Okay, I just figured out how to turn down the nozzle to a 12. I just practiced on a paper towel and it seemed to work good! But now I have the splatter problem with the dots. Or it looks really wet. How far should you hold your gun out? Also, what do you all do with the after spray? How do you clean it up? It goes everywhere....geeh....LOL!
Some airbrushes spatter more then others. The cheaper ones seem to be the worst. The distance you hold it from your project depends on the efect you are going for. If you spray inside of a box, on it's side you wont have as much over spray. Earlene's site has instructions to build a paint booth.
Oh man, seven pages of goodness. I am looking into an airbrush kit for my wife.
Here are the only cakes she's ever done ( http://whitneyscakes.blogspot.com/ ) She loves it, and is quite amazing for just starting out (at least I think so).
So, I've read through this thread and have concluded that if I didn't purchase the Aztek I would be doing myself a disservice, correct?
As far as the compressor, all that is needed is one that can regulate the PSI b/t 12-20...is that correct?
The one from Harbor Freight looks like a pretty good deal ( http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=92403 ). Can anyone vouch for it? Is it really loud? Or are there any other suggestions. Cheaper is better, and it won't be used every day, in fact at first I won't be airbrushing too often. this is for my wife. She does cakes on the side, so the business is come and go...and even then, the need for the airbrush isn't for every cake (am I right)?
Suggestions are welcome, I am seriously new to this, my wife is a creative genius, and I feel like this would be an awesome gift for her. (SURPRISE too =] )
Oh man, seven pages of goodness. I am looking into an airbrush kit for my wife.
Here are the only cakes she's ever done ( http://whitneyscakes.blogspot.com/ ) She loves it, and is quite amazing for just starting out (at least I think so).
So, I've read through this thread and have concluded that if I didn't purchase the Aztek I would be doing myself a disservice, correct?
As far as the compressor, all that is needed is one that can regulate the PSI b/t 12-20...is that correct?
The one from Harbor Freight looks like a pretty good deal ( http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=92403 ). Can anyone vouch for it? Is it really loud? Or are there any other suggestions. Cheaper is better, and it won't be used every day, in fact at first I won't be airbrushing too often. this is for my wife. She does cakes on the side, so the business is come and go...and even then, the need for the airbrush isn't for every cake (am I right)?
Suggestions are welcome, I am seriously new to this, my wife is a creative genius, and I feel like this would be an awesome gift for her. (SURPRISE too =] )
Hi cakesrcool, I think it's pretty cool and sweet that you're thinking of your wife, I'm sure she'll be ecstatic to have a new cake toy, especially an awesome airbrush!
From my understanding, the aztek is the best one to get, and I plan to purchase one in the next 2 weeks. As for the compressor, I'm really undecided as to which would be the best. I've considered the harbour freight one myself, but I'm wondering how it's fareing for the people who purchased it throughout this thread.
Keep in mind that sometimes for whatever reason, people who have subscribed to a thread may not receive updates that there are new posts there, so I would suggest sending a PM to a few of the people who have purchased the compressor in question, and ask them what they think of it.
PS - I think your wife's cakes are AWESOME and can't believe she's as new as you say she is! If she hasn't discovered us yet, send her over to cakecentral!!
Hi cakesrcool, I think it's pretty cool and sweet that you're thinking of your wife, I'm sure she'll be ecstatic to have a new cake toy, especially an awesome airbrush!
From my understanding, the aztek is the best one to get, and I plan to purchase one in the next 2 weeks. As for the compressor, I'm really undecided as to which would be the best. I've considered the harbour freight one myself, but I'm wondering how it's fareing for the people who purchased it throughout this thread.
Keep in mind that sometimes for whatever reason, people who have subscribed to a thread may not receive updates that there are new posts there, so I would suggest sending a PM to a few of the people who have purchased the compressor in question, and ask them what they think of it.
PS - I think your wife's cakes are AWESOME and can't believe she's as new as you say she is! If she hasn't discovered us yet, send her over to cakecentral!!
I'll have to check and see if she's heard of this forum...but I'll have to come up with some excuse to drop the url on her, so she doesn't get suspicious of what I have in store for her. Hah, I told her today I have an awesome birthday present for her (you know, torture her with excitement =] )...somewhat cruel since her birthday isn't until the end of April. To be honest, I'm so excited I almost can't stand it.
I have a bit of time before I need to make a purchase, so I'll give it a week and see if anyone responds. If no one does, perhaps I'll start a thread about compressors.
Thanks for the response!
The splattering can also be caused by a damaged needle..experience talking....the needles can get damaged soooo easily. I recommend getting an extra when you first buy your machine, i had a really hard time trying to figure out which one i needed when I couldn't find the owner's manual for our gun (there was no model or brand name on the gun)....I bought 3 before I found one that fit and then the first time I used it the gun fell off the table and bent the tip of the new needle --- ARGHHH
I guess I wasn't meant to airbrush!
Hi was wondering if this would work and is it a good deal?
http://cgi.ebay.com/CAKE-DECORATING-AIRBRUSH-KIT-12-Food-Colors-Compressor_W0QQitemZ190291770214QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item190291770214&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A570%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50
I was looking at one as well from ebay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Super-Deluxe-CAKE-DECORATING-AIRBRUSH-KIT-w-Compressor_W0QQitemZ220358089022QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item220358089022&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50
Does anyone know about this brand. I can't go to a store and look at one unfortunately so I have to rely alot on people's opinion.
After purchasing the Aztek 4709 & the 40 psi compressor from harbor freight, is there any additional hardware that is needed or might be helpful to get?
I purchased a lot of extral little cups which makes changing colors a breeze. I made a "cup" holder out of a rubbermaid container. It's round and I drilled holes in the top, the size of the little cups, and they sit in there perfectly. I marked each hole with the color each cup contains and place them there when not in use so I can grab the color I need. By doing this I don't have to empy the cup and clean it each time I change colors. When the project is done I clean the cups in hot soapy water.
To clean the brush I fill the small glass jar with hot water and spray until it comes out clean (I also do this between color changes).
This is the one I got, and I love it!!! the size of a football.
http://www.airbrushcity.com/144AC.htm and this came with it also:
Airbrush City Kit # 144AC-2G Airbrushing Starter Kit
includes:
1- Airbrush City Model 144AC Airbrush Compressor
1- Airbrush City <5font>Model # 1404-BA PRO Single Action Airbrush Kit Includes Braided Airline
1- Airbrush City Choice of GD102 or GD100 Airbrush Kit with Braided Airline
I got the GD100 Pen, as I researched and saw that this is the pen is real good for cake decorators and alot use it. cost: reg. 167.92 on SALE FOR:
135.50 ....works real good and not too noisey.
I purchased the one that bkkimberly was looking at and it is in the mail. Hopefully I will get it this week. I will let you all know how it turns out.
Purchased this one this morning:
http://cgi.ebay.com/New-3-AIRBRUSH-AIR-COMPRESSOR-KIT-Gravity-Dual-Action_W0QQitemZ190293477533QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item190293477533&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A570%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1309%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50
Can't wait for it to arrive so I can play with it!
is this the one with 3-different brushs & Air salon Compressor?
Ok well, I got an Aztec 4709 off of ebay for $35.00!!!! I'm excited the person is just not gonna cake decorate no more.... 
. Now, I need a compressor and I have no idea what to get. I know I need an adapter for the Aztec brush but I don't know which one is needed. Anyone?
Thanks,
Ok well, I got an Aztec 4709 off of ebay for $35.00!!!! I'm excited the person is just not gonna cake decorate no more....
. Now, I need a compressor and I have no idea what to get. I know I need an adapter for the Aztec brush but I don't know which one is needed. Anyone? Thanks,
After you get your compressor contact Roland Winbeckler through his web site and he can help you with the adapter.
Hey guys, if you are looking for a full set up, check out galaxyairbrush.com. This guy is really nice and has great products for great prices. He even has FREE SHIPPING after a certain dollar amount, and low shipping for minor items. The units he has are particularly small and fairly quiet compared to the Home Depot models, so it is probably worth it. If you need something that is not in a kit, then check out his sister site airbrushcity.com. He also sells colors and carries all of the americolor brand even the new SHEEN colors!!
If your husband already has a Home Depot style compressor, all you need is a really long hose and moisture filter to connect to his and not have it in the house (NOISE). 
If you are in a humid climate, his equipment is what you need, or just buy a moisture trap. He includes a moisture trap in all of his kits for cake decorating and some of the units have them already. Double safe is better in my area. I am in Florida. I teach an airbrush class to help familiarize those who would like to know. If there are more questions, I would be glad to assist if I can. 
Natalie
Just checking back in and I have received my airbrush and I absolutely love it!!! Of course I am a novice but I am looking forward to learning different techniques. I got one from ebay but you could get it from amazon. In anycase it is much more quiet than the one that I used when I worked in a bakery.
There's a video on this web page showing the feataures of the Aztek airbrush.
http://www.winbeckler.com/airbrush_supplies.asp
I purchased a couple of aerosole edible spray colors in order to experiment as I am a newbie to CC and only now venturing beyond BC! I'm sure they can't compare to airbrush quality but just wondering if you experts think this is a good place to start to get a feel for airbrushing cakes. And...what would you all recommend as a good airbrush for a first time purchase? I decorate more as a hobby and don't intend to open a business.
Thank you all for the recommendations. I purchased the Aztek A4709 set today from Bearair.com for $118 and I bought the Central Pneumatic Airbrush Compressor #92403 for $47.99. I think that I got a good deal. I have never used an airbrush before but I am ready to learn. I love this website. Thanks again for all of your help and knowledge.
Okay I have read all 8 pages about twice over and I know i'm getting the aztek 4709 but I need to know what is the best compressor to get with this. Any help would be appreciated!
Thank you!!
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