Buying Guide
The features that you requested for will be answered in part by the following questions.
How much capacity do I need?
This is dependent on the mode of usage. Professional users will need more are capacity and pressure, than a person who will use it for the occasional craft or project. You will also want to check if the air pressure that can be regulated easily.
Will a noisy compressor be an issue for where I live and when I work?
The noise level of the compressor can be very minimal or more depending on the choice of work area, however, most users prefer the quieter ones that way it does not disturb anyone around them.
Is electrical power an issue?
The user will need to decide how long of an electric cord they would need. Some of them can be used with a heavy-duty extension cord, but it is best to check with the manufacturer first.
Here is some of the most frequently asked question about air compressors and the care for them.
Can the presets for the automatic shut off or turn-on be changed?
The answer to that is to check with the manufacturer or their website for more details on the information.
How quiet is it?
The answer could be found sometimes in the features or the description of the product.
Will it overheat if used for a long period?
Usually, the description will tell you if it will overheat if used for very long if it does not then you may have to look the brand up on their website and see what it tells you.
How do you empty the moisture trap?
The manuals will usually tell you how to go about emptying the moisture filter traps.
Can you use different airbrushes with the system you’re looking at?
You can usually use different airbrushes with air compressors even when it comes to one. You would have to use an adapter to make it fit on the hose connector.
What kind of paints can be used with the system and the airbrushes?
For the most part, you need to use water-based acrylic paints for the airbrushes. The cake decorators use food coloring for their cakes.
Do they need to purchase a tank or not?
This will depend on how much air capacity you want for the type of projects that you are working on.
Do they need to purchase some airbrushes to be used with the system that they are looking at?
Some of the top choices are just the compressors so yes; you will need to buy airbrushes and adapters for them.
What is the difference between “stop-start” and “constant run” and which is better?
A start-stop compressor has a switch to turn on and off the air compressor. The constant run air compressor engages the motor and it will run all the time and supply air whenever it is needed by the user. The best will depend on how it is going to be used. In a professional setting, you may want a constant run air compressor. Although in a hobby type situation you will most likely want one that you can turn on and off with a switch.
How often does the oil need to be changed?
This is solely dependent on your air compressor. Some of the newer ones are oil-free which leads to minimal maintenance. If the air compressor takes oil then it should be changed at regular intervals just like your car. That will also pertain to the filters if your air compressor comes with one. They will need to be cleaned when they are dirty or if it is torn or has holes in it.
What is the maximum hose length I should use with my compressor?
The hose length will depend on the size of your air compressor and the CFM required. For a hobbyist that works at home, it would be a good idea not to exceed 150 foot of hose.
What is CFM and PSI and which is more important?
CFM stands for Cubic Feet per Minute and refers to the volume of air that is produced by the air compressor at a given pressure. PSI stands for Pound per Square Inch. The right air compressor will meet your needs in both areas. Use the CFM and the PSI specifications from the description or the manufacturer specifications.
Final Thoughts
The following is a list of the top four picks and why they were picked. These picks are the best airbrush compressors that we researched. The first one is Grex GCK03 Airbrush Combo Kit with Tritium TG3 Airbrush. It is easy to use. It is quiet and portable. The handle on airbrush helps to reduce hand fatigue. It is easy to control airflow. The second is the Iwata-Medea Studio Series Smart Jet Pro. It is easy to adjust air pressure. It shuts off automatically when not in use. It is lightweight, portable and quiet. The third air compressor is the Master Airbrush Cool Runner ll. It has two built-in fans to stay cool. It comes with a 3L air tank allowing for constant air pressure. It has a cleaning pot and 24 popular colors. And taking up the rear is Master Airbrush TC-40T. It can run for a long time without overheating due to the cooling fan. It has a long duty cycle. It is lightweight and has an air tank.
