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Are Master Airbrushes Any Good? An Honest Evaluation

With all the brands out there, it can get confusing as to what brand of airbrush you should go with. Master, Badger, Iwata? Should you go with generic to start?

Here, we’ll focus on Master Airbrushes to help you narrow down your choices a bit. 

Are Master airbrushes any good? The short answer is yes, they are good. Master Airbrushes are widely used in the airbrush community and known for being both versatile and durable. They’re available in various feed options (gravity, side, and siphon), kits, and prices making them accessible for nearly every skill level of painter.

With that, let’s jump right in. Let’s take a look at Master airbrushes and what they are all about. 

An Honest Look at Master Airbrushes

You’d be hard pressed to find a product with only pros or only cons, and the Master brand has some of both. What are Master’s pros and their failings?

Master Airbrush Pros

Affordable

The brand aims to provide quality products at reasonable prices.

Individual airbrushes run from $30 to about $130. There are kits available for about $100. One purchase may be all you need.

Versatile

With Master airbrushes, you can explore different mediums including auto graphics, nail art, cake decorating, and temporary tattoos.

These airbrushes can also be used with multiple types of paint such as acrylic, enamel, and lacquer.

Durable

Master airbrushes come with solvent-resistant needles, which allows for easy flushing without compromising the needle.

Most users report that their airbrushes hold up really well even after many, many uses.

Master Airbrush Cons

Firm Trigger

Master models require the user to exert a good bit of pressure on the trigger to get an even flow spraying. A resistant trigger leads to difficulty getting an even spray.

Difficult To Clean

Some models can be a little difficult to clean. With many small parts that could be easily lost or broken, maintaining the airbrush becomes another task to deal with.

With the tiny nozzle and the frequently fraying o-ring, artists may be turned off from the product. 

Frequent Clogs

Airbrush models, like the G24, have been reported to get clogged with gunk in a matter of days resulting in taking the airbrush apart and cleaning it again. 

Master Airbrush vs. Badger

MasterBadger
Low price for beginnersSlightly higher price point
Fragile and small partsEasier to dismantle
Firm triggerFirm but customizable trigger sensitivity

Master Airbrush vs. Iwata

MasterIwata
Low priceHigher price
Difficulty with intricate detailsHigher consistency with trigger allows for easier detailing
Firm trigger causes even paint coverage issuesEasily maintains spray consistency throughout projects
Difficult to clean due to part sizes and issuesEasy to maintain

How Many Types of Master Airbrushes Are There?

With lots of models comes many choices. Gravity feed, side feed, and siphon feed are the three main types.  Master has over 40 different models from which to choose.

Best Master Airbrush: Master Airbrush Multi-Purpose System

Master Airbrush Multi-purpose Gravity Feed Dual-action Airbrush Kit with 6 Foot Hose and a Powerful 1/5hp Single Piston Quiet Air Compressor
  • Professional Master Airbrush Airbrushing System with A Model G22 Multi-Purpose High...
  • Premium Master Airbrush High Performance 1/5 Hp Air Compressor with Air Filter Water Trap...

This set includes a G22 gravity-feed airbrush, a 6-foot hose, and a single-piston quiet compressor (that’s a huge selling point right there – one less thing to worry about!).

With a straightforward connection process, this kit could be a good buy. 

Additional Popular Master Airbrush Models

Now that we’ve covered the basics, what are some of the most popular Master models?

No one option is the right choice for everyone. It’s all about what you want to do with your airbrush. Take a look at the following to see which one most appeals to you.

Master Pro Plus Airbrush Set

Master Elite Plus Airbrush Set, Model 120 - Elite Level Spray Performance Dual-Action Gravity Feed Airbrush Kit with Case, 0.3mm Tip, 2 Cups, Filter - Auto-Graphics, Art, Cake, Tattoo, Craft Hobby
  • Master Elite Plus Airbrush Set that comes with airbrushing accessories and is organized in a...
  • The Master Elite Plus Model 120 is a superior-quality airbrush that provides the user with an...

This set costs more than most Master models and doesn’t include a compressor. However, it boasts an elite level of spraying and user friendliness.

It can handle a low-viscosity spray to a thinned high viscosity. It includes a professional in-line micro moisture filter to aid in moisture removal.

Pros:

  • Professionally styled with black finish.
  • Two sizes of paint cups.
  • .3 mm needle for better precision.

Cons:

  • Potential to break easily.
  • Susceptible to back flow causing clogs.
  • Can be difficult to clean.

Master Airbrush Cool Runner II Airbrushing System

Master Airbrush Cool Runner II Dual Fan Air Compressor Professional Airbrushing System Kit with 3 Airbrushes, Gravity and Siphon Feed - Holder, Color Mixing Wheel, Cleaning Brush Set, How-To Guide
  • Professional Master Airbrush Multi-Purpose Airbrushing System with 3 of Master Airbrushes...
  • Master Airbrush Model Tc-320 Cool Runner Ii Superior Performance Powerful 1/5 Hp Single...

Priced slightly above the Master Multi-Purpose System, this comes with three different airbrushes (two gravity and one siphon feed), a dual-fan compressor, an airbrush holder, and a complete cleaning set.

Pros:

  • Dual fan allows for longer runtime without overheating.
  • Comes with multiple airbrushes allowing beginners to explore different types.
  • Each airbrush has a different size tip: 0.2, 0.3, and 0.8 mm for ultimate versatility.

Cons:

  • Potential to fail within a couple uses.
  • Possible incomplete sets delivered that are missing airbrushes.
  • Possibility for broken parts to be delivered causing more time spent replacing.

Master Airbrush Model G22

Master Airbrush Model G22 Multi-Purpose Dual-Action Gravity Feed Airbrush Set with a 0.3mm Tip and 1/3 oz. Fluid Cup - User Friendly, Versatile Kit - Spray Auto Graphics, Art, Crafts, Tattoos, Cake
  • Master performance Model G22 multi-purpose high performance precision dual-action...
  • This user friendly and versatile airbrush can be used for hairline detail spray, overall spray or...

This is a basic model at a great price. This airbrush is popular with beginners and include the airbrush and all the basic necessities for operation except for the compressor.

It maintains its quality for months, allowing for worry-free use. The trigger control is said to be very user friendly. 

Pros:

  • Affordable model for beginners to buy guilt free.
  • A standard design giving new artists a good overview of airbrush operation.

Cons:

  • Small parts and no cleaning instructions give potential for a difficult cleaning experience.
  • More time spent looking up how to maintain due to a somewhat poor manual.

Master Airbrush Performance G233 Pro Set

Master Performance G233 Pro Set Master Airbrush with 3 Nozzle Sets (0.2, 0.3 & 0.5mm Needles, Fluid Tips and Air Caps) - Dual-Action Gravity Feed Airbrush, 1/3 oz Cup, Cutaway Handle - How-to-Guide
  • Professional Master Performance Multi-Purpose Model G233 Pro Set Master Airbrush. The...
  • The included 0.2, 0.3 and 0.5mm fluid tip set-ups allow this extremely versatile airbrush to...

This set comes with the G23 gravity-feed dual action airbrush; 0.2, 0.3, and 0.5 mm tips; and a â…“ ounce cup. The three different nozzle set sizes allowing for good versatility with mediums.

Pros:

  • A professional design for a very affordable price.
  • Airbrush handles different types of paint well highlighting Master’s versatility and durability.

Cons:

  • Potential for needles to not be ready for use out of box causing the artist to spend more time preparing.
  • Due to clogging and cleaning issues, the brush may have a short life span.

Related Questions:

How Do I Clean My G22 Master Airbrush?

Spray any leftover paint into the cleaning pot. Spray until cleared out.
Add cleaning fluid to the cup, wipe out with a paper towel or cloth, and spray the rest out. It’s imperative to get as much out as possible via spraying.
Unscrew and remove back half of the airbrush.
Loosen the nut on the needle lightly, and remove the needle from the airbrush making sure it doesn’t bend.
Remove fluid nozzle and air cap.
Take the wrench included in the kit, attach it to the fluid nozzle, and turn counterclockwise to loosen. Unscrew the rest with your fingers.
Block the nozzle with a rag, and add cleaner to the paint cup.
Shake and pour the cleaner out. Take a brush cleaner, and clean out from the nozzle entrance up into the cup. Repeat until clean.
Apply cleaner to the air cap, and use a brush to clean out. 
Reattach the air cap.
Repeat with the nozzle, and then reattach.
Apply cleaner to the rag, and use it to clean the needle cap.
Apply more cleaner on the rag, and use it to gently clean the needle.
Replace the needle, tighten the nut, and screw the backend back on.

What Is a Good Airbrush for Beginners?

The G22 is the standard Master Airbrush for beginners to get their feet wet in the hobby.
While having issues, the low price point allows for a worry-free beginning, and upgrading is always possible down the road.

Are Master Airbrushes Worth It?

It’s true, Master airbrushes do have some issues.

If you are new to airbrushing and don’t know where to start, this brand is priced affordably and will give you many opportunities to learn about and practice your new craft.

The cleaning process can be difficult to follow, and small pieces can make it more frustrating when they are broken or lost, but they are replaceable.

The affordable price will allow you to replace and repair without too much damage to the wallet. Give it a try.

If it’s not for you, there are brands like Badger that could be the supplier of your next brush. Have fun!

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