6 replies to this topic

[Jeff Fischl]

Had a few questions:

 

1) When air brushing should compressor hold psi while i am spraying

 

2) I have a mini aztec that goes to over 60 psi but when I start spraying drops to 20 psi

 

3) Any recommendations on what type of compressor and or kit i should buy. I am starting out and are going to do lexan bodies for 1/24 slot cars and using faskolor paint

 

4) also what size airbrush needle size

 

thanks,

 

jeff

[Bill from NH]

Jeff, I hope some of the following will help. It's not cast in concrete. Others should jump in & offer their experience too.

 

1. If the compressor you're using has an air tank & an air regulator, it will hold a constant psi while in use. If you're using a diaphragm compressor, it'll drop.

 

2. I wasn't familiar with this Aztek compressor, so I looked for it on the net. Max. psi is 40. This compressor is the diaphragm type without an air tank, that's why it drops in use. I would say it probably doesn't have enough psi for spraying acrylic paints.

 

3. I would recommend an oilless compressor with an air tank, an air regulator, & to use a moisture trap. I bought a pancake compressor sold by Rockwell, Sears, & others a few years ago. It's not real quiet, but supplies plenty of air for airbrushing. The air tank stores about 120psi.

 

4. Needle sizes will vary with the airbrush & what medium you're spraying. What are you using? Two of my airbrushes are Azteks. About 8-10 needle sizes are available for them. Some people don't like these brushes, but I do. While not a high-end brush, they work for me. I also have a Paasche with several interchangeable tips & an old Binks with a medium tip. I won't bother to discuss single-action & double-action airbrushes, only to say I wish I had learned to airbrush on a double action airbrush.

[Wizard Of Iz]

Had a few questions:

 

1) When air brushing should compressor hold psi while i am spraying

 

2) I have a mini aztec that goes to over 60 psi but when I start spraying drops to 20 psi

 

3) Any recommendations on what type of compressor and or kit i should buy. I am starting out and are going to do lexan bodies for 1/24 slot cars and using faskolor paint

 

4) also what size airbrush needle size

 

thanks,

 

jeff

 

 

 

1) My compressor pressure drops when I first let the paint flow but it holds the same pressure while I'm painting.

 

2)  What you're talking about is consistent with what mine does

 

3)  If I was a professional (Noose, Bill Pinch, etc.) I'd make an investment in a durable, high-end compressor.  But for most slot car racers, Harbor Freight has a pretty durable compressor with a moisture trap for around $70.  I've used one of their 1/8 hp (58psi) models for about 10 years.  Maybe longer.  The last time I checked their site, they were offering 1/6 hp and 1/5 hp models at about the same price.   

 

Thin the Faskolor (Createx) paint to about the consistency of skim milk and use light coats.  The Faskolor Thinner is pretty good.  I've used 409 with good results -- don't use too much though.

 

4)  I have a Paasche VL dual action air brush and a gravity feed brush from Bear Air that I switch between.

 

Good Luck!

[Jairus]

Jeff,

Most compressors today have a tank and a regulator.  These are very important.
My little compressor will hold enough air for a whole body session.  A little noisy, but you can toss a winter jacket over it and cut the sound down considerably. But it won't bother the neighbors like my old Sears 20 gallon unit.

 

I shoot at 25psi by the way.

 

As for connectors.  I have three airbrushes and they all use this quick fit connector.  It also makes cleaning a breeze.

 

The airbrush I use is a vintage Iwata HP Revolution gravity feed double action.

 

Iwata's are great because you can change the tips and needles quickly, but I have found a medium works best for painting slot cars.

I also have a  Badger 150 double action that I can use in a pinch.  Think that one has a worn out fine tip, but I love the feel of that old brush even tho the handle needs tape to keep it in place. (worn aluminum threads)
The only thing I don't like about the Badger is the Teflon seal.  It wears out causing blow back into the bowl.... plus the seal can fall off during cleaning  and go down the drain.  I have a bunch of extra seals in my parts box just in case because it's happened more times than I want to think about.

 

My third airbrush I got in 1975.  That one is a single action external mix Binks.  Nice brush for laying down paint, but not very good for details.  I have the finest tip Binks had at the time mounted up.  The rubber "O" ring seal necessitates using only enamels or water base paints.

I like brushes with all metal parts and lacquer thinner proof seals and parts.  Some Passche airbrushes use plastic handles which don't like lacquer thinners at all!

Hope this helps.

 

Jairus

[Volodymyr Davydenko]

Hi there! I am a beginner in airbrushing. I just bought my first airbrush paint kit with compressor store here in San-Jose. May I post my questions here too? Your help will be appreciated greatly

[Jairus]

Sure, why not?

[Noose]

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