This airbrush needle size guide will help you understand how to choose the best one for your miniature painting needs.
When it comes to miniature painting, the choice of airbrush needle size can significantly affect the quality and precision of your work. This guide will help you understand the various needle sizes available, their applications, and how to choose the best one for your miniature painting needs.
Understanding Airbrush Needle Sizes
Airbrush needles come in various sizes, typically measured in millimeters, and each size has its own unique advantages and limitations. For miniature painting, the most commonly used needle sizes range from 0.15mm to 0.7mm.
0.15mm to 0.2mm Needles
These are very fine needles, excellent for ultra-fine details. However, these can clog very easily and will need thinner paints than your typical spraying experience.
0.3mm to 0.5mm Needles
The most popular all-rounder sizes. The Badger Patriot 105 comes with a 0.5mm needle, while the Iwata Eclipse uses a 0.4mm needle. These sizes are perfect for both base coating and finer details.
0.7mm to 0.8mm Needles
Ideal for larger areas and broader strokes. They are less suited for fine detail work but excellent for priming and base coating larger models and terrain.
Airbrush Needle Size Quick Guide
The most ‘standard’ or all around airbrushes for miniatures use 0.35 to 0.5mm needles. Anything bigger is generally reserved for base coats and primers, anything smaller usually considered a detail airbrush.
While it is the most important factor, needle size is not the only factor in determining spray size. The trigger action length (how far back can you pull it) and the nozzle’s angle also play a part in the size and control of your spray.
Popular Airbrush Models and Needle Sizes
These are all the standard, however some models are sold with options, or multiple needles & nozzles. Be sure to check the specs on your original purchase if you are looking for a replacement.
Badger Patriot 105: Comes standard with a 0.5mm needle.
Badger Sotar 2020: Comes with a 0.2mm needle.
Generic Airbrushes: Often sold with 0.3mm, 0.33mm or 0.35mm needle – these are the Timbertech, Fengda, Masters (and a bunch of others)
Grex Tritium.TG3: Comes with a 0.35mm needle
Harder & Steenbeck Ultra 2024: 0.45mm needle
Harder & Steenbeck Infinity: 0.15mm
Iwata Neo: Comes with a 0.35 needle.
Iwata HP-CS Eclipse: Typically equipped with a 0.4mm needle.
Iwata Micron: Comes with a 0.18mm needle.
Paasche TG-1AS: Comes with a .38mm
Paasche Double Action Syphon Feed: Comes with either 0.55 or 0.75 (and sometimes both, there doesn’t seem to be a standard here)
Brand-Specific Information
Badger Airbrushes are slightly confusing, because they have a traditional line of needles, sold as the default in their airbrushes, and a special replacement line for the Patriot (and a handful of other models) identified by color-coded bulbs instead of sizes:
- Super Detail (Black Bulb): 0.3mm
- Detail (Blue Bulb): 0.5mm
- General Purpose (Silver Bulb): 0.7mm
Iwata Airbrushes: Iwata does not use color coding for their needles, nor do they have an ‘end’ feature, like the bulb or an engraved line. Known for their durability, Iwata needles are robust but more expensive to replace compared to Badger needles.
Not really a brand, but I wasn’t sure where to put this and it’s relevant information. Single action airbrushes, like the Spray Gun, don’t usually work by needle size, they work by spray size. For example, the Badger 250 sprays from 3/4-inch (19 millimeter) to 2-inch (50.8 millimeter) wide.
Tips for Airbrush Needle Maintenance
When replacing your airbrush needle, it’s best to also replace the nozzle. The needle and nozzle sizes must match to ensure optimal performance. For example, a 0.35mm nozzle will not function properly with a 0.3mm needle. Keeping both components compatible ensures consistent spray patterns and reduces the risk of clogging.
Bent needles can also be repaired, as discussed in this guide. As far as I know and tried, repairing a bent needle is a temporary measure that will allow you to use your airbrush until you buy or receive a replacement needle. Once bent, it never truly goes back to it’s original quality.