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Forums - Modelling / Painting |
The painting forum is for the discussion of techniques on the painting, decalling and weathering phases of AFV modelling and the tools and materials used. |
| Topics | 1432 |
| Messages | 7349 |
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| Subject: | Re: Airbrush Compressors (again) |  |
| Date: | Jun 9, 2006 |
| From: | Bob St. Albert | |
| All compressors do something that will adversely affect your paint job. Firstly, as air is compressed, it is also heated. As it cools, condensation forms. In addition to this, if you have the type of compressor that has lubricating oil, you also get blow-by. Blow-by is a small amount of the oil getting past the seals in the piston and into the compression chamber where the air is being compressed. This will also find it's way into your paint. As the air is travelling directly from the compressor into your hose, there is no where for this "sludge" to accumulate so it gets forced up the line and out with your paint. If you have a tank attached to you compressor, it will allow the condensation and oil to accumulate on the bottom as the air cools. The air is then fed through the top of the tank so it will not pick up any of the sludge. By attaching a combination regulator/moisture trap, you will eliminate even more sludge. I'm sure that most of you who have a direct feed (no tank) compressor with a regulator/moisture trap attached have noticed that some sludge or water still gets through. Put a piece of line in between the compressor and regulator/trap so that the air can cool and the moisture can accumulate in the trap, not your airbrush hose. One more thing. If you are getting a new compressor, it doesent have to be an expensive brand name hobby product. Get it at Home Depot or Wal-mart. You can get a good compressor with a tank for less than $100.00 Run a few feet of hose to your regulator mounted on a home made table stand and there you have it: clean, dry air. |
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