A paint sprayer or airbrush is a versatile pneumatic type tool that can distribute the coloring composition over any surface. Outwardly, this is a device with different handles, to which a cylinder with 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.
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. Finding the right tool is not 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 2020. In it, we will take a closer look at the characteristics of individual tools and give a number of useful tips for the competent purchase of this device.
How to choose the right airbrush?
The principle of operation of the tool is as follows: built-in pneumatics builds up significant pressure, which squeezes out a small stream of liquid through a tube of small diameter. A significant dissonance of pressure occurs between its outer and inner ends, as a result of which a certain rarefaction of air is created, which atomizes the jet of paint into individual droplets of extremely small size. This allows you to evenly apply a layer of coloring composition on any surface, regardless of its type.
When choosing, be sure to pay attention to such parameters as the needle and nozzle — it is important to consider what their diameter is. For an airbrush nozzle, it should be at least 0.15 mm, but not more than 0.6 mm. Often such tools are used to perform artwork. In particular, in order to get the thinnest line and ensure maximum detail of the picture, a nozzle of the minimum diameter is selected. Most often there are nozzles with a diameter of 0.2-0.3 mm. They are universal — with their help you can draw small details, paint the background. If the plans include the performance of artwork on large areas where detailing does not play a special role, then a nozzle with a diameter of 0.4-0.6 mm is acquired.
The needle affects the intensity of the flow of paint. Its position can be adjusted by making the jet weaker or stronger. Today there are a large number of varieties of this device — they are divided according to the principle of operation, the method of spraying, the technology of mixing liquids in a cylinder. In particular, airbrushes use internal or external mixing. In the first case, air and paint are mixed in the container itself, approximately in the area of the spray head.
The simplest is the device using external mixing technology. These tools are ideal for home use. Paint and air are mixed from the outside, due to which the consumption of the composition is much higher. Usually use the tool when working with large surfaces.
When we selected products to include in this rating, we took into account all the factors discussed above that affect the efficiency and performance of the device. However, some other points were also taken into account — value for money, as well as user reviews. For each model, we tried to collect as much information as possible in terms of ease of use and useful characteristics, so that after studying this review, you will be able to determine exactly which airbrush you personally need to work with.
Top 10 Airbrush Models
10. ELITECH 0704.017100
This device was designed specifically to work with various compositions. In particular, it is suitable for both oil and water-soluble paints, they can even apply enamels — very thick compositions that not every tool is able to handle. The tank here is located on top, which allows you to use the entire volume of paint poured there. The body of the structure is made of high-quality stainless steel, which perfectly resists various physical influences. Regulator for the width of the torch and the amount of paint supplied is conveniently located — in the immediate vicinity of the handle. The handle of the device is ergonomically shaped, so the tool can be held in your hands for a long time, while the brush will not get tired. The mass of the airbrush is 0.7 kg. Within a minute, about 230 liters of air passes through the device.
The nozzle diameter is 1.5 mm, which allows you to quickly paint a large surface area. The working pressure reaches 3500 atmospheres if you have to spray rather thick and heavy compositions. Overall dimensions are insignificant — 180x110x315 mm.
Advantages:
- The tank and remote control are equipped with a quick-release mechanism — the paint can be poured within a few seconds;
- Flame geometry can be changed;
- The device is universal — it is able to work with any paintwork materials;
- The workflow is almost completely safe;
- The handle is equipped with a ribbed surface, so it does not slip out of the hands during operation;
- Small mass;
- The volume of air supplied can also be changed, adjusting to a specific paint.
Flaws:
- The quick-release mechanism is often clogged, you have to clean it thoroughly, the process takes a decent amount of time.
ELITECH 0704.017100
9. Garage LK-04
This tool is characterized by a fairly simple design, so it is quite easy to use. It is often used by street artists to apply any kind of small artistic drawings to the surface. Products are able to work with any paint and varnish compositions, from thick varnishes to water-soluble paints. The model is equipped with a transparent tank, which can hold up to 0.5 liters of coloring agent, besides, the master will always see how much more paint he has available. The nozzle diameter is only 0.3 mm, due to which it will be possible to clearly draw even minor details of the picture. It is intended mainly for domestic use, but this tool is often preferred by experienced street artists. The device is not too expensive, but with its help you can create a real masterpiece.
It is made on the basis of lightweight stainless steel, the handle has an ergonomic shape. The tool itself is not very heavy, so you can hold it in your hands for several hours without fear that your hand or wrist will get tired. The airbrush has all the necessary quality certificates, but the manufacturer recommends using it only in well-ventilated areas or even outdoors if the work will be carried out with oil paints or other compositions with a pungent unpleasant odor.
Advantages:
- Quite a significant work resource;
- The smooth regulator of the given pressure allows to choose the necessary force of a jet of paint;
- The tool works with any compositions;
- The tank is transparent, so you can clearly see how much paint is available;
- Made from lightweight alloy, easy to hold.
Flaws:
- Not suitable for working with lime paints due to the large size of the coloring particles.
Garage LK-04
8Wester FPS-20
The product is a pneumatic tool used for high-precision application of the coloring composition on metal, wood, concrete or glass surfaces. In particular, the device is well suited for painting cars, snowboards, bicycles, various models. Masters with great experience use it to carefully paint over the surface of a small area, retouch it, apply various patterns. The nozzle diameter is 0.35 mm. It is universal and can be used with most types of paint and varnish. The air consumption is in the range of 50 to 60 liters per minute, while the pressure is 1-3.5 bar. The device is compatible even with low power compressors. The set comes with a tank made of high-strength tempered glass. It does not lend itself to corrosion (paints and varnishes, as a rule, are quite aggressive compounds that quickly corrode metal), it can be washed quickly and easily. The container is transparent — it is always clear how much composition is there.
Together with the airbrush, there is an additional tank in the kit, so you can use paints of different colors at the same time — the containers change very easily. The mechanism does not clog over time, it always works stably. The spray button is located on the top of the handle, so it will be very convenient to use the device for both right-handed and left-handed people.
Advantages:
- Acceptable cost;
- Interesting appearance;
- Excellent operational characteristics;
- Can be used in conjunction with a low pressure compressor;
- If necessary, change the supply and air pressure;
- The kit includes two tanks for paint;
- Easy to wash.
Flaws:
- The assembly is average, so the moving elements will have to be periodically tightened.
Airbrush Wester FPS-20
7. Fubag AGS22/05
Designed by German engineers, but produced in Chinese factories. The nozzle diameter is slightly larger compared to the devices considered earlier — 0.5 mm. The products are not too expensive. The tool was created specifically for professional artists, so it has compact overall dimensions, the volume of the paint container is only 22 ml. Two such tanks are supplied with the airbrush. There is also a cable-hose made of high-quality plastic. It is connected to the compressor, allowing additional air to be pumped. For maximum tight mating, it is equipped with a quarter-inch threaded connection, it is tightened with a metal key. It is worth noting that it is not at all necessary to use a compressor when working with such a tool — it is quite enough to take a can of compressed air. This is much more convenient, since you do not have to mess with the hose, which often just gets in the way under your arms.
The design includes two elements — a holder and a neck. On the first, a nozzle made of brass is fixed, the neck is removable. The metal ink supply button is located on top. Structural elements made of iron, after completion of work, can be washed with any solvent. The paint applied in this way dries almost instantly.
Advantages:
- Relatively compact tool;
- Insignificant mass;
- Draws small details well;
- Very easy to wash;
- Suitable for both right-handers and left-handers.
Flaws:
- It will not be possible to work with significant areas.
Airbrush Fubag AGS22/05
6. Pegas Pneumatic SL-130
Another tool belonging to the professional class. It is convenient for them to work, its main purpose is to apply images to surfaces made of any materials. In particular, in most cases it is used to create paintings or drawings on the sides of the car, walls. Often, masters involved in interior decoration resort to the help of such an apparatus, since it is easy to perform artistic interior painting with this airbrush. In the process of operation, the device uses the original technology of double mixing of paint, which allows to ensure the most even tone of the coloring layer, to achieve a uniform distribution of the composition. The adjustment of the air supply here is smooth — an experienced craftsman can easily set the required parameter, which is very important when working with materials such as glass, wood or metal. The airbrush is ideal for shaping the background or doing fine work.
The volume of the paint container here is small — only 7 ml, however, the overall dimensions of the tool themselves are small. If necessary, the paint can be changed almost instantly. The length of the tool is 135 mm with a weight of 380 g. The main working elements are made of metal with a special coating, on which coloring compositions do not linger. The device comes with a case, there are two interchangeable nozzles, the diameter of which is 0.2 and 0.3 mm.
Advantages:
- Compact dimensions and low weight;
- Easy to work with any base and type of paint;
- Used in the production of high-quality metal alloy;
- The kit comes with two nozzles of different diameters.
Flaws:
- Small volume of the tank for paint.
airbrush Pegas pneumatic SL-130
5. VOYLET H-827
This apparatus was created to work not only with coloring compositions, but also with any technical liquids of various viscosities. The device is characterized by low weight and compact overall dimensions. This is one of the most common devices, as it is suitable for working with both large surfaces and fine patterns. Such an airbrush was developed for domestic use. The nozzle is adjustable. Thanks to the possibility of its fine tuning, it is possible to obtain the required configuration of the torch, and the level of losses of paintwork materials will be minimal, such a possibility just makes it suitable for working with any liquids. In particular, housewives often use such an airbrush to wash flowers by pouring ordinary water into the tank. It is suitable for applying antibacterial, disinfecting, antiseptic or disinfectant formulations to any surface. Often, an airbrush is used to dilute epoxy glue. The tool can be used to work with any type of paint.
The device comes with a viscosity meter and a spare nozzle. The maximum power of the device is 650 W, the capacity of the tank is 600 ml. The nozzle here is replaceable, it is made of high-quality brass, the maximum pressure here is 0.7 bar. Productivity is 200 ml of paint per minute, that is, it is possible to paint about 1 sq.m of the surface within one minute. The nozzle diameter is adjustable. Engine power is also adjustable. The overall dimensions of the device are 340x230x220 mm with a mass of 1400 g. The tank is located on top, which is also very convenient — the paint is consumed in full.
Advantages:
- Multifunction device;
- Able to work with water and technical liquids, regardless of their viscosity;
- Brass adjustable nozzle;
- The tank with paint is installed from above.
Flaws:
- Quite a heavy device — hands get tired quickly.
VOYLET H-827
4. Wester FPG-30
Differs in insignificant pressure on an air head which does not exceed 0,7 bars. The airbrush is developed especially for professional painting of surfaces from any materials. As a result, it is possible to obtain a sufficiently high quality coating. The device is able to work with acrylic paints, metallics, non-metallics, mother-of-pearls, any types of primers, it can be used for applying liquid putty to the base. The spray jet is homogeneous, the particle size of the coloring compositions is optimal. The performance of the device is quite high, so it can be used when applying quick-drying formulations. It doesn’t take too long to color. The device is quite effective — paint is practically not spent on the formation of fog, which is very important when working with expensive compositions. The efficiency of the airbrush is about 92%, that is, this amount of paint ends up on the surface of the base.
Several adjustment options: change the intensity of the torch, the volume of air supplied and the supply of the paint itself. With the right approach to work, you can ensure the highest possible quality of the coating and at the same time save material. The nozzle and needle are made of special stainless steel using the latest technology, which greatly extends their service life. In addition, these parts are well resistant to the occurrence of corrosion processes and microscopic damage. The airbrush is covered with a special composition that does not allow it to collapse due to physical and chemical influences.
Advantages:
- The paint lays flat on the base even if the airbrush works with a low-power compressor;
- Excellent workmanship;
- The design is designed in such a way that excellent hiding power is ensured with minimal paint consumption.
Flaws:
- The nozzle diameter is 1.5 mm — not suitable for fine work.
Wester FPG-30
3. Fubag AGS7/0.2
The third position in our ranking of the best airbrushes was one of the most compact models among all that are on the market today. The products are lightweight and have excellent sensitivity. The air consumption during operation is negligible — only 9 liters per minute, so you can apply paint to the surface of the base using an ordinary can of compressed air. The device is great for working with small parts. It is better not to use it to apply the background of the image, as it will take too much time. The nozzle diameter is only 0.2 mm, so the torch is quite compact.
The maximum working pressure in the apparatus is 1 bar. The volume of the paint container is 0.07 l, so the composition is consumed quickly enough. The tank is located on top, it is made of metal with a special coating that protects it from the negative effects of chemical compounds. The mass of the device is 0.3 kg, so it is convenient to hold it in your hands for a long time. The air supply regulator is smooth and has excellent sensitivity.
Advantages:
- Compact overall dimensions and low weight of the device;
- Despite the low working pressure, the paint is evenly distributed over the base;
- The small diameter of the nozzle allows you to draw the smallest details.
Flaws:
- A small volume of the paint tank — you have to fill it regularly.
Fubag AGS7/0.2
2. Pneumatic spray gun VOYLET F-100G
A universal model of high quality, made exclusively on the basis of metal parts made of stainless steel with a special polymer coating that reliably protects this instrument from damage of various kinds — chemical, physical, and so on. The device may be used for applying natural or natural enamel and lime type paints, surface treatment with primer, liquid filler and other similar materials. The device is distinguished by a sufficiently large nozzle diameter — 1.5 mm, which allows you to paint large areas of the base in the shortest possible time, regardless of its type. For the most even distribution of the coloring composition, the airbrush consumes a significant amount of air — up to 180 liters can pass through it per minute.
The paint tank here is also made of stainless steel, it is installed on top, but there is a mechanism that allows you to move it to the side. It uses convection spray technology. The inlet fitting is a quarter inch diameter making the unit compatible with most compressors. The mechanism that regulates the air supply is located at the bottom of the handle. The ergonomics of the product is well thought out, so the gun is comfortable to hold in your hands, it does not slip during operation.
Advantages:
- You can work not only with paints, but also with other technical liquids;
- Products are completely metal, which prolongs the service life;
- The maximum pressure generated by this apparatus is 3.5 bar;
- A decent volume of the paint tank — you do not have to constantly replenish it.
Flaws:
- Significant air consumption.
Air spray gun VOYLET F-100G
1. PATRIOT AB 200
The unit is well suited not only for domestic, but also for industrial purposes. It can be used for a long time without interruption, as it is made from high quality materials that retain their original functional characteristics for a long time. This type of airbrush is allowed to be used for high-quality painting of even small parts using the spray technique. The device has a relatively capacious (for devices of similar overall dimensions) paint tank — its capacity is 22 ml. It is attached from below, which is also quite convenient, since it does not obstruct the view of the painted surface.
The product is characterized by a rather rich set — there is a pipette, a connector, a hose and two containers for paint. The airbrush is capable of pumping air pressure in the range from 0.5 to 3.5 bar. The maximum air flow is 20 liters per minute. The nozzle diameter is 0.8 mm, thanks to which it is possible to ensure that the paint is applied as thinly as possible. The fitting has a quarter-inch thread, through which the airbrush is connected to the compressor. The tank for paint is made of high-quality plastic. Its inner surface is perfectly smooth, so coloring compositions will not linger on it. The mass of the device is only 380 grams.
Advantages:
- Acceptable cost;
- Well thought out handle ergonomics;
- Small overall dimensions;
- Long service life;
- The airbrush creates decent pressure;
- The plastic tank does not block the view.
Flaws:
- Not detected.
PATRIOT AB 200
In conclusion, a useful video
The review of the best airbrushes has come to an end. We hope that you were able to find the best product for your needs. If some points remain unclear or you need additional advice on a particular position of the review, write about it in the comments to the article, and we will provide you with the information of interest as soon as possible.