Everything you need to know — minus the overwhelm.

Whether you’re brand new to airbrushing or thinking about upgrading your current setup, finding the right airbrush can feel a little intimidating. Gravity feed or siphon feed? 0.2 or 0.5? Dual-action or trigger style?

Let’s simplify it.

Here’s a quick, no-fuss guide to help you choose your first (or next) airbrush — based on what you actually need.

Start With: What Are You Painting?

Ask yourself the golden question:

What kind of projects will I use my airbrush for?

Miniature Painting? → Precision is key.

Gunpla or Model Kits? → Versatility and control.

Terrain, Automotive, or Props? → Bigger coverage and fast performance.

Once you know your end goal, you can match your tools to your workflow.

Gravity Feed vs. Siphon Feed vs. Side Feed

Gravity Feed

Paint cup sits on top, pulled down by gravity.
Requires lower air pressure.
Excellent for fine detail and minimal paint waste.
Ideal for: miniatures, Gunpla, scale models.

Siphon Feed

Paint bottle is attached underneath.
Requires more air pressure to pull paint up.
Great for large volumes and quick color changes.
Ideal for: terrain, costumes, vehicle panels.

Side Feed

Paint cup is mounted on the side, offering good visibility and balance.
Can be configured for both left and right-handed users.
Combines precision with slightly higher capacity.
Found in: ACE/Collab Series Swallowtail SD (Side Feed)

Quick Tip: If you’re just starting out, gravity feed is generally the best first step — easier to clean, easier to control.

Nozzle Sizes Explained

Nozzle Size	Best For	Use Cases
0.2mm	Ultra-fine detail	Shading, highlights, panel lining
0.3mm	Versatile all-rounder	Basecoats, gradients, edge work
0.5mm	Broad coverage	Priming, varnishing, large surfaces

Many Gaahleri airbrushes (like the Premium Series) let you swap nozzles, giving you flexibility without changing tools.

Dual Action vs. Trigger Action

Let’s talk control.

Dual Action (Traditional Style)

Press down for air, pull back for paint.
Offers maximum control.
Great for experienced users and those who love finesse.

Our GHPM-Mobius 0.3mm and GHAD-39 are perfect examples — built for detail, precision, and fine-tuned paint flow.

Trigger Airbrushes (Ergonomic Style)

Pull a trigger instead of pushing a button.
Easier on the fingers for long sessions.
More intuitive for those coming from spray guns or larger paint tools.

Check out our ACE/Collab Swallowtail Series and Premium Series Mobius TG 0.5mm — both designed for a comfortable grip, great balance, and excellent spray control. If you’ve ever felt cramped using a button-style airbrush, this might be your game-changer.

So, Which One Is Right for You?

If You Are…	Try This	Good For
New to airbrushing	GHAD-39 / GHAD-68 0.38 & 0.5MM	Great entry-level dual-action airbrush with both 0.35mm & 0.5mm options. Perfect for learning fine lines, base coats, and general usage.
Focused on detail	GHPM-Mobius 0.3mm or GHPM-Mobius 0.2mm	Precision MAC nozzles and responsive trigger action make these ideal for fine shading, edge highlights, and smooth transitions.
Painting large kits	GHPM-Mobius TG 0.5MM or GHAC-Swallowtail SD	Versatile trigger-style airbrushes with dual nozzle support (0.28mm & 0.5mm), and fan-cap compatibility for wide, even sprays.
Wanting long-session comfort	Trigger-style models like ACE/Collab Series Swallowtail or GHPM-Mobius TG	Ergonomic triggers reduce finger fatigue during extended sessions. Perfect for batch painting or long creative marathons.
Painting terrain or props	GHPM-Mobius SP 0.3 & 0.5mm needles	Powerful siphon-feed with large paint capacity and dual-calibre (0.3mm & 0.5mm). Ideal for priming, varnishing, or broad coverage work.

Maintenance Matters

Even the best airbrush won’t perform if it’s clogged.

No matter which one you choose, always:

Flush between colors. Wipe the needle tip
Deep clean weekly.
Use the right PSI (start with 15–20 PSI for most paints)

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right airbrush doesn’t need to be complicated — just match it to your project, your comfort level, and your workflow. Whether you prefer the finesse of dual-action or the ergonomic ease of a trigger airbrush, Gaahleri has a tool built for your style.

Not sure where to start? Check out our best-selling airbrushes, parts, and accessories.

Spray smart. Create more.

— The Gaahleri Team