Choosing the right airbrush compressor is a decision you don’t want to make based on price or appearance alone. There are many factors to consider when determining which compressor is best for your needs, and knowing what those factors are will help you find the perfect one! In this blog post, we’ll go over everything from types of compressors, how they’re used, and more. If you’ve ever wondered what makes an airbrush compressor “right” for your needs, then read on!
Which Airbrush Compressor Types Are Available?
Airbrush compressors are available in two types: double-acting and single-acting. The difference between the two is that with a double-acting compressor, air enters on both the upstroke and downstroke of the piston–whereas, with a single-acting compressor, this only happens during one stroke (either the up or down). Generally speaking, when practicing art techniques like shading, highlighting, gradation, etc., artists will want to use an airbrush that runs off of a high-pressure ratio type of paint gun.
These guns work by compressing large amounts of air quickly, forcing out small droplets at pressures as high as 2000 psi. They’re designed for creating smooth strokes over large areas without any noticeable “banding” (a sign of an insufficient air supply).
For small-scale art techniques like fine spraying, dry brushing, and line work–artists will typically use a low-pressure ratio type of paint gun. These guns run off the compressor at lower pressures between 100 psi to 300 psi. They’re designed for smaller areas where the artist looks to produce accurate detail with less chance of bubbles or overspray.
Piston Compressor
Double-acting compressors are available, where the up and down strokes allow the use of high-pressure ratios. Single-acting compressors offer lower pressures to provide an accurate detail with less chance for bubbles or overspray for small-scale art techniques like fine spraying, dry brushing, and line work.
Oil Piston Compressor
Oil piston compressors are designed for lower pressures to provide an accurate detail with less chance of bubbles or overspray and come in both double-acting and single-acting types.
Diaphragm Compressor
A diaphragm is a type of material that can be stretched and compressed. A device using this technology would use an electric motor to move the plastic back and forth, creating suction with each movement. The air within compressors usually becomes overheated in continuous operation without any cooling system present; ensuring safety should always remain paramount when building any such devices or machinery!
The engine is then automatically switched off until the unit has cooled down. A longer working time is made possible by an integrated fan that also provides cooling during operation for a more efficient workday!
Inverted Piston Compressor
The inverted piston compressor is the most expensive but provides a stable air supply to an artist’s paint gun. The other two options–oil piston and diaphragm–are less expensive due to their less complex design.
The choice of which type of compressor will depend on what kind of technique you’re looking to use your airbrush with as well as how much money you want to spend.
Here is a comparison table of the different types of airbrush compressors:
| Compressor Type | Description | Usage | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Piston Compressor | Double-acting and single-acting compressors are available. Double-acting allows for high-pressure ratios, while single-acting offers lower pressures for accurate detail with less chance of bubbles or overspray for small-scale techniques. | For large-scale techniques like shading and highlighting, or for small-scale techniques like fine spraying and line work. | Affordable |
| Oil Piston Compressor | Designed for lower pressures to provide accurate detail with less chance of bubbles or overspray and come in both double-acting and single-acting types. | For small-scale techniques like fine spraying and line work. | Affordable |
| Diaphragm Compressor | Uses a diaphragm that can be stretched and compressed. An electric motor moves the plastic back and forth, creating suction with each movement. An integrated fan provides cooling for a longer working time and efficient operation. | For artists who need a stable air supply. | Less expensive than inverted piston compressor due to simpler design |
| Inverted Piston Compressor | Provides a stable air supply to an artist’s paint gun but is the most expensive of all types. | For artists who need a stable air supply and are willing to spend more money. | Most expensive |
Important Terms And Explanations
- Reciprocating air compressors use two pistons to compress air. The first piston pulls in air into the chamber, and the second piston reduces the volume of the air, releasing compressed air from the cylinder.
- Diaphragm compressors, on the other hand, use flexing diaphragms within a chamber with the help of a rod to compress air.
- Pressure is measured in PSI (pounds per square inch), but the different forms of pressure can sometimes be confusing. Understanding the unit of cubic feet per minute (CFM) is important when it comes to working with air compressors. This helps you accurately calculate the amount of displacement and pressure at the same PSI.
- When choosing an air compressor, it’s important to consider the electric motor’s horsepower. The horsepower determines how well the air compressor will work, so it’s important to compare it based on power.
- Oil-less air compressors are becoming increasingly popular because they are more affordable and use less power.
- Moisture separators are also present in air compressors to keep the air as dry as possible.
- The sound of an air compressor varies from product to product, but it typically ranges from 40dB to 90dB, which is lower than the average human voice.
- The air displacement inside the device with each stroke is determined by the RPM (revolutions per minute) in cubic feet.
- Air compressors also have filters that remove solids and liquids to purify the air and improve its quality.
- In addition to filters, air pressure regulators are also present to adjust the flow of air with different pressures.
- For the best results, it’s important to look for an air compressor with a high-pressure ratio.
- The storage pressure can be controlled with switches, which can be wired to the motor or control circuit. This is especially convenient for industrial machines, as it eliminates the need for additional wiring.
This Should Be Noted When Buying An Airbrush Compressor
When buying an airbrush compressor, it is crucial to consider the type of tool it will be powering. Different compressors are designed for various types of airbrushes, so make sure you understand the pressure requirements of your brush before making a purchase. For instance, a low-volume compressor may be sufficient for cake decorating, but it may not be suitable for body art painting that requires larger brushes and sponges for coverage without streaks.
The following table provides a comparison of these factors to help you make an informed decision when choosing an airbrush compressor.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Type of Tool | Consider the type of tool the compressor will power. Different compressors are designed for various types of airbrushes, so make sure you understand the pressure requirements of your brush before making a purchase. For instance, a low-volume compressor may be sufficient for cake decorating, but it may not be suitable for body art painting that requires larger brushes and sponges for coverage without streaks. |
| Pressure Displays/Manometer | Shows the pressure of the airbrush compressor in PSI. This helps regulate the tool and paint consistency, allowing you to measure the time needed to complete a task and adjust accordingly. A standard display is usually accurate across most pressure ranges, but its accuracy may be limited in low-pressure conditions due to manufacturing variations. High-pressure gauges provide greater accuracy, but they are more expensive, so make sure you know the specifications you need before making a purchase. |
| Water Separator | An important accessory for airbrush painters. These filters remove moisture from the compressor’s output to prevent contamination of paint and tools. It is essential to have a water separator to keep the compressor running smoothly and efficiently. Some models are only compatible with specific compressors, so check the brand before making a purchase. |
| Tank | A solution for maintaining peace and using the air compressor without disruption to the creative process. Fill the tank with compressed air at the start of each session, then turn off the compressor after the first fill or use lower power settings to avoid noise during work hours. You can also add foam blocks or sound insulation to reduce noise levels. |
| Pressure Regulation | The pressure at which the airbrush tool operates is crucial for the best results, and airbrush compressor manufacturers often include a regulator to help set it. You can either adjust the pressure manually using a knob on the unit or use an automatic system known as “auto-regulating.” The latter is more expensive but is worth the price if noise levels are a concern. As long as there is enough power from your electrical supply, the auto-regulating units should work seamlessly. |
| Noise | Many artists prefer low noise levels, whether they are working in close proximity or want a soundproof studio. When choosing an airbrush compressor, keep this in mind, as not all compressors feature low noise levels. You may still need to add sound insulation, even with an expensive unit. |
| Price | Airbrush compressors come in various shapes and sizes and vary widely in price. It is tempting to get the most expensive unit, but it is essential to research the specifications required for your project before making a purchase. Compare prices before making a commitment. |
FAQ
What Pressure Should I Use For My Airbrush?
A pressure of about 20-25 psi is usually right for most airbrush work. However, it’s worth mentioning that some artists will use an even higher setting if they’re working with thicker coats or larger strokes to avoid getting too much paint on the canvas or paper.
How Much CFM Do I Need For Airbrushing?
CFM stands for cubic feet per minute. You don’t need to worry about CFM unless you’re using a really high-powered airbrush, which would require between 200 and 400 CFM (depending on the size of the stroke).
The only time it’s worth considering this is if your compressor doesn’t have an adjustable pressure setting. If that’s the case, then you’ll want to shoot for higher than 20 psi to avoid overworking things too much or burning out some components inside your airbrush before their time.
Are All Airbrush Compressors The Same?
Not at all. It’s worth mentioning that most airbrush compressors will be able to handle a maximum of 25 psi, and they’ll come in varying CFM capacities–which is the amount of air being pushed through per minute (i.e., 200+ CFM).
The best way to know which compressor you need is by asking yourself what kind of work you’re doing more often than not with your airbrush. Keep in mind that it might require trial and error before finding an appropriate compressor for your needs because there are so many out on the market.
How Do I Know What Size Air Compressor I Need?
The size of the air compressor you need depends on many factors, including what kind of work you’re doing with your airbrush and how often.
It’s worth mentioning that any compressor will have an input rating (i.e., 230V/60Hz) and an output rating (i.e., 20-25 psi at 40 CFM). And while it might be tempting to get something more powerful than 25 psi for use with thicker coats or larger strokes, this could actually lead to overworking some components inside your airbrush before their time–or even burning them out completely if they don’t have built-in safety features like thermal cutoffs or guards from too much airflow.
What Is The Best Way To Clean Your Airbrush Compressor?
The best way to clean your compressor is by taking it apart and letting it air out for a while. If you need some other tips, then here are a few:
- Oil the piston rod with light machine oil (not motor oil) every month or so.
- Keep a rag nearby–it could help if there’s any debris that needs to be cleaned up after use.
What Is The Minimal Amount Of Air An Airbrush Uses?
The minimal amount of air an airbrush uses is about 0.028 CFM–or a little over one cubic foot per minute.
In general, the average person will use between 20-35 psi with their compressor and anywhere from 40-200+ CFM when they’re working on getting enough air into the brush for it to work properly. However, this all depends on what kind of art you’re doing, how big your strokes are, or how thick your coats are.
If someone uses thicker coats or larger strokes, they might want to consider going up higher than 25 psi (in most cases). On the other hand, if someone’s doing detailed work, then chances are that around 15-25 psi would be more than enough.
And while it might be tempting to get a larger compressor that’s capable of handling thicker coats or strokes, this could actually lead to overworking some components inside your airbrush before their time–or even burning them out completely if they don’t have built-in safety features like thermal cutoffs or guards from too much airflow.
What Is Used To Connect The Airbrush Hose To The Compressor?
The most common material used to connect an airbrush hose is called a quick-connect. This will allow you to quickly and easily attach the two, but it also means that they’ll be able to come apart unexpectedly if someone trips on them–so make sure you’re in a safe place when doing this!
There are other kinds of connectors as well:
- NPT (National Pipe Thread) for use with gauges or valves;
- Banjo Fitting for connecting hoses directly into the compressor without any intermediate fittings;
- And Straight Connectors, which can sometimes be larger than others depending on their size.
If none of these work out, then there’s always the possibility of getting custom adapters made by your local welding shop.
How To Resolve Problems With Moisture?
One way to solve the problem of moisture is by using an airbrush with a built-in spray gun. This will allow you to control your spraying better and have less chance of over-spray–not to mention it’ll also make cleaning up simpler, too!
Another idea is using an AC/DC-powered dehumidifier for indoor use–or even buying one that’s designed specifically for drying out art supplies like paint or adhesives if need be. Just keep in mind that these could take anywhere from 24 hours to several days before they start working properly–so don’t expect overnight results if you’re going this route!
How To Add More Volume To An Airbrush Compressor’s Output?
If you’re finding that your compressor is putting out a low volume of air, then there are some things to consider:
- The first thing would be checking the pressure and making sure it’s set where it should be.
- The next idea is getting new seals for any worn-down hoses–or checking the fittings on your quick connectors if they need replacing as well.
- If none of these work, then you may want to take apart the unit and make sure everything inside isn’t sitting too tightly against one another or blocking airflow in any way (like condensation).
- And finally, there could also be an issue with dirt build-up around valves or other parts, which need to be cleared up before anything starts operating properly.
Why Are Silent Airbrush Compressors Expensive?
The biggest reason why the more expensive compressors are better is that they give off less vibration and noise than cheaper models. If you’re looking for a clean, work-friendly environment, then this might be something to consider–especially if you’ll be using your compressor in an office or other public place!
And while it may cost slightly more upfront, these kinds of airbrush compressors will last longer overall with their quieter operating features.
Also, note that some evidence suggests that the extra vibrations from louder units can actually shorten the lifespan of components inside them over time (including things like valves).
To avoid this problem altogether, many people opt for a brushless DC motor instead, which operates at lower speeds but makes no sound.
How Many capacities Do You Need?
Another thing to consider is how much air you need for the different types of projects. There are general-purpose compressors with more moderate capacities that work well on low or medium-demand tasks. Then there are large-capacity ones designed specifically for heavy-duty jobs–plus everything in between!
So what’s your goal? Depending on what it is, this will determine which kind of compressor you should buy.
If you’re just a hobbyist who likes doing smaller things like painting miniatures or model cars, then your needs might be less than someone else working professionally as an artist or body painter full time!
For example: if all you plan to do is paint something like a single-car once every few months, then purchasing the biggest.
Will A Noisy Compressor Be A Problem?
Many people aren’t aware that there are airbrush compressors designed to be as quiet as possible. These machines should have no problem fitting into even a silent office-type environment without causing any issues–which is really important for those who work in certain fields but still want an easy time with their art supplies!
In fact, some employees actually get paid bonuses just for working at places where they don’t need to wear ear protection. So it’s not always all bad news…
Hey there! I'm Richard Baker, a miniature painter who's been in the game for a solid decade now. I've been painting miniatures for ten years and I've got a ton of tips and tricks to share with you all. My website is a treasure trove of knowledge that I've gathered from both my own personal experiences and from reading all sorts of books.
