What size nozzle is best for airbrushing?

Choosing the Right Airbrush Nozzle Size: Practical Guide

1. For Ultra-Fine Details (Miniatures, Fine Art)

Small Nozzle (0.2mm - 0.3mm):

Best for: Pinpoint work like eyes, scratches, or texture stippling.
Reality check: Clogs easily with thicker paints. Requires perfect thinning and frequent cleaning.
Ideal use: Layering shadows or highlights on small-scale models.

2. All-Purpose Workhorse (Most Common)

Medium Nozzle (0.35mm - 0.4mm):

Handles 90% of tasks: Basecoating models, illustration gradients, makeup application.
Why it shines: Balances detail and clog resistance. Works with acrylics, inks, and thinner primers.
Tip: Start here if you’re new to airbrushing.

3. For Broad Coverage & Thick Materials

Large Nozzle (0.5mm+):

Best for: Priming, varnishing, or spraying unthinned primers/texture pastes.
Limitations: Loses fine detail; creates more overspray.
Use cases: Coating large surfaces (helmets, terrain) or high-viscosity paints.

●Key Factors Influencing Your Choice

▸Paint Thickness:

Thick paints (primers, metallics) need larger nozzles.
Thin paints (inks, washes) work with small nozzles.

▸Detail Level Needed:

Hairlines/lettering → 0.2mm.
Smooth blends on armor → 0.4mm.

▸Your Patience Level:

Small nozzles demand constant thinning/cleaning.
Large nozzles trade precision for efficiency.

●Avoid These Mistakes

Mismatched Paint & Nozzle: Thick paint in a 0.2mm nozzle = instant clogs.
Ignoring Needle Size: Nozzle and needle must be paired (e.g., 0.4mm nozzle uses 0.4mm needle).
Overlooking Air Pressure: High PSI with small nozzles blows paint everywhere.

●Quick Reference by Project Type