Single Action vs. Double Action Airbrushes: What's the Difference?

Within this video I'll show you the major differences between single action and double action airbrushes. Both are very useful tools for a wide variety of applications. For the paintings that I do on this channel, I am always using a double action airbrush. Hopefully this video is helpful!

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[gunplaf]

I learned these basics long ago yet I find myself attentively watching your videos! They're so well made and are perfect for the new gen of artist just picking up the airbrush! How I wish I had your videos when I first started! Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[jc]

Thankful in the beginning of my airbrushing days that a badger 200 was my second hand purchase for 25 dollars ...The first was badger150 and was definitely a no for me!!! That single action done me good and helped me understand airbrushing better. Great review, Mark! Have a great weekend!

[airbrushken]

I was a demonstrator for Paasche airbrush company for several years. The Model H was basically a mini spray gun when it first came to market in the (not sure as I'm so damn old) 1920's ... the idea was an easy airbrush to refinish items like chair, and trying to sell to the female market. It also sold well for the ceramics ... these days for temporary tattoos.
I also knew during the 1970's two custom car painters "Mad Ivan" (no joke that's his name-in Canada and "Gemini School of Fine Art" owner -Donald- in Michigan) Both were award winning mural winners doing custom Vans. Don used two hands, while Ivan worked with one hand using his middle finger spinning the fluid nozzle while pushing the trigger with his pointer finger. He did have large hands, but but both did good work.
Sata came out with a "progressive action" model where you pull the trigger back and as the needle went back the airflow increased. One of the best airbrush artist I met in Australia in 1979 is the best one I have ever seen ... as a teacher I would have him do the odd demonstration, and he is now 93 years old, and told me he bought the Sata in 1957.... still has it, working, plus I gave him a SP-35 (Sparmax) for Christmas and some years ago a German EFBE 0.15 mm dual action. Great post mate ... I hope all is well with you...

[deanbrown]

Hi Mark ive got the pasche single action and use it for larger areas and the creos ps 290 trigger action which i love, sent to me from someone you know, JC from Georgia hes a regular on this channel, Thanks for explaining to people the differences between the two 😊😊😊😊😊

[timothyng]

Hi Mark! So single action never have tip drying problem? My first brush was a cheap single action with a compress air can for model kit when I was a young boy. Thrown away when the air can finished. 😂

[musoseven]

Nice video, really useful explanation for the beginner. However I always learn something from your thoughtful, calming videos too, every day being a school day (of course, just as it should be) ✌️👍😊💜💜

I've an old warhorse of a Paasche H, I've still got a Millennium too.

Looking forward to your thoughts/review on the new 2024 H&S Infinity in due course✌️😊💜😊

[manuelmirones-kv]

one question is it worth buying creos gsi ps-771

[LemurKrazy]

After seeing your reviews using the air speed measuring device, I always wonder what airspeed is like on siphon feed models.
Having the increased psi to get proper venturi and atomisation, does the speed at the nozel come back down to gravity feed levels?
Might be worth testing for those painting hard surfaces where blowback might be a problem and reason to choose one over the other.

[BunyipToldMe]

One thing I've never been clear on is the air pressure. The moment I press down on the trigger, the pressure drops by about 5psi. Is the stated pressure before or after pressing the trigger?

[bootstraspbill]

2:04 -> "if you want complete control over your airbrush, that's when a double action model come in...". So not true.
Try Iwata Revolution M1! It is an internal mix single action and it is a joy to use. The screw on the back pretty much does what your trigger do on a double action airbrush and it is adjustable. It saves you the effort of pulling the trigger back and holding it. Airbrushing cannot be easier.
You should give it a try.