The Best Airbrush Kits for Cake Decorating 2023

Airbrushing a cake offers the opportunity to create unique appearances that you wouldn’t otherwise be able to create.  Whether you want to create a consistent single color or color the cake to match a photo airbrushing can give you control and a finish unlike any other cake decorating method.  If you have decided that airbrushing your cake is the way to go it can be overwhelming choosing an airbrush as there are so many brands and different types of airbrushes from dual action to single action and gravity feed to siphon feed models.  In this guide will go over how to best choose an airbrush for cake decorating that will be best suited for your cake decorating needs and provide recommendations for different cake decorating needs whether you’re a beginner or veteran cake decorator and whether you are trying to color an entire cake or create custom designs.  

Factor 1 – Dual Action or Single Action Airbrushes 

The first choice to decide is whether a single or dual action airbrush will be best for your project needs.  A single action airbrush is simpler to use because the material and air are released at the same time.  While this makes for a simpler operation, it provides less fine control of your airbrushing technique.  If you’re a beginner a single action airbrush for cake decorating can be a great choice.  If you want to maximize the potential control of your airbrushing, consider a dual action airbrush.   

Factor 2 – Internal mix or External Mix Airbrush for Cake Decorating 

The second choice that will be important is whether you want an external or internal mix air cap for your airbrush.  The difference in general is the pattern size of the spray pattern that is created.  Internal mix air caps will have a much finer line that is created while an external mix airbrush will be able to create wider spray patterns.  So if your purpose for using an airbrush for cake decorating is primarily to color / coat the entire cake then a external mix air cap airbrush will be ideal.  However if your goal is to create detailed lines and draw more or less on the cake then a internal cap will be ideal.  

Factor 3 – Gravity vs Siphon Feed Airbrushes for Cake Decorating 

With a gravity airbrush the material for cake decorating sits on top of the airbrush while siphon feed airbrushes have the material underneath.  Gravity feed airbrushes tend to provide greater control and are best for detailed cake decorating while siphon feed airbrushes tend to hold more material and can be ideal for coloring entire cakes as they can hold a bit more material than a gravity feed airbrush but doesn't have quite the precision control that a gravity feed airbrush does. 

Factor 4 – The Compressor type for cake Decorating 

The final factor in your cake decorating airbrush selection is the compressor that you will use to run your airbrush.  For cake decorating you can use a regular air compressor that you would use for running general air tools, however you would want to ensure that compressor has a proper air dryer.  Or you can use a dedicated airbrush compressor.  For airbrushing cakes you generally want 15-35 pounds of pressure to be able to spray your material.  If you will end up using a dedicated airbrush compressor, you can choose between one with and without an air tank.  Between the two an air tank compressor will be slightly more expensive but it also creates a more even spray pattern so we would recommend going with an airbrush compressor with a tank. 

Now that you have a general overview of the differences in airbrushes and airbrush compressors check out our recommended cake decorating airbrush kits for anyone from beginners to professionals

For those getting started a single action airbrush will be best, for the most versatility you can go with a airbrush with multiple tips external mix air cap and siphon design see our favorites below 

Best If You Don’t Have Or Want To Buy A Compressor 

Best Overall Cake Airbrush Set

If you want to decorate regularly using your airbrush you will most likely want a dual action airbrush with a mix of nozzles to handle a variety of pattern sizes and material applied.  A gravity airbrush generally will also provide the greatest control while a siphon feed airbrush will be able to better coat entire cakes while still offering the option to do detailed work as well.  

Airbrushing cakes is a great way to create a unique appearance.  Whether you want to bring in fine detailed designs on your cake or want to cover the cake in a uniform consistent color, airbrushing can be a great option.  For maximum versatility consider a single or dual action external mix airbrush with a compressor that includes a tank and an airbrush with multiple heads.  For the most control of your airbrushing consider a dual action airbrush and for detailed lines an internal mix air cap or for more versatility an external mix air cap with multiple tip sizes.