Airbrush

Air Compressors – How Do They Work?

Compressed air is required to operate an airbrush.  In the case of an air compressor, air is drawn into the equipment and compressed with a piston.  This compressed air is usually stored in a tank that has an air regulator attached, the purpose of which is to stop air from being emitted when not required.  To allow air, the regulator is adjusted to a particular poundage.  The air enters the hose of the airbrush (or spray gun); then when the airbrush trigger is activated, the air causes a vacuum in the brush that in turn draws paint from the paint reservoir into the stream of air.  These mix inside the tip of the airbrush and then exit in a fine spray.  Different types of paints and different applications, e.g., illustration or kustom automotive painting, require different air pressures, which are adjusted at the regulator.

When air is compressed, heat is generated, causing condensation.  Little droplets of water collect in the air storage tank or the airbrush hose.  A moisture trap is required to prevent this water from being sprayed or mixing with the paint.  For compressors that contain oil for operation, an oil trap is required to prevent the oil in the crankcase of the compressor from mixing with the sprayed air. See your retailer when choosing your compressor/accessories and visit www.iwata-medea.com; www.silentaire.com; and www.sparmax.com.tw to see the many styles and sizes available.

New Airbrush Newsletter – See the free new issue of AirbrushTalk at www.airbrushtalk.com, where you can sign up for your free bi-monthly issue.  You’ll find Watch Your Step—Arty Stepping Stones by Janean Thompson; Airbrush Maintenance by Wes Hawkins; Ultimate Air Affair 2008 by Donn Shanteau; New Products and a listing of Airbrush Workshops offered.

Copyright ARTtalk Vol. 18 No. 12 — October 2008