Best airbrush and compressor for miniatures

What you need to start airbrushing, and what to skip.

An airbrush is brilliant for priming, smooth basecoats, glows and big models like tanks and monsters. You need three things: the airbrush, a compressor, and somewhere ventilated to spray.

What to look for

Dual-action, gravity-fed airbrush with a 0.3-0.4mm needle: the all-rounder for miniatures.
A compressor with a tank (smoother air, quieter) and a moisture trap.
Airbrush-ready paints (e.g. Citadel Air, Vallejo Model Air, Army Painter Warpaints Air) or thinner.
Cleaner and a cleaning pot: most airbrush problems are dried paint.

Starter kits

Airbrush starter kit with compressor Check AmazonAirbrush, compressor and hose together: the cheapest way to try it.
Green Stuff World airbrush kit Check AmazonHobby brand kits aimed at miniature painters.

Mid-range

Harder & Steenbeck Ultra Also on AmazonA well-made German airbrush that lasts years.
- ULTRA 2024 £99.99 at Element Games
- Ultra Airbrush + 10 Camouflage Colours - Model Air £130.49 at Goblin Gaming
- Evolution 2024 CRPlus Solo £149.39 at Element Games
- Evolution 2024 CRPlus 2in1 £197.99 at Element Games
- and 7 more on the site: search "Harder Steenbeck Ultra airbrush"
Iwata Neo / Eclipse Also on AmazonReliable airbrushes widely used in the hobby.
- Iwata Airbrush Cleaning Kit £38.86 at Element Games
- Iwata Airbrush Professional Maintenance Kit Out of stock
- Iwata Airbrush Bundle (Entry Level) Out of stock

From the UK shops we track

Live prices, cheapest shop shown; click for every shop.

Product	Cheapest	Shop
Citadel Air: Kislev Flesh - 24mlAir paint	£3.09	Zatu
Citadel Air: Calth Blue Clear - 24mlAir paint	£3.09	Zatu
Citadel Air: Flash Gitz Yellow - 24mlAir paint	£3.09	Zatu
Citadel Air: Typhon Ash - 24mlAir paint	£3.09	Zatu
Citadel Air: Zandri Dust - 24ml Lowest price we've seenAir paint	£3.09	Zatu
Citadel Air: Phoenician Purple - 24ml Lowest price we've seenAir paint	£3.19	Zatu
Citadel Air: Baneblade Brown - 24ml Lowest price we've seenAir paint	£3.55	Zatu
Citadel Air: Eidolon Purple Clear - 24ml Lowest price we've seenAir paint	£3.68	Gaming Frome
Citadel Air: Elysian Green - 24ml Lowest price we've seenAir paint	£3.68	Gaming Frome
Citadel Air: Moot Green - 24mlAir paint	£3.09	Zatu
Citadel Air: Runefang Steel - 24mlAir paint	£3.09	Zatu
Citadel Air: Tallarn Sand - 24ml Lowest price we've seenAir paint	£3.09	Zatu

Tips

Spray in a booth with extraction, or outside: airbrush paint mist isn't something to breathe.
Thin paint to roughly the consistency of milk; start at 15-20 psi.

Prices are the cheapest in stock at the UK shops we track, checked every hour; click a product for every shop. Amazon links open an Amazon search; as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no cost to you. We don't take payment to recommend products.