Airbrushing is not possible unless one has a good air supply. Thus, compressors have an essential function in airbrushing as it provides the right amount of air supply to airbrush devices.
Choosing an airbrush compressor is relatively not as easy as you think. Different models of airbrush compressors have different functions and abilities. Various airbrushes are designed for different pressures. And to use an airbrush tool correctly, careful attention must be paid to how it is compatible with the type of compressor it will be used with.
So, if you are searching for the best airbrush compressor in the market, our tool and machinery professionals and paint experts personally tested and rated various compressors to give us a reliable review. We prepared every bit of information you need, making it easier for you to choose the best option. So, do not forget to check out their awesome deals on Amazon by clicking on the buttons below!
Best Airbrush Compressors Comparison & Rating
1. Master Airbrush TC-320 Cool Runner II Air Compressor
Brand | Master Airbrush |
Weight | 9 pounds |
PSI | 0 to 57 PSI |
Power | ⅕ HP |
Highlighting its superior performance single-piston compressor, the Master Airbrush Model TC-320 Cool Runner II Air Compressor can give the most advanced power that could last a lifetime. If you are looking for a kind of airbrush compressor that is an investment worth spending, this machine would not give you any hesitations. It includes everything you need to think and act like a pro. It is a 1/5 HP single-piston motor that comes fitted with two built-in cooling fans. It has a relatively longer runtime and premium rotor windings which extend the lifespan of its compressor. Built for heavy airbrushing, as it is equipped with two powerful cooling fans which allow for longer operating times without overloading. And the fact that you get three separate brushes sets that are included in one package is a rare and worthwhile feature.
2. Master Airbrush Air Compressor TC-20
Brand | Master Airbrush |
Weight | 9.48 pounds |
PSI | 0 to 57 PSI |
Power | ⅕ HP |
Tagged as the most popular compressor model in the Master Airbrush brand, this Master Airbrush Air Compressor TC-20 model is a great value to go with. It works best when you generate the full amount of air you need for this extends the life of the air compressor, reducing the friction on the motor. It has a self-regulating pressure-reducing system that will turn itself off when it's maxed out. It has an enclosed regulator and water trap with which it flows effectively and which provides a steady air supply. Definitely a good airbrush kit and air compressor for beginners and professionals.
3. California Air Tools CAT-1P1060S Portable Air Compressor
Brand | California Air Tools |
Weight | 29.5 pounds |
PSI | up to 90 PSI |
Power | 0.6 HP |
The California Air Tools 1P1060S is the best choice if you've been searching for an ultra-compact, super quiet compressor. This air compressor comes designed to be one of the quietest air compressors in the industry, only emitting 56 decibels of sound. Thus, seems to be so quiet that one can easily converse at regular speaking volumes when using it. When it comes to the CFM rates, it doesn’t have anything that absorbs much more than 1.2 CFM. In addition to airbrushes, it is compatible with staple guns, nail guns, blow guns as well as other air tools.
4. PointZero Airbrush Compressor
Brand | PointZero |
Weight | 11.71 pounds |
PSI | up to 58 PSI |
Power | 1/5 HP |
PointZero is built with a 3-liter tank that provides 1/5 HP, and approximately 1 CFM of air. It is ultra-quiet, with a noise level of 55 decibels, which's comparable to a water pump. With its very quiet operation and lastingly robust parts, this compressor offers professional-grade, high efficiency, and enduring, maintenance-free durability. Since it is an automatic unit, it is perfect for skilled professionals or enthusiastic amateurs, and it can run considerably smoother without overheating thanks to its built-in automatic switch on and off cycles. And with its oil-less design, this air compressor makes it perfect for food decorating, body painting, and all other regular airbrushing applications and is completely maintenance-free, thermally insulated.
5. Timbertech ABPST06 Airbrush Compressor with Airbrush Kit
Brand | Timbertech |
Weight | 10.6 pounds |
PSI | up to 58 PSI |
Power | 1/6 HP |
Oil-less piston compressors like Timbertech ABPST06 are an ideal buy for users who need top-quality spraying effects. The unit has a 3-liter air tank that is made to maintain its pressure continuously by its compressor. Its pressure can constantly work and can produce a powerful outcome. By using this product, you will enjoy steady, pulse-free, clean painting that features control and customizable air output with this airbrush compressor.
Best Airbrush Compressors - Buyer's Guide
There are two types of airbrush compressors on the market, either the diaphragm type or the piston type. The Diaphragm compressors are also referred to as the 'beginner compressors'. These compressors can produce air pressure that can exceed 40 PSI. On the other side is the piston-type compressor. The piston-type compressor can compress huge volumes of air compared to diaphragm compressors. It uses an air tank to release more air. More specifically, the piston-type compressor has oil-filled and oil-less pistons. The oil in the oil-filled piston serves as a lubricant for the piston. Thus, making it produce less noise. While oil-closed pistons are a little noisier than oil-filled pistons. The key advantage of this compressor is that it requires very low maintenance.
Choosing the right air compressor based on your application need is very critical. For instance, if you need to paint wide areas, then a compressor with a tank is a wiser choice because you can have long-lasting paint works without obstruction. While for small works or tasks, like the use of body paint, nails, a compressor that is light, compact, and portable is required.
The compressor tank absorbs all cool and prevents air from being compressed to improve the capacity of the moisture separator. Many small compressors do not come with tanks. If you have enough budget, it is good that you invest in a compressor with a tank since the efficiency of the compressor determines the amount of power inside the unit.
The compressor pressure determines the flow rate. The calculation, measured by volume, is cubic feet per minute (CFM) or liter per minute (LPM). Most of the compressors will shift about 20 and 50 LPM or 0.70 to 1.76 CFM. And of course, to fulfill large work, it is good to pick a compressor that has 30 LPM or 1.06 CFM.
The number that reflects the air pressure of the compressor is measured in pounds per inch (PSI). The compressor that you will select will provide sufficient air pressure for your project. Keep in mind that there's no best pressure choice because the ideal one typically depends on the task. To give such an illustration, to ensure that airbrushing sufficiently produces great results, you can need such high pressures to complete the car painting job.
The automatic stop function helps you to preset the compressor so that it stops operating at certain air pressure. Once air pressure is less than the specified pressure value, it will be restarted again. It is a good feature to have as it decreases running time.
Best Airbrush Compressors - FAQs
Often, it will run. However, using a compressor with a generator can be dangerous and unsafe. Generators operate at varying voltage levels and since a compressor requires constant voltage to work, generators are not appropriate at all costs.
Airbrush jobs normally need a minimum of 70 PSI and a maximum of 100 PSI. Usually, it can use around 10 CFM of air, so verify the specifications of a particular airbrush before using it.
It largely depends on how much you use your compressor. If you use your air compressor lightly, therefore annual maintenance is suggested. But If you are working with your compressor daily, then quarterly service is recommended.
No, not necessarily. Tanks are expected to perform three different tasks. It helps the air to cool slightly, which allows it to shed moisture. It produces a lot of excess moisture that is collected. Like a bucket, a tank may also be used to collect the air that has been compressed. This ensures the compressor can run less often. You don't have to get one, but you may wish to get one.
