Airbrushing Air Sources

Hi all. I've tried searching for an answer to my question, but I came up empty: Some people recommend using a CO2 tank filled with air or CO2 as an air source for an airbrush. I already have a badger 155 anthem, and I've run it off my Dad's big air compressor, but I want to take my airbrush indoors to avoid bad weather and the nasty garage dust that always finds its way onto my rockets. So, I was wondering what CO2 tank would: be at least somewhat portable, be as economical as possible, and have the ability to supply propellant for painting up to a large mid-power rocket. Also, could I re-fill such a setup with an air compressor, and how much would such a setup cost? I ask because air compressors are noisier than air tanks, and especially if I try to airbrush something indoors, a quiet air source would be nice.

I use co2 tank - pretty portable - 20lb CO2 tank weighs about 50lb full, plus a lb or so for the regulator so lets say 50 lb so easy enough to move around. it should last a while. Not sure about how you can refill it from a compressor - somebody into scuba might know a way to use compressed air & tanks. I bought mine for $140 full from linweld but they will buy it back for $140 for 15 years - a new tank costs somewhere around 120 & 20 to fill so basically I bought mine at retail & they will buy back. the regulator I bought was $40-$50 or if I remember correctly - definitely quiet, luggable, and lasts awhile

What about running an air line from the compressor in the garage into the house to the room where you will be painting?

Or you could pick up one of these tanks for about $35 at Home Depot or Lowe's...

You can get an inexpensive (around $50) airbrush compressor at Harbor Freight Tools that is quiet. I have one and live in an apartment building and sometimes I spray late at night with no complaints from the neighbors.

FatBoy said:

What about running an air line from the compressor in the garage into the house to the room where you will be painting?

Or you could pick up one of these tanks for about $35 at Home Depot or Lowe's...

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Is this an air tank that you refill from a normal compressor?

chrism said:

You can get an inexpensive (around $50) airbrush compressor at Harbor Freight Tools that is quiet. I have one and live in an apartment building and sometimes I spray late at night with no complaints from the neighbors.

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Which compressor did you buy? All the ones I've seen are noisy and or low quality. Also, I've considered making my own compressor by purchasing a cheap HF unit, scrapping the existing pump, and replacing the pump with a compressor from an old refrigerator. I've heard that such home-made compressors are dead quiet and quite powerful. Anyone ever try this?

This is the one:

https://www.harborfreight.com/air-t...40-psi-oilless-airbrush-compressor-93657.html



I have seen the exact one on Model Expo for almost twice as much. Use the HFT 20% discount coupon to save even more.

+1 for that "husky" air tank. It's what i got, although mine is a "Canadina Tire" brand..

And yes, there is a little fill port at the side, that you use at the gas station to fill it up (or you can pump for hours with a bike pump!!). It'll take 100psi; 125psi is in the danger zone..

You simply unscrew the tire fill hose, and repalce it with the nipple for the airburush hose; something like a 3/8" NPT to a 1/8" NPT reducer.. something, don't remember the numbers..

I will, however, inssit you get yourself a good quality regulator. I paid, i think, about $50 for a variable / adjustable regulator & guage. And you'll need some connector bits; a niple or two, and extention tube, teflon tape.. And voila, instant constant pressure air for your brush.

You can also refit the tire filling hose when you discover a flat and need to be at work in 10 minutes!! (Yes, done that from experience!!)


Badger used to make an adapter to fit onto the valve of a tire. so, you can use your spare tire as an air source..

FatBoy said:

What about running an air line from the compressor in the garage into the house to the room where you will be painting?

Or you could pick up one of these tanks for about $35 at Home Depot or Lowe's...

Click to expand...

that's what I have , a tank in my model room with a line plumbed to the main compressor in the garage..the line runs under my house.. I have a gage,filter and shutoff valve in the room , totally silent and 125 psi source.. I keep the main compressor off , only using it to fill the "holding" tank.or when I actually use it it the garage
that way if a line blows .. the compressor doesn't burn it's self up... totally rocking system

There are many good air compressors that are nearly silent in operation. Badger, Iwata and Paasche make good ones but they can be a bit on the pricey side. I found this one on the Chicago Airbrush Supply site and it has gone to the top of my list to replace my current compressor. Watch the video on the page and you'll see why.

Tarasdad said:

There are many good air compressors that are nearly silent in operation. Badger, Iwata and Paasche make good ones but they can be a bit on the pricey side. I found this one on the Chicago Airbrush Supply site and it has gone to the top of my list to replace my current compressor. Watch the video on the page and you'll see why.

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Holy moly, that's quiet!

The HF air compressor is amazingly quiet, as well. It appears to be a pretty good quality unit, at least I haven't had any issues with mine in the year or so I've used it.

Found a video on YouTube with it running: https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=hQ2pa6lHPxI

AlfaBrewer said:

The HF air compressor is amazingly quiet, as well. It appears to be a pretty good quality unit, at least I haven't had any issues with mine in the year or so I've used it.

Found a video on YouTube with it running: https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=hQ2pa6lHPxI

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I like mine. I have seen the exact same model sold under a number of brands.

With an airbrush pump, there's no need to refill a tank. I got this one at HF a few months ago but w/o the airbrush. I already had one. They are seriously quiet and apparently have come down in price since I purchased mine. Check it out HERE

AlfaBrewer said:

The HF air compressor is amazingly quiet, as well. It appears to be a pretty good quality unit, at least I haven't had any issues with mine in the year or so I've used it.

Found a video on YouTube with it running: https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=hQ2pa6lHPxI

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I have the same HF compressor. It's decent and relatively quiet, and you can't beat the price - got mine on sale plus used a 20% off coupon before they changed their coupons to not include compressors. The biggest advantage of the one I linked above is that it's a tank type compressor rather than a demand type. It will provide smoother, more consistent airflow which in turn leads to smoother paint application. Does cost more, but compared to other silent tank compressors for airbrush use it's actually pretty reasonable. Not everyone needs (or can afford, dang it) one but for those that do (can, dang it) it's a darned good deal.

+1 for an airbrush compressor over a refillable tank. More consistant pressure, quiet, tiny, and you can put a filter inline to prevent contaminates from getting to your brush just in time to splatter your work.