Air Brushing with out a compressor?

That would work but you would need a regulator to control the pressure and that tank won't last very long due to it's size.

GreenThumb

That would work but you would need a regulator to control the pressure and that tank won't last very long due to it's size.

You can buy little compressors for under a $100. I picked pone up at Global Products? for around $90. You could also opt for 1-2 gallon type for cheap at Wallyworld or Target. They come with regulators, but no water-trap. They are unfortunately very noisy too, but do provide that smooth finish you're looking for.

RonnieBlack

Hello everyone I am new to this forum. I have built models for most of my life. Nothing too serious and have always used brushes to paint. I have been seeing a lot about air brushes. I have used spray paint before, but air brushing really has that nice touch and you can do so much more with an air brush. I am not a hard core modeler, but do enjoy building them on occasion.. My question is can you use a compressed air tank for a source for your air brush? I have one is why I am asking this question.  Its about 2 feet long and around 12 inch diameter. It has a butterfly valve where you can charge the hose..The only thing that scares me will it be too much PSI? 

You may want to take a look at this tip at ARC on airtank mod. Good luck.

I know several folks who use air tanks (plus a regulator) for silent air brushing.  The tank should have a pressure rating specified on it- do not pump it up to that amount- use a bit less, but the higher the pressure you use, the longer the tank will last.

Thanks for all the friendly responses. I have just now been able to get on line again due to the Holidays. So Need a Regulator, its a very High pressure tank, I think its 300PSI or maybe a little less. You can pump up a few car tires with it, before it looses its charge...I look forward to posting more information as to how it goes..I really miss being able to model. My thing was always World War II era planes. My 2 faves or 2 of my faves are the P-51 Mustang, and the P-38 Lighting..Those look great hanging from the ceiling. As a boy my Father and I would build one a month. He would then hang them from the ceiling in my bed room. I am in my mid 40s now and still love building them. Im sure a lot has changed in 40 years...Thanks again ...

I think it has a regulator..I know squat about mechanical things. From what I saw and by the name it regulates the air flow. It has that on it now. You can open it for a little or a lot of air to come out...That sounds like a regulator to me..Or am I wrong?

By the sounds of it it's either a valve or a regulator, regulators are fitted with gauges & look something like this when they have a combined filter;

Or like this when they are just a straightforward regulator;

Yeah thats pretty much it, with a handy handle next to it....I know if I open it up too much it will explode a lawn tractor tire in about 5 seconds...;p

Ronnie,

Like Don said, many use tanks for their air source.  One drawback is, that they need to be refilled often.  Advantages are, they are quiet, and the pressure is steady.

Two things that are absolutely necessary for air brushing (ABing), are a good regulator, and a water trap.  The tank can be charged to the 300psi, but most all ABing is done between 15 & 30 psi depending of type of paint used.  Wo a regulator is needed to bring the tank pressure down to a usable range.  The water trap is needed to remove any condensation trapped in the compressed air.  Water in the air will mix with (or not mix with) the paint causing many different problems depending on type of paint & thinness of mix.  It's not pretty.

Many do use compressors, and a good compressor, while an initial expense will pay for itself in a very short time and last you a lifetime of modeling.  Since I am a homeowner, I find a larger two horse utility model, with oiled pistons and a large 20 gal tank capable of 6 to 10 cfm @ 100 psi a wonderful tool, but it sits in the garage, and is used for many different things, not just ABing.  Cost was about $300.  As has been posted before, a very nice indoor model can be had for under $100.

HTH,

Reid

Another option, if you don`t want a compressor and don`t want to deal with water traps, is to use nitrogen or co2. I use nitrogen to power my A/B, it`s a "dry" gas, no traps are needed. I liberate a bottle from work every 3-6 months...very large bottle. I`m not sure how much it cost`s for a refill..certainly not free like your air tank..lol. If I get a chance today, I`ll stop by my local welding supply store and inquire and report back! A water trap would be the cheaper way to go but I`ve had them fail on me in the past. Anyways, good luck with whatever you decide and have a happy holiday season!

Len