Deenah... again... but different

Buying an airbrush is a big investment. The cost of the brush, hose, compressor and liquid material is daunting. I started with borrowing a friend’s Badger 150 that he hadn’t used for about 20 years. I got used to the idea of being able to spray large numbers of figures without the use of a rattle can or select areas of a model with precision.

My first airbrush was a Badger Patriot 105 and its a good all around machine that I use for my priming, some basecoat work and large flat panel stuff that brush strokes would show up with. Definitely something I recommend to begin with as it can get smaller detail work with practice and provide the larger area coverage quickly.

Through a comedic misplacement of my first airbrush with Badger when I sent it in for some work I ordered a second 105. I had been looking at a higher end machine for a bit and decided on a Sotar 20/20 as I was already doing business directly while I had them on the phone.

The difference in performance has been incredible for this project. I’ve honestly been intimidated by the machine as I felt I would screw it up since it was more expensive. I am happy to report that I think I might be a real mini painter now. Well, the next purchase is an ultrasonic cleaner for my two 105s (one for priming and enamels/lacquer clearcoats the other for acrylics) so probably a committed hobbyist.

The only drawback I find with it is that the front of the Sotar is shorter than the 105s so it doesn’t sit snugly in the discharge pot for cleaning. Anyone using an Iwata or Harder Steenbeck having this kind of issue?

Outside of all that I hope to inspire others reading this to look into getting a setup for larger models and mass painting of large forces.