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Canned Air Pressure

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  • Member since
    October 2008
  • From: Fullerton, Calif.
Canned Air Pressure
Posted by Don Wheeler on Sunday, June 27, 2010 6:53 PM

A lot of people start airbrushing using canned gas as a propellant.  It's common knowledge that the pressure from these cans varies with temperature.  I decided to see if I could put some numbers on it.

Here is the pressure from a can of Badger Propel at a room temperature of 79 degrees F.

Notice the pressure is about 41 psi.

Here is the pressure when the can is chilled to 32 degrees F.

The pressure has dropped to about 13 psi.  So, if you have to use canned propellant, keep it warm, but not too warm.  Instructions on the can say not to exceed 120 degrees F.  Like any spray can or container of compressed gas, it will get cold as it is used.  So, putting it in a bucket of warm water is probably a good idea.

But, in my humble opinion, anyone wanting to airbrush should invest in a regulated source of air first.

I am adding this info to my website.

Don

https://sites.google.com/site/donsairbrushtips/home

A collection of airbrush tips and reviews

Also an Amazon E-book and paperback of tips.

  • Member since
    May 2005
  • From: Left forever
Posted by Bgrigg on Sunday, June 27, 2010 7:03 PM

Great information for the newbies to have!

So long folks!

  • Member since
    August 2005
  • From: Sydney, Australia
Posted by Phil_H on Sunday, June 27, 2010 7:40 PM

Hey Don,

It's also worth noting that it doesn't take too many cans of propellant to add up to the cost of a compressor. Smile

 

  • Member since
    November 2009
  • From: Twin Cities of Minnesota
Posted by Don Stauffer on Monday, June 28, 2010 8:48 AM

It is hard to keep it warm, though. Once I had this great idea- I'd put a can of water on my bench and put the propel can in the water while spraying.  That worked for very short jobs.

However, the first time I did a long job, I found the pressure dropping again.  First couple of times, I took can out of water and shook it (don't really know if that helped or not).  Finally, when it got really bad, and I went to pick up the can, the whole pot and water (now ice) came with it. There was at least a pint- closer to a quart of water in the pan.   Reminded me that expanding pressurized gas is the basis for refrigeration and air conditioning :-)

After that session I decided to buy a compressor.

 

Don Stauffer in Minnesota

  • Member since
    March 2003
  • From: Fort Worth, TX
Posted by RESlusher on Monday, June 28, 2010 9:21 AM

I lucked out last Christmas and got a $150 Home Depot gift card.  In between Christmas and New Years' they had a sale and I was able to pick up a compressor with a 3 1/2 gallon tank for about $5 after killing that gift card.

I was one of those who would burn through on of the big cans of propellant on a single model.  Bang Head

 

Richard S.

On the bench:  AFV Club M730A1 Chaparral

On deck:  Tamiya Marder 1A2

In the hole:  Who knows what's next!

 

  • Member since
    November 2008
  • From: Jefferson City, MO
Posted by iraqiwildman on Monday, June 28, 2010 2:38 PM

Buy a $60 airbrush compressor at Harbor Freight like I did.

Before, I was afraid to practice and clean correctly, because I did not wanted to use up this expensive canned air.

Also, I am finding myself spraying at 10 - 15 psi will much better results then the higher psi from a can. I can then raise the psi to 30 and do a good cleaning.

Tim Wilding

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