Airbrush Compressors: Choosing The Right Air Supply For Your Airbrush

What Is An Airbrush Air Supply?

An airbrush air supply is the method by which air is pushed into the airbrush and mixes with the paint or substance that you want to put on to a surface in order to create the desired effect. It is an important factor to take into account, as it the element that propels substances and helps you to create the desired effect.

There are a variety of different airbrush air supply options and it just depends on the kind of task you have in mind when you are airbrushing, as to which you would choose. You can have a conventional airbrush air supply like a silent airbrush compressor or an aerosol spray. There are less conventional ideas such as using air from a tyre and slowly releasing this through the airbrush that you are using.

The important thing when it comes to an airbrush air supply is that you have a clean uninterrupted supply, in order to get the best results for your final product.

Airbrush Supply Options

Different budgets will have different needs; similarly some people use their airbrush a lot more than others and as such can justify putting more initial investment into their equipment, because it seems like a worthy cause; either because it is for professional use, or they are a serious hobbyist who wants nothing but the best results. Here are the most common types of airbrush air supply:

– Aerosol Cans – similar to a spray paint can, these are useful due to being small and therefore portable; this also allows you to get in close and manoeuvre around the work. However the main issue with canned air, is that it can lack in consistency. Because it is a supply that runs out eventually towards the end, then the airflow will reduce and this can affect the end result. If you use a lot of canned air then the costs can also mount up.

– Bottled air – this is a similar idea, however on a much larger scale. Bottled air also has a regulator which means that the airflow is much more consistent. This results in a better finish. Bottled air can also be refilled, however due to their large size they are rather cumbersome and as such you are limited in the area you can operate with them.

– Compressor – an airbrush compressor either supplies air directly or fills a tank which releases the air. The cheaper option is a direct air compressor; however it’s best to select one that is designed for airbrushing. These tend to be quiet, and when coupled with a regulator they produce a clean finish. Compressors that have tanks are essentially a self refilling version of the bottled air option and as such they are worth serious consideration, although they are expensive, but this expense is offset in reliability and the quality of the finish.

Which Is The Best Airbrush Air Supply For Me?

When you choose your airbrush air supply you need to take into account the amount that you use your airbrush, what you use it for and whether or not you have a budget that justifies spending on a silent airbrush compressor.

If you want the best results and airbrush a lot, then a silent airbrush compressor is likely to the best investment for you, as when you use numerous aerosol cans; you go through them quickly and the cost of them can build up which is less cost effective than a long stand investment in a silent airbrush compressor.

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