Airbrush Compressor: Helpful Guide with Market Overview

Are you in the market for an airbrush compressor? If so, you’re likely trying to decide which model is right for you. In this helpful guide, we’ll provide an overview of the different types of airbrush compressors available on the market, as well as some tips on what to look for when making your purchase. Let’s get started!

What is an Airbrush Compressor?

There are different types of compressors used in many industries. A compressor takes gas and squeezes it, reducing its volume. This makes it easier to store or transport the gas. Some common compressors are piston compressors, screw compressors, ionic compressors, and turbo compressors.

The compressor in airbrushing compresses the air to spray the paint from the gun onto the painting surface. A compressor for airbrushing usually has a range of pressure between 1.5 and 2.2 bar.

The pressure used in airbrushing is too high for a conventional compressor. To use a conventional compressor for airbrushing, you must first convert it by adding a pressure regulator to lower the pressure.

However, many normal compressors are not recommended for airbrushing because they are too large and heavy. They can also cause strong vibrations, ruining your art project or making it difficult to paint properly. For this reason, we advise you to buy a special airbrush compressor designed for this purpose.

What is an Airbrush Compressor?

A good airbrush compressor should:

Be sure to produce clean air before spraying the paint. Do not carry dirt or liquids with the paint, as this could make the paint job dirty or damaged.
You don’t want to be too loud around an artist. They need quiet so they can focus on their work, and they also probably don’t want to use ear protection if they don’t have to.
This product is easy to maintain so that you don’t have to do regular work that is unpleasant.
Install a pressure reducer to ensure the pressure does not become too high.
Be affordable
Make sure that you do not cause excessive vibration.
Be sure to have the right size threads when airbrushing. This is usually 1/8 inch.
This tool may be handy and easy to transport if you want to work on the road.
Ensure your website or product is easy to use because not everyone is technically savvy.

Types of Air Brush Compressors

Air Pressure Regulators

Some air pressure regulators, called manometers, have a water trap/filter.

Many air pressure regulators/water traps also have a pressure gauge dial that shows measurements in psi and bar.

A pressure regulator is a device that screws onto the air outlet of an air compressor. This is important because it controls the pressure of air being delivered to the airbrush.

You should use a water trap to remove water vapor from the air. This is because water vapor is present in the everyday air and can also be produced when you use a mechanical process, such as pressuring it. If you do not remove the water from the air supply, it can cause many issues with the paint.

Mini In-Line Air Filters

If you want, you can buy a mini in-line air filter. This is a small filter that you can attach to the airbrush’s male air inlet valve. The air hose will then be attached to the male air inlet of the mini in-line air filter. This is not essential but can provide a secondary defense against water vapor if used with the main pressure regulator/water trap.

Types Of Airbrush Compressors

An oil filter is a device that removes oil from the air. This is important because it helps keep the airbrush compressor running smoothly.

Diaphragm Compressor

The compression of air occurs when a flexible membrane moves back and forth. This creates pressure that can be as high as 40PSI.

Pros:

A good purchase price
This product does not require any oil or maintenance.
This air compressor is very handy because there’s no air tank.

Cons:

The diaphragm usually does not last very long.
It is possible to get too hot when you are cooking.
There is no air tank, so there is no guarantee of a consistent flow of air.
Piston compressors are louder than some other types of compressors.
The engine works the entire time it is on.

Piston Compressor

The piston compressor is the most common type of compressor for airbrushing. It is usually more powerful than a diaphragm compressor and produces a higher air volume.

Piston compressors produce low noise levels, but the noise levels vary between manufacturers.

There are two types of piston compressors: the single piston and the twin-piston. The twin piston compressor can compress more air and usually to higher pressures.

People who use an oil-free compressor have a lot of advantages:

This engine has good performance and doesn’t wear out quickly.
Depending on how you plan to use it, the product’s service life can be up to 20,000 hours.
The airbrush paint does not have any risk of contamination.
The oil-free version is easier to clean because there is no dirt. It also requires less maintenance.
An oil-free compressor is more sustainable because it does not require environmentally harmful oil.
Generally, an airbrush compressor that doesn’t need oil is cheaper.

Oil Piston Compressor

The oil-piston compressor has a film of oil on the internal pistons. This reduces friction and heat. It also minimizes wear. People who do things themselves know this type of wear reduction, the same as in a car engine. The industry also uses different lubricants to protect machines from overheating for longer life.

Pros:

The oil-lubricated compressor doesn’t get as hot as the oil-free one. The oil also helps to spread the heat out and keep it from getting too hot.
This compressor lasts longer and makes less noise than other compressors.
The tank can hold more air because of the increased number of deliveries.

Cons:

An oil-lubricated compressor is usually equipped with a compressed air treatment that helps keep the amount of oil in the air as low as possible. However, there is always some oil in the air, which can have consequences for your work of art. The oil may cause different colors not to adhere properly or bubbles to form underneath after some time when your work of art is finished.
The compressor becomes contaminated with oil over time. It is important to clean the compressor after some time has passed, so the oil doesn’t collect and clog any of the seals, valve gears, or air hoses.
An oil-lubricated compressor is often more expensive than an oil-free compressor because it needs oil to work.

Airbrush Compressors & Motor Sizes

The size of the electric motor in compressors may vary between manufacturers. A 1/6th horsepower motor drives the most widely available compressors. A larger 1/5th horsepower motor drives BARTSHARP Airbrush® compressors. The TC90 and TC90T (twin piston models) are driven by a 1/3rd horsepower motor.

Important Terms and Explanations

Reciprocating air compressors are machines that take in a lot of air. The piston gradually squeezes the air so that it is compressed. When it is compressed, the machine releases it.
Diaphragm compressors are different from reciprocating air compressors. A diaphragm compressor has a flexing diaphragm that moves back and forth inside a chamber. This happens with the help of a rod that is connected to the diaphragm.
PSI is the unit of pressure. It is important to know about PSI because there are different types of pressure.
When looking at different air compressors, it is important to understand the unit of cubic feet per minute (CFM). This will help you understand how each compressor works and its maximum pressure. Comparing two compressors, compare CFMs at the same PSI so you can accurately compare their volumes.
The electric motor’s horsepower doesn’t make a big difference, so don’t compare them when choosing your compressor.
Oil-less compressors are also available. They do not use oil, so they are environmentally friendly.
Air compressors have a device that manages how much moisture is in the air.
The noise of an air compressor is typically between 40dB and 90 dB. This is lower than the sound of a person’s voice, but it can vary depending on the product.
The displacement of air inside the device changes with the stroke of the piston and how fast it moves in cubic feet per minute.
Some air compressors have filters that clean the air. The air goes through a material that catches solids and liquids. This makes the air cleaner.
Apart from this, they also have air pressure regulators to help control the pressure of the air that comes out.
Air compressors with a high-pressure ratio are usually the best.
You can control the storage pressure using pressure switches. The switches can be wired to the motor or the control circuit, depending on how big the machine is.

This Should be Noted When Buying an Airbrush Compressor

If you are annoyed because you bought the wrong compressor, you should learn more about airbrush compressors.

The length of time you can use the compressor is important to know. The longer you work, the more air the compressor has to compress. This makes the compressor heat up. If you work on a large or detailed project for a long time, the compressor will heat up a lot. When buying an airbrush compressor, consider how long it can run without getting too hot.

Your airbrush compressor must be maintenance-free. This means you don’t have to change air filters or refill oil. This way, you can spend more time on your artwork and less on maintenance.

When looking for a good airbrush compressor, you should make sure that it has these features:

Pressure Displays / Manometer

A manometer is a tool that helps you check the pressure for airbrushing. This way, you can ensure that the pressure is right and doesn’t need to be adjusted often. You can do this by checking the display on the manometer.

Water Separator

If you turn on the compressor, water may form over time. This water may come out of the gun in droplets. If this happens, the paint will mix with the water, creating streaks or spots on your artwork. The color will not be as bright, and your project may have mistakes.

You can avoid this problem by ensuring that your compressor has a built-in water separator. If it doesn’t, you should upgrade your compressor with an oil separator to help stop the water from getting into the air.

Tank

An air compressor is loud and can’t be used if you want to work in peace. An air tank is filled with air at the start of the work. This tank makes the compressor quieter so you can work in peace.

The compressor switches off, and you can use the air in the tank. This is a good time because there is peace. Buy an air tank so you can have this peace. But make sure you clean it every time, or it will rust quickly.

Pressure Regulation

A compressor helps to create pressure. It uses a pump to do this. This pressure can be different depending on what you need it for. For an airbrush gun to work, you need a permanent working pressure of 1.5 to 2.2 bar. In some cases, you might also need 2.5 bar, depending on your paint and nozzle size.

Usually, a compressor produces more pressure. The pressure should be adjustable by using a pressure regulator. The pressure must always be constant, which means it cannot change or collapse while you are working. If this happens, your work will be ruined because the airbrush paint spreads unevenly or leaves speckles. Usually, the best result is achieved when working with an air tank where compressed air can be stored temporarily.

Noise

It can be difficult to stay focused while working on a project. Losing track of your surroundings is easy when you are in the flow. But getting back into the groove can be very hard if something interrupts your focus. For example, if the compressor makes a loud noise while trying to draw a fine line, it can be very difficult to continue.

An artist needs peace to work. That’s why it’s important to have a compressor that doesn’t make too much noise. We recommend getting a compressor that makes a maximum of 60 DB of sound. This is the same as the volume of a normal conversation, so it won’t bother you or overwhelm your hearing.

There are a few things you can do to make your work easier. You can buy some equipment that will help, like a whisper compressor. Another option is to get an air tank that does not need to be filled as often. You can also get a longer hose for the compressor so you can put it further away from where you are working.

Thread Output or Motor

1/4″ is the best size for output thread on tank-based compressors. and 1/8″ is a good size for small dry piston compressors. The size of the electric motor on a compressor may vary, but most compressors use a 1/6th horsepower motor. As far as American voltage goes, most compressors will provide the max pressure without overheating.

Air Flow

The air delivered by the compressor is measured in CFM (cubic feet per minute) or liter per minute (LPM). Most compressors have an airflow capacity between 20 and 50 LPM. This means they can deliver between 0.70 and 1.76CFM of air.

For illustrators or hobby artists, a compressor with 20lpm or 0.70CFM is a good choice. They are also good for applications like nails, makeup, and the body. If you need to do large jobs, we recommend choosing a compressor with 30lpm.

Airbrush Pressure

The PSI number on a compressor tells you how strong the compressor is. If you need a lot of air pressure for your project, you’ll need to get a high PSI number compressor. For example, if you use the compressor to spray paint on a t-shirt, you’ll need more pressure than if you’re just going to use it for nails.

Compressors are usually rated by how much air they can move. You should compare the CFM ratings when you are looking at different compressors. A compressor rated for 40 PSI can move more air than a compressor with a 100 or 175 PSI rating. It is important to remember that the CFM rating is based on how much air the compressor can move at the same pressure.

There is no one perfect pressure setting for every job. It often depends on the project you are working on. For example, if you are airbrushing a car, you might need a higher pressure setting, like 80 to 100 psi.

Duty Cycle

The duty cycle of a compressor is how long it will run before it needs to be turned off so it can cool down. If the duty cycle is 50%, the compressor should be turned off for 30 minutes and then turned back on for another 30 minutes. Choosing a compressor with a duty cycle that meets your needs is important.

To figure out how much airflow capacity you need, use this formula:

Total Air Volume Required x 1 / (duty cycle) = Compressor CFM required

The duty cycle of a compressor is usually given as a percentage. This means that the compressor’s engine will run for that percentage of every hour it uses. Make sure to keep up with the compressor to improve its life capacity. Below are some examples…

50% duty cycle = 30 minutes run time per hour
25% duty cycle = 15 minutes run time per hour
9% duty cycle = 5 minutes on and 55 minutes cool down time per hour
10% duty cycle = 6 minutes on and 54 minutes cool down time per hour
15% duty cycle = 9 minutes on and 51 minutes cool down time per hour
20% duty cycle = 12 minutes on and 48 minutes cool down time per hour

Auto-Stop Function

This machine will stop the compressor from working when the air pressure exceeds a certain number. This is helpful because it means the compressor won’t run as long, which will save energy and also help the machine last longer.

Hose Length

Having a long hose is helpful when you want to paint in different places without having to stop and move the hose. A 4-foot hose is good for small to medium projects, like painting on a canvas or decorating food. If you need to spray something over a large area, like a car, you will need a 10-foot hose. Ensure your compressor comes with a hose that is the right size for the project you are working on.

Power

When looking for an airbrush compressor, it is important to consider the power output. This will determine the control, runtime, and other functions the compressor can use. Generally, 150 to 200 watts is enough power for most airbrush compressors. However, the product will be more expensive if you need more power.

Size and Weight

Airbrush compressors usually weigh more than 10 pounds. This weight includes the attachments, wheels, and carry handle. Some models are heavier and can be difficult to move around. So, they can be stored in art studios and garages. Portable and lightweight ones are perfect for beginners.

Value

You should look for a model that is a good price and can handle all the tasks you need it to. Bonus accessories are always helpful to have.

Reliability

An airbrush compressor is a machine with motors and pumps. It can have problems over time if it is not from a good brand. You should buy an airbrush compressor from a good brand that makes machines that last a long time.

Warranty and Durability

You should consider a few things when deciding which model to invest in. First, find a model with at least 1 or 2 years of warranty. If something goes wrong with the product, you can get it fixed or replaced for free. You should also ensure that the model is made from high-quality materials, so it will last a long time.

Other considerations

Some important features are a fan to cool down the engine, a kit option, thermal-protected engine components, and a carry handle.

Accessories

Most airbrush compressors come with a lot of accessories. This includes things like airbrushes, paints, connecting pipes, and more. If you want to buy these accessories separately, it will cost you more. But if you get an airbrush compressor, these accessories are already included. This makes the airbrush compressor a better value for your money.

Price

Many airbrush compressors are expensive. How much you spend depends on what you want to do with the compressor. Buying the most expensive compressor might not make sense if you are just starting. You might find that you want to try a different art form after a few sessions. A good quality airbrush compressor for up to 250 $ is good for starting.

FAQ about Airbrush Compressor

What is the best way to clean your airbrush compressor?

There are a few ways to clean your airbrush compressor. The first is to use a brush or a cloth to clean the dirt and dust off the machine. You can also use a vacuum cleaner to suck up any dirt or dust in the machine. Lastly, you can use a damp cloth to wipe down the machine and remove any dirt or dust. All of these methods are effective in cleaning your airbrush compressor.

What is the minimal amount of air an airbrush uses?

An airbrush compressor uses a minimal amount of air. This is because the compressor creates a higher pressure that helps the airbrush to work more efficiently.

What is used to connect the Airbrush Hose to the Compressor?

The airbrush hose is connected to the compressor using a coupler. A coupler is a connector that screws onto the end of the hose and the compressor. It creates a tight seal so that the air does not escape.

How do we resolve problems with moisture?

One way to resolve problems with moisture is to purchase a desiccant. A desiccant is a material that absorbs moisture and helps to keep things dry. You can place the desiccant in the airbrush compressor or in the area where you are using the airbrush. This will help reduce the air’s moisture and help your equipment work properly.

How to add more volume to an Airbrush Compressor’s output?

One way to add more volume to an airbrush compressor’s output is to purchase a larger compressor. A larger compressor will have more power and can fill the airbrush with more air. You can also try connecting two compressors. This will create more power and allow you to use the airbrush for a longer amount of time. Another way to add more volume is to purchase a higher CFM rating compressor. CFM stands for cubic feet per minute and measures how much air the compressor can produce in one minute. Finally, you can try using an air tank with your compressor. An air tank will store the compressed air and allow you to use it at a later time.

Why are silent airbrush compressors expensive?

Silent airbrush compressors are more expensive because they are more efficient. They use less power and create less noise, which makes them a better value for your money.

How to Connect Airbrush Hose to a Compressor?

You will need a coupler to connect the airbrush hose to the compressor. A coupler is a connector that screws onto the end of the hose and the compressor. It creates a tight seal so that the air does not escape.

How much is air pressure required to operate an airbrush?

An airbrush compressor uses a minimal amount of air. This is because the compressor creates a higher pressure that helps the airbrush to work more efficiently.

How to remove moisture trap on airbrush compressor?

To remove the moisture trap on an airbrush compressor, you must disconnect the hose from the compressor. You can then remove the moisture trap by unscrewing it from the hose. After removing the trap, you can replace it with a new one or leave it off.

What is the way to Add a Tank and an Airbrush Compressor?

Is airbrushing safe?

Airbrushing is a safe and effective way to apply makeup. It gives you much control over the amount and type of makeup you apply. Airbrushing also helps to distribute the makeup evenly, which gives you a natural look.

How can an airbrush be used?

An airbrush can be used for various purposes, including makeup, painting, and crafting. It is a versatile tool that gives you much control over the amount and type of material you use. Airbrushing also helps to distribute the material evenly, which gives you a more natural look.

What is the right way to clean the airbrush compressor?

To clean the airbrush compressor, you will need to disconnect the hose from the compressor. You can then remove the moisture trap by unscrewing it from the hose. After removing the trap, you can replace it with a new one or leave it off. Next, you will need to disconnect the power cord from the compressor. You can then wash the compressor with soap and water. Ensure you dry it completely before reconnecting the power cord and hose. Finally, reattach the hose to the compressor and turn on the power switch. The compressor will start automatically once it is connected properly.

What type of pain should I use for the airbrush?

When using an airbrush, you will need to use a type of pain that is thin and water-based. This will help to ensure that the paint is dispersed evenly. You can find this type of paint at most art stores.

Is it possible to use different paint types through the same brush?

Yes, using different paint types through the same brush is possible. However, you will need to thin the paint down with water to be dispersed evenly. Otherwise, the paint will clog the brush and prevent it from working properly.