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A paint sprayer or airbrush is a versatile pneumatic-type tool that can distribute paint over any surface. Externally, this is a device with different handles, to which a can of paint or other liquid is attached. Today, airbrushes are gaining more and more popularity - they are used both in industrial production and in everyday life. Working with them is much easier than with a roller or brush.
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There is a large selection of such products in stores, and they differ significantly from each other in their performance characteristics and a number of other parameters. Choosing the best tool is not so easy, especially if you are about to purchase your first airbrush. We decided to help you solve this problem and rank the best airbrushes of 2022. In it we will take a detailed look at the characteristics of individual instruments and give a number of useful tips regarding the wise purchase of this device.
Types of airbrushes
An airbrush is a pneumatic device for spraying a dye in a very thin layer. Airbrush tools are divided into many categories, but they are primarily classified by area of use:
- For food purposes, such devices are used mainly in the confectionery industry for the artistic decoration of cakes and pastries;
- for modeling, they are used to paint miniature models of technology and architecture to achieve maximum naturalness;
- cosmetological - airbrushes for nails and makeup allow you to apply the thinnest layer of varnish on your nails and cosmetic paints on your face.
There are also automotive devices, but painting cars with their help is carried out mainly by services, and not by private buyers.
Airbrush devices are used in a variety of fields
Devices are classified according to many other parameters. For example, there are:
- external and internal airbrushes, in the first the paint is mixed with a stream of air from the outside, and in the second the mixing occurs in the inside of the instrument;
- single- and double-acting models; in single devices, only the supply of paint or air can be adjusted; in double devices, both can be adjusted;
- push-button and trigger devices - the difference lies in the design features; you need to press either the trigger or the button.
Depending on the purpose and price, the device can be a very simple device or have many additional functions.
How to choose an airbrush
To choose the right tool for the job, first of all, you need to decide for what purpose it is needed. When buying an airbrush for manicure, modeling or cooking, you need to pay attention to different points.
How to choose an airbrush for modeling
Using a special tool can take model painting to a whole new level. Using the device, real professionals not only achieve the most reliable coloring, but also create smooth shade transitions or create a 3D effect.
When choosing an airbrush for modeling, you need to pay attention to the following parameters:
- Nozzle width - the most popular is up to 0.35 mm, which allows you to both draw small details and paint large areas. Nozzles up to 0.2 mm wide are optimal for drawing fine lines, while nozzles larger than 0.35 mm are intended for priming and painting backgrounds.
- Type of mixing air and paint. The most convenient in modeling are devices with internal mixing, which ensure maximum uniformity of coloring.
- Type of adjustment, preference is best given to devices with the ability to regulate the flow of paint. It is easier to work with them than with airbrushes, where you need to control both the air flow and the flow of paint, and the result is better than when using a device with only air regulation.
When choosing a device for modeling, you need to focus on what models you will be working with.
Important! To choose the right airbrush for painting models, it is recommended to pay attention to the location of the paint tank.
The most convenient devices are those in which the tank is located on the side, since they can be tilted at any angle and without fear that the quality of work will deteriorate.
How to choose an airbrush for nails
When purchasing a manicure device, you should first look at the following characteristics:
- type of design - double-action devices that allow you to apply fine lines are best suited for painting nails;
- type of mixing, it is better to give preference to devices with internal mixing of air and paint, they allow you to apply the varnish in a thin and very even layer without defects;
- the diameter of the nozzle, you need to focus on your own requirements, for simple coloring nozzles with a wide diameter are suitable, for making small patterns you need to take the thinnest nozzles;
- weight and convenience, since working on a manicure requires great care, the device should not tire your hands with its weight, it is also desirable that it makes less noise.
Before purchasing, you need to evaluate the capacity of the paint tank; it is advisable that with the help of a miniature airbrush you can paint several nails at once without refilling the tool.
For airbrush painting of nails, it is better to choose devices with an increased tank capacity
How to choose an airbrush for a cake
Most often, confectionery devices are required by professional chefs, but experienced amateurs can also decorate homemade baked goods with elegant designs. The device, in the container of which in this case food coloring is poured instead of paint, allows you to make congratulatory inscriptions on cakes, apply patterns and even paint full-fledged miniature paintings.
When choosing an airbrush, the following are important:
- needle or nozzle width, nozzles up to 0.5 mm are suitable for medium lines, needles up to 0.3 mm are suitable for drawing thin lines;
- type of work, it is better for novice confectioners to choose simple and understandable single airbrushes; experienced confectioners will be more interested in working with double devices where they can regulate the supply of both air and dye;
- the presence of a compressor with a receiver; if models without a receiver are suitable for beginners, then it is better for experienced cooks to purchase a device in which air is first pumped into the receiver and only then put into operation, since this increases the productivity and time of continuous operation of the device.
Advice! If airbrushes with compact containers for dye are suitable for decorating small confectionery products, then for working with large cakes it is better to buy models with a volume of about 20 ml.
It is optimal if the tank is located on the side; in this case, you can draw the pattern from any position.
Devices with a large reservoir capacity and a compressor are best suited for coloring cakes.
GAV Minipaint 150 4990
The Italian production of the airbrush speaks of its increased quality and reliability. It is suitable for drawing or painting small areas. You can load any type of paint into it, which makes it very convenient and practical for many consumers. The 30 ml tank is closed, which is inconvenient because you can’t see how much paint is left inside. The pointed nozzle allows you to apply fine and patterned designs. The weight of the product is only 200 grams.
Pros:
- Light weight of the product;
- High-quality and reliable materials;
- Ergonomic shape;
- There is protection against overheating;
- Thin nozzle.
Minuses:
- Frequent nozzle clogging.
Airbrush rating
To successfully choose a device for painting models, nails or cakes, you should familiarize yourself with a review of airbrushes and the best models on the modern market. Each of them has good reviews and is in demand.
The best airbrushes for modeling
Devices for painting models are mainly represented by simple dual-control devices. The differences are in additional features, cost and capacity.
Badger Sotar 20/20 Fine
The American-made device is equipped with a standard 0.2 mm wide, self-centering nozzle and is controlled according to a dual circuit - the user can adjust the smoothness of the paint and air supply. The device is equipped with a tank with a capacity of 2 ml, the tank is connected to the body.
Badger Sotar 20/20 Fine is one of the popular devices for modeling
The advantages of the model include easy and smooth control, a small exit of the needle from the nozzle when working with the device, this guarantees the accuracy of drawing lines. The device is easy to clean from dried paint residues, and the needle can be removed and reinserted without removing the nozzle. The cost of the device is about 6,000 rubles in retail outlets.
Harder&Steenbeck Infinity 2 in 1
The device of German origin comes complete with two nozzles - 0.15 and 0.4 mm, and also includes 2 tanks, a small one with 2 ml and a larger one with 5 ml. The nozzle of the device is self-centering; the user can control the air supply power during operation.
Harder&Steenbeck Infinity 2 in 1 allows you to accurately apply fine lines
The device is equipped with a limiter, which allows you to set certain values for the operation of the device and apply thin lines evenly and without defects. The device has an internal mixing type, the paint tank is fixed on top. The cost of the device is about 16,000 rubles; reviews characterize it as very reliable and easy to use.
GSI Creos Mr. Airbrush Procon Boy PS-274
The Japanese device comes with a 0.3 mm nozzle, dual independent controls, you can adjust both the paint supply and the air supply. The device is equipped with a 10 ml paint container and allows you to adjust the amount of force on the needle and on the air supply control valve.
Japanese device GSI Creos Mr. Airbrush Procon Boy PS-274 is suitable for painting backgrounds and drawing details
The advantages of the device include its high sensitivity, reliability and versatility; it is suitable for large projects and for drawing small details. The average price of the device is 7,000 rubles.
The best airbrushes for nails
Before purchasing a manicure airbrush, it is also recommended that you familiarize yourself with the list of the best models. Good devices are relatively inexpensive, and offer very wide possibilities.
JAS 1116
The device with internal mixing of air and paint has a nozzle with a 0.2 mm needle and a 2 ml reservoir. When working with the device, you can adjust the line thickness from 0.5 mm and the diameter of the sprayed cloud from 1 to 20 mm.
JAS 1116 - a reliable and inexpensive model for manicure
The device can be refilled with liquids containing alcohol, acetone and water. Reviews of the airbrush for nails confirm that the paint can be applied evenly using the device, without drips or bald spots. The average price of the device is only 1,500 rubles.
Vogue Air AN 07
The dual action airbrush has a narrow 0.3mm nozzle and is good for both fine lines and gradients. The device is equipped with a jet dispersion regulator; the kit additionally includes a compressor, holder, hose and charger. The device makes little noise during operation, does not burden the hand, and is suitable for long-term intensive use. The price of the device is about 6,000 rubles.
Vogue Air AN 07 - a fairly powerful model with a compressor
DIY Nail Art D-401
Easy to use, but functional, the airbrush allows you to create a wide variety of nail designs - create a 3D effect, apply thin lines, make gradient transitions. The diameter of the airbrush nozzle is 0.3 mm, the paint tank is located in the upper part.
The device comes complete with a hose, compressor, power supply, pipette and case. The price of the device is on average 4,000 rubles.
DIY Nail Art D-401 - a set for creating a beautiful manicure
Best airbrushes for cakes
The rating of confectionery airbrushes allows you to choose devices for decorative decoration of baked goods. An automatic dye sprayer will be of interest not only to professional cooks, but also to experienced housewives.
HD-130 with compressor Beauty 6 0000
A semi-professional airbrush is equipped with a standard 0.4 mm nozzle and has five operating speeds, which allows you to apply a pattern to a confectionery product evenly, accurately and very quickly. If you have a little experience, you can use the device to color the background with food coloring or work out very small details of the picture.
The device is often used in confectionery
A compressor and power supply are supplied with the device. The device must be used with Americolor gel food colorings, for which it is best suited. The cost of the device is about 5,000 rubles.
Attention! The HD-130 cannot be used to work with cocoa butter; in this case, the device nozzle is highly likely to become clogged.
Airbrush with compressor TC-12BK
The model with a nozzle diameter of 0.3 mm is intended for background and detailed painting of baked goods. Thanks to the presence of a compressor, the device can be used to work in very large volumes.
An airbrush with a TC-12BK compressor is used both privately and in cafes and confectionery shops
The device uses energy economically and is suitable for both home use and use in cafes and restaurants. The model costs only about 4,500 rubles.
IWATAHP-TR2
Double airbrush with a side-mounted 15 ml tank has a standard 0.5 mm nozzle. The device is considered universal and is used not only in cooking, but also in other areas. However, it is very convenient to use it for confectionery purposes, especially if you need to color cakes or pastries over a large area.
IWATAHP-TR2 is one of the most famous food airbrush devices
When working with the device, it is advisable to use food colorings with a low viscosity so as not to clog the nozzle. The cost of the device is about 10,000 rubles; the device is not only reliable and durable, but also quite light, only about 400 g.
Tips and tricks
If an airbrush is needed both for background coloring and for drawing details, then it is better to give preference to models with replaceable nozzles, either included or with the possibility of additional installation.
When purchasing your first device, it is recommended to give preference to simpler models. If you have no experience working with the device, then the functionality of a professional device will not only be unclaimed, but will also make it difficult to master the airbrush.
If possible, before purchasing it is worth testing the airbrush in practice and making sure for yourself that it sprays the coloring matter efficiently and evenly.
Fubag AGS22/05
The small dimensions of the airbrush will help you conveniently and quickly apply drawings to the car body. Air consumption - 11 liters, pressure - 2 bar. There is a paint regulator here that will help you adjust the amount of paint allowed. Two replaceable tanks will help you change paint with different colors. The airbrush comes with a plastic case with holders, a pipette, a wrench and an air hose.
Pros:
- Fits comfortably in the hand;
- Adjustment of paint volume supply;
- Fast and neat work;
- Good equipment.
Minuses:
- The case is not durable.
