Airbrushing Miniatures - A Beginners Guide

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The Extensive guide to Airbrushing for miniature painting. So you're interested in getting an Airbrush? Maybe you're just interested in how they work and what you need to start your airbrushing journey? This is the complete guide on how to get started, why airbrush and what you need to use an airbrush - all in all - a guide to painting with an airbrush for beginners.
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Hobby Tips and hobby tricks to use an airbrush for your miniature painting and Warhammer miniatures for using your acrylic paints, wet palette, flow improver, Iwata airbrush cleaner, paint in dropper bottles, painting tips etc. For warhammer 40k, warhammer 40 000, wh40k, 9th age, dnd miniatures, dungeons and dragons, d&d miniatures, Infinity, lord of the rings and Frostgrave.
Amazon Associate Links to stuff i talk about in the video(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases you do after following this link - at no cost to you):
SPARMAX MAX 3 (good airbrush for beginners)
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CANADA amzn.to/2MQI7Vc
HARDER STEENBECK EVOLUTION SILVERLINE (mid priced)
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UK amzn.to/2Ll5LGm
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HARDER STEENBECK INFINITY CR+ 2-in-1 (top of the line)
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UK amzn.to/2YkhY7h
GERMANY amzn.to/2Lfd43w
CANADA amzn.to/2NWk2MH
AIRBRUSH COMPRESSOR
AS186 WITH TANK
USA amzn.to/2NVq9jY
UK amzn.to/2ZKIra2
GERMANY amzn.to/2HHzDLQ
CANADA amzn.to/2UokTXq
IWATA AIRBRUSH CLEANER
USA amzn.to/2zR2w3S
UK amzn.to/2ZJYuEX
GERMANY amzn.to/2ZzxfBZ
CANADA amzn.to/2MPk7Sk
AIRBRUSH THINNER
USA amzn.to/2ZHpPYv
UK amzn.to/2zL9cRf
GERMANY amzn.to/2ZrSqWt
CANADA amzn.to/2zNIo2w
AIRBRUSH FLOW IMPROVER
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UK amzn.to/2ZKGc6y
GERMANY amzn.to/2LiQpC8
CANADA amzn.to/2ZL3rO3
INTERDENTAL BRUSH:
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Q-TIPS / COTTON SWABS:
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Emil On
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Products i often use are Green Stuff Worlds, vallejo acrylic paints, raphael 8404, harder & steenbeck airbrush, citadel colors, wet pallet, flow improver, thinners, painting tips, how to make wet palette, acrylic paints, warhammer miniatures and lots of other things.

[@SquidmarMiniatures]

We have made a brand new fantasy Universe with 10 amazing looking miniatures to paint! You can check out the campaign and support the channel - it goes live October 2022 here: www.kickstarter.com/projects/squidmar/champions-of-sona-75mm-resin-miniatures

[@Louse1021]

To your credit sir, you are the most professional and thorough (when explaining) miniature KZbin painter i have seen yet. Your content is very mush enjoyed, and appreciated.

[@douglasthomas8513]

Agreed... I can watch his videos all day and not get bored. The production quality on your videos is top notch and just a joy to watch. Please keep it up!!!

[@SPNCRJ]

Two years later… Agreed!

[@Smitty19966]

Still so good. Thanks so much @Squidmar Miniatures Your help is concise and to the point.

[@RyanHipp]

One thing not covered in your video that a beginner (me) needs to know: What kind of space do you need to do airbrushing? Can you do it in your home office, or will paint get on your walls and desk? How do you set up your space to protect your surroundings? Thanks, great video!

[@toasttoast789]

Hes doing it on his desk so common sense says you can

[@olliewebb1459]

You can get spray booth stations, that fold up and have an extractor fan built in . Some of these are desk top and about as big as a small microwave. Could help you

[@RyanHipp]

@@toasttoast789 Well, common sense would mean we dont need any details ever given if you see something. Why speak at all in an instructional video? Everything’s “common sense”.

[@RyanHipp]

@@olliewebb1459 Thank you.

[@olliewebb1459]

@@RyanHipp no problem, I know places like Amazon sell them, might be ok for rattle cans as well but I’ve not seen any evidence of that but rattle cans seem to have a wider spray area so I would be careful.

[@cassius553]

I just want to thank you for taking the time to ensure there are Amazon links for Canada, Germany, US and UK. Being from Canada myself this saves me so much time scouring amazon and other websites for specific products that I see featured on my favorite channels. You are hands down one of the most diligent youtubers I've seen when it comes to how you present and organize information. Please Never Stop!

[@TheMiniJunkie]

I’ve been airbrushing minis for 20 years and still watched this whole video. Great stuff!

[@SquidmarMiniatures]

Oh man, 20 years ago, i had the eight color box set from Citadel. The ones with the black lids - and i had to wait for my next birthday to get new models ;)

[@chrischambers1768]

@@SquidmarMiniatures 00p

[@Happilymarrieddad]

Me too on the paint set lol

[@ggkfdidi6538]

Another great video! I just wanted to add that for many disabled painters the pen style air brush is hard or even impossible to control. This was what I found. Then I discovered the pistol grip. I use the Grex Titium.TG3 which I have found to be fantastic. I am still learning the basics and need a decent compressor.... which is on my shopping list. I primarily use my airbrush for priming the model. I am not good enough yet for the detail. My last comment is wear a good mask. While the fumes are not toxic from most paints we use, the air does have particles of paint in it you don't want in your lungs. Trust me!

[@Grimlock77]

Thanks! This has helped me get over my fear of trying out my airbrush. Bought one about a year ago and didn't feel comfortable using it on minis, so it stayed in the box. Now I have some crafting projects and this will help me break in that learning curve as the projects are way bigger than minis! I l really appreciate your attitude towards giving out info but to also keep it accessible and light hearted.

[@erice.9514]

Dont know if someone already said it, but you should always remove the needle when dissassembling by pushing the needle forward. Remove the nozzle and air regulator first, then push the needle out. This way you wont draw dried or liquid paint into the valve and spring mechanisms inside the Airbrush. Also a Cleaning pot and cleaner set with a cleaning needle is very cheap and handy

[@Mcgreag]

Similarly when inserting the needle you can also do it front to back to reduce the risk of damaging it.

[@derekcutsinger3511]

This is hands-down the best introduction to airbrushing video on KZbin. I have watched so many videos on this subject and this one clears up everything in one video as opposed to multiple incredibly long ones. Thank you for uploading this!

[@SquidmarMiniatures]

Thanks Derek, makes me glad to hear - i try my best :) ❤

[@PerfectionHunter]

I've watched soo many videos of this specific topic that i know this by heart now. But this is the best video so far, not 100% complete or perfect, but really good. Recommendation: If you have the money the best compressor out there is the "SIL-AIR 20A", it's "Made In Europe" by an over 40yr old compressor-company, and is made of a refrigerator compressor, which means it's slightly louder than a whisper. It has an built in Tank, a Water separator and a Regulator = All you need.

[@weekendheroes6822]

Thank you for making this video. Have just started revisiting the figure painting table after a 20 year absence & have a desire to try out airbrushing this time around. Your help here is a valuable resource to airbrush newbies like myself.

[@kevinkazmierowski3661]

This video was a great help for me as a first-time airbrusher. I was making so many mistakes but after watching this I am able to get a nice smooth finish!

[@MrStatistx]

Phew, when you started talking about not getting a cheap one I expected regretting my choice for my first set, but then you mention sparmax as a mid tier one that would be fine and that's what I got

[@kirkgeorge8087]

Great video. I was given an airbrush a few months ago, but haven't had the time to learn. This tutorial was a great kick start for me. I will try the airbrush this weekend. As allows, love the comedic flare you add to the videos. Keep up the great work.

[@NikeNoNami]

Your videos are like a Bible of miniatures for beginners. In two years from now I will find out and maybe show you how improving all these infos are for a beginner. Big thanks 🙏🏻

[@stephenball87]

Only just started with an airbrush and the tip about adjusting the pressure on the compressor was brilliant!

[@billlorenz3421]

Very well done! I have been teaching airbrushing for several years now, and you have covered most of the topics I talk about in classes I charge for (albeit I provide hands-on and projects). I will be referring my students to this video as a great refresher. Thank you for taking the time to CORRECTLY explain these topics. One critique: Nozzle and needle size can (and does) offer more control, BUT it is not significantly different. In most cases, nozzle and needle size is based on the construction of the brush itself. For example, a siphon-feed airbrush requires a larger nozzle because it requires more air to deliver the paint. The important thing is to PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE! It's the brush more than the needle size that makes the difference.

[@Toonio-mk5ou]

My father gifted me his 20+ year old dual action airbrush and he legit full cleans his airbrush every time after use and told me to do the same. Good I found out I can do it simpler but damn 20+ year and the needle is stil not worn out after exesive cleaning that's some quality

[@eBayMiniatureRescues]

Fantastic information in here! I’m really enjoying the attention you’re putting towards editing as well, great work!

[@scarcosplay]

Thank you for doing this - I'm new to airbrush still and use it for props and costumework but your tips on thinning and cleaning really helped

[@simonc3358]

Awesome guide - I watched this today while using my new airbrush for the first time, and this made things so much easier and clearer. Thanks!

[@myth1517]

Thank you so much. This have given me a lot to improve the enjoyment of my airbrushing. The consistency of the paint is one thing i have had issues with and I really like the idea for backing up the air for mixing and cleaning.

[@Terry80801]

I love this. Airbrush cleaner. Everyone says it. They are correct, but I paint miniatures and have an airbrush (I am by no means a great painter) but I can give a great tip. I am a long range shooter as well. Yes I mean long range rifles like out to a mile. If you get problems with your airbrush function then run bore cleaners through it. It works great. It will strip everything out of it and not hurt anything inside it. After that it will work better than when you first got it lol. Just remember great bore cleaners will have oil in them as well to protect so you can run alcohol through it right after. My bore cleaner does have oil in it but very little because it is meant to clean, protect, and not need a wipe out before firing. So it works great in an airbrush lol.

[@acerebralstringmorn]

Great video! This will now be my go-to video that I send to beginners along with Vince Venturella’s videos. Excited for the next episode! Really enjoy your channel!

[@macewitedude]

I just want to say thank you for your videos, I got back into miniature games and I have always enjoy paint and your videos on using a wet palette and a air brush have not only inspired but have challenged me to be a better painter

[@Qalibrated]

Thank you! I'm looking to get into airbrushing for PC modding and this video is very helpful. Your guide is really thorough and easy to follow

[@thomasc6684]

Easily the best introduction to airbrushing I've come across, after much searching! Thank you very, very much. Hoping to get an airbrush soon and you've really given me more confidence for when I do.

[@DanielK1138]

Honestly this is one of the most informative videos I've found for the airbrush, especially when it comes to cleaning and maintenance. I recently got one as a gift, and have been a little lost. This has answered most of my questions though!

[@aeonyx_cinereus]

Thank you so much for this video! Perfect for someone like me who really wants to start airbrushing but has zero idea what to look for in the tool.

[@miaandthemoon]

Wow, this was so helpful! You even took the time to make a shopping list for 4 different countries! I'm so glad you made this... xx

[@nicholasrobinson41]

Just purchased everything you told me too! Looking forward to this journey!

[@Albruv]

Emil thank you so much for making such inspiring videos. I am back to painting miniatures thanks to your tutorials and I'm already noticing how I'm improving with your help. I have been using KZbin for ages but you are the first channel I ever chose to subscribe to. Love your channel!

[@YHFiguremaker]

It's a great video. I could learn many tips. I want to apply it to my work as well. Thank you.

[@TheMaxim10083]

just got an airbrush so I desperately needed this, thank you

[@Bannerninja]

just starting up on airbrushing - these are some very good tips that already let me feel more comfident with a new tool

[@m3phi5t0]

Once again, great video Emil! Cheers!

[@alancharles3459]

What an excellent presentation! The knowledgeable and personable presenter speaks beautiful English, and has excellent delivery which gets so much more useful information over than some of the plodding British chaps! My interest is for model railways but I see no problem in applying this fellow's tips! Brilliant!

[@petefenner8905]

By far the best starter airbrush video I've seen anywhere, thank you

[@davidrother6092]

This is a great guide. I've been intimidated by Airbrushing for a long time, but am getting ready to take the dive.

[@SquidmarMiniatures]

👑👑👑 I'm in the midst of releasing my dream miniature brush as well as some wonderfully sculpted miniature busts mid June 2020. It's something I'm really proud of and been working on for the better part of the last year. You can already pre register your interest on my Kickstarter page: bit.ly/3dKjmnz 👑👑👑

[@andreasammaritano6116]

1 question tho: in the video you say the compressor should go from 10 to 40 bars, but the as186 you suggest goes up till 6 bars, what is the pressure you need?

[@SquidmarMiniatures]

@@andreasammaritano6116 should be psi

[@andreasammaritano6116]

@@SquidmarMiniatures thx, i love your video you are an amazing painter!

[@andreasammaritano6116]

@@SquidmarMiniatures one last question: can i use gw colours with the mid\price airbrush you suggested using the proper diluition?

[@Brandontbarber]

This is mega helpful since I’m just starting my airbrush journey!

[@fatelux]

Awesome guide. I´m starting with the airbrush and this is helping me a lot. Thanks so much.

[@scotnoco]

I have been watching miniature paiting videos for a while and you are defnitely one of the top tier levels when it comes to useful and well organized videos with the perfect amount of information and fun :) Keep it up!

[@viktorwestermark7405]

Great video as always ❤ Feeling confident airbrushing now!

[@petefenner8905]

Love how the beginners guide shows a really high end airbrush on the start image. Doh!

[@Ed-xo9pc]

Another cracking vid! I started using my airbrush a while back, following your paint bravely vid and wish I had this knowledge back then. But Ive learned a lot from this, huge thanks!!

[@lazomaniac]

This is the best guide I've found. Thank you!

[@Eazfb]

Used to paint in the 90's and so tempted to start again, and yeah..stumbled across airbrushing, so soaking information about airbrushing now :)

[@mikevollmar5824]

Very clear and simple instruction.i learned a lot. Thank you.

[@scatterbrainart]

The backflow mixing is a nice trick. Thank you for the video!

[@SleepyHeather]

I started using my airbrush for the first time today. Your video was a great help!

[@Celeblome]

This video is much appreciated! i've never had an air brush before but i was concerned about getting one because i was worried about how to clean it and how to thin the paints. Your video convinced me that it was simple enough and to just go ahead and get it!

[@AJDeLaRosa]

Super helpful and I've been airbrushing for a while. Thank you!

[@ClosetGeek_DnD]

love seeing your videos - great overall quality of everything on your videos.. skill level is high and hope to get to this level some day! keep up the awesome work!

[@gabrielantona]

wow, definitely coming back to this when I get my airbrush

[@bmsr13]

I was just thinking of getting airbrush! Such a timely video!

[@andrewkent2718]

What a great starter video. Still waiting on my first air brush to arrive but can’t wait to get started. Thanks for the advice! Subscribed

[@danielpedersensevaride5928]

Amazing video, just getting into airbrushing and this has helped me tonnes. Thank you so much!

[@Nada-Mal]

Excellent video. I've been looking at getting into airbrushing and this was a great help, thanks!

[@cashenjoe1]

Excellent video! Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience!

[@fernandozavaletabustos205]

Another great video as always!

[@jvogler_art4708]

This video is gospel. so much good info here. GJ man

[@theimperialbrothers8673]

Thank you for those links and info. My biggest mistake was not getting the tank with the compressor. But spending a little to see if you like it dose help.

[@timberknuckle8281]

Thanks so much for your time in making this video bro. Hopefully getting first airbrush this xmas, and was worried on use/maintenence...this vid has removed some of that anxiety

[@NCM023]

Your videos are so helpful! I really appreciate them as I’m coming back to the hobby and looking to improve. Looking forward to watching more.

[@dark5niper1]

Great airbrush starter video. Probably the best. I watched many before buying my airbrush and many after. I learned more concise and new to hobby friendly info from this video than all the others. When buying my stuff figuring out connections and fittings was a beast that almost prevented me from starting airbrushing. That's the only part of this video I felt was missing. Clogging the nozzle because I stopped with paint flowing and not just air?! Light bulb moment for me thank you!

[@ArktikosAdventures]

Great Video and very informative. I'm just getting into airbrushing and this was extremely helpful. Thanks! Cheers!

[@gustavnorback]

Appreciated the approach on cleaning!

[@batchie0950]

Been a while since i used my brush so was good to have a quick refreher on these essential steps 👌

[@marlonlacert8133]

THANKS FOR THE INFO! Just spent the week sanding a painting 3 inch tall Protectron robots. Making x-mas gifts. lol Printed them in ABS.. Panting takes up a lot of time. Keep up the good works.

[@sixxgunner8611]

Planning to get an airbrush and this was a perfect video, thanks!

[@sheriffsnowtrooper6516]

I have one of the Air tank compressors prior to buying an airbrush and I bought a $37 airbrush because OK good reviews and I’m not looking to spend a bunch of money this video is helped to build my confidence

[@epicgames_simone]

Best video I ve seen on the subject. Thank you

[@Baatosanabe]

Extremely helpful, thank you!

[@terryramsey5979]

Awesome - beginner's video - tons of useful info! Thanks.

[@AzOnez]

Thanks for the awesome video! Very informative! I am looking into starting airbrushing. Excited about painting miniatures and gundam models.

[@schaaf9637]

Nice video Emil and a lot of useful tipps.

[@Riskbreakerslayer]

I’m a beginner and recently bought a cheap dual action gravity fed brush. Then I bought the Master G22. I saw an Iwata Eclipse HP BCS (siphon-fed) on sale and got that out of curiosity. I dig both gravity and siphon-fed brushes. My compressor is the Badger Aspire TC908. This hobby’s dope.

[@rileyriddell888]

Perfect timing. I just got an airbrush a couple days ago and am working to figure it out. Can't wait to see the tips and techniques video! Great job and thanks for the info and your work!

[@CompetitionChris]

I hope you're having fun dude. It's a fun hobby.

[@denniswijker7162]

Emil, you are a GODsend. This video is such a fantastic help for someone (like me) looking to get into airbrushing. Theres so much different information out there, and so many contradictory aswell. Having all this information explained simply and very clear on how and what, is just fantastic :D ps: I once bought an airbrush, (a Badger 150 which is NOT gravity feed) and a cheao compressor at a miniature/model store, and had tried it several times, and never got it to work right. By now I realise I got shafted a little bit by the seller, as both items were just not good for what I wanted to use it for. So no I'm looking at trying it again, but with a new Airbrush and Compressor. So this information is gold :D

[@Hamilber]

Tack för tipsen!

[@mythology0007]

This is a fantastic video man I really appreciate all the info! I've been wanting to get into airbrushing for a little while now, I didn't know where to start. Thanks

[@bentastisk4012]

Hello Sweedish dude. Thank you for your video. Now i have finally invested in theese tools after dreaming about it for years. I am so exited. (and it helped a lot since i live in Norway and we use the same electrisity)

[@M3talB3ak]

Fittna jump into airbrushing today, been bingeing guides for a week. This one is definitely the best. Thanks Squidmar

[@acmaurer50]

Very, very good tutorial for beginning with airbrushes.

[@alexandermichel3660]

dude i love your videos and how u explain things. I will start airbrushing soon and really appreciated your thoughts on this topic. tyvm and keep going man :)

[@total_betty]

This is a brilliant video, thank you. I've been wanting to get an airbrush for a long time although have been a bit unsure but I'm definitely going to go for it!

[@misternewman1576]

Great, thank you!

[@mrmeseas1225]

Stoked I was at the dentist this morning and hadn't even thought I'd be buying a new model and that I'd end up here going oh needed those didn't realise I would have them already same day :)

[@kimberlycooksley]

Wow. Awesome video. So helpful. Thank you so much.

[@ZubbaKon]

Thank you, this is super helpful! 👍

[@jamiegee7418]

Great video. Just ordered a Harder and Steenbeck ultra so I'm watching this on reapeat in anticipation for trying it out

[@glitterbrains69]

really good video, super well put together and i learned a fair bit. Thanks!

[@americankid7782]

Just got a nice airbrush kit for my 18th birthday. This should help me complete my guard army

[@jubble]

I've had an airbrush for a couple of years, with very mixed success. I've also watched a hundred videos on how to improve. This video is by far the best I have seen. Next thing is to put it into practice! Let's hope I haven't scratched my airbrush too much with the excessive cleaning...

[@dh1676]

Very nice and relaxed presentation, good tips, useful information, I like it especially you said to take the new airbrush apart and learn the inner workings. Good video, thank you.

[@theftunder]

Totally got the compressor from your link it is really good only thing would make it better is a on off valve. really impressed with how quiet it is! Thank you for all your videos.

[@teamjawbox]

Heyo, thanks for the video. Looking at expanding my arsenal of tools by purchasing an airbrush. Video def helped with my research. Thanks!

[@1Brushon]

very well explained, and you are pleasant to listen to.

[@johneberts2918]

Thanks for the tips as a beginner it helps