What Do I Need to Start Airbrushing Cosplays

Painting and weathering your costumes can be done efficiently with an airbrush and give clean results. But if you’re wondering “what do I need to start airbrushing cosplays” then you’ve come to the right place. Everything from what you need for a spray booth or space to the necessary tools will be shared here in this blog post.

What Set Up Do I Need to Start Airbrushing

The first thing you want to think about is where you’ll airbrush. People like Svetlana and Benni have created an awesome spray booth set up from a cabinet that’s a great option. Or I used some foam poster board, super glue and adhesive caulk to build my own small contained space. It’s a little more portable than a cabinet so I can set it up anywhere. However, if you have a permanent space to work in, the cabinet is a great option. Or you can always purchase a spray booth too.

You want to ensure the area you’re airbrushing in has good ventilation or a window you can open for any fumes. You’ll also need to be near an outlet to plug in the compressor.

What Are The Tools Needed for Airbrush Painting

Now there’s a few vital tools you need to start airbrushing cosplays.

Necessary Supplies

• Compressor & hose – In order for an airbrush to work, it requires a compressor and hose connection. You don’t have to get a full size compressor though and could opt for a smaller hand-held model if you’re just getting started. A compressor will give you more power though.
• Airbrush – The paint is dispensed out via the airbrush. It’s important to get a nice one and even consider exploring additional nozzle options so it paints the way you need it too. Here are things to compare and consider when shopping for your airbrush:
  • Gravity Fed Vs. Dual Action Airbrushes –
    • Gravity Feed: Paint cup sits on top of the airbrush, so gravity pulls paint into the nozzle. This setup usually requires less air pressure and lets you work with smaller amounts of paint, making it ideal for fine details and precision work. Gravity feed airbrushes are lighter and often easier to clean.
    • Dual Action: The trigger controls both air and paint flow—press down for air, pull back for paint. Most gravity feed airbrushes are also dual action. Dual action gives you complete control over how much paint comes out as you spray, which is crucial for shading, fading, and layered effects in cosplay.
  • Needle & Nozzle Size –
    • The size of your needle and nozzle affects how fine or broad your spray is. Smaller sizes (0.2–0.3 mm) are great for detail work, thin lines, and fine shading. Medium sizes (0.35–0.5 mm) handle most general cosplay needs like base coating and gradients. Larger sizes (0.5–0.8 mm) are best for heavy coverage, thicker paints, or primers and sealers. Matching your nozzle size to your project and paint type prevents clogs and improves finish quality.
  • Top Brands – Iwata, Badger, Paasche, Master, Harder & Steenbeck
• Paints – You can get airbrush paints or you can explore other options and use mix-ins to make it work for your airbrush such as acrylics and a thinner. You need to keep in mind which paints you can use for which materials.
  • EVA foam – Standard airbrush paints, acrylic paints
  • Worbla & thermoplatics – Standard airbrush paints, acrylic paints. water-based airbrush paints
  • Fabrics – Fabric paints designed for airbrushing
  • Filament (3D prints) – Standard airbrush paints, acrylic paints. water-based airbrush paints and automotive paints

Optional Supples

• Airbrush thinner – If you’re looking to use acrylics or other paints in your airbrush, the mix-ins are vital to make sure it isn’t too thick or thin for the airbrush.
• Painters tape – To paint different sections different colors, painters tape will help protect lines and edges.
• Flow improver – Flow improver helps improve the fluidity of the paint and delays it drying. You can use it to achieve a more uniform and professional finish.

Airbrush Cleaning & Maintenance Supplies

To keep your airbrush working properly, you need to perform maintenance and clean it regularly. Here is what you need for that:

• Airbrush cleaner – Specially formulated cleaner that helps break down paint residue without damaging your airbrush. Essential for keeping it running smoothly between colors and after each session.
• Spray out pot – To make clean up easier, it’s nice to have a spray out pot so you can spray your residual paint and cleaner out of the airbrush pot.
• Brushes – Small cleaning brushes help scrub the inside of the nozzle, cup, and other hard-to-reach parts. A variety pack with different sizes is best.
• Cleaning needles – Thin, pointed tools designed to carefully clear clogs or dried paint from the nozzle. They should be used gently to avoid scratching or bending delicate parts.

Airbrush PPE

It’s important to stay safe while airbrushing. Use this PPE to protect yourself:

• Respirator mask – Look for a half-mask respirator with replaceable filters rated for organic vapors and particulates to protect your lungs from paint mist, fumes and solvents.
• Gloves – Nitrile gloves are best—they resist most paints, solvents, and cleaners and protect your hands from staining.
• Safety goggles or glasses – Shields your eyes from overspray, fine mist, and accidental splashes
• Apron – Wear an apron, smock, or dedicated old clothes to avoid getting paint on your clothing.
• Ventilation – Not technically “wearable,” but critical PPE: always work in a well-ventilated area, ideally with a fume hood, spray booth, or exhaust fan.

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