To do a good airbrush job, you basically need the airbrush, paint cup and air supply. But, as is the case with most gadgets, a whole slew of accessories has sprung up around the airbrush, to make the work easier or better, or to remedy some flaw in the original design. Here are some of the more popular accessories that you can find in the market today. They are available from most airbrush shops or online.

Airbrush stands – a table top stand where you can rest the airbrush while taking a break or in between jobs. There are stands that can hold from 1 up to 8 airbrushes. There are others that have a dual function as airbrush stands and manifold holders.

Aerosol propellants – compressed air in an aerosol can. You attach it with a regulator to the airbrush and is ideal for small airbrushing jobs. Non-CFC types are readily available.

Paint mixers – usually a small battery-operated stirrer that fits easily into a paint jar or bottle. It helps ensure that the paint in the bottle is thoroughly mixed.

Handles and handgrips – various types of ergonomically-shaped handles for different types of airbrushes. These help to minimize fatigue especially while working on extended jobs.

Dust masks and respirators – provide protection against paint vapors and other airborne hazardous materials. There are single-cartridge, double-cartridge and disposable versions.

Air hoses – come in different lengths up to 3 meters, different weights, opaque or transparent to more easily detect moisture or impurities in the air line.

Gloves – are specially designed to prevent fatigue and carpal tunnel syndrome due to prolonged airbrushing.

Suctions – Tools fitted with suction cups to pick up small items being airbrushed. These gadgets are very useful for hobbyists and those airbrushing small items.

Frisket films – adhesive-backed transparent film, used primarily to make stencils by those who do photo airbrushing. They are available in glossy and matte finishes, are reusable and last a long time.

Stencil films – flat, transparent sheets used to make stencils. They are available in several thicknesses, are durable and suitable for all types of airbrush media. There are pre-designed stencils with decorative figures and characters. Miniature pre-designed stencils for airbrushing fingernails, jewelry and other small items are also readily available.

Templates – similar to but thinner than the common templates used for drafting. They have laser-cut circles, squares, ellipses, triangles and the other standard shapes to deliver a fine cutting edge in making stencils.

Cutters – sharp cutting tools for making stencils and trimming the edges off small plastic parts that have been airbrushed.

Containers – jars, bottles and cups made of glass, plastic or metal. They come with their corresponding adaptors.

Compressor accessories – various water traps, air filters, regulators and manifolds to optimize the performance of the air supply.

Different manufacturers provide accessories for the specific models they manufacture. These accessories are custom designed to fit the airbrush models that they sell. Finally, there are the usual “how-to” videotapes, DVDs and books in addition to the various magazines published specifically for the airbrush user.