The Air Source & Compressors

Canned Air

Canned compressed air or 'cylinder air' is available, but you will find the air source is very limited. You will just start enjoying your airbrushing and you will run out of air!

Compressors

Before purchasing a compressor you will need to decide how much noise is acceptable in your salon or place of business. A lot of the small compressors today are no louder than any hairdryer. To check the level of noise of a compressor, attach your airbrush hose and airbrush, then turn on the compressor and test the noise level.

The psi (pressure per square inch) is another important factor. This should be checked with your airbrush hose and airbrush attached to the compressor. The pressure usually stated by the manufacturers is without any attachments. Your compressor should run at between 20-25psi with your airbrush attached.

The small oil-free

A small, oil-free diaphragm compressor will provide constant air supply and many have the added bonus of being extremely quiet. Maintenance on such a compressor would entail wiping the compressor over with a damp cloth to remove any dust. Suction caps on the bottom of the compressor are great so that it won't "dance" around the floor.

continuous compressor

The foot pedal or auto-stop

These small compressors can also have a foot pedal to turn the compressor on and off or an auto stop. Naturally these extras mean higher costs. It depends on you, availability of cash and how much you intend to airbrush.

If using the auto-stop compressor remember to turn off the compressor at night. Also make sure you have power surge protection as this can damage your compressor and its small mechanisms.

When using the auto shut off compressors you will find that when you stop airbrushing the compressor builds up pressure. When the airbrush trigger is finally pressed down again you will receive a sudden strong burst of air and then sudden lowering of pressure. If you continue to spray the level of pressure of air usually levels off until you stop. Then the cycle is repeated.

auto on off compressor

The silent

Silent compressors are wonderful. No one in the salon would know you are using it. The big drawback is the cost of these compressors. There is usually maintenance required, such as changing the oil every couple of months. Also, these compressors are usually rather heavy.

silent compressor