Harder&Steenbeck Colani

The Colani is a hybrid-action full-grip airbrush that features the same high degree of German craftsmanship and engineering, as does the Infinity and the entire line of Harder&Steenbeck brushes.

The novel lever-action mechanism was designed by Luigi Colani and is a combination of double-action, single-action, and trigger. This ingenious but simple and solid design allows the point at which paint starts to flow as the lever is pulled back to be set by the user: simultaneously with the air or lagging behind the start of air flow. This has a huge effect on the ease with which a fine-line can be started and maintained.

Since the business end of the Colani is copied from the Infinity, it can be outfitted with the 0.15mm Infinity tip,  capable of spraying fine 0.5 mm lines with ease. Just like the Infinity changing tips and needles is easy and takes just a few moments allowing you to quickly change from the 0.15 to the 0.40mm tip for primers and clear coats.

The Colani Lever and Hand-Grip:

One of the more unique features of the Colani is the positioning of the trigger on top of the brush with the balled-lever projecting over the right side of the body. This lever arrangement, in combination with the rear portion of the handle that swivels, allows your hand to assume a position that’s both relaxed and solid. With the extended front grip, the Colani has a very low center of gravity adding to the stability of the brush in the hand.

For those with big paws, spacers are provided that extend the length of the handle appreciably. If you prefer to use your left paw, the lever can be moved to the appropriate side of the brush quickly and easily. To do so, the needle and two screws are removed, the lever is flipped, and the brush is re-assembled. A handy tool is provided to assist in removing the screws. For some modelers the ability to configure the Colani for Left-handed use is a real game-changer.

Setting the Timing of Paint Flow:

Unlike trigger-gripped airbrushes like Grex that have a distinct 2-stage trigger: first air flow (1^st stage) then a detente followed by the start of paint (2^nd stage). The sequencing of Air followed by Paint as the trigger is pulled back results in a lot of airflow over the nozzle/needle after they’re covered in paint: every time the trigger is cycled. This leads to increased tip dry in general and more difficulty starting and maintaining fine lines.

In stark contrast to the two-stage trigger is the design utilized by the Colani. There are no detentes as the lever is pulled back: just a smooth, solid, rearward motion. There is no need to push down or sideways on the lever. The instant the lever is pulled back both air and paint start simultaneously. A fine-line is delivered with a small movement of the lever that gets progressively larger (more paint) as the lever is pulled back farther much like a double action. No more blasting air over the nozzle/needle while anxiously working the lever, waiting for the paint to start: just pullback—spray.

If, however, you prefer to have air flowing before paint starts to flow, as with a conventional double-action airbrush, the Colani action can be adjusted to do just that. The small, brass, set screw with a rounded head and small hole (arrow) controls the start of paint flow as the lever is moved rearward. By simply turning the set screw with the tool provided, paint flow can be adjusted to start simultaneously with airflow or to lag behind it. The amount of lag (short to long) can be fine-tuned to your need/style with a few turns of the set screw: awesome.

The scheme on this Trumpeter 1/72 Jadgepanther was sprayed with a Colani fitted with a 0.15mm Infinity tip, a Micro Cup, and an in-line air valve. The paints used were all Mission Models. The combination of the full-handed grip and hybrid action of the Colani allowed me to shoot this Jagdpanther with less hand strain than with a double-action brush. Awesome!

Key Features

• Hybrid Lever Action with Adjustable Paint Flow Function
• Can be Configured for Right or Left Handed Users
• Adjustable Hand Grip
• Comes with a 0.40mm tip (pictured)
• Comes with a 15ml paint cup (pictured)

Note: If you’d like to configure your Colani for fine-line work by adding a 0.15 or 0.20mm tip and a smaller paint cup (0.5, 2, or 5ml), send me an email at john@modelpaintsol.com for special pricing 🙂 )

Free Airbrush Setup

As a complimentary service, your airbrush will be inspected, lubricated, and test sprayed by John.

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When you purchase an airbrush from MPS, we guarantee to help you make that brush perform as it should. Whether by email, phone, or Face Time/Skype, you’ll get the assistance you need.

Free Airbrush Repair

With an H&S airbrush from Model Paint Solutions, you get free labor for all repairs and a 5% discount on H&S parts. You pay for shipping.

Model Paint Solutions is an Authorized Harder & Steenbeck Reseller.