Airbrush compressor: choose and buy or make it yourself?

Airbrushing - relatively recently, no one knew about this type of art, but now it is a popular branch of drawing. What can you come up with in a fit of creativity and imagination! Here you will find fiery dragons, charming nymphs, and evil Vikings - for hardcore lovers.

One problem is that a good airbrush costs money. And the airbrush also needs an air compressor. How to choose it, what to pay attention to? And most importantly, how to save money and make a compressor for an airbrush with your own hands? Read our article!

What compressor is needed for an airbrush: list of required characteristics

One of the main parameters for purchasing a pump is its performance. The measurement scale for this category is liters per minute.

Compressor operating pressure is in second place in importance. This parameter is not as whimsical as the others. The airbrush does not require powerful pumps, so more than 90 percent of models can be used.

The instructions for the airbrush always indicate these and other recommended parameters. We'll tell you about the rest right now.

Dye

The principle of choice is simple: the thinner the paint, the less pressure is needed to pump it.For example, paints with low viscosity can be sprayed at pressures of 0.6 bar or higher. Thicker paints require sufficient pressure (from 2 ATM and above).

What airbrush do you have?

There are several options for spray guns:

• With big needles. They usually require more pressure.
• Roll-up nozzle and small needle. Freely contacts the low pressure threshold of the pump.

Remember that each airbrush has its own purpose. To draw small details and paint the background, two separate airbrushes are required at once, and for such work you already need one compressor, but with a different operating threshold.

For beginners, it’s better not to immediately spend money on “formidable” and expensive devices. It’s worth buying a cheaper option and seeing whether you like the process or not.

For craftsmen, a more advanced option is required, although some craftsmen do not even run to the store to buy the device - they make it themselves.

Compressor noise parameter

This factor really deserves attention, because with a noisy pump, your hobby or work can turn into real torture! Choose the model that is comfortable for you in the noise category.

Let’s say right away that you won’t be able to save money here. Cheap compressors are naturally noisy because they don't have as good parts. Pay attention to this when you want to save extra money.

There is also a special box for compressors to protect against noise, but then you will also have to spend money on internal cooling. The compressor is running, and hot air accumulates in the box. A couple of weeks of this kind of work and you will be left without a pump.

What's wrong with water

Absolutely all pumps produce condensate from compressed air.Without analyzing a specific model, we will say that in airbrush, water getting into the paint can greatly ruin the design.

To prevent this from happening, a special filter is installed for the compressor. Make sure that the pump model has this function initially.

Adjustment levers, buttons, etc.

It makes no difference whether you bought a pump for a spray gun or made it yourself. The regulator simplifies working with the device several times, that's for sure. Fine pressure adjustment allows you to set the values ​​to suit your airbrush.

A spot air dryer should be supplied with the regulator. It additionally helps combat condensation along with the filtration system.

Continuous operation cycle

The compressor cannot operate 24 hours without interruption. As soon as it pumps up a certain pressure, it automatically turns off. Therefore, you need to look at how long the pump will work without interruption.

The air supply in the cylinder allows the pump to “rest” for the next cycle. This way it doesn't overheat and works twice as long. This scale is measured as a percentage of the time period.

For example: a figure of 50 percent means that the compressor operates continuously for half an hour, then rests for the remaining half hour. Some models can have a 100% cycle, but this is rare and also very expensive. The usual is enough for us.

What types of pumps are there?

Among the main types of compressors that you may encounter in a store are:

• With piston system
• Vane rotor,
• Screw based
• Only for airbrushes, etc.

There are also homemade options like a refrigerator airbrush compressor. But this is worth writing a separate article about - there is a lot of information.

Is it possible to connect an airbrush to a car compressor?

One of the popular questions on the Internet is: “Is a car compressor suitable for an airbrush?” We tried and found a version of a homemade pump based on machine equipment.

One of the disadvantages is too little power. It is only enough for a small airbrush. For painting parts, furniture or repairs, this is what you need.

The car compressor does not require additional fuses - another significant plus. Toggle switches and a pressure gauge are already included with the pump.

For the receiver (container for compressed air) and paint tanks, ordinary plastic tanks, canisters and other containers are suitable. The main thing is that the volume is at least 3 liters.

The receiver can be made from a fire extinguisher or a liquefied gas cylinder. They already have outlet tubes for installation on the pump.

Be sure to secure all tubes with fasteners. Strength for a pump is important, because the final apparatus will shake violently and all parts may fall apart. In all other respects, the principle of manufacturing a pump for airbrush does not differ from the standard one.

If you have any ideas on how to use a car compressor for an airbrush, write to us in the comments. Let's share the information with all readers!