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Top 5 Airbrushes for Painting Miniatures & Warhammer: On Sale Now!

best-airbrushesCheck out the top 5 (and plenty more) airbrushes for painting miniatures and Warhammer that are great buys during Amazon Prime Big Deal Days!

While not everything on this list is going to be on sale, if you’ve been eyeing something up, you might as well check and see! Never spend more hobby dollars than you have to. See what you can save with our airbrush list right now!

Amazon Prime Big Deal Days is an event where shoppers will find all sorts of money-saving deals on the website. It’s a special two-day event where anyone with a Prime subscription can get all sorts of deals starting October 10th – 11th, 2023.

holiday prime deals

Best of all, the lead-up to the sale has already begun with massive discounts on tons of amazing products. Of course, We’ve thrown up our hobby recommendations for every brand below that you do not want to miss either!

Prime Big Deal Days 2023What is on sale exactly? Well, all kinds of stuff! We don’t know everything, as there are thousands and thousands of items on sale, but we’ll preview some of the big deals and hobby stuff that you may be interested in the most!

The best deals seem to be for Prime members only, so if you haven’t signed up, you can get a free 30-day trial right now even, and you’re good for speedy Amazon deliveries for at least a month!

Unbeatable Prime Days Deals: Top 5 Airbrushes for Painting Miniatures & Warhammer

Here’s a quick list (and an easy way to see which ones are on sale) if you need to grab one of these top airbrushes, compressors, or accessories for painting miniatures and Warhammer right now!

Before we get too far into what airbrushes are worth buying, let’s get through some questions many people ask.

Can You Airbrush Miniatures?

Big Models Airbrushing NLP

Of course! It’s a really fun side to the hobby and will help you get more done in no time. Even if you’re a beginner painter, this can really help in your evolution as a hobbyist.

Is an Airbrush Worth it For Miniature Painting?

king of war

If you want to paint faster and get more done, yes! Especially for big things like tanks, monsters, and vehicles.  Using an airbrush to paint miniatures will save you a ton of time. However, if you are just painting up a few models, it may not be as worthwhile.

When you have a full army of Warhammer miniatures to paint or some huge models to work on, using any one of these airbrushes will help.

Airbrushes have started catching on for the Warhammer hobby, so here are all our favorites that we recommend to anyone looking to get started using them for painting any miniatures!

#5 Iwata HP-CS:iwata eclipse

This multi-purpose, high-paint-flow, high-detail Eclipse Series airbrush covers a wide range of uses. Commonly used to spray premixed or heavier paints, it is well suited for uses demanding precise control of spray when applying moderate-to-large amounts of paint to a variety of surfaces and to various-sized areas. This Eclipse Series brush has established a new benchmark for excellence in an all-purpose airbrush.

· Gravity-feed airbrush features a unique 0.35-mm needle and nozzle combination for fine-detail spraying, but with high-paint-flow capacity

· Generous 1/3 oz. sized cup is designed with a new funnel shape, which makes for easy cleanup and more efficient paint flow

· Automotive artists, fine artists, and students will appreciate how well the Eclipse CS sprays heavier acrylics and Medea Textile Colors while maintaining high-detail spray characteristics

The Iwata HP-CS is a hobby stable that was recommended to me by Kenny Boucher at Next Level painting over eight years ago. It’s easy to obtain as it is stocked by nearly every Hobby Lobby in the country, but they won’t let you use the discount coupon on it anymore.

But they also stock replacement needles, nozzles, caps, etc., that you may need from time to time.

Overall it’s a robust airbrush with average-quality internal components that you really have to stay on top of to keep clean after every use. The advantage of the Iwata is that most hobbyists use it, and the parts are readily accessible. The cons are that it is not quite as forgiving as some of the airbrushes below, it’s a bit clunkier, and harder to maintain overall for the casual painter.

It’s good, but there are better airbrushes out there for your hobby dollars when it comes to painting miniatures!

#4 Badger Patriot 105:

badger 105 patriot

The new Model 105-1 “Patriot” is a dual-action gravity feed airbrush; set includes an extra tip and instruction manual.

The Patriot’s innovative precision design is enjoyed by crafters, artists, and hobbyists; Dual action, internal mix, gravity feed

Badger Airbrushes are American Made. One year warranty on mfg defects with a lifetime warranty on the PTFE needle bearing and any factory labor repairs

This is an American-made airbrush that you can find on sale quite frequently. It’s got a .50 mm single-needle nozzle that’s perfect for spraying most of the paints you’d use on a model. (acrylics, enamels, lacquers, glazes, watercolors, inks, etc.).

This airbrush seems to get recommended by many people out there, and it seems like it’s been growing in popularity recently. I used it a few times earlier in my painting career but gravitated away from it.

#3 Best Airbrushes For Miniatures Under $100: Harder & Steenbeck Ultra

harder steenbeck ultra

Great choice to start with! High quality airbrush for an affordable price. Same self-centering nozzle used on the higher rank models (exchangeable with Evolution, Grafo, Infinity).

Harder and Steenbeck ULTRA airbrush comes with 0.2mm nozzle set and 2ml gravity cup. For additional purchase, a 0.4 nozzle and 5ml cup available.

Double action gravity feed airbrush.

What Airbrush Should a Beginner Buy For Painting Miniatures?

Dollar for dollar, the Harder and Steenbeck Ultra is probably one of the best airbrushes for painting miniatures out there. I was shocked when I learned H&S had an airbrush on the market for less than $100!

This IMHO is one of the best airbrushes at this price range on the market today for  Warhammer or any miniatures really.

This is the airbrush I truly wished I had learned on FIRST, as I am sure with the optional upgrades I showcase in our review video, it will last a very long time for any hobbyist!

#2 Harder & Steenbeck Colani:

The Colani is a multifunctional product with over 50 years of experience in the production of paint sprayers. The distinctive design from Luigi Colani gives this instrument adaptable ergonomic characteristics which enable its universal use by both beginners and professionals.

Comprehensive accessories and nozzle sizes from 0.2 and 1.2 mm make the Colani particularly flexible for applications ranging from fine retouching to large surface painting. The dependent double function enables particularly fine work.

This is one of the hardest working, most precise Airbrushes for painting miniatures out there, in my opinion. The Colani is designed with top-notch German engineering for folks who really like the feel of a pistol airbrush handle but with a pincer-style trigger on top that is adjustable for left or right artists.

The Colani also features Teflon packing insides with robust internal coatings and mechanics that haven’t let me down yet. It also features an adjustable resistance to the trigger and a larger internal area for the paint to mix more thoroughly before it sprays, allowing for some of the most precise control out there.

You can even purchase special pipe cleaners (and a needle probe) in the exact diameters needed for cleaning the Colani with a looped metal head to prevent contact with the inside coatings. I will never know how they thought of that one, but it shows the attention to detail H&S puts into their products.

#1 Harder & Steenbeck Evolution AL:

evolution

Harder & Steenbeck adds a whole new meaning to the term “air brush”: The brand new Evolution ALplus is Harder & Steenbeck’s first airbrush made from aluminum, giving it an almost airy weight of only 56g, just about half as much as a traditional airbrush. And its design is striking as well, with a stylish matte black finish accentuated by chromed open needle cap, cup, lever and centre ring.

The Evolution ALplus is available as a solo model with 0.2 mm fine line nozzle set and 2 ml flow cup and as a Two in One version with an additional 0.4 mm nozzle set and 5 ml flow cup. Other than that, the Al plus has all of the Evolution CRplus models’ tried and tested ergonomics, features and functionalities

My go-to for all airbrushing needs. This baby is everything I have ever wanted in an airbrush and so much more. It weighs about half of a normal airbrush because of its Aluminum barrel and high-quality interior components that are on par with the Colani.  I have yet to actually “stain” the aluminum casing with my paints as everything seems to fall off under light scrubbing with a plastic magically bristled brush.

The spring tension is also cleverly adjustable via a screw on the back of the brush, with push on the airflow adjustable on the inside of the air hose interface at the bottom of the brush. This reminds me, both of the tolerances of these H&S airbrushes are so tight you don’t need to use Teflon tape to maintain the air pressure when you connect your compressor air hose (quick releases or otherwise).

The small paint reservoir (that is upgradable) means I waste way less paint than before and keeps the pot fresher with fewer clogs.  It is also adjustable, but all I have ever used on it is the .02 mm fine line nozzle that has had no issues with any paint I have loaded into it as long as it was accompanied by a little Vallejo flow improver per the norm.

It even has the same special pipe cleaners that the Colani does above that really give you an edge maintenance-wise when it comes to the H&S family of airbrushes.

Conclusions: Best Airbrushes for Miniatures & Wargames Models like Warhammer

Personally, I think most folks would be okay to start airbrushing Warhammer and Wargames miniatures with the Iwata if it’s all you have access to, or the Ultra, with the Ultra being the better value of the two.

If you want to skip to the head of the class and start at the top, then the two Harder Steenbecks are beyond amazing but be wary, and so is their price. They are, however, two of the best airbrushes for painting miniatures out there.

More Airbrushes That Are Perfect For Warhammer Miniatures

There are many more great airbrushes for Warhammer miniatures for you to discover and try.

Below is a look at everyone we have used in our hobby journey, along with a list of superb compressors and accessories!

Harder & Steenbeck Infinity CR Plus:

Harder and Steen back Airbrush

Self-centering socket-type nozzles 0.15mm + 0.4mm Gravity feed 2ml + 5ml cups with lids Precision quick- fix end piece with numbered dial Innovative, adjustable trigger mechanism 

As we said, the price is high, but this is the high end for any of the airbrushes you could use for Warhammer miniatures.

Badger Air-Brush Co. Sotar 2020-2F

solar 2020

The 2020 provides the professional illustrator with an airbrush capable of producing the ultimate in fine line detail. It is more precise, more comfortable, and more reliable than any competitor. When fine line detail or the finest paint atomization for a “soft” spray pattern is required, SOTAR is the only choice. Finely pigmented properly reduced paints, water colors, inks, dyes, and low viscosity acrylics can be sprayed with the 2020. The elongated body maintains an efficient distance between trigger and paint reservoir. The trigger and back lever assemble easily thanks to our innovative “track and winged” design. The Sotar has a mounted 1/12 ounce color cup which allows for extended use before having to add color. The fine (black) needle / nozzle will spray a “Hair” line to 3/4-inch (19 millimeter) spray pattern The medium (white) needle / nozzle will spray a “pen” line to 1-inch (25 millimeter) spray pattern The heavy (clear) needle / nozzle will spray a “pencil” line to 1 1/4 inch (31 millimeter) spray pattern.

Harder & Steenbeck – Evolution CRplus:

evolution hybrid airbrush

The Evolution CR Plus from Harder & Steenbeck combines elegance with maximum robustness; it has a high-quality triple coating with a chrome finish. The Evolution airbrush features a Stainless Steel needle & self centering Nickel Silver nozzle as well as its stylish appeal, the chrome plating minimizes allergy risks for anyone who has ever had problems with nickel equipment. The Evolution CRplus is moreover fully solvent-resistant, and fitted with PTFE seals to the nozzle, cup joint and valve.

Badger – Renegade Krome

Badger Airbrush

Badger Air-Brush Company’s newest addition to its series of fine detail airbrushes, the “Krome 2 in 1” RK-1 Airbrush. Designed by pros for professional results, Badger’s bright new gravity feed Krome airbrush outshines other detail airbrushes It features a “glide coat” finished trigger and rocker lever for a friction free trigger stroke. The Krome’s softer trigger tension allows for greater detail triggering control, and the micrometer trigger stop setting allows the user to set and reference spray patterns to 1/1000 of an inch (millimeter). An ergonomic under body finger rest provided for greater comfort during prolonged detail finishing sessions. The “Krome 2 in 1” RK-1 Airbrush Kit includes an ultra-fine Krome airbrush with a 3/8-ounce. mounted color cup, an additional fine tip, fine spray regulator, and fine needle; packaged in a sturdy, handsome storage case.

Top Airbrushes for Painting Miniatures- Harder & Steenbeck – Infinity Solo:

Infinity solo

The high-tech airbrush instrument for professional artists. This new airbrush not only sets new standards in design, it also offers intelligent functions and ergonomic excellence.

Again, this is another great choice when it comes to airbrushes for Warhammer miniatures, but the price will reflect that.

Iwata – Custom Micron CM-B:

iwata CMB

 

The Custom Micron CM-B Version 2 by Iwata atomizes and sprays in the same flawless manner with some additional features: an ergonomic square trigger, a crown cap dock on the handle for storing caps and the auxiliary lever is now attached to the chucking guide for easier re-assembly. This CM-B airbrush includes a .18mm nozzle and needle combination for the most accurate detailed spraying, a pre-set handle, adjustable main lever tension and 1.8ml gravity feed cup. Set includes: Custom Micron CM-B, spanner wrench, Superlube, test page and User’s Guide Booklet.

Top Airbrushes for Painting Miniatures- Monument Hobbies Pro Air-TG Pistol Grip Airbrush:

Monument Hobbies airbrushPacked securely and ready to spray away the grey. The Pro Air-TG is powered by Grex, another well-known company that is very passionate about its products. I haven’t had a chance to use this one quite yet, but I have used the Grex version it is based on, and I loved that one! The grex version was one of my first airbrushes for painting miniatures.

Monument always makes amazing products, so we expect this to be awesome. 

The ultimate weapon for your hobby arsenal is here! Monument has partnered with Grex USA to bring you the PRO Air series of airbrushes. The dual action TG is our simple-to-use, pistol grip version that controls both air and paint flow with one easy and comfortable trigger pull. The custom aluminum grip feels great in your hand, and the heavy duty construction guarantees that the PRO Air-TG will stand up to abuse and deliver superior results every time. Made for any level of painter from beginner to pro, It’s never been easier to start airbrushing!

Monument Hobbies airbrush 1Monument Hobbies has stated that this brush will also allow for Grex upgrade parts. Along with a six-year warranty, this is the best bang for your holiday buck. Let’s take a look at what the kit includes:

Kit contains –

  • PRO Air-TG dual action pistol grip airbrush with 0.3 needle / nozzle

  • G-MAC quick disconnect airflow control valve – easily change the PSI to the brush right at the handle!

  • x2 interchangeable paint cups – 2ml and 7ml

  • x2 Quick-fit needle caps – 1 standard, and 1 crown

  • x2 air hose adapters for Paasche and Badger fittings

Top Airbrushes for Painting Miniatures- Grex – Tritium TG:

Grex airbrush

Grex Tritium.TG5 0.5mm Nozzle Double Action Pistol Trigger Top Gravity Airbrush. Part of our Tritium Series – premium line of double action pistol style trigger airbrushes, the TG combines ease-of-use, comfort, superior detail control and the versatility of using the perfect top gravity cup size for your project. Coupled with several unique and patented features, this airbrush truly is a Grex. Set includes: Tritium.TG Airbrush, 2-ml (1/20 fl.oz) Top Cup w/ Lid, 7-ml (1/4 fl. oz) Top Cup w/ Lid, 15-ml (1/2 fl. oz) Top Cup w/ Lid, Quick-Fit Standard Needle Cap, Quick Fit Crown Needle Cap, Airbrush Carrying Case, Nozzle Wrench. Suggested Applications: Illustration, Fine Arts, Murals, Textiles, Automotive, Makeup, Body Painting, Woodworking, Hobby, Signs, Food and Cake Decorating and more.

Sparmax Airbrush Compressor

sparmax compressor

Sparmax is a bit of an investment but believe me when I say this thing is a mule. With all of the airbrush painting I’ve done over the years, it has stuck by me and kept the air pressures on my paints exactly the way I intended. I still use this beast today!

It has Airbrush stands on top of the casing, a protective metal shield around the compressor, an on/off switch, and a handle to make everything easier to transport if you have to hobby on the go.

Tooty “No-Name” Airbrush Compressor

Screenshot_95

Tired of sub-par Airbrush compressors overheating or dying on you? Check out the Tooty the no-name compressor that is far from a beginner.

I think everyone will like the Tooty compressor as well. Right out of the box, you can tell this little guy is different. It seems to be made with more durable coatings and has an operation volume of about 46db, which is basically ambient outside noise.  Sure it’ll be a little loud indoors, but most compressors are.

The best part is that the tank is one of the largest in its class, and I think it’s a tremendous value for the price.

Price Alert: Two Cheap But Good Airbrush Compressors!

Just remember that these are from Amazon, so there is a chance the price will go up, but for now, they are great deals! Also, both of these have really good reviews, so that’s always a good sign.

Timbertech Airbrush Kit with Compressor AS18-2K

Airbrushing Compressors CheapYou get a lot with this kit, and while the airbrush might not be the highest quality, it can never hurt to have a backup!

Airbrushing Compressors Cheap 2Here are the specs on this one:

  • Oil-less piston, maintenance-free, portable, quiet (47db), Built-in carry handle-light

  • Air flow 20-23L/Min, Autostart(3Bar)-Autostop(4Bar)

  • Regulator with gauge, water trap and air filter,Pressure relief safety valve, overheat protector

  • Basic Double-Action Gravity Feed Airbrush with 0.30mm Nozzle/Needle,6ft air hose,mini filter, cleaning brush & 5*Paints

  • Ideal for designers, modellers, artists, cake decorators, nail art and spray tanning (Please note: This Air Compressor is only fit for airbrush, not for spray gun or other air tools)

Airbrushing Compressors Cheap 3The other nice thing, this comes with two holders, and the reviews have all been pretty positive.

Rooty Tooty Airbrush Compressor by NO-NAME Brand

Airbrushing Compressors Cheap 4While this is a little more expensive, we use the bigger version, which works great! Plus, with the extra fan, it should really help.

Generally, with smaller compressors, after using them for extended periods of time, we have had to point a fan at them; with this, you shouldn’t have to!

Airbrushing Compressors Cheap 5Here are the specs on this one:

Oil Free Design Compressor housing material: Metal Portable Cooling fan right on the piston radiator to keep the compressor running cool for a long time 110 Volt 6 foot Power Cable Air Regulator with Filter and Gauge 1/6 HP Air Flow: 20-23 L / minute Noise: 40 dB User Manual On/Off Switch Suction cups on bottom for added stability Every NO-NAME Brand Compressor is INSPECTED and TESTED in our warehouse in Tampa, FL before going out to the customer!

Airbrushing Compressors Cheap 6Again, a little more expensive, but if you’re willing to move up a few bucks, this could be a great pickup.

Recommended Airbrushes & Supplies to Airbrush Warhammer Miniatures

You Should Buy a Good Airbrush AlreadyHarder & Steenbeck Evolution Airbrush (left) and Colani (right)  REVIEW: High-End Airbrushes

Tooty Compressor

Tooty No-Name Compressor REVIEW: More Than a Beginner Airbrush Compressor

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About the Author: Travis Pasch