I have a rather dumb question but I have not found an answer on the net. Can an air compressor used to power air driven tools like nail guns also be used to power an airbrush? Having one compressor rather than two would make like easier and save money.
Yes, you can use a regular air compressor to drive an airbrush. Just be certain to regulate the air pressure to match the needs of the airbrush, and provide a moisture filter to prevent tank moisture from going through the airbrush and ruining your paint.
Don Z.
Yes, you can definitely use your compressor from your air driven tools (nail gun, etc) to power your airbrush. Be sure to lower the PSI so that it is the recommended for your airbrush and paint (15-40 usually, I believe, need to check). The good news is that most have a tank, so they won’t have to run and that will be a much more pleasant painting experience. Works great. No increased cost. Definitely try it out…just be sure to check that pressure valve.
I have a compressor and tank up in the garage to which I added a “T” connection and ran a high pressure air hose down to the basement workshop to my paint booth. I added a regulator (so I can adjust the pressure for the airbrush independent of the higher setting up in the garage) and a moisture trap and a couple of quick-connects. It cost me about 50 bucks in hardware and hose. It’s nice to be able to airbrush in silence![:)]
I agree modelmaker, my air comp. is outside the shop in a shed so I do not hear it. I have drops all over the shop so I do not have far to drag air hoses, making life easer. Mike
It is essential to have clean, controlled air when using an airbrush to paint models. As others mentioned, use a moisture trap and pressure regulator. The thing that is often not mentioned in discussions about using general purpose compressors for painting is oil. It may be appropriate to use an oil trap too. Compressor lubricating oil can work its way into the air supply. And don’t use any air hoses that have ever been connected to an in-line tool oiler.
I have used my compressor for construction, shop and airbrush. For use in areas where the humidity is high it is best to place the water trap at least half way from the compressor to the tool or airbrush or use two, one close to the airbrush. Moisture will build up in the lines if you dont.
I always use the tool oiler right at the tool itself to keep oil out of the lines. TARP
My compressor is a Kellog American #452 four cylinder, two stage pump on top of a 120 gallon tank, driven by a 10 horse single phase 240 volt motor. You can use any compressor you want, as long as it’s regulated and filtered for moisture.