How to Choose an Airbrush
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Airbrushing is a great way to created detailed designs on just about any surface. But with so many feed styles, nozzle sizes, and action types to consider, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Luckily, it’s simpler than you think. The best airbrush for you is the one that matches your art style, medium, and comfort level.
Whether you’re just starting out with illustration, creating murals, or exploring body art, this guide will help you find the right airbrush for the job.
Airbrush Terms
Before we dive in, let’s explore a few airbrush terms:
Single-Action: An airbrush where the trigger controls only the airflow. Paint flow is set separately (often with a knob) and stays constant while you spray.
Double-Action: Also called “dual-action,” an airbrush where the trigger controls both air and paint. Press down for air, pull back for paint. This gives precise control over line thickness and shading.
Gravity Feed: A small cup on top of the airbrush that lets paint flow down into the nozzle using gravity. It works well with lower air pressure, wastes less paint, and is excellent for detail work.
Siphon Feed: A bottle or jar connects below the airbrush, and paint is pulled up into the nozzle by suction (siphon action). Holds more paint than gravity feed and is great for covering large areas.
Side Feed: A cup attaches to the side of the airbrush, allowing flexible positioning. Great for left-handed artists or those who need to switch colors quickly.
Nozzle: The small, cone-shaped part that sits around the needle and directly meters the paint for precision and consistency. The size of the nozzle determines how finely the paint is sprayed:
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Small nozzles (0.2–0.3 mm): Fine lines, detail work, inks
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Medium nozzles (0.3–0.5 mm): All-purpose, acrylics, general art
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Large nozzles (0.5 mm–0.7 mm+): Heavy paints, large coverage for murals and textiles
Tip: Also called the “needle cap” or “air cap,” this outermost piece of the airbrush screws on over the nozzle and needle to shape the airflow and influence the spray pattern.
Internal Mix: Air and paint are mixed inside the airbrush body before spraying. This produces a finer, smoother spray pattern.
External Mix: Air and paint mix outside the airbrush tip. The spray is coarser and less precise but easier to clean and use.
Compressor: The machine that provides the steady stream of air needed for airbrushing. Can be tank or tankless, with options like moisture traps and pressure regulators.
Fine Art & Illustration
For intricate lines, delicate shading, or fine illustration, look for airbrushes designed for thin paint with double-action control for added precision.
BADGER SOTAR 2020
Action/Mix: Double/Internal
Paint: Thin to medium fluids
Paint Delivery: 1/12 oz cup Top Gravity Feed
Uses: Auto graphics, detail work
BADGER PATRIOT 105
Action/Mix: Double/Internal
Paint: Thin to heavy fluids
Paint Delivery: 1/3 oz Top gravity feed
Uses: Custom art, graphic arts, illustration
BADGER CRESCENDO 175
Action/Mix: Double/Internal
Paint: Thin to heavy fluids
Paint Delivery: Bottom siphon feed
Uses: Custom art, illustration, textile work
BADGER KROME RK-1
Action/Mix: Double/Internal
Paint: Thin to heavy fluids
Paint Delivery: Bottom siphon feed
Uses: Custom art, illustration, textile work
IWATA CUSTOM MICRON B
Action/Mix: Double/Internal
Paint: Thin fluids
Paint Delivery: 1/16 oz gravity feed cup
Uses: Fine art, illustration, photo retouching
IWATA CUSTOM MICRON CM-C+
Action/Mix: Double/Internal
Paint: Thin fluids
Paint Delivery: 1/3 oz gravity feed cup
Uses: Fine art, illustration, photo retouching
IWATA HI-LINE HP-BH
Action/Mix: Double/Internal
Paint: Thin fluids
Paint Delivery: 1/16 oz gravity feed cup
Uses: Fine art, illustration, photo retouching
IWATA HI-LINE HP-CH
Action/Mix: Double/Internal
Paint: Thin fluids
Paint Delivery: 1/3 oz gravity feed cup
Uses: Fine art, illustration, photo retouching
IWATA HI-LINE HP-TH
Action/Mix: Double/Internal
Paint: Thin to medium fluids
Paint Delivery: 1/2 oz top gravity feed cup
Uses: Costume application, special effects
IWATA ECLIPSE HP-BS
Action/Mix: Double/Internal
Paint: Thin to medium fluids
Paint Delivery: 1/3 oz gravity feed cup
Uses: Fine art, fingernail art
IWATA HP PLUS B+
Action/Mix: Double/Internal
Paint: Thin fluids
Paint Delivery: 1/16 oz gravity feed cup
Uses: Illustration
SPARMAX DH103
Action/Mix: Double/Internal
Paint: Thin to medium fluids
Paint Delivery: Gravity feed cup
Uses: Fine art, illustration, photo retouching
SPARMAX DH125
Action/Mix: Double/Internal
Paint: Thin to medium fluids
Paint Delivery: Gravity feed cup, and side feed capability
Uses: Fine art, illustration, textile work
SPARMAX GP35
Action/Mix: Double/Internal
Paint: Thin to medium fluids
Paint Delivery: Gravity side feed with two metal cups
Uses: Cosmetics, craft, fine art
PAASCHE TALON AIRBRUSH
Action/Mix: Double/Internal/Gravity
Paint: Thin to heavy fluids
Paint Delivery: 2/5 oz gravity feed cup
Uses: Fine art, illustration, photo retouching, automotive graphics
Auto Graphics & Large Area Work
For automotive and mural work, look for airbrushes that handle medium-to-heavy fluids with double-action control for smooth coverage.
BADGER 150
Action/Mix: Double/Internal
Paint: Thin to heavy fluids
Paint Delivery: Attachable 3/4 oz jar, additional 2 oz jar with cover, 1/4 oz color cup
Uses: Auto graphics, craft, hobby
BADGER 155
Action/Mix: Double/Internal
Paint: Thin to medium fluids
Paint Delivery: Attachable 3/4 oz jar, additional 3/4 oz jar with cover, 1/4 oz color cup
Uses: Auto graphics, craft, hobby, ceramics, cosmetics, textile work
BADGER 360
Action/Mix: Double/Internal
Paint: Medium to heavy fluids
Paint Delivery: Attachable 3/4 oz jar, additional 3/4 oz jar with cover
Uses: Auto graphics, general purpose, textile work
BADGER RAGE
Action/Mix: Double/Internal
Paint: Thin to medium fluids
Paint Delivery: 3/4 oz Siphon feed bottles
Uses: Auto graphics, detail work
BADGER VELOCITY
Action/Mix: Double/Internal
Paint: Thin to Medium Fluids
Paint Delivery: 1/3 oz Side feed color cup
Uses: Auto graphics, detail work
GREX TRITIUM TG
Action Mix: Double/Internal
Paint: Thin to heavy fluids
Paint Delivery: Top gravity feed. 1/20 oz, 1/4 oz, or 1/2 oz cups with lid
Fluid Nozzle: Available in 0.2 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.5 mm
Uses: Auto graphics, body art, fine art, illustration, murals, textile work, woodworks
GREX TRITIUM TS
Action Mix: Double/Internal
Paint: Thin to heavy fluids
Paint Delivery: Side Siphon 1/4 oz, 1/2 oz, 1oz cup with lid
Fluid Nozzle: Available in 0.2 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.5 mm
Uses: Auto graphics, body art, fine art, illustration, murals, textile work, woodworks
GREX GENESIS XT
Action/Mix: Double/Internal
Paint: Thin to heavy fluids
Paint Delivery: Side gravity 1/4 oz and 1/2 oz cup with lid
Fluid Nozzle: 0.35 mm
Uses: Auto graphics, body art, fine art, illustration, murals, textile work, woodworks
GREX GENESIS XA
Action/Mix: Single/Internal
Paint: Thin to heavy fluids
Paint Delivery: Top gravity 1/4 oz
Fluid Nozzle: 0.3 mm
Uses: Auto graphics, body art, fine art, illustration, murals, textile work, woodworks
GREX XGI2.ES
Action/Mix: Double/Internal
Paint: Thin to medium fluids
Paint Delivery: 1/20 oz Top Gravity feed
Fluid Nozzle: 0.2 mm
Uses: Auto graphics, body art, fine art, illustration, murals, textile work, woodworks
GREX XGI3.ES
Action/Mix: Double/Internal
Paint: Thin to heavy fluids
Paint Delivery: 1/4 oz top gravity feed
Fluid Nozzle: 0.3 mm
Uses: Auto graphics, body art, fine art, illustration, murals, textile work, woodworks
GREX XSI3.ES
Action/Mix: Double/Internal
Paint: Thin to heavy fluids
Paint Delivery: 1/4 oz Side feed
Fluid Nozzle: 0.3 mm
Uses: Auto graphics, body art, fine art, illustration, murals, textile work, woodworks
GREX XGI3 ERGONOMIC TOP FEED
Action/Mix: Double/Internal
Paint: Thin to heavy fluids
Paint Delivery: 1/20oz, 1/4oz, 1/2 oz top gravity feed
Fluid Nozzle: 0.3 mm
Uses: Auto graphics, body art, fine art, illustration, murals, textile work, woodworks
GREX XSI3 ERGONOMIC SIDE FEED
Action/Mix: Double/Internal
Paint: Thin to heavy fluids
Paint Delivery: 1/4 oz, 1/2 oz, 1oz side gravity feed
Fluid Nozzle: 0.3 mm
Uses: Auto graphics, body art, fine art, illustration, murals, textile work, woodworks
IWATA REVOLUTION SAR
Action/Mix: Single/Internal
Paint: Medium to heavy fluids
Paint Delivery: 1 oz bottle siphon feed
Uses: Auto graphics, general purpose, textile work
IWATA ECLIPSE G-SERIES G6
Action/Mix: Double/Internal
Paint: Thin to heavy fluids
Paint Delivery: Two 3 oz side feed bottles
Uses: Auto graphics, large studio work, murals
IWATA ECLIPSE G-SERIES G3
Action/Mix: Double/Internal
Paint: Thin to heavy fluids
Paint Delivery: 4 oz top gravity feed
Uses: Auto graphics, large studio work, murals
IWATA ECLIPSE G-SERIES G5
Action/Mix: Double/Internal
Paint: Thin to heavy fluids
Paint Delivery: 7.5 oz top gravity feed
Uses: Auto graphics, large studio work, murals
IWATA RG-3
Action/Mix: Double/Internal
Paint: Thin to heavy fluids
Paint Delivery: 4 oz side mounted top gravity feed
Uses: Auto graphics, large studio work, murals
IWATA HP PLUS BC+
Action/Mix: Double/Internal
Paint: Thin fluids
Paint Delivery: Siphon feed 3/4 oz glass jar
Uses: Auto graphics, general purpose, textile work
IWATA HP PLUS C+
Action/Mix: Double/Internal
Paint: Thin fluids
Paint Delivery: 1/3 oz gravity feed cup
Uses: Illustration
IWATA H PLUS SB+
Action/Mix: Double/Internal
Paint: Thin fluids
Paint Delivery: 1/8 oz side feed cup
Uses: Illustration
IWATA REVOLUTION HP-BCR
Action/Mix: Double/Internal
Paint: Thin to medium fluids
Paint Delivery: 2 oz siphon feed bottle
Uses: Auto graphics, general purpose, textile work
IWATA REVOLUTION HP-CR
Action/Mix: Double/Internal
Paint: Thin to medium fluids
Paint Delivery: 1/3 oz gravity feed cup
Uses: Auto graphics, general purpose, textile work
IWATA REVOLUTION HP-TR1/TR2
Action/Mix: Double/Internal
Paint: Thin to medium fluids
Paint Delivery: TR1 has a 1/3 oz side cup, TR2 has a 1/2 oz side cup
Uses: Auto graphics, general purpose, textile work
PAASCHE MILENNIUM MIL-3
Action/Mix: Double/Internal/Siphon
Paint: Thin to heavy fluids
Paint Delivery: 1/4 oz to 3 oz siphon cups/bottles
Uses: Auto graphics, general purpose, textile work
PAASCHE MODEL VL
Action/Mix: Double/Internal/Siphon
Paint: Thin to heavy fluids
Paint Delivery: 1/4 oz to 3 oz siphon cups/bottles
Uses: Auto graphics, general purpose, textile work
PAASCHE MODEL VLST PRO
Action/Mix: Double/Internal
Paint: Medium fluids
Paint Delivery: 1/4 oz siphon feed cup
Uses: Auto graphics, general purpose, textile work
Makeup & Body Art
When working directly on skin, look for an airbrush that’s gentle, reliable, and able to deliver smooth coverage with cosmetic-grade formulas.
GREX TRITIUM TG
Action Mix: Double/Internal
Paint: Thin to heavy fluids
Paint Delivery: Top gravity feed. 1/20 oz, 1/4 oz, or 1/2 oz cups with lid
Fluid Nozzle: Available in 0.2 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.5 mm
Uses: Auto graphics, body art, fine art, illustration, murals, textile work, woodworks
GREX TRITIUM TS
Action Mix: Double/Internal
Paint: Thin to heavy fluids
Paint Delivery: Side Siphon 1/4 oz, 1/2 oz, 1oz cup with lid
Fluid Nozzle: Available in 0.2 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.5 mm
Uses: Auto graphics, body art, fine art, illustration, murals, textile work, woodworks
IWATA ECLIPSE HP-CS
Action/Mix: Double/Internal
Paint: Thin to medium fluids
Paint Delivery: 1/3 oz gravity feed cup
Uses: Auto graphics, general purpose, textile work
Textile & Fabric Painting
For textile work, choose an airbrush that can handle thicker, more heavily pigmented paints and deliver smooth coverage on porous surfaces.
IWATA REVOLUTION SAR
Action/Mix: Single/Internal
Paint: Medium to heavy fluids
Paint Delivery: 1 oz bottle siphon feed
Uses: Auto graphics, general purpose, textile work
IWATA REVOLUTION HP-BCR
Action/Mix: Double/Internal
Paint: Thin to medium fluids
Paint Delivery: 2 oz siphon feed bottle
Uses: Auto graphics, general purpose, textile work
IWATA REVOLUTION HP-CR
Action/Mix: Double/Internal
Paint: Thin to medium fluids
Paint Delivery: 1/3 oz gravity feed cup
Uses: Auto graphics, general purpose, textile work
SPARMAX FLYER
Action/Mix: Double/Internal
Paint: Thin to medium fluids
Paint Delivery: Bottle feed
Uses: Craft, textile work
Craft & Hobby Use
These airbrushes should balance ease of use, versatility, and durability to handle a wide range of projects.
BADGER 350
Action/Mix: Single/External
Paint: Heavy fluids
Paint Delivery: Attachable 3/4 oz jar, additional 2 oz jar with cover, 1/4 oz color cup
Uses: Craft, hobby
IWATA NEO BCN
Action/Mix: Double/Internal
Paint: Thin to medium fluids
Paint Delivery: Siphon feed 1 oz big mouth bottle
Uses: Fine art, general purpose, painting, textile work
IWATA NEO CN
Action/Mix: Double/Internal
Paint: Thin to medium fluids
Paint Delivery: 1/3 & 1/16 oz gravity feed cups
Uses: Hobbies, illustration, photo retouching
IWATA NEO TRN1
Action/Mix: Double/Internal
Paint: Thin to medium fluids
Paint Delivery: Interchangeable 1/3 oz, and 1/16 oz gravity feed funnel cups
Uses: General purpose
IWATA NEO TRN2
Action/Mix: Double/Internal
Paint: Thin to medium fluids
Paint Delivery: Interchangeable 1/4 oz, and 1/2 oz side feed funnel cups
Uses: General purpose
IWATA ECLIPSE HP-CS
Action/Mix: Double/Internal
Paint: Thin to medium fluids
Paint Delivery: 1/3 oz gravity feed cup
Uses: Auto graphics, general purpose, textile work
IWATA ECLIPSE HP-BS
Action/Mix: Double/Internal
Paint: Thin to medium fluids
Paint Delivery: 1/3 oz gravity feed cup
Uses: Fine art, fingernail art
IWATA ECLIPSE HP-BCS
Action/Mix: Double/Internal
Paint: Thin to heavy fluids
Paint Delivery: 2 oz siphon feed cup
Uses: General purpose, high paint flow
PAASCHE MODEL H
Action/Mix: Single/External/Siphon
Paint: Thin to heavy fluids
Paint Delivery: 1/4 oz to 3 oz siphon feed cups/bottles
Uses: Craft, hobby
SPARMAX GP50
Action/Mix: Double/Internal
Paint: Thin to medium fluids
Paint Delivery: Side feed with two metal cups
Uses: Craft, general purpose, hobby, textile work
SPARMAX SP35
Action/Mix: Double/Internal
Paint: Thin fluids
Paint Delivery: Gravity top feed
Uses: Cake decorating, craft, fine art, fingernail art, small scale projects
