I want to start airbrushing and have talked to a few people I was told to get the Iwata Eclipse HP-CS found here http://www.iwata-medea.com/products/airbrush/eclipse/hpcs_info.jsp. I assume this would be a great airbrush for lures.

Here is what else I know I need:

Air Compressor: Don't know which to get. I know I want Iwata everything. Will the Silver Jet work with its PSI of 10-18 or do I need more pressure for automotive paint.

Hose: Don't know which one.

Paints: Will be using mostly automotive paint so I know I need their thinner and cleaner.

Any recommendations for the above or anything I left out for the basics will be appreciated.

Thanks

I really need help with getting the right size air compressor.

Thanks

Thad. I havent been on the forum for a while but I think I can help you out. Actually I know I can. lol  The Iwata airbrush is the only one to use. Nuff said!  As far as compressors go, anything will work just fine.  I havent looked at the iwata compressors, just wait,  Ok, I just checked them out. Not real close but I see what you are looking at.  That style of compressor is a quick recovery compressor.  If it even has a tank, I guess I forgot to look.  It might even be continuous, meaning it runs constantly.  It will work fine for just about any type of paint you use.

Im a custom painter myself so I only deal with automotive paints. They are the easiest to spray and clean up, IMHO. All you need is paint and reducer.  Thin it as needed ususally one to one but play with it, thats why its called custom.  The only thing you need is lacquer thinner for clean up.  Its very cheap and comes in gallon sizes.  By cheap I mean 15.00+ for a gallon.  This will last you a looonngg time with airbrushing.  These paints are not for use indoors!!!!    Which brings me to my next statement.  If your spraying outdoors you could get a garage style compressor that can be used for other things as well such as air tools.  Many can be had from local Home depots, Lowes, etc.  The only thing you will need is a compressor with an air pressure gauge so you know about how much pressure is in the line.  Its not the same as the pressure at the end of the hose but thats another subject for a different day. I usually run about 30-40lbs of pressure.  The other reason that I would get a compressor that has a tank is so that once the tank is filled the motor shuts off and you can enjoy quite time while you sip your Coors lights and learn how to paint in the evening. P.S. There will be lots of Coors light being drank!

Do not by an oiless compressor, they are loud!

Enough rambling. its like this.

Small actual airbrush compressors are:  Small, portable, usually fairly quiet, and limited use.

Normal compressors :  Everyday uses, have the ability to use higher pressures for bigger spray guns in the future, shut off and enjoy Coors time in the quiet. not really portable but some of them have wheels so you can move them around if needed.  To me its a no brainer but if space is an issue or for whatever reason you dont want a bigger compressor the silver jet will fill the bill nicely.  Oh, last thing make sure you by a hose with a quick disconnect and a quick disconnect for your brush.  Life will be easier. Give'em hell and paint the world!  G

I have the Iwata HPC+ and it is awesome. I will second the general "bigger the better" idea in lucky's post. Unless its in the house, a nice 3-10 gallon compressor would be sweet. After ruining my THIRD airbush compressor, I moved my paint booth out of my fishing room and set up a workstation in the garage. The 110 gallon compressor makes things a bit easier, lol.