Before we start, if you would rather watch a video review of the Gaahleri GTS-06 Mini Compressor and Airbrush Kit rather than read one then hop over to my YouTube review: HERE
I bought this compressor and airbrush kit just after I started my first model this year. I had been researching scale modelling and soon realized that the hobby had come a long way since my youth. One of the tools that seemed to be common was an airbrush and compressor. This was something I’d never come across when building scale models in the 1970’s. After viewing a myriad of videos on YouTube I came across a review for the Gaahleri GTS-06 Mini Compressor and Airbrush Kit. I was immediately drawn to the simplicity of setting it up and using it. As a novice scale modeller this was exactly the sort of thing I wanted to get me started in the use of an airbrush.
When the product arrived I was pretty pleased with the size and weight. I could use it wherever I wanted, although my little workbench would be where it would live.
On opening the box there was an instruction booklet that was pretty comprehensive. It was well designed with the beginner in mind and gave just the right amount of information. This made it easy to use the compressor and airbrush and also disassemble the provided airbrush and clean it. Pretty simple and not intimidating.
Once I’d read through the instructions I delved into the box. You are provided with; the GTS-06 compressor, a CS-36 airbrush, a 1/4oz fluid cup, a pair of airbrush holders that attach to the compressor casing, a power supply and a braided hose. Everything needed to start your journey was there, apart from the paint.
I added a quick release to the hose and airbrush. These are available from Amazon or your local hobby shop and are pretty inexpensive. One other item I’m going to buy, which I would recommend, is an inline mini air filter to keep water out of the airbrush. It is particularly important in climates where there is high humidity. When you are spraying the compressor runs continually and water will gather in the hose and end up in your airbrush causing splatters.
I sat the compressor up on my workbench (desk) and assembled the quick release. I then connected it to the compressor and airbrush; all very simple. The compressor has 2 outlets for air so that you can connect two airbrushes simultaneously. I prefer just to have a quick release system and connect the airbrush I want to use when it is needed.
The power supply fits firmly into the jack socket with no play. At this point you are ready to add paint and try it out. When you turn the compressor on using the central button it defaults to 21psi and is surprisingly quiet. I really expected it to be louder. You can control the air pressure using the 4 buttons circling the power button on the top of the unit. The settings are maximum pressure, minimum pressure, increase pressure and decrease pressure. The pressure range runs from 15psi to 27psi in 2psi steps. I love this system as everything is at the touch of a button and you don’t have to fiddle with a valve to set your desired pressure: very beginner friendly.
I recommend that you practice with the Gaahleri airbrush and compressor on paper before using it on a project piece. Each paint also has different requirements when it comes to thinning; even different colors of the same brand may differ. The paint thinning ratios are also affected by pressure settings, so getting used to what makes a good setting for your current job is pretty crucial, but have fun practicing. It may sound like a lot of effort, but you will be surprised how easy the Gaahleri compressor and airbrush kit make it. I was quickly painting my second model using the kit and the results were great.
As you can see you can get great results with this kit very quickly. I was using Vallejo Model Air paints to paint this model. Below is the completed model which I am pretty proud of.
Once you have finished painting clean your airbrush as recommended by the manual and paint manufacturer. Disassembly is pretty simple and well laid out in the manual. I would advice doing this after each session to keep your airbrush in top condition. There are plenty of instructional videos on YouTube. I’d recommend you spend a decent amount of time learning how to airbrush and also maintain your airbrush.
If, like me, your main focus is painting scale models then getting an airbrush and compressor is a game changer. The Gaahleri GTS-06 Compressor and Airbrush Kit is a great option. You get everything you need in one package and is definitely a good way to start your airbrushing journey. I’m looking at getting a Mobius 2.0 or 3.0 in the future to use with this compressor, so keep an eye out for a review on the airbrush I decide to get.
You can also get the Gaahleri GTS-06 Mini Compressor Kit directly from their website here which is a referral link and will give you a discount when you purchase any item from the Gaahleri website. I get a small commission at no cost to you.
Happy modelling 🙂