BassAboveThe49th Posted October 24, 2013 Report Share Posted October 24, 2013 Hey everyone, my names Connor and I want to start painting my own crankbaits with airbrushes but I'm not sure where to start. I've done some research on brushes and I think I'm going to buy an Iwata NEO but Im clueless after that. Could you guys help me with suggestion's to which paint, techniques, stencils, airbrush nozzles, I should be using? I've been painting with acrylics and fishing for years so I would like to combine the two hobbies into one! Please help me out! Thanks everyone! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gone2long Posted October 24, 2013 Report Share Posted October 24, 2013 (edited) Most paints claim to be Airbrush ready but that's never the case. The most popular paint is Createx, now they have several paint lines most use the standard textile paint which is their primary line. I use allot of their Wicked line both are water based and are easy to work with after learning to reduce your paint to the characteristics of your brand of paint, do allot of youtube searches under all of the normal things such as model, paint reducing and the like lots of stuff there. You'll be told by all that you can pull accurate and detailed lines from any needle/tip size, I have the NEO gravity fed brush and for the money it's a great brush it comes with a .35 needle/tip which is a very good size for tackle crafting. It's my recommendation to you to purchase the reducer specific to your brand of paint you can always make a homebrew later after you understand paint reduction, don't let the brush or the paint beat you before you start. Most will tell you that paint should be reduced down to 2% milk :?not whole milk now but 2%. you'll get the hang of it, it won't hurt to get a couple syringes with volume measurements on the side this way you can gauge your reduction. Harbor freight has these things called helping hands get a few they are cheap and are lifesavers I don't suggest the one with the light when it comes to holding your work in place while painting, youtube Dakotalakestackle and watch his video's very well made and easy to understand his process a very good start for a beginner. Your finished baits will only be as good as your blanks so spend high as possible but within reason, I bought cheap Chinese knockoff's for learning to paint with no plans to fish them do a search I'm not sure what site it is but one of them sells defective blanks for like .30 cents apiece. Edited October 24, 2013 by Gon2long 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassAboveThe49th Posted October 24, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 24, 2013 Thanks a lot man that ^ will help greatly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark poulson Posted October 24, 2013 Report Share Posted October 24, 2013 Air brushes have very small internal passageways for both air and paint, so it's really important to clean the brush really well between colors, and after each painting session. Paint the sets up inside an air brush is royal pain to clean out. Look at online "how to" videos. Google "how to airbrush" and you'll see lots to choose from. And practice on a piece of white cardboard or poster paper. You won't waste a lot of paint, and you'll feel more comfortable once you do start painting lures. You will make mistakes. We all did, and still do. So don't let that stop you. And come here with questions once you've gotten started. The folks here on TU taught me everything I know about lure making and painting. They are a very generous group. And a two stage brush is easy to learn to use, and much more versatile than a single stage. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassAboveThe49th Posted October 25, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 25, 2013 Thank you for the advice! So, I'm just guessing here, a two stage brush would let you control the outflow of air and paint into the gun to be released out the nozzle onto whatever your painting as a single fluid? Would you recommend an Iwata airbrush that would be a good beginner two stage brush for me? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saltshaker Posted October 25, 2013 Report Share Posted October 25, 2013 I would start with the Iwata Eclipse. While it's not the cheapest...it's a good brush that won't crap out on ya all the time and discourage you from staying with it. Like Mark said...gotta keep it clean. Good luck. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gone2long Posted October 25, 2013 Report Share Posted October 25, 2013 I would agree with the above statement I have an Iwata Eclipse but it is 3 times the cost of the NEO and if you don't put down the brush in frustration in a few weeks and your improving you can always pick up another brush lord knows you 'll use it. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BJBarron Posted October 25, 2013 Report Share Posted October 25, 2013 I use the iwata eclipse too. Great for beginners and the experts. I got mine from hobby lobby as a kit came with moisture trap and some primary colors. I used a 40% off coupon. Its was 190 I think but that coupon helped out a bunch. The brush really helped my confidence when it came to painting it was more forgiving that my cheaper airbrushes. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joliepa Posted October 25, 2013 Report Share Posted October 25, 2013 (edited) I really appreciate all the recent advise and am thinking seriously of stepping up and finding more cash... for a Neo. the paint brush though, per se, doesn't seem expensive (40$) but whats not clear is what ELSE I need to buy. if you buy a compressor (50$), do you ALSO need a regulator/mosture trap. OR if I cash on the hobby lobby deal for the NEO , do I only need a compressor. Also , If I were to use a tire intertube for air, what would I have to buy to connect it up to a paint brush?? I'm sure this not exactly recommended... but If I can squeeze it down below 100 (for everything)it would be so much easier. Btw this is what you get when you buy a NEO Cn air brush for hobby lobby. the green box. http://shop.hobbylobby.com/products/neo-cn-gravity-feed-dual-action-airbrush-395327/ Edited October 25, 2013 by joliepa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gone2long Posted October 25, 2013 Report Share Posted October 25, 2013 Can't really help you on the inner tube search it you should find the info you need. I strongly suggest a compressor and you should have a line drier no matter what source of air you use, condensation will apply to any air source. They are relatively cheap but take it from someone who knows first hand you do not want water/oil spraying onto your nearly completed masterpiece. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassAboveThe49th Posted October 25, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 25, 2013 Alright I think I'm going to get 2 brushes (a revolution BR, NEO CN, or paache Talon TG-3F set (the one without the air compressor) or the Iwata Eclipse). I can't decide which to get, sorry if I'm getting annoying asking you guys questions! But I like to find the best bang for my buck. Also even if I find painting bait difficult and want to take a break from it I can just work on pictures so buying more then one brush when I'm starting out isn't an issue for me. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassAboveThe49th Posted October 25, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 25, 2013 Also if I get an eclipse it would Probably be the HP-BS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gone2long Posted October 25, 2013 Report Share Posted October 25, 2013 I will only tell you I have all 3 AB's you are thinking of, if it was cost restriction I would not hesitate on the NEO, if you have a little more money to spend and you really want versatility I have the Talon TG3 and it can do almost anything but if you really go for broke I have the Iwata Eclipse and it is a maserati of AB's in the mid money range I love it smooth and works well with different paints. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BJBarron Posted October 25, 2013 Report Share Posted October 25, 2013 ^^^^ second the iwata eclipse. Love mine 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassAboveThe49th Posted October 25, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 25, 2013 Well I think I'll get the eclipse and the talon set then! Chicago airbrush supplies has great prices for both I'm super excited to get my hands on them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gone2long Posted October 25, 2013 Report Share Posted October 25, 2013 (edited) Cool and yeah they do have good prices, keep us up to date on your work looking forward to it! Lots of little stuff to obtain ASAP get quick disconnects or make a manifold so you can have both brushes on air at the same time, not critical to start but nice option. Now remember go to youtube and view your butt off on all facets of AB'ing good stuff will reduce the learning curve and make it more enjoyable! I joined TABF although I can't offer much over there those guys are artists but they will help you in an instant with any AB issues you may have, also I see your above us there are some folks over there from your neck of the woods so I'm sure you'll fit right in! Edited October 25, 2013 by Gon2long 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassAboveThe49th Posted October 25, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 25, 2013 Ya ya, yeah for sure will! Ok I will look for them, also should I purchase a regulator and moisture filter? Oh I have been! For about 4 hours now, weathers pretty ugly outside right now so i have time to spend some time on YouTube, and for sure! Oh that's sweet always awesome to know there's guys around who are just as crazy as I am about fishing and painting lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassAboveThe49th Posted October 25, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 25, 2013 http://www.chicagoairbrushsupply.com/iwata-eclipse-hpbs.html this is what I'm going to get! Also though with this airbrush comes with a 10' free braided air hose, would I need a hose adaptor to attach it to my gun, compressor or other attachment? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joliepa Posted October 26, 2013 Report Share Posted October 26, 2013 well I decided to go for the NEO. 40% off from hobby lobby was too good to pass up. maybe I'll beg, borrow or plead for someone to loan me an air compressor. but Prolly I'll just buy it. it IS an expensive hobby. but I'm enjoying it. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gone2long Posted October 26, 2013 Report Share Posted October 26, 2013 (edited) http://www.chicagoairbrushsupply.com/iwata-eclipse-hpbs.html this is what I'm going to get! Also though with this airbrush comes with a 10' free braided air hose, would I need a hose adaptor to attach it to my gun, compressor or other attachment? No that hose is matched to the AB and has a standard fitting that should fit any compressor, but you'll need to screw it onto the AB and it won't fit the Talon, again not a major deal early on but get quick disconnects when money allows it just makes it easier to work with such as when cleaning and when you switch AB's. Also get some of the cleaning support equipment ASAP a dirty brush is a bad brush and will ruin your day, here are some of the things to think about: http://www.harborfreight.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/small_image/160x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/i/m/image_13957.jpg http://www.harborfreight.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/small_image/160x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/i/m/image_13956.jpg http://www.harborfreight.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/small_image/160x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/i/m/image_18418.jpg $2 for the cleaning brushes and $9 for the cleaning station. Harbor freight has them. That cleaning station is a life saver, it captures all the cleaner and waste paint without killing you with fumes. The helping hands are $3 each I bought 3 to start they are a great and cheap method to hold your bait while painting. Edited October 26, 2013 by Gon2long Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gone2long Posted October 26, 2013 Report Share Posted October 26, 2013 well I decided to go for the NEO. 40% off from hobby lobby was too good to pass up. maybe I'll beg, borrow or plead for someone to loan me an air compressor. but Prolly I'll just buy it. it IS an expensive hobby. but I'm enjoying it. Unless somehow you get a dud that little NEO rocks for a starter brush. Also guys don't get confused the NEO is made for Iwata, they designed it but have it manufactured in taiwan or china or something but trust me it is a great little brush and hands down is better than any of the cheap knock offs out there just remember the old saying you get what you pay for, I've seen look-a-like AB's that normally cost $200-$300 and guys have to throw them away on the day they received them in the mail, absolute junk. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassAboveThe49th Posted October 26, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 26, 2013 OK that's good, ya I have access to a shop so I can make some for myself,oh ya man I already have that stuff picked out! I have brushes, created paint cleaner, paint, bloxogen (If I use urethane), helping hands, cleaning station, extra alligator clips, a moisture filter, an air pressure regulator just to be safe so I don't break my an the first time I use it, and I think that's it. I just have to buy it all now haha. Oh also should I use urethane to clear cost my painted bait or Devcon 2 ton epoxy? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassAboveThe49th Posted October 26, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 26, 2013 Or another epoxy besides Devcon that could be recomended Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gone2long Posted October 26, 2013 Report Share Posted October 26, 2013 The clear coat question is a loaded one I suggest you search that on the site there is tons of info on it, I use Envirotex but there's so many options it's really based on your needs. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassAboveThe49th Posted October 26, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 26, 2013 What is your take on 2 in one air filters/regulators? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
