe I never thought of that solution.

[@k23Mordred]

Thank you! Just unpacked my first Airbrush and this was super helpful!

[@singingReaper]

I picked up and used an airbrush for the first time today and finished my first model fully. While I stumbled a few times and am still rather unsteady with pressure and aim, your video certainly made sure it happened less frequently. Thank you for the tutorial Jon, I can’t wait to use this medium more

[@merek5380]

I'm not going to lie the biggest game changer for me in this video was the aluminum foil cover on the pallet. You really broke this down extremely well Ninjon, top quality work here.

[@sethl.9945]

I know this video is a bit older, but I'm new to mini painting, and this has helped me a lot with my first airbrush application of zenithal priming! Looking forward to much more great advice for years to come.

[@chuppath1ngy]

2 things I'll get up early for and stay up, one is watching Ninjon's videos, and the other is making fun of Scott in the comments section of one of his. Another knockout, love it buddy!! 👌👌👌

[@_walruseater]

May be my favorite paint job you’ve done. Excellent!

[@stalhuth]

just an advice, when you take out the needle (for clean) do it back to front to avoid bring paint to the center and back side of the airbrush

[@isaiahyoung5167]

Dude the sculpt is Rad! And at first I thought the oil paints were going to ruin the look, but it looks like I didn't know how to use them! Damn fine job!!!!

[@EvilMP5]

A sort of new brand airbrush I started to use and is made in a similar factory to Iwata is the GSI airbrushes. They blew my mind.

[@p_serdiuk]

Afaik it's not recommended to backflow airbrushes because the seals are not designed for it and will slowly wear out over time. Airbrush paint is supposed to be pre-mixed. Also the skimmed milk bit is slightly misleading because the optimal consistency really depends on the nozzle size and paint. You can go thicker than that.

[@coalitionofrob436]

You should make a video about it

[@KjetilKverndokken]

@@coalitionofrob436 he don't need to . People like Angel Giraldez and Marco Frisoni (airbrush "gods") have already talked about stuff like that 😉

[@Fredster9984]

This is the most straightforward and useful video on airbrushing I have come across. Thank you for this, and keep the practical tips coming!

[@gager73]

This is by far the best tutorial on using an airbrush.

[@reforgedcriterion1471]

Ha.. took me over a month to figure out that even airbrushing paint needs a few drops of thinner--especially primers, to stop tip dry. My mix is 50/50 water/iso and a small amount of glycerin and glycol. I use it both as a thinner/flow aid and as a cleaner. Also have a squirt bottle of window washer fluid as part of my cleaning ritual. Killer tips here, and a fantastic model. You make it look easy.

[@7h37400]

Always a pleaser to watch videos your fun videos.You have bunch of great info and little tips every time. Thanks you for your hard work.

[@JohnAldred]

Good timing. Just bought my first airbrush this week :)

[@power_SERG]

I take a bucket, fill it with cold water. When I'm done Airbrushing, I dunk half my Airbrush into the bucket, gurgle it while under water, and after a few times, I dunk it into a cup filled with Distilled/Ionized water. Never has clogged.

[@danmeehan1390]

New to your channel, was recommended by a friend. I am not into Warhammer but, I do paint military models and figures. Your video provided some good tips that apply to many genres. Good work

[@MentoliptusBanko]

Since I got an airbrush my chaos demons practically painted themselves. Zenithal priming followed by contrast paints and/or inks is a super fast way to paint almost any mini with lots of skin (like chaos demons).

[@Tennethums1]

Thanks for the vid! I’ve been mini painting (brush) since the mid 80s, but have never really gotten into the airbrushing aspect. Watched a bunch of videos on the airbrushes and finally settled on the Creos PS282. Was right around what I wanted to spend ($100) and the reviews I’ve seen have all been spectacular. I’m a huge board game player and while I’ve painted many of the minis that come with the games, by hand, I need something that can “lvl me up” in both speed and quality. I typically use the “Slapchop” method (LOVE the Army Painter Speed Paints) with rattle can primers. I don’t know, just real curious about the airbrush so, JUMPING IN HEAD FIRST! 😜

[@natethegm9802]

Using your links. Following your recommendations. Appreciate your help and how you go about explaining things.

[@aaronbono4688]

I do NOT use short bursts when I prime or put down base coats. I pull back gently on the trigger until just a small amount comes out. It is slow and might take a little longer to prime but it does on smooth and actually requires a few layers so I never get too much on obscuring the details. I think constantly pulling back the trigger would not only wear my finger out quickly but could result in thicker blobs in places and thinner in others. By keeping the trigger down slightly I can wave it round the mini and get nice even coats.

[@petewiseman]

Thankyou for many excellent tips (not just for painting miniatures!)

[@aaronreed8402]

Just stumbled across your video, and I learned a lot from it. Thank you for the clear-cut presentation and information. I actually ordered a few things that you recommended.

[@MrPiepschuim]

Very nice airbrushing video. But GOD DAMMIT I love the magic you do with oil paints!

[@christianharnett2393]

Just ordered my first airbrush kit and even though I've already watched all the quality minitubers videos I was stoked on the timing of this video!! Confident my first shoot won't be a failure now!

[@danielangevine1346]

thanks jon for the tips - getting more into this side of the hobby - you & miniac have been great for me as a newbie

[@supersoftfloormat]

Excellent video. I'm glad I finally have a good term for that bucket full of old paint and thinnerI have near my spray booth! I've been using the airbrush to paint gunpla for about 7 years now and I still battle with spraying acrylics. About 60% of my paints are vallejo, and the rest are lacquers. The lacquers spray like a dream no matter how tight I go in, but the acrylics are so temperamental for me. Tip dry is something I've never been able to get rid of. I've learned to just have a little dental brush in a tray of airbrush cleaner and on a good day I'm wiping the needle every 5 or 6 sprays, and on a bad day it's every time I let off the trigger. I've tried seemingly every combination of thinner, flow improver, air pressure, etc. and I still deal with it. I keep telling myself I'm going to just quit using them, but I keep buying more because I love Vallejo’s ranges. It’s like an abusive relationship! Anyways, if you ever make a more specific video on tip dry I’d watch it in a heartbeat. Thanks for the videos!

[@brandon.paints]

Just ordered a copy of Reign In Hell after seeing this, can’t wait to give it a try!

[@xManzi]

Great video, great intro, superb music... What else is there... Looks like I will go paint now... Thank you man...

[@michigan_joe]

I am extremely lucky to live within 20 minutes of Michigan Toy Soldier. GREAT store, they definitely deserve the business boost. Thank you

[@justanothercaptain6566]

Cool video. I am still on the fence over an airbrush. More because of space/reaIestate I will need for one. But you did show my why I have to seriously think about where I could place one in the house. It does have serious value. Cheers

[@Farmotaro]

I love your intros man. And your videos are so informative and clear! THANK YOU!

[@samanthagrimes8832]

I learn a ton from your content. Thanks for helping me get better at something I have a ton of fun doing.

[@Chuggernaut47]

The montage music just really tied this video together! Well played!

[@dc345601]

Good timing Jon! I just got a new airbrush and have been feverishly watching videos!

[@MrH-GB]

PSI for primer, base coating and inks?

[@shawngarbett6671]

Thank you for this. A bit of color vocabulary, tint means make whiter and shade mean make blacker. What you call tinting is a little of both tinting and shading and with some hue shift. Deepening mayhaps?

[@vienslatelier]

Super helpful video! Thank you for all of your insights. I am going to be picking up the airbrush soon, and this made LOTS of sense. Thank you!

[@crossbones8956]

I have an old Paasche airbrush I’ve been using to prime, I’ll have to see if I can get different needle sizes to try these techniques.

[@dennism.2976]

The demon looks amazing. I see quite a bit of inspiration from marco's approach to painting. Tried oil paints last week for the first time and I love it! So much new things to try =)

[@gnometroll1717]

It's great to see a video with acrylics, oils and airbrush techniques together. Awesome video Uncle Jon. That music during painting was crisp af.

[@82588LukeAriel]

Jon's color schemes always blow my minds

[@barrymcdougall4139]

This is a great video! and more than just an airbrush video, the combo of airbrush, contrast and oil-wash is a winner.