Hi,
I am wanting to buy an airbrush system but there are so many different ones out there with all different kinds of compressors that I have no clue what I should get. I have never airbrushed before and since the systems can be pricey I don't want to buy the wrong kind. Any suggestions?
Thanks!!

TCP Global
http://www.tcpglobal.com/airbrushdepot/cakesys.aspx

has some cake-specific airbrush kits that are affordable.

what exactly are you looking to do with your airbrush?

Thanks for the link. One thing I want to do is use if for stencils. I have a cake order for the damask pattern and although I have seen where people use thinned icing (and I will try it) I thought airbrushing with practice would look better. Any ideas?

I got mine from airbrushcity (online - just add . c o m ) and they had great prices - also had a couple designated as great for cakes

I got mine from TCP Global, I bought their 250.00 kit and I Love It! I had some broken bottles during shipment and they sent me replacements overnight! The air compressor is quite and regulating so it doesnt suck up all my electricity money, and its quiet enough to still work and have my 3 year old stay asleep in the next room over...

I got my compressor and two brushes for 140 - great deal! Just make sure the brush you get has a cap on the cup - it is so hard to keep from spilling if you don't!

Thanks everyone! I have looked at so many different ones and they all claim to do the best job that I am confused. Do I just need the one nozzle? What should I look for in psi? The size of the compressors are super small to fairly large. It is an investment so I want to be informed.

The needle most commonly used for our purpose would probably be a .3mm needle. One of my airbrushes has 3 different needles, and I usually use the .3mm. My "better" airbrush has just the .3mm needle. I usually use between 10 and 20 PSI for sugar work, depending on the project. Higher pressure puts out more color but offers far less control (and lots of overspray). A small, inexpensive compressor (around $70) from Harbour Freight or the other web sites mentioned here will work. It does need a pressure regulator and a moisture trap (very important!!), but both gauges can be bought separately if necessary. A cover on the pigment cup is the first thing I look for now I like a dual-action, too - separate control of air pressure and pigment for more control. There are very reasonably-priced airbrushes available at the 2 sites mentioned above that work well.

Yes, dual action is great!

http://www.kopykake.com/cd_compressor_airmaster.html


I see a lot of the big named sugar artist use this one, and it is highly reccomended by Sharon zambito, get the one that costs, $250 and you don't need any other parts, except colors.

The kopykake one is the model I have had for about 3 years and it's worked beautifully

Thanks, I've been looking too but too scared to commit to anything yet, definitely tempting though!

You all have been great help! Thanks so much. I knew to go to someone that had "been there done that" and you all had the answers I needed!

Are airbrush colors water based, oil based or both? Have any of you airbrushed on SMBC or IMBC?

Thanks,

Jen