Airbrush compressors
EXPERT KNOWLEDGE AIRBRUSH COMPRESSORS
Without a compressor, the airbrush gun quickly runs out of air. Inexpensive alternatives such as a (disposable) compressed air can or refillable compressed air bottle only have a limited Quantity of air, which usually runs out exactly when you need it most. Compressors, on the other hand, provide a constant supply of compressed air. Depending on the tasks you want to perform with your spray gun, you will need an airbrush compressor with the right Performance and the right Size. Here are a few tips for choosing.
Which airbrush compressor to buy?
- Mini compressor. These are usually very compact diaphragm compressors without an air tank, which are also available as battery-powered or rechargeable compressors. They are sufficient for small-area paint applications in the hobby sector, for model making, for repair work and for nail art. They do not have a pressurised tank, which is why their motor must run continuously during spraying. As the compressed air hose is connected directly to the pump, i.e. without an intermediate reservoir, the air flow to the airbrush gun is intermittent, which can be recognised by regular interruptions in fine lines. Only rarely do mini compressors have a pressure regulator or water separator; the compressor is often part of an inexpensive airbrush set for beginners.
- Compressors without air tanks. These air compressors already have better features. A piston compressor works with a cylinder in which the air is compressed. It has a moisture separator and the air pressure can be set using a pressure reducer with pressure gauge. An automatic shut-off stops the motor when spraying is not in progress. The advantages of a compressor without a tank are its low weight and compact dimensions, making it ideal for mobile use and occasional airbrush users. However, the disadvantages of the lack of an air reservoir remain. As a rule, only one airbrush gun can be connected at a time.
- Compressors with air reservoir. A high-quality professional airbrush compressor compresses the air via one or two pistons and pumps it into an intermediate storage tank or air tank up to the set air pressure. When the storage tank is sufficiently full, the device switches off. The compressed air is fed evenly from the intermediate storage (tank) via the pressure regulator and water separator into the compressed air hose and to the spray gun. The working pressure can be set independently of the pressure in the tank, the even air flow enables more precise work. Depending on the tank volume and compressor output, several spray guns can be used simultaneously (e.g. up to three airbrush guns with a 0.4 mm nozzle or one spray gun with a 0.8 mm nozzle). If you work regularly with airbrushes and also want to use advanced techniques, you cannot do without an airbrush compressor with compressed air tank.
FAQs on the subject of Airbrush compressors
How loud is an airbrush compressor?
At around 45 to 55 dB(A), the volume of an airbrush compressor is roughly equivalent to the hum of a refrigerator. Even mini compressors are usually quite quiet. However, bear in mind that compressors without an air reservoir must run continuously during work in order to provide a sufficient air flow. On the other hand, devices with a tank can supply the airbrush device from the air supply for a while (depending on the activity and the type and number of guns connected) and are then completely quiet.
What air pressure does the airbrush gun need?
The working pressure of an airbrush gun is around 30 psi (pounds per square inch), which is equivalent to 2 bar. Thicker colours require a little more pressure, thinner colours can be sprayed with less pressure. You can experiment with the working pressure and influence the result. Low pressure produces a coarse-grained paint application or even blotches. The recommended maximum pressure for working with the airbrush is around 40 psi (2.6 bar). The working pressure can be set using the pressure regulator to which the hose is connected and is displayed on a pressure gauge.
What does oil-free mean for a compressor?
Most airbrush compressors are now oil-free. An oil-free compressor requires no lubricant, i.e. the pistons run without lubricating oil. The compressed air therefore contains no oil mist, which has a negative effect on the spraying result. An oil-free compressor is absolutely maintenance-free and also safe to transport.
Airbrush compressors lubricated with oil are rather rare. They are powerful and operate at a very low noise level. However, they are somewhat more maintenance-intensive (oil change) and more expensive, which is why they are mainly found in the professional sector. Oil-lubricated compressors are generally used when the tools they operate can be lubricated by the oil mist contained in the compressed air (e.g. impact wrenches, staple guns or sculptor's chisels).
What is the water separator used for?
When the air is compressed in the compressor, condensation is produced which collects in the pressure vessel, for example, and is carried away by the compressed air as water vapour or mist. This mist can have an unwanted effect on the paint application. The moisture separator is usually located on the pressure regulator unit and removes most of the moisture from the air flow. Please empty the separator and tank regularly!
The separator is located directly below the pressure regulator.
What is the difference between a diaphragm compressor and a piston compressor?
In a diaphragm compressor, an elastic diaphragm generates the compression. Instead of a piston that moves back and forth in a cylinder, the diaphragm is attached to the edge and is vibrated by the connecting rod. The stroke of the connecting rod, and thus the performance of the compressor, depends on the deformability of the diaphragm. Sizeable cylinder diameters are possible with a comparatively small stroke. Diaphragm compressors are used for small air volumes, low pressures and for generating a vacuum.
Regardless of whether you are interested in a small diaphragm compressor or a professional piston compressor, we have the right airbrush compressor for nail art, model making or decorating your turned objects, as well as airbrush guns, airbrush spray guns and practical accessories (hose, extraction units, airbrush holders and cleaning agents).
