The Best Airbrush Kit For T-Shirts
Ready to airbrush T-shirts? If you are reading this article, we know you are. If you are looking for the best airbrush kit for T-shirts, you have found it. We have done the research for you and made the decision that the Grex GCK03 Airbrush Combo Kit with Tritium is the best airbrush kit for this job. It has all the qualities needed and more, it is easy to use and gives great results.
Our Pick:
High quality airbrush kit, easy and comfortable to use with precise and unlimited airflow control. Makes you look forward to airbrushing.
The Grex GCK03 Airbrush Combo Kit with Tritium TG3 Airbrush is a premium, high -quality airbrushing system, used by many professionals as well as beginners. Its elegant look, well-engineered design and powerful compressor and airbrush have given it the role of the Hulk in the airbrushing world. The compressor is equipped with 1/8 HP and can hold the pressure of 60 PSI at an amazingly steady flow. It is oil-less and will save you money on maintenance. In addition, you get the stainless steel Tritium.TG airbrush which is a top gravity one and ensures maximum precision and total control from detailed to wide spraying. It is made to be used easily by anyone and comes with a nice carrying case that increases portability.
Runner-up:
A powerful, high-quality, and long-lasting compressor combined with a reliable and versatile airbrush that does everything good.
The Iwata-Medea Studio Series Power Jet Lite and Iwata-Medea Eclipse HP BCS are two pieces of a puzzle that are sold separately but are worthy of your attention. The compressor has a strong 1/6 HP induction motor and the airflow of 0.88 CFM. It is an oil-less, twin piston compressor designed to save you money on maintenance. It has a moisture filter, pressure gauge, air regulator and the ability to produce up to 60 PSI. The Eclipse airbrush does every job right and it is a dual action siphon feed one that comes with a 60ml cup. It features a wide spray range and it is made for professionals and beginners. Downside: possible needle issues which can be eliminated by checking the needle before you start airbrushing.
Also great:
Great combination of a multi-purpose, reliable and high-quality airbrush and a trustworthy compressor made for serious airbrushing.
The Iwata-Medea Eclipse HP CS Airbrush has joined forces with the Master Airbrush Model TC-326T compressor and made this T-shirt airbrushing system available for purchase. The compressor is a single piston one with 1/5 HP motor and the possibility to reach up to 57 PSI of steady pressure flow. It features 2 built-in cooling fans that prevent the compressor from overheating while you work as well as a 3-liter air tank for zero pulsation and an automatic on/off that preserve the motor. The dual action airbrush is a gravity feed one designed for a wide range of uses. It thrives in versatility and performance and gives impressive results in high-detail spraying. Downside: The motor holds less HP than previous models, you need to check for leaking before you start airbrushing.
Also great:
Paasche VL-SET Double Action Siphon Feed Airbrush Set and Paasche DA400R 1/4 HP Compressor (sold separately)
Durable, most versatile airbrush and a dependable sturdy compressor make a great starter kit combination.
The Paasche VL-SET Double Action Siphon Feed Airbrush Set is an extremely affordable airbrushing set made for any inspiring artist. It is chrome plated and made to last for a long time in the hands of the right person. It is a double action airbrush that achieves fine lines as well as wide patterns easily. And if you want simpler control, you can also use it as a single action one. It is complimented by Paasche DA400R 1/4 HP Compressor that can generate maximum pressure up to 50 PSI. This is a dual piston compressor features a pressure regulator, moisture trap and automatic on/off system. Downside: Less powerful motor, a little louder than expected.
Budget pick:
Cheap airbrush kit for T-shirts and other applications; includes a good compressor and three different airbrushes.
With PointZero Airbrush Dual Action Airbrush Kit with 3 Airbrushes you are certainly getting a lot of equipment. This $100 kit is perfect for beginners who want to practice airbrushing without spending a lot of money. The compressor delivers 1/5 HP and can reach approximately 58 PSI. It has an air-on-demand system and oil-less design. Additionally, you get two dual action gravity feed and one single action siphon feed airbrush. These three airbrushes all have a stainless-steel needle and cover a wide range of applications from fine lines to board spread. Downsides: Louder than expected, possible air leaks and uneven application. You got it very cheap, please don’t expect it to work forever.
Table of contents
4. Full review: Grex GCK03 Airbrush Combo Kit with Tritium TG3 Airbrush
5. Full review: Iwata-Medea Studio Series Power Jet Lite and Iwata-Medea Eclipse HP BCS
6. Full review: Iwata-Medea Eclipse HP CS Airbrush Set with Cool Runner II Dual Fan Air Tank Compressor System Kit
7. Full review: Paasche VL-SET Double Action Siphon Feed Airbrush Set and Paasche DA400R 1/4 HP Compressor
8. Full review: PointZero Airbrush Dual Action Airbrush Kit with 3 Airbrushes
1.
Why you should trust us?
To clarify things, we are not in the T-shirt airbrushing business. But if you continue to read after the first sentence, we will tell you that we have used a lot of compressors and airbrushes over the years and we know a lot about them. Amazon sent us compressors and kits to test over the years and state their qualities and flaws, so we used this information to make a list of the best airbrush kits for T-shirts. We even done some T-shirt airbrushing for this research and it was fun, not to mention that we finally have new T-shirts.
We used them on a daily basis, tested its limits and possibilities as well as reliability. We even got to the smallest details such as the hose, the handle, airbrush gun holder and suction feet. Everything was noted in a rather messy notebook that we will never be able to publish, but it holds all the precious information. Gollum would probably call it “my precious”.
Another significant contribution was made by guys at the Mike’s Brush custom airbrush shop. Their highly detailed and most honest reviews have helped us out a lot. They have a huge reputation for painting T-shirts as well as doing other airbrushing jobs and besides direct communication through Facebook, their YouTube video reviews also contributed. They voted for the Iwata to be our pick, but Grex picked up the majority of votes. Well guys, maybe next time.
OrcPainterNerd sounds like something out of the Lord of The Rings. Well they don’t look or sound like orcs, but they give very detailed and honest reviews of products. That is why we paid close attention to their YouTube channel and noted every good or bad thing they said and then tested it out by ourselves. A special thanks to our orcs.
2.
For professionals
Firstly, this is for airbrush professional artists that have an airbrush and a compressor, or just one of these things that wear off, or got broken or got lost somewhere along the way. Yes, you had that perfect airbrush/compressor, but now it is gone. Maybe you will buy the same one you had, and yet again humans are curious beings and want to try out new things. So, you ended up on our website and now you are reading what is out there and you are thankful to us for chewing it all up for you in this (not so) short article.
For starters
Secondly, this is for beginners who want to airbrush their own T-shirts but do not know where to start. Guys first buy an airbrush and a compressor and then buy the T-shirts. Otherwise you will end up with a lot of white T-shirts that you can’t even wear to a white party as they all got so fancy lately. We wrote this article to be your spirit guide through T-shirt airbrushing. After reading it you will feel 80% ready for work (the remaining 20% is buying the necessary equipment).
For the people
Thirdly, this is for all the people that want to have some fun and airbrush a few T-shirts. For all of those who want to express themselves artistically, and for those who want to express their attitudes, opinions or just paint something stupid on a T-shirt and wear it to school.
For Instagrammers
It is for all the people that need a fresh and original T-shirt design to post on their Instagram profile as well as those who realized that selling T-shirts on Instagram is a really profitable business. Long live the Insta-market!
For my mum
This article is for you mum, God knows that there is a true artist lying in a body of a housewife. Read it and buy yourself a T-shirt airbrush kit, then you won’t wear my T-shirts anymore. Just kidding guys, my mum doesn’t wear my shirts.
3.
We had a little help. Wondering who helped? Well the three musketeers: Sir Horsepower, Sir Max Pressure and Sir Airbrush Quality. However, like in the real musketeers, the fourth one came uninvited. We had to acknowledge his existence and named him Sir Spray Pattern. Sir Price also had a little to do with choosing, but we won’t give him a special category. He will be an honorable mention. So, let’s get to know our musketeers.
Sir Horsepower, a strong gentleman. We checked out the HP of each compressor and then tested over time does it always perform the same. Does it wear out or weaken over time. This took a lot of daily uses of the compressors not only by us, but by other consultants and users. Every compressor has the HP stated in the specifications and is capable of providing steady work of the compressor. The HP varies in our list, but each one earned its place.
Sir Max Pressure, a persistent gentleman. It is a fact that for airbrushing T-shirts you need the maximum pressure to range from 40 to 60 PSI. All of our picks fulfill this condition, and additionally made it to the list as they provide a steady flow of air at their maximum pressure. There are no pulsations and you are given clean and dry airflow. Airbrushing is an art and so is the airflow.
Sir Airbrush Quality, a durable gentleman. If you have an amazing compressor but you have a poor-quality airbrush it is like you bought a Ferrari, but you don’t have a driver’s license. The airbrush could be gravity fed or siphon fed, but it must well-built, durable, and reliable. The Tritium, Eclipse, Paasche and even the PointZero are high-quality airbrushes that have made the cut and will make driving the Ferrari fell like a child’s play.
Sir Spray Pattern, a versatile gentleman. You never know whether you will need fine lines or a medium or wide spray pattern. So, you need have them all in one place, just in case. Each airbrush gun on our list is versatile and provides spraying of fine thin lines as well as widespread spraying. In addition, each one is a multi-purpose unit and can be used for other airbrushing jobs.
Airbrushing and selling T-shirts is a business that will never die out. Why? Well, because everyone wants to have a unique and original T-shirt that shows their opinion or attitude towards politics, movies, love, life etc. We have gone a long way, did the research and made this list of the best airbrush kits for T-shirts. You do not have to go through all the comments and reviews on Google, just read as it shows the best and worst of all kits.
4.
Our Pick:
High quality airbrush kit, easy and comfortable to use with precise and unlimited airflow control. Makes you look forward to airbrushing.
This Hulk looking aibrush kit the Grex GCK03 Airbrush Combo Kit with Tritium TG3 Airbrush is our number one pick for airbrushing T-shirts. It has everything ready for you in a box to go in which you will find two things that are a match made in heaven: the Grex AC1810-A compressor and the Grex Tritium. TG3 Airbrush. Throughout our testing, we realized that destiny united these two kids and when they are together it’s like magic where true love triumphs.
Let’s talk about the Mr. Compressor. At the first glance it looks so stylish and elegant and that is how it starts winning us over. When you look beyond the external appearance, you get even more amazed with the fact that it has a strong 1/8 HP motor that delivers 0.7 CFM and has proven the ability to maintain a steady pressure at the maximum of 60 PSI. This piston style compressor is, of course, oil-less made for maintenance free operation. The noise level is estimated to be 55 dB which is compared to the noise of a refrigerator and approved by nagging wives all over the world. In our workshop, we did not even hear it working.
There’s more
Beside being attractive to the eye, the design is very compact and easy to carry around. It has a nice handle that can be retracted when not in use, so it does not get in the way. Furthermore, it has an integrated pressure gauge for easier readings and an integrated moisture trap with a petcock release that keeps moisture out and ensures a clean and dry air flow. The auto on/off feature turns off the compressor when it reaches maximum PSI or you are not using it. This prolongs the lifespan of the compressor and prevents the motor from wearing off quickly. Another nice touch is the set and lock regulator, that stops the settings from changing when you put it in a certain position.
Now a little bit about Mrs. Airbrush. The most important thing to mention is that the Tritium TG3 airbrush is a top gravity feed one meaning that the cup is located on the top of the gun. This provides an excellent and steady paint flow at different angles. The paint streams downwards and does not collect in the cup. This type of design provides more balanced handling. In addition, the paint cups are detachable so you can choose the size that works best for your project (the set includes three different cup sizes).
It gets better
This airbrush features a double action pistol style trigger which means it has a two stage operation: when moving the first half of the trigger you control the air; and when moving the second half you control the paint volume. How awesome is that?!
We also must mention the ergonomic handgrip with a textured surface that helps minimize hand cramping and allows people with chronic finger or hand problems to airbrush. Plus, it just feels comfortable and lightweight in your hand. The nozzle is made of stainless steel and has large diameter threads that increase durability. Another great thing is the pre-set knob that limits and controls the paint volume as well as the option of easy changing of the nozzles/needles.
Our Amazon critics are overall satisfied with this airbrushing kit and recommend it to anyone who can afford it. They also praise the technical support by Grex, as they are very helpful and polite. The model feels completely natural in your hands and it is proven to be easy to use even by beginners. The only recommendation we have for them is to watch the instructional DVD to avoid getting annoyed if something won’t work as they planned to. And after our testing, we added another 5 stars to this product on Amazon, where it is already rated with 4.6.
What’s in the box?
When you open this package, you get everything you need to get you started. First, we have the Grex AC1810-A a powerful mini compressor, then the elegant Grex Tritium. TG3 Airbrush, a 6 feet long braided nylon air hose, a 2ml, 7 ml and 15 ml top gravity cup, ecofriendly acrylic paints, a useful how to Airbrush DVD and a very modern and convenient carrying case. This is one full house.
The Grex AC1810-A Compressor has spent a long time searching for his soulmate, but it finally met the Grex Tritium TG3 Airbrush. These two pieces make a perfect whole and give great performance and reliability. They are here for professionals and beginners, for T-shirt airbrushing and other types of airbrushing, small or large scale. We know it is pricy but worth the money spent, a once in a lifetime purchase. It will nail your T-shirt airbrushing just like the Hulk, quickly and with precision.
5.
Runner-up:
A powerful, high-quality, and long-lasting compressor combined with a reliable and versatile airbrush that does everything good.
The Iwata-Medea Studio Series Power Jet Lite and Iwata-Medea Eclipse HP BCS were a real pleasure to use and test. The Iwata Eclipse airbrush is one of the most popular ones and it can be attached to any compressor but when you use it with the Power Jet Lite compressor, that is a whole different fairytale with a happy ending. These two complete each other perfectly and have given excellent results in T-shirt airbrushing, among other applications.
We will start with Mr. Compressor. The guys at OrcPainterNerd said, “When you purchase an Iwata compressor you get high-quality and precision product.” We agree with them 100%. This is great compressor that has a quiet running 1/6 HP induction motor which generates air flow with 0.88 CFM. The maintenances costs are low as this is an oil-less twin piston air compressor. To spice things up, there is an air regulator that helps you set the exact air pressure you need. The maximum air pressure this unit can achieve is 60 PSI of steady air flow. Which is the maximum needed for airbrushing T-shirts.
The best part is
Surely it has an auto shut-off technology that activates when the compressor is not in use. When we press down the trigger, the motor kicks in and when you release the trigger, the motor automatically shuts down.
This benefits the wear out time of the motor and as they stated in OrcPainterNerd youtube video “This makes sure that the motor is not being overworked, and actually keeps the motor of the compressor running for many years.”
The moisture trap does its job in trapping condensation and preventing pulsations, thus delivering clean and dry air while you are working. In addition, the motor is protected from the dust and other particulates as this compressor has an air intake filter.
Moving on to Mrs. Airbrush. The Iwata-Medea Eclipse HP BCS is an airbrush you can use for any airbrushing work that comes to your mind. It is highly praised in its versatility, reliability, and performance, by others and by us as well. Whenever we need to test out a new compressor, we attach the Eclipse to it and get the most realistic results.
This is a siphon feed dual action airbrush which means it has a paint cup (60ml) at the bottom and the paint is pulled into the spray gun. It allows a high flow of different types of paint without the need for thinning or reducing them. This airbrush has an exclusive compression fit nozzle which is very easy to clean and assemble.
Additionally, the Iwata spring-steel needle is solvent resistant and breakage resistant which prolongs its lifespan. This airbrush gun is made for wide spraying as well as finer details, for beginners, hobbyists, and professionals.
This combination is our runner up because it is not a pre-prepared kit, the items are sold separately. Another reason is that some user have stated that they have had troubles with the needle, which is easily resolved if you take the time to check if everything is in the right place before you pour the paint and start spraying. If you follow this advice you could spare yourself of making a messy shirt.
Amazon and reddit honest critics are extremely satisfied with the compressor and the airbrush. The airbrush operates smoothly, spraying a nice even coat, plus it is easy to clean. The compressor is praised to be not heavy, quiet and with an impressive performance. We have even managed to find people who have been using it for more than 8 years and still they only had words of praise.
What’s in the box?
You get the mighty Iwata-Medea Studio Series Power Jet Lite compressor, along with an air hose and adapters so it can hook up to any brand of airbrush. And let’s not forget the Iwata-Medea Eclipse HP BCS Airbrush with a 60 ml bottle suitable for a larger amount of paint.
The Iwata-Medea Studio Series Power Jet Lite and Iwata-Medea Eclipse HP BCS are two products that bought together will give many many years of airbrushing without having to worry about anything. They will make you spent a larger amount of money, but for something that will be a part of your life for a long time. We are giving you the green light in becoming a part of Iwata family.
6.
Also great
Great combination of a multi-purpose, reliable and high-quality airbrush and a trustworthy compressor made for serious airbrushing.
Well, it was a pleasure testing out the performance of Iwata-Medea Eclipse HP CS Airbrush Set with Cool Runner II Dual Fan Air Tank Compressor System Kit. Even though it is not the best one, or the runner up, it is certainly worth mentioning and that is why it is placed in the also great category. If you do not want to spend to much, but you have a decent amount of money, this is the right choice.
The compressor in this bundle is the Master Airbrush Model TC-326T Cool Runner II Air Compressor. Yeah, this bunch of words doesn’t mean anything to you, so let’s break it down into pieces.
This is a single-piston compressor (air is compressed one time) that has 1/5 HP motor making it powerful enough to handle extensive airbrushing. It is designed to handle even more demanding tasks as it has two built-in cooling fans that stop overheating and prolong the lifespan. A 3-liter air tank is a nice addition that ensures zero pulsation and a constant air pressure.
There’s more
Another thing that prolongs the lifespan is the premium rotor windings and the air-on-demand system that shuts of the compressor when you are taking a break.
Pressure can be adjusted up to 57 PSI with the air volume of 0.8 CFM. The noise level is estimated to be 47 dB, but we can say that it is a bit louder and compare it to a refrigerator. The water trap filter ensures the flow of clean and dry air while the pressure regulator with a gauge makes control easier.
The Iwata-Medea Eclipse HP CS Dual Action Airbrush Set is a gravity feed airbrush which means that the paint cup is on the top. It is made to spray heavy acrylic paint and textile colors, which makes it perfect for T-shirt airbrushing. It has a combination of a 0.35mm needle and drop-in self-centering nozzle and with it you also get a 1/3 oz gravity feed cup.
This Eclipse series airbrush is praised to be highly versatile and we agree completely. While testing the guys at OrcPainterNerd said “you can get ridiculously thin lines with it, but it also has nice medium spay patterns” the add “it is pretty simplistic to get thin lines”.
So, besides them and us, others too have undeniably proven that this airbrush gives excellent fine and wide spray.
The faithful Amazon critics say that this is a product with excellent value that has everything you need to start airbrushing T-shirts. The professionals don’t complain but neither do beginners. The airbrush and the compressor are easy to control and did not cause any problems when operating. Definitely a product that you can grow old with, but it does not make your partner jealous.
A few of Amazon buyers have said that they got the wrong compressor, or a hose that did not fit the compressor. When you package arrives take the time to see if what you got is what you ordered, mistakes like this happen but not on purpose. Also, please check for leaks before you start working. My college Daniel didn’t do that, prepared everything to start airbrushing and got annoyed by the leaking. He ended up having a cigarette after a month of not smoking. Wasn’t worth it – check for leaks!
What’s in the box?
The name of the product is long and so is the list of things that you get. The most important thing is the Master Airbrush Model TC-326T Cool Runner II Air Compressor with Air Tank, followed by a Iwata-Medea Eclipse HP CS Dual Action Airbrush Set, 24 acrylic airbrush paint, a 6 Foot Braided Air Hose with 1/8″ Fittings, plus a Hose Quick Release Coupler with Plug, a Dual Airbrush Holder and a Universal Clamp-On 4 Airbrush Holder, a cleaning pot, paint mixing stick and a quick start guide manual. Now this is called a full house!
The Iwata-Medea Eclipse HP CS Airbrush Set with Cool Runner II Dual Fan Air Tank Compressor System Kit is an honorable member of our list and has earned its place rightfully. You might have to spend a bit more money on it but it is a really good investment. Start collecting followers this kit will get you spraying and selling T-shirts in no time.
7.
Also great
Paasche VL-SET Double Action Siphon Feed Airbrush Set and Paasche DA400R 1/4 HP Compressor (sold separately)
Durable, most versatile airbrush and a dependable sturdy compressor make a great starter kit combination.
Although not sold as a kit, the Paasche VL-SET Double Action Siphon Feed Airbrush Set and Paasche DA400R 1/4 HP Compressor a great starter system for any inspiring artist. The airbrush has a larger inner passage way for using with thicker T-shirt paints and requires a bit more pressure and CFM, that is why we combined it with this Paasche compressor as it can handle the requirements. A lot of T-shirt airbrush artists use a Paasche combo and this is one set built to work together.
The Paasche DA400R Compressor is a proper piece of equipment for fabric painting among other applications such as illustrating, model making, tanning, auto graphics. It features a 1/4 HP motor which delivers enough power to produce up to 50 PSI of smooth and steady air flow. The durability of the unit is increased with the moisture trap that holds back the condensation and moisture built up. The auto on/off system also has a part in increasing the lifespan as it shuts off the compressor when you are taking a break to have a cold beer.
There’s more
This compressor also has a thermal overload protector that prevents overheating. You can work all you want, and you won’t get burned. The compressor is an oil-less piston one and reduces the maintenance cost. We also have to mention the noise level, which is said to be 55 dB, but from our experience it is a bit louder than that. It is measured to be around 60 dB, which is like a laugher but just not that pleasant.
The Paasche VL-Set airbrush is a double action siphon feed airbrush that is most suitable for thin and fine lines. You can also turn the roller in front of the trigger and use it as a single action airbrush if you want simpler controlling.
They guys at Mike’s Brush say, “If you are going to be spraying inks or something really thin, this is your choice.” The airbrush is durable and has a stainless-steel needle and nickel silver tip.
The body is chrome plated and the best part is that you get three head sizes you can change according to your needs.
Cleaning is simple as all you need to do is pray some cleaner through the airbrush and that’s it. However, don’t let the paint dry off, wonder why? The guys at Mike’s Brush explain it, “If you are working with acrylic paint, it is gonna dry on the needle tip and you are going to have a hard time getting it out of there because the needle barely pops out”
What’s in the box?
Here you get a nice package with: a Paasche DA400R 1/4 HP Compressor, and a Paasche VL-Set that includes all three head sizes (.55mm, .7mm and 1mm), 1 oz bottle assembly, 1/4oz metal cup, 1oz storage bottle, 6-foot braided hose, hanger, wrench and lessons booklet and a user manual.
The combination of the Paasche VL-SET Double Action Siphon Feed Airbrush Set and Paasche DA400R 1/4 HP Compressor is a very frequent one among T-shirt airbrush artists. And for most of them an affordable choice. It is great for beginners and it will get you making an Instagram sales profile after first usage.
8.
Budget pick:
Cheap airbrush kit for T-shirts and other applications; includes a good compressor and three different airbrushes.
Testing the PointZero Airbrush Dual Action Airbrush Kit with 3 Airbrushes was a real fun. For such a cheap price we can say that what you get is a real bargain. This kit is great for airbrushing T-shirts as well as cakes, tattoos, nails and other art and craft projects that come to your mind.
The ultra-compact compressor does not have a tank, but it delivers a 1/5 HP which is even stronger than the previous one. The noise it makes is said to be 55 dB but is louder. It has an auto on/off feature that prevents motor wear and activates when you are not working, or the maximum pressure of 58 PSI is reached. It also has an integrated pressure gauge for easy readings, and a water trap for dry air flow. The quality is solid, and it is really compact, lightweight and portable.
The first airbrush included is the dual action gravity feed one with internal mix. The second one is a dual action gravity feed one with internal mix for fine detailing. The third one is a single action siphon feed with external mix for broad coverage. Three airbrushes with preinstalled nozzles of 0.33 mm, 0.2 mm and 0.8 mm. Comfortable and easy to handle. The boring part could be the constant changing of airbrushes. If you invest a bit more money, you can get a single airbrush that could do everything these three do.
This kit is a bit louder than expected, maybe like a loud fridge that is about to die. Another downside are the possible air leaks, so please check for them before you get to work. Some airbrushes might work just fine, but if you are out of luck, you might get a broken one which will cause problems. Don’t be surprised if this happens, just contact the seller and ask for a replacement.
What’s in the box?
Get ready to be amazed, you get: 1 premium dual-action airbrush, 1 fine-detail dual-action airbrush, 1 broad-coverage single-action airbrush, a PointZero air compressor, 2 glass color jars, a six feet braided air hose, a five foot nylon air hose, one M5-to-1/8″ BSP airbrush adaptor, a propellant-can regulator, two barbed hose connectors, two paint pipettes, two nozzle wrenches, 3 cases for the 3 airbrushes, a user manual, instruction sheet, and a DVD to master the basics. For a $100 purchase not bad at all.
The PointZero Airbrush Dual Action Airbrush Kit with 3 Airbrushes is a solid T-shirt airbrushing kit that will last as much as you paid for it. It is very rich in equipment and perfect for someone who is starting or trying out airbrushing. For $100 this is the best one out there!
9.
How to airbrush T-shirts – best guide for beginners
When someone mentions airbrushing T-shirts, it might sound so complicated and difficult, but we can tell you it is not. You want to start a home-based business and earn some nice cash along the way? Or simply you want to express yourself artistically? Heck, you do not even have to be talented for airbrushing T-shirts, there are so many premade stencils and templates that you can even design yourself.
There are a few things you need to get, invest a certain amount of money, but after that you are all set go. So, let’s start this beginner’s guide and start spraying.
Things you will need
- Airbrush
To do any kind of airbrushing you need an airbrush gun. If you do not have one, you will be like Thor without his hammer – alone and unable to do anything. The most popular type of airbrush for T-shirts is a siphon feed airbrush that can handle the high viscosity of textile paints.
What the hell is siphon feed?!
This is a specific type of airbrush that features a bottle or container that is connected to the bottom of the gun and has a tube that runs from the airbrush to the gun. When airbrushing the guns pulls the paint up into the mixing chamber where the atomization and spraying happens.
Why is this important? Well you can quickly switch containers with other colors. It’s a faster and therefore more popular way.
You might have heard that something called gravity feed airbrush exists?
Well, it does. And is certainly the most recommended airbrush type. Why you wonder? The gravity feed gives you more control of the spraying and it provides pressure downwards which forces the paint directly into the brush. You can use it with T-shirt airbrushing if you want to take your time and give a more precise illustration.
The main difference between these two beauties is that the siphon feed airbrush has a bit of delay between trigger pulling and paint delivery, and the gravity feed one does not.
A nice thing to have but not necessary is the airbrush holder. There is no special explanation here, it is just the place to put down your airbrush when not working.
- Airbrush compressor
Do not think that this is something complicated to choose. You just need to pay attention to some things. The most important one is the PSI (Pounds per Square Inch) and it is the unit of pressure. For airbrushing T-shirts, the compressor must be able to produce 40 – 60 PSI. If the compressor you are looking at has below 40 PSI, don’t even look at it.
Why is this important? Because when you are spraying you will have a steady flow of air up to 60 PSI without any interruptions.
What if I get a compressor with lower PSI? Well you can do the spraying, but it will be a bit difficult to stay consistent with your strokes as the compressor will endure a bit torturing to ensure the necessary pressure.
Do you need a compressor with a tank? Hell, yes! If you can afford it, get it.
Having an air tank makes a big difference as it eliminates air flow pulsation. Pulsations can lead to mistakes in airbrushing just when you need it to be perfect.
- Paint
This part is easy, you just need to use acrylic paints because they are the best one for applying on various different surfaces. They dry fast and are highly pigmented. The recommended ones are Wicked Paints by Createx, Goldens GAC 900 and others.
- T-shirts
Well, this is a no brainer. Surely, you need T-shirts. But make sure that are 100% cotton or 50/50 cotton as they absorb the paint best. And we you buy the T-shirts, just paint on them right out of the box, no need to wash them before spraying.
Things you might not need, but are good to have.
- T-shirt board
This a no cost equipment that could be useful. It can be foam core board, cardboard, Masonite or hard board. It separates the front and the back, so you won’t have the front paint on the back or vice versa. It also tightens up the T-shirt and gives you a nice flat, wrinkle free surface to work on.
Can you do without it? Well, yes but is much easier when you have it.
- Stencils
If you are not so talented you can always use stencils. But there is another benefit of having a stencil and that is that you won’t get any excess paint on your T-shirt. Small advice: do not use cardboard, plastic, or x-ray films as stencils, as they tend to get messy. Use pennant felt – it’s cheap, you can use many times and it does not get messy.
- Heat Press
A T-shirt heat press is used to set the color, so it doesn’t fade away or wash off quickly. There are two options here: investing a buying a heat press or do it the old fashion way with a household iron. The heat press is self-explanatory, and with the iron you just need to buy parchment paper to cover the design and you are ready to iron it (set the iron to max and move it all the time).
Now, you are ready to airbrush and sell your original T-shirts. There is always money in the clothing business, you just need to work on your designs, be original and advertise.
10.
Sources
- Mike’s Brush YouTube channel
- OrcPainterNerd YouTube channel
- Amazon critics