Dru Blair Equipment list

Rather than simply list the tools I use, I thought it more helpful to explain WHY I choose this equipment. 

Airbrush: Iwata CM-SB. 
I prefer the CM-SBv1 compared to the newer CM-SBv2, because it doesn't have the tall square trigger. But even more importantly, the older version 1 has a slightly smoother trigger operation, in part due to its free-floating auxillary lever behnd the trigger.

Here is why the side cup is preferred over top-mounted cups in general:
  • Shorter distance from trigger to nozzle
  • Comes with a smaller .18mm nozzle 
  • Less paint required to prime compared to C models,
  • Side cup does not interfere with line of sight,
  • Side cup can be removed for easy cleaning.
  • Side cup tilts to avoid spills,
  • Side cup does not collide with finger tip when trigger is placed on the first joint of the index finger.

Customizations: BLR trigger and Blair SoftSpring and custom Rubber Needle packing O-ring

  • The Blair SoftSpring is the softest in the industry (and the first)
  • The Low Rider trigger uses a different set of more-coordinated muscles than the tall trigger requires.
  • The Low Rider Trigger head is perfectly shaped and angled for optimal trigger control 
  • The Low Rider has a shorter throw, is more precise, and creates less finger fatigue.
  • The Teflon O-ring that comes stock is solvent proof, but it also leaks for water based paints, and has more friction. If you don't spray solvents, then you don't need it.

Paint: Createx Illustration Colors, Color Wheel Set

  • When I created the Illustration line, I Designed it to spray straight out of the bottle
  • Delayed Crosslinking allows for longer manipulation of paint
  • Broad range of lightfast colors
  • Automotive grade pigments
  • For black, I prefer Createx Wicked because it is darker

Surface: Blair Airbrush Paper or Blair Smooth Canvas

  • Smooth surface can tolerate scratching with the blade
  • Works well with an eraser
  • Can be printed on with common ink jet printers
  • Paper is double-sided
  • Canvas is the smoothest I've ever seen.

Eraser Pencils: Faber Castell Perfection 7058 and Antique Typewriter eraser 

  • Perfect for blending
  • Faber Castell creates subtlety.
  • Antique Erasers can cut through paint like a blade.

Blades: #11 Techni Edge blades and handle

  • #11 blade does not flex
  • Blades create finer lines than the airbrush

Dowel: Texturing Dowel custom shaped made from white oak

  • White Oak, is a perfect balance between Red Oak and Poplar
  • Dowel behaves like a blade, but is much easer to hold and control
  • The dowel is my little friend

Lube for airbrush: None. Ever. Not needed.

Compressor 2-stage Kobalt 60 gallon 

  • Super reliable
  •  Inaudible if remotely located 
  • Large storage tank means less frequent cycling
  • Long service life

Silent Compressor Silentair Supersilent 20-A

    • Actually silent, whereas other brands claim to be quiet. 
    • Light enough to carry anywhere

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    4 comments

    Ruth pasquine

    February 12, 2019

    What about a respirator or air filtration system?

    Tim Dempsey

    October 07, 2020

    Well said about the side feed Airbrushe.
    That goes for any side feed
    How ever I don’t believe you should make up and coming Airbrush artist think they need a custom micron to produce great art.
    Just my opinion
    Thank you for all the hard work you have done to help artist realize their true potential

    Tim Dempsey

    October 07, 2020

    Well said about the side feed Airbrushe.
    That goes for any side feed
    How ever I don’t believe you should make up and coming Airbrush artist think they need a custom micron to produce great art.
    Just my opinion
    Thank you for all the hard work you have done to help artist realize their true potential

    Marti Niles

    December 14, 2021

    I took Dru’s 3-day seminar years ago in Las Vegas. Loved it! Question: I have 3 airbrushes. My go to favorite is Iwata High Performance plus. It’s really clogging up frequently: I clean and maintain as usual – anything you can suggest? Thanks!

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