Best Airbrush Kit For Art Projects: Master Airbrush Cool Runner II

Warning: airbrushing can be addictive! 

If you’re hooked on watching YouTube videos that show airbrush art projects or cake decorating, a good place to start is an airbrush kit with a basic compressor and supplies. 

We asked our readers for their favorites and one kit was mentioned time and again: Master Airbrush’s Cool Runner II. 

Folks just loved this easy-to-use and quiet compressor—there is good bang for the buck here, considering all the included supplies.

Here’s more:

What We Liked

• Quiet!

• Easy to use.

• Easy to set up.

• Includes 3 tips.

• Also includes six 1-ounce colors of acrylic paint and double sided color mixing wheel. 

• Cleaning brush set included.

What Needs Work

• Flow could be more consistent. While our readers loved this kit, a common complaint is somewhat inconsistent flow from the nozzle. That frustrated novices, as you might expect.

Best Airbrush Kit Cake Decorating: Gocheer Mini Airbrush Kit

Some airbrush kits are better suited for projects like cake decorating than others—specifically, airbrush compressors that can be used up to 30 minutes without interruption. 

After hearing about several airbrush kits that are favorites for cake decorating from our parent readers, we decided the Gocheer’s Mini Airbrush Kit is the best bet for most folks. It’s well designed and includes a compressor that works up to 25 PSI—yes, that is less than the Master Airbrush kit recommended earlier, but it’s more than enough for cake decorating.

Also nice: it is easy on the wallet.

Here’s more:

What We Liked

• Easy for beginners to use.

• Quiet.

• Easy to clean.

• Cleaning brush set included.

• Affordable.

What Needs Work

• Pro tip: thin the paint out first. Otherwise, the nozzle can clog. Also be careful when cleaning as parts are fragile.

• Better instructions would be helpful!

Best Airbrush Kit Model Painting: Master Airbrush Multi-purpose Gravity Feed Dual-action Airbrush Kit

For model painting, we like kits that have a long, six-foot hose and adjustable air cycle. This one, by Master Airbrush, is our pick as a good bet for beginners—easy to use and easy on the wallet.

No, this kit doesn’t have multiple tips, but the included one (a .3mm tip) is the go-to one recommended for model painting.

What We Liked

• Shuts off when not in use.

• Adjustable air = great for model painting.

• Easy to use.

• Includes 1 brush and one .3mm tip.

What Needs Work

• Must clean the nozzle after every use. 

• Can get hot to the touch after a short time of use. That means you have to stop occasionally to let it cool down.

Why Trust Us

We’ve been rating and reviewing products for the home and families since 1994. We do extensive research, evaluating products with an eye toward quality, ease of use and affordability.

Here’s another key point: we don’t take money from the brands we review. No free samples, no sponsors, no “partnerships.” Our work is 100% reader-supported!