Gravity Feed Airbrush VS Siphon Feed Airbrush

I give you the pros and cons of both types of airbrushes as well as explain how both feed systems work so you can make an educated guess on which one you will need.

[@stevenbongiorno9277]

I’ve been building models since 72, and I got into airbrushing with a cheap Aztec system. It works well for what I use it for, but I’ve also purchased a Badger Creshendo that have never used in 10 years. You’ve definitely made me feel more confident in using the Badger, and I l know it’s a better brush. I’m gonna try using it, cause I feel it’s a a way better system. I build model cars, so I need a airbrush that’ll make my car bodies look realistic. I’m not going for the show shine, but what a real race car looks like. Thanks again!!!

[@henrysscrollsawworks6917]

Thank you for your enlightened ment your showing what I needed to learn thank you

[@kevsimpson88keys77]

fantastic thanks

[@henrysscrollsawworks6917]

Thanks

[@samjohnson166]

Thanks for the information! Very helpful! I've been gifted a siphon feed airbrush but have no air compressor. Is there a good starter compressor you would suggest? I'm painting boardgame miniatures. I've seen some complete kits on amazon ( gravity feed ) that are cheaper than most stand alone compressors!

[@jollyrogerhobbies2386]

Sad to say, the compressor is the most expensive part of an airbrush set up. There are so many compressors out there that it is hard to suggest one. Shop around and find out what is best for you. Minium requirements should include an air compressor with a line pressure capability of over 30 psi min. I suggest at least a 50. Also It needs to have an adjustment knob so you can dial in the exact pressure for the exact operation you are doing at that moment. If you get one without a tank, you will have a drop in line pressure and the begining of the spray so keep that in mind. There are just so many factors and options that I cannot suggest a specific one. I'm sorry.

[@MySqueezingArm]

If you haven't already, troll through craigslist for a 3 gallon compressor. You can find a $200 construction compressor for like $50. I will be getting a cheap siphon feed brush to do priming/zenithal highlighting on models. Maybe I'll get a gravity fed later if I do more detail work. Either way I can deliver at least 80 PSI or dial it down because I bought a decemt compressor. Good luck!

[@subhan1641]

im gona use metallic and thicker paints, for somewhat medium applications, just a replacement for spray cans, so which one do you suggest?? my applications are from small as pc mouse to a larger microwave oven. thanks

[@jollyrogerhobbies2386]

You will still have to thin your paints unless you use the pre-thinned paint for airbrushing. (which I do not) With regular paints, you will have to adjust the ratio from thinning agent to paint. But you can do it with your preference. With the size of your projects, especially the microwave size I would definitely go with the siphon feed as the larger bottles will hold the amount of paint you will need. Also the larger needle size will give you a wider spray area. Gravity feed is good for details, but if you will not be spraying small details then a siphon feed will work well for you. (you can always get both)

[@RyanDurbin10]

I wish someone made paint bottles that were the same size as the syphon bottle, I'm painting lots of paint on RC bodies and it would be nice to just mount the bottle to the syphon lid and attach it to the airbrush

[@jollyrogerhobbies2386]

You can buy some bottles in hobby lobby that have a regular lid for storage and a seprate lid for connecting to the airbrush I think. It has been a while since I was in Hobby Lobby due to the virus thing

[@Razento25]

Are you able to store paints in the siphon bottles? I have 3 gravity feed airbrushes, but some project require a lot more colors and I find myself having the clean the airbrush so often.

[@jollyrogerhobbies2386]

For this specific airbrush and bottle, No you cannot store paints in them. There is no way to seal them. There is a hole where it connects to your airbrush, and another hole for a vent hole. That is with this siphon airbrush. However, there are bottles out there that you can seal and keep the paints in them, just not these specific bottles. so you will have to do research and find the right combo that works for you.

[@RyanDurbin10]

Idk how successful I'll be but I have 1.5oz mixed in a syphon bottle and I taped up the lid a lot hopping it'll be fine overnight.

[@grassCrow]

@@jollyrogerhobbies2386 seems you could just plug, cap, or tape any bottle

[@jollyrogerhobbies2386]

@@grassCrow Plug or tape the bottle without the lid I suppose so. However not with the lid/top on as it lacks any rubber gasket around the lip and also lacks any plugs around the holes. If you taped up both holes on the lid, the air would still get into the bottle due to there being no gasket. if you could find a proper cap to fit and seal then yes it would be possible. However that is a lot of trouble to go through to store the paints when you can just use a proper bottle or bottles that you can get relatively cheap.

[@grassCrow]

@@jollyrogerhobbies2386 Hey, thanks for the info. Didn’t realize the lid wasn’t sealing. Have a Merry Christmas.

[@nullnull403forbidden]

Where did you pick up the moisture trap from?

[@jollyrogerhobbies2386]

Hobby Lobby

[@Cutlas]

What would be better for motorcycle parts like to touch up mirrors, pedals little things like that I got siphon feed would gravity be better

[@jollyrogerhobbies2386]

Since you are doing small items and probably will be using small amounts of paint, my opinion would be gravity fed.

[@jollyrogerhobbies2386]

Now if you are talking real motorcycle parts, not model motorcycle, then siphon feed. You will be changing paints often and using large amounts of paint. Plus motorcycle parts would be considered a medium to large spray area.

[@henrysscrollsawworks6917]

My airbrush is neo bcn

[@jollyrogerhobbies2386]

Ah, yeah, mine says to 25 too. However, 20 is as high as my compressor goes and it is "barely" enough. and 5 psi isnt going to help. I have read others saying that 15 to 45 for siphon and others still say higher. So that is why I said it is best to find for yourself what pressure you find the best. But my opinion is 20 isn't enough

[@henrysscrollsawworks6917]

@@jollyrogerhobbies2386 cool thanks for 411

[@henrysscrollsawworks6917]

My airbrush says use 15 to25 lbs of air pressure????

[@jollyrogerhobbies2386]

Every airbrush is different from manufacture to model. it is always best to "play" with the pressures until you find one that works best with your airbrush and brushing style

[@AnishKumar-rk6ik]

How mach

[@jollyrogerhobbies2386]

Huh