I use 2 different airbrushes, but both are dual action (1st action: press down for air. 2nd action: pull back for paint.), this is what you want and need. I spray at 70 psi to avoid clogging the tip of the airbrush. The choice for having a dual action airbrush will allow variations in controlling your paint's output. I can spray a line so thin it would look like a hair strand, but I can spray a wide width of about 2" - 3" for max coverage depending on how far away I am from the lure blank.
Here is one of my main "guns":
This is an Iwata HP-C ($193) - the absolute best for detail work. I use this for small jobs (lure blanks and other things). The beauty of this gun is the tiny 1 oz. reservoir cup on top of the gun (gravity fed, permanently fixed), is perfect for small jobs like lure painting, and model car detailing. It's also a top choice among custom painting Hot Wheels diecast miniatures. Since there is such a small area to paint, you would only need to use a small amount (½ cup) to paint the lure's body. This would be THE ideal gun to get. Made in Japan, unreal quality.
Go here to Coast Airbrush:
http://www.coastairbrush.com/proddetail.asp?prod=H4001And, I also use this one too, the Iwata HP-BCS Eclipse ($101), which is another nice gun, I use this for medium jobs (shirts, helmets, auto parts, etc.). Though this is nice gun, you would need a small bottle attached to the underside of the gun (vacuum fed). It would be another expense for one, and a pain in the butt to change out different colors. But, it is far more inexpensive than the first gun above. Also made in Japan.
Go here to Coast Airbrush:
http://www.coastairbrush.com/proddetail.asp?prod=ECL2000Not all my airbrushes are Iwatas, I also use this one for helmets, shirts, and other things. It's a Thayer & Chandler Vega 2000 w/ Fine tip, ($58, vacuum fed). This is one of my all-time favorites! Very inexpensive and a workhorse too. A thin body, like a pencil, but a nice smooth flow, like an Iwata - but without the high price tag. An American made gun and a great quality gun for the price - I have 2 of these, one is over 25 yrs old, and I've never broken it!
Go here to Coast Airbrush:
http://www.coastairbrush.com/proddetail.asp?prod=T61Anything you need, just ask.
- Jeff