My husband insists that I get an air brush for Christmas and I'm not fighting it. He told me to do research on a good one that is easy to use and clean. every site says theirs is the best though. Anyone have a good experience or even a bad one. I'm not sure where to even start.

thanks
christy

I have no personal experience but have read about three thousand threads on CC on this very topic! And of course, with as many brands as there are, every one has a different favorite.

I too will get an airbrush for Christmas. I had read and read and narrowed my choice down to two models: The Aztec and the Grex. Others on this list who had owned both convinced me to hold out for the Grex, which is a little pricier than many of the others.

Why not search the forums for "airbrush" and "air brush" - you'll find hours of reading and varying opinions. Good luck!

I have two a Badger and a Grex. GREX hands down is the better of the two. It is much easier on the hand and I can get it so precise I could sign a check with if I chose to.

Here is a cake I did with it a few weeks ago - check out the leaves - it didn't take me hardly any time at all to do them.

I LOVE the Grex!!

http://cakecentral.com/modules.php?name=gallery&file=displayimage&pid=1500879

Yep, Loucinda is the one who convinced me!

Gorgeous cake, Lou!

i never thought about searching forums. I'm not new to cc, but I'm new to forums. never had time before. I need to get up to speed.

i'll read the other topics, but I'll keep the Grex in top spot in my mind!

Here's a tip to make searching forums easier, as most forums' search feature stinks!

On your Google page, click on Advanced Search. A new screen will come up. Type in your search criteria. Near the bottom, you'll see something like "search within website:" where you will type in www.cakecentral.com.

You'll get much better search results with this than using the search feature on the forum, plus you can flip back and forth from CC to your Google search results. Sometimes on CC you have to keep entering your search criteria after you click on one result. Drives me crazy!!

I am in the exact same boat as grandmom, with the exception of any new ones that cropped up in the last 2 weeks I read every single thread that came up about "the best" airbrush. I too got down to the Grex and the Aztek. What finally made my decision was my level and the price.

I am just a hobby baker, but I didn't want to get something that wouldn't continue to grow with my skill, that's why I was on these two vs some of the much cheaper models available.

I decided on the Aztek 4709. Here are the things that made my final decision. The Grex is $300+ and the Aztec seemed to have reviews that were outstanding as well. It does not have a needle that has to be replaced or can be bent, it is dual action, it has options for gravity or suction action, you can attach the cup to the side for ease of use, in comes in a handy dandy storag box and I found it for an awesome deal $99 from Bearair.com, when the absolute cheapest I could find the set anywhere else was $121. So that was how I came to my choice. I am excited and I hope I can actually figure out how to use the dang thing, lol. This place makes me spend more money!!

Here's the post that helped me the most:
http://www.cakecentral.com/cake-decorating-ftopict-608279.html

I'm really so lost with all of this. now what about a compressor. that seems to be the expensive part. going to search the forums, but if anyone want to give me specifics to start my search with, I would be greatfull.

The Grex is more expensive, she's right about that one. But I don't intend to buy a Grex compressor. Instead, I've learned on this forum that lots of folks here are using an inexpensive compressor from Harbor Freight. They have a model with a moisture trap (they say that's important for using on cakes) for about $80:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=93657

The Grex model I want goes for about $209:

http://www.chicagoairbrushsupply.com/trduacpistai.html

So, yes, all told it will be about $300 for the brush and compressor. Then there's the cost of the airbrush colors.

I don't know if andpotts' cost included the compressor, but I don't think so. Maybe she will tell us which compressor she bought.

i have a paache talon, i got it from chicago airbrush supply...it was under 100.00...there is a big difference....theres more control with this one than the one i had before

http://www.chicagoairbrushsupply.com/

here ya go

and heres mine...nice airbrush for the price

http://www.chicagoairbrushsupply.com/newpata.html

any screaming objections to this. I'm not even sure if I'll like airbrushing, so I'm trying to go with something that isn't so beginner that it will stink, but not so great that I will have to take out a loan. I figure that I can scale up if I like it. The compressor part is the biggest mystery of all, but do the air brushes look ok in this??
http://cgi.ebay.com/CAKE-DECORATING-AIRBRUSH-KIT-24-Food-Colors-Compressor_W0QQitemZ200396202552QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item2ea88b6238

I hear ya, andpotts! I've never held one in my hand or seen one except on the Internet! It's a lot of money, be it $100, $200 or $300 for a toy you've never seen or touched.

But, I am confident we can do it!

That was the one thing that really sold me on it - I got to TRY it before I bought it at ICES. I fell in love instantly! Once I used it, I decided right then that I haad to have it. It is balanced perfectly, it is easy to use.....and has ALL the bells and whistles one could possibly want. I never had the control I have now when I used the badge one, I just could not get my finger to use that dual stage trigger on the top. Like that mastercard commercial......some things are just priceless!

(and again, I don't have the expensive compressor, or even the line, they had all the attachments to make what I already owned work with their airgun - which, IMO says a lot for them too)

Loucinda, you bought the Tritium TS-3, didn't you?

Grandmom - yes, it is the Tritium TS-3, love that trigger pull!

Loucinda, what brand of airbrush colours do you use with your Grex?

Can you please tell me where to get Airbrush colors for the best price? I want to get sets of pearl and regular. Also do you reccomend just starting off w/ big bottles or the small ones?

I have the americolor both regular and sheen, and I have Bakery Crafts (Bakers Preferrred) Pearl, and Lucks silver, and gold. I have used all of them and really don't have a preference.

If you use the ones with sheen you HAVE to clean your gun out about every 3 fills of color - that way it won't clog. (was taught that at an airbrushing class)

I am so glad I came across this thread. My husband really wants me to get an airbrush also, and I think he is going to "surprise" me with one for Christmas. Here's my concern, I think he is going to get me a hobby one from Harbor Freight (he likes to "save money"). Will this work? I am concerned that it is not food grade.

You'll be fine with it - just keep it dedicated for cake use only.....and have fun with it!

Thanks alot Loucinda. You have me sold on the Grex!

I went to http://www.tcpglobal.com/AirbrushDepot/ I bought one of their sets. I know it's not super fancy or anything, but I wanted to see how I liked it and how much I'd use it before I bought one of the big dogs. It came with the air brush, a compresser and twelve 4.5 oz. Bottles of Americolor Brand AmeriMist and I bought it all for $150. plus tax and shipping. I really like what I have (for now, until I use a better one) I don't make cakes often, about once a month so this for me is a great!

I have an Airmaster from Kopykake and love it ! Ive had it for 10 years and not one problem, Great airbrush!!

Ok, I really dont know anything about airbrushes or compressors and am in the market for one. Can someone tell me if a compressor made to airbrush model cars would be compatible with airbrushes made for cakes. What is the difference if there is one.

I dont know much about them either, wish I could help...sorry!