[strictly esox]

I have been using a Binks bottom feed since I started spraying, the better I get with it the more I hate it . I am sick of fighting with this brush when trying to do any kind of detail. After searching everything I could find on this sight I have it narrowed down to 2 brushes and would like some opinions.
I am thinking either an Iwata Eclipse HP-CS or a Revolution CR.
Is the Eclipse worth the extra $45.00? I see you can get a .35 or .5 mm tip on the Eclipse, is there any other difference between the 2 brushes?

I use some Ctex paint but mostly spray Apple Barrel and sometimes even cheaper stuff from Michaels thinned with Windex, can I still get away with these paints with an Iwata gravity feed gun? Especially if I go with the Eclipse with a .35mm tip.

Thanks in advance for your help, John

[benton B]

You will find that paint is easier to spray from the gravity feed brush. I use the hp-cs and only thickest pearl paints give me any trouble.

[BobP]

I used "hobby acrylics" like Apple Barrel with a Badger Crescendo but switched to an Iwata HP-B with a .2mm tip and then it was airbush paint only. I don't know if an Eclipse .35mm tip will shoot hobby paint but I suspect you're in for a lot more clogged tips. It isn't a matter of gravity vs syphon feed, it's about tip size vs paint particle size. Hobby paint particles have no requirement to be any particular size. Some hobby paints with finer grains may do OK, others won't. JMHO, you need to bite the bullet and move to airbrush paint if you want smoother, finer lines and shading. After looking at the Eclipse and the Revolution, I chose a Revolution BR with a .3mm tip because I couldn't see why the Eclipse was much more expensive. If there's a reason, Iwata doesn't make it clear cut in their product description. I think you'll like the quality on your new Iwata, whichever model you select.

[ipock2]

I use a Paasche VL and air brush paints only. Very happy with results.

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[mark poulson]

I tried some Apple Barrel paint with my Iwata HC+, and had to thin it with windex to get it to shoot. Lots of residue in the cup when I was done that wouldn't pass thru the needle.
I'll stick to Createx or Wildlife paints.

[BobP]

I used hobby paints because of their low cost and wider palette of colors vs airbrush paints. I'll mix a few airbrush colors to get a shade but am not a fan of intricate color formulas. I really prefer to just "squirt it in and shoot it" I've switched 95% to airbrush paint but there are still a few hobby colors that I'll break out the Badger 170 to shoot.

[mark poulson]

Bob,
I was able to spray some Apple Barrel paint by thinning it with windex. I also used windex to thin some opaque black Createx, and it sprayed much better.
I sprayed them both with a 2.5 tip, so thinning it was critical.
Thanks for that tip.

[BobP]

I received an Iwata Revolution BR today and have been shooting (airbrush only) paint with it. Nice brush, the overall quality is every bit as good as my Iwata HP-B+. The only feature missing is the trigger stop control, which I never used anyway. Otherwise, the needle, nozzle, etc are identical in design to the HP but the tip is .3 mm instead of .2mm. That means shooting significantly more paint volume than the HP but it is quite controllable. IMO, it's a good deal for the modest $69 price. Mark, when I shoot Apple Barrel after using airbrush paint for awhile, the dried paint surface looks much rougher. Maybe I'm getting to be an airbrush snob, but I like the smooth look you get with airbrush paint and it seems easier to get smooth color transitions with it too. The only thing I don't like is the higher price!

[mark poulson]

Bob,
I agree there is a definate difference in texture between Createx/Wildlife paints, and Apple Barrel. But I like the $, and I can only find moss green and some other colors in Apple Barrel.
I know you mix as you spray, but I'm not that good yet. Although, I can figure out how to make colors now by mixing different colors. Yes, he can be taught!
I bought a Master brush with the air valve, and, so far, although the fit and finish aren't up to Iwata, the function is great. And it's much cheaper. And, thanks to your windex tip, I can spray bunker oil now with that 2.5 tip.

[The_Rookie]

McDonald Straw... its free.. and you can paint some mean splatter patterns!!!