It is very important to buy the right airbrush compressor, and therefore this process should be treated with the utmost care. Since the compressor is one of the main tools, the quality of the applied image will largely depend on it, how well it was selected and tuned.
Choosing a car compressor
What factors should be taken into account when selecting a compressor
When it comes to working with liquid paints, example, watercolor, the device will be an ideal choice, which gives off a little pressure. And if you are going to paint with a thick material, let's say, oil, you will need a high pressure appliance. It is also worth considering, that the larger the capacity, which will contain the paint, the greater the pressure will have to give the compressor, and vice versa.
You should also pay attention to the function of automatic shutdown of the device. If the airbrush used will be filled to the brim, then the compressor will switch off automatically due to this function. The cooling fan is used for additional cooling of the device.
All compressors, depending on their design, are divided into two major categories: piston and diaphragm.
The use of compressors in airbrushing
What you need to know about reciprocating compressors
If you decide to choose a reciprocating compressor for your airbrush, this means, that you are planning to purchase the most trouble-free unit. The essence of such a compressor is, that excess pressure is formed by moving one or more pistons. Among the advantages of compressors of this type are:
- high level of productivity;
- stable power indicators;
- possibility of simultaneous service of several airbrushes;
- minimum necessary care.
Different models of reciprocating compressors may differ in device. Example, the position of the pistons themselves often changes. They can be located:
- horizontally;
- vertically;
- at a certain angle to the underlying surface (is very rare).
reciprocating compressor
If you purchased a reciprocating compressor, and it makes loud buzzing sounds while working, it should be placed on an ordinary wooden box, lined on the inside with insulating material. At the same time in a box it will be necessary to make pair of apertures from opposite parties, to ensure air flow.
Particular attention should be paid to lubricants. Sometimes it is used in such compressors, and sometimes not. Usually, if the design of the compressor does not provide for its presence, then the cylinders are equipped with special rubber rings, which provide the necessary tightness during operation.
However, that fact must be taken into account, that piston devices, which do not use lubricant, have lower productivity. Also, the device with oil lubricant gets a very useful ability to maintain several airbrushes at the same time for a long time, without overheating during operation.
The disadvantages of using devices with oil can be attributed to:
- increased unit cost;
- most likely, that drops of oil will get into paint during use of the device;
- the need for its periodic replacement;
- regular and thorough care is required.
Sand for the sandblasting machine
The scheme of operation of reciprocating compressors
It is also worth noting that fact, that work on drawing on the car will be carried out faster when using the piston oil device. Due to that, that it can service multiple airbrushes, the need to constantly change the used container with paint will disappear - you just fill each airbrush with your color and will use them in turn as needed.
However, before buying such a compressor, you need to make sure, that it is exactly suitable for the planned work.
With the piston unit it is possible to create quite successfully:
- illustrations;
- reproductions of paintings.
What you need to know about diaphragm compressors
Diaphragm compressors, which are used when working with airbrushing, for the most part give a little pressure given that, that their power ratings are not too high.
The essence of their operation is as follows: a special plastic membrane is constantly moving inside the device. When it bends to one side, air is sucked inside the device, and when in another - is pushed out into a working cavity and can be used for performance of work by a receiver or the airbrush. This is how the compressor creates the pressure drop.
Of the features, which have membrane compressors, the following can be noted:
- such a compressor can be used, when it comes to performing small cosmetic and small-scale work;
- the device is capable of servicing only one airbrush at a time.
diaphragm compressor
An additional problem when using a diaphragm compressor is added by the fact, that its design provides for the presence of a hose of variable pressure. This contributes to the irregular supply of paint from the spray, which can complicate the work process.
Of course, this problem can be fixed, using the receiver. However, it does not come with all diaphragm compressors. The unit without a receiver is not suitable for a certain range of tasks to create drawings on the car.
However, diaphragm compressors also have advantages, which favorably distinguish them in comparison with piston. These include:
- democratic price;
- very compact size;
- low energy consumption during operation.
Consumables for the car
Diaphragm compressors, whose design provides for the presence of a receiver, have some special advantages, example:
- during operation the compressor gives out a constant air stream with stable pressure;
- additional electricity savings (due to that, that after, as the receiver is completely filled, the device stops pumping air into it);
- if the light turns off suddenly during operation, the receiver will allow you to complete what you started.
Mini-compressors
Recently, so-called mini-compressors have become especially popular in the market. They are especially relevant in those cases, when work on painting the vehicle is carried out on site. The ideal option for purchasing a mini-compressor for an airbrush is a model, which does not use oil and receiver. It is very compact, however, the pressure is small - a maximum of one and a half atmospheres. In mini-compressors, usually, the pressure cannot be changed, and therefore they are configured to service only one airbrush. However, during field work more, usually, and not required.
Among the advantages of the mini-compressor is almost silent operation, and among the disadvantages - rapid heating.
Compressor functionality
Depending on the functionality of all compressors, used during airbrushing, are divided into three main categories:
- With adjustable mode.
- With a steady mode of operation.
- With multilevel or smooth adjustment.
Possibility of smooth regulation allows to optimize the pressure mode as much as possible, issued by the compressor, and thus provide the highest quality painting.
The high-quality compressor always distinguishes the possibility of precise regulation of the liquid supply at the outlet.
It is also worth noting, whether the device has a special filter, which protects the inside of the compressor from small particles, penetrating from the outside.
Compressor for airbrushing
Such devices always have the following features:
- large size;
- high noise level;
- wheeled way of movement.
The compressor is always selected for a certain front of work. If you are just starting to create drawings on the car with an airbrush, the best option for you will be a receiverless receiver with low performance (from 10 to 17 liters per minute). If you already have experience in painting cars, better to buy a compressor on 25-50 liters with a receiver and several ready-to-use airbrush. Except cars, it can also be used to successfully paint the walls of buildings and any other large objects.