Airbrushes for on-playa use?

[Kinetic IV]

I'm considering two projects for the playa this year that would require buying an airbrush. Right now I don't own one and I'm looking at all sorts of choices which brings me to my questions. Can anyone recommend a particular brand of airbrush to buy? Has anyone on the eplaya used an airbrush on the playa and if so did you have any problems with it? Also what kind of air source did you use with it?

For a little background on the specific applications the brush will see multiple uses on playa and off ranging from t-shirt painting to airbrushing cosmetic paints to painting fine pinstripes on bicycle frames. Portability and ease of use, cleaning, etc are also key concerns.

Also I don't want to turn this into a commerce thread but if anyone can recommend good sources for buying one could you PM me with that info? Thanks.

[dragonfly Jafe]

our camp had an airbrush last year, used stencils with some kind of special ink. I ended up powering it off my generator, because none of the invertors they had would do so (he was using a small compressor that ran off 120v). The airbrush worked fine, it was a big hit and brought alot of people into our camp during the day. In college I had a roommate that used a CO2 tank to power his airbrush - no compressor noise (which was nice because he worked late at night sometimes). I bet the CO2 tank would be more expensive, but it sure would be perfect for BM (no electricty, no noise, etc). Can't give you any specific recommendations, by I know that there are single and double action airbrushes - I think you want a double action if you can afford it (gives more spray options).

[robotland]

Badger and Pasche' are popular brands, with Pasche' on the higher-price end. Jafe's right, a double-action (paintflow AND airflow control in one) is more versatile. You can run an airbrush from a spare tire's internal pressure, with a special connector, and bypass the need for a compressor...but you'll probably need to bring a tirepump unless you can siphon tire pressure from yahoos without their catching on. If you use this option, a moisture trap's good to have also. For cutting stencils and such I suggest bringing a stack of alumnium roofing shims, available in the roofing department of HomeBorg or hardware stores. They cut with scissors or matte knife, and hold up longer than cardboard. Just rag off between uses. Don't forget that you may have to improvise a spraybooth on the playa because of the constant winds.