I recently bought this airbrush system:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&item=190301705254

& just received it yesterday. Of course I know nothing about using an airbrush (but I just HAD to get one-I love new caking tools ) so I have a few questions.

1. What is the recommended PSI that I use so as not to blow through my fondant?

2. Am I correct in thinking that I don't need to thin the colors before using them?

3. How can I adjust the smaller gun, or do I even need to?

I know the last question is specific to the gun that I purchased, but I know others have purchased from this seller & was hoping they might be able to answer that one as I can't seem to get it to work.

As for the other questions, any help would be appreciated!

I bought an airbrush from the same company on ebay last week, but it is a simpler one, it came with only 4 Americolors, it was about $85.00 with shipping.
You can remove the tip of the gun to expose the needle and airbrush small areas.

I used the red color for a mini mousse cake and it came out a gorgeous bright red! I love it! I did not thin the color though as I think they are specially designed to not clog the gun, please correct me if Im wrong.
My airbrush is very simple and I cant change the PSI but you it very easy to control, I never used one before and it was the easiest thing to do.

I also ordered extra airbrush colors from into t h e o v e n that I just received today (I think the have the cheapest prices), got some silver, gold and peal sheen colors but I havent used them yet.

From what Ive read here in the forums if you are going to use luster dust diluted in vodka or lemon extract you have to make a thin consistency mix and make sure you shake the mix well right before you put it on the airbrush to avoid clogging.

Other than that it is very easy to assemble and use, I cant wait to use on my cakes coming up.

Check the needle-it may be clogged. When I first got mine I noticed that when it started "spitting" blobs it had a bunch of color stuck in the tip. As far as PSI goes, I was able to use mine at the highes PSI it goes with no probs (except when coloring hardened fondant "bits" that flew away!). Just takes some practice. I tried on boards first to get the control and figure out how to do fine lines vs wide then moved to a practice cake. Good Luck-it;s tons of fun. I love my airbrush!!

How do you clean your airbrush? I've seen an airbrush cleaning fluid, but I don't want to go that route b/c it might not be food safe. Do you just use hot soapy water?

I just use HOT HOT HOT water with no soap. I used soap the first time and it took FOREVER to get rid of the bubbles!! In hindsight, maybe I used too much soap. LOL

How do you like the airbrush, does it work well?

So glad to find this site and forum. I have an airbrush on it's way, also bought from eBay. I bought the one that comes with two brushes for different applications and 12 colors. I also bought the pearl paint as I have a cake for June and they want a "Vegas" theme. The cake they picked out has each layer two tone and they want the upper tone to be in bright colors. Not really my cup of tea, but will do my best to give them what they want. Started looking for shiny to do on the cake and found the pearlized colors.

Any tips you might have would be more then welcome.

Thank you in advance.

I always wanted one ... just thought it would be sooo hard to work... Which is the easiest to use...?

I really like the one I have. The bigger gun works great right out of the box. I'm having to contact their service department about the smaller one. I've seen a lot of people on here say they like the Kopykake airbrush. It seems a little simpler so you might want to check that out. However, I like that my kit came w/24 colors. I also purchased a $10 airbrush from Harbor Freight that came w/6 color cups. The nice thing about that one is that the color doesn't actually go through the gun itself, but uses suction. So there is no gun cleaning or small parts to worry about. Also, the cups have lids that you can store your colors in instead of having to empty/clean the cups when you want to change colors. HTH!!

isabow2: Would you send me the info & website on the one you got from Harbor Freight, I want to look into that model too.

Thanks!

Hi Isabow2, when I saw you were in Iowa I thought great a neighbor. Unfortunatly we are at opposite ends of the state. I wanted to ask if you hear of any helpful classes or meetings in IA that would be worth while for me to check out I would love for you to let me know.

I am going over to Chicago to Wilton for their Master course as well as a couple of other classes. It will be for two weeks and I am hoping to upgrade my skills.
I have gotten into a rut and want to be able to offer more up to date cakes for people as well as master fondant and gumpaste.

As I mentioned above I have also purchased the air gun kit and colors so will work at perfecting that also.

Thanks isabow2! I looked it up and checked the manual, looks like you need to buy an air regular (seperately - of course) and that should allow you do adjust the air flow to do finer lines. I think this is what they are talking about: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=36797 You may want to call and ask them to be sure.

Keep me posted on how things go!

Thanks for getting back to me. Yeah, I am in very small town also, no jobs. I am going to Chicago in June to take the Wilton Master course, so will be happy to share anything I learn. Was very pricey but am hoping investment in future. In order to have job Hubbby lives and works in another state, so if I can realize enough from my shop he can come home,lol.