10 Best Airbrush Compressors of 2022
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Airbrushing is a very fine art that can make all the difference to your projects. Airbrushing is a very fine form of spray painting, allowing artists to add real-life detail to their canvases. This is a form of art that is ever increasing in popularity due to the quality it can add to any form of art. Airbrushing can be done using ink, paints, and dyes but you need more than just a pot of paint to get it right.
Airbrush compressors are where the power lies. Airbrush compressors provide the airflow that makes airbrushing what it is. This means that the kind of art you do and what detail you need will determine the type of airbrush compressor you require.
We have researched the highest rated and most popular customer-rated products to find the ten best airbrush compressors in 2022.
Related; Best Airbrushes Review.
View the Best Airbrush Compressor, Below.
- MASTER G22 Multi-purpose Airbrush Kit
- Iwata-Medea Studio Series Power Jet Pro
- PointZero Airbrush Dual Action Airbrush Kit
- Master Airbrush Model TC-40T
- Paasche D3000R 1/5 HP Compressor
- Iwata-Medea Studio Series Smart Jet
- Iwata-Medea Studio Series Sprint Jet
- AW Pro Twin-Cylinder Airbrush Compressor
- Grex AC1810-A Air Compressor
- Paasche Airbrush DC850R Compressor
1. MASTER G22 Multi-purpose Airbrush Kit
This airbrush compressor comes with everything you will need to get started with this form of art. This airbrush compressor is a multi-purpose tool that can be used on most media surfaces, allowing you to get creative. The needle comes with multiple nozzle caps to offer a range of detail.
These nozzle caps and needle can be removed for a wider range when airbrushing. The compressor is a lightweight and compact model that can easily be transported from the studio to wherever you need to be. This airbrush compressor also comes with a carry handle for easy storage.
This airbrush compressor is ideal for beginners as it comes with a range of nozzles and paints.
Check Price on Amazon ➞2. Iwata-Medea Studio Series Power Jet Pro
This airbrush compressor is incredibly powerful and precise as it has two air pressure regulators for easy adjustment. It has been manufactured with brand exclusive Smart Technology which automatically shuts down the compressor when it is not in use, saving you energy and money over time.
This air compressor is a multi-purpose tool that can be hooked up to any kind of airbrush, due to the fact it has an air hose and adapter. It has a very quiet operation that is easy to control, even when working. This airbrush compressor is reliable and has the capacity for a dual brush.
This airbrush compressor is a very smooth and quiet device that is easy to use.
Check Price on Amazon ➞3. PointZero Airbrush Dual Action Airbrush Kit
This airbrush kit that comes with an airbrush compressor is ideal for beginners to the art. It comes with a range of detail brushes that offer users a lot of control when painting. This airbrush compressor has a very quiet operation which is great for studio work, as well as being easy for even beginners to use and control.
This airbrush compressor is compact and easy to store. The airbrushes included are high-quality and are double-action. If you want to get into airbrushing art, then this airbrush compressor kit may be the best option for you. It is a good value set that is convenient for users.
This airbrush compressor kit is ideal for beginners as it is easy to use and great value.
Check Price on Amazon ➞4. Master Airbrush Model TC-40T
This professional standard airbrush compressor offers a high-performance single-piston airbrush. This is designed for experts in the art as it has a long run-time and will not overheat, allowing you to get creative. This airbrush compressor operates with ‘air-on-demand’ which provides constant pressure and zero pulsation.
This long run-time is present due to the internal cooling fan and a longer duty cycle. This airbrush compressor tank is compact in size but has a large tank capacity, which is how it can run for a long time. It has a quiet operation which is not intrusive and suitable for a range of locations.
This airbrush compressor is ideal for professionals as it has a long run time and great capacity.
Check Price on Amazon ➞5. Paasche D3000R 1/5 HP Compressor
The Paasche D3000R 1/5 HP Compressor is a great airbrush compressor for any hobbyist or artist. It is a lightweight, portable and quiet running airbrush compressor that can be used anywhere. This compressor features an automatic shut-off function which begins when the airbrush hasn’t been triggered in a while. This saves you energy and money.
This airbrush compressor can be used for a range of art as it has two air hook-ups with quick connect and adapter fittings. It can be used with a variety of brushes, including small touch-up spray guns. This makes it a versatile and convenient compressor for a range of artists.
This airbrush compressor can be used for a range of art as it has two hookup connectors and adapter fittings.
6. Iwata-Medea Studio Series Smart Jet
This airbrush compressor is ideal for someone who is new to the art of airbrushing as it does not require a lot of pressure to operate. It has a quiet running operation and has an automatic shut-off when it is not being used. As it has a quiet operation, this airbrush compressor can conveniently be used in a range of locations without disturbance.
The working pressure range is great and allows beginners to airbrushing to get used to the control. This airbrush compressor is also low maintenance as it has a moisture filter which prevents pulsation. This contributes to the long run time and ease of use.
This airbrush compressor runs on low pressure and is very easy to control.
Check Price on Amazon ➞7. Iwata-Medea Studio Series Sprint Jet
This airbrush compressor is ideal for general airbrush applications and is easy to adjust. This device is compact and ideal for travel as it has a folding metal handle and is small in size. It operates with a low maintenance oilless piston motor, which is quiet and convenient for a range of artists.
This airbrush compressor comes with a high strength polyurethane hose and extra intake filter, which means that it can be used with a variety of brushes and needles. As it is compact, this airbrush compressor can be used for a range of art and in a variety of different locations.
This airbrush compressor is easy to control and compact enough for travel.
Check Price on Amazon ➞8. AW Pro Twin-Cylinder Airbrush Compressor
The AW Pro Twin-Cylinder Airbrush Compressor is a twin-cylinder compressor that offers a smooth operation and large capacity. The precision-forged pistons deliver impressive power and control for a range of artists. This airbrush compressor features two power modes to suit any task or art. It has an automatic stop operation that works to save power and reduces motor heat.
This airbrush compressor is lightweight and comes with a convenient carry handle, making it easy to move around the studio or to different locations. It comes with rubber feet to protect your work surfaces, as well as keeping it balanced when in operation.
This airbrush compressor is powerful, compact and has a smooth and stable operation for all artists.
Check Price on Amazon ➞9. Grex AC1810-A Air Compressor
The Grex AC1810-A Air Compressor is an oilless compressor that has been specially designed for low maintenance operation. It is a piston style compressor that provides high performance for the professional artist, making it ideal for a range of projects. This airbrush compressor is easy to use and features a locking regulator that keeps it on the setting you need.
The carry handle makes it suitable for transportation, as well as being able to conveniently retract when not in use. It operates on an automatic shut-off that is trigger when it is not in use, to save you money and energy.
This airbrush compressor is ideal for a range of projects as it is compact and easy to use.
Check Price on Amazon ➞10. Paasche Airbrush DC850R Compressor
This airbrush compressor is an ultra quiet device that has a great capacity and can deliver steady air pressure. It is an oil-free compressor that has a rust-free aluminum tank with an easy to use drain ball, making the maintenance easy to keep up. This airbrush compressor can run up to four airbrushes at once, making it ideal for a range of projects.
This compressor is durable and heavy-duty, ensuring that it will last a long time. It has a quiet operation and is easy to adjust the air pressure, even for beginners. This is a quality air compressor that is ideal for dedicated artists.
This air compressor is ideal for dedicated artists as it is high-quality, durable and has a great capacity.
Check Price on Amazon ➞Airbrush Compressor Buyer’s Guide
When getting into airbrushing, one of the most important pieces of equipment you need is an airbrush compressor. An air compressor is the source of power for airbrushes which is why they are so important. Due to how important they are to this art airbrush compressors can be quite expensive, meaning it is so important for you to make an informed decision.
In order to find the best airbrush compressor for your needs, there are certain aspects of the art and device that you should consider. It is important that you know as much as possible about airbrushing and the equipment that is required before ordering anything.
Power
It is important for you to consider the power output of your airbrush compressor as this will determine the run time, control and what it can be used for. The average number of watts consumed by an airbrush compressor is around 150-200. This is the number that will determine how expensive an airbrush compressor will be to run.
Capacity
Depending on the type of airbrush compressor you choose, the tank capacity may be something you need to consider. Some small compressors do not run on a tank, but most throughout this review do. The capacity of an airbrush compressor can often determine the run time, as this is how much power it can hold.
It is likely that the capacity of an airbrush compressor is measured in liters, such as the Master Airbrush Model TC-40T, but other measurements can be used. The larger the capacity of the airbrush compressor, the heavier the device will be. This means that if you want a small airbrush compressor that you can easily transport, you should choose one with a small capacity.
Auto-Stop Function
A lot of airbrush compressors throughout this review have an auto-stop function. An auto-stop function is triggered when the compressor reaches a specific air pressure or when it hasn’t been handled in a while. This a great feature that is designed to keep your airbrush compressor working in top-quality, while also saving you money and energy.
Most of the airbrush compressors throughout this review have an auto-stop function, including the Iwata-Medea Studio Series Power Jet Pro and the Paasche D3000R 1/5 HP Compressor, which makes them ideal for a range of artists and projects.
Other Considerations of Airbrush Compressors
As well as the specific features of airbrush compressors, there are some things you may want to consider. These may not be as important as the features or technology but are rather a personal choice.
What is it Being Used For?
The kind of art or project that you are working on will determine what will be the best airbrush compressor for you. For example, if you are working in a large area, then you will want to choose an airbrush compressor that has a large tank capacity. The capacities throughout this review differ greatly, but a good option, in this case, maybe the AW Pro Twin-Cylinder Airbrush Compressor which has a 3.5 liters tank.
Airbrush compressors are great tools that can be used for a range of projects and artwork. A lot of airbrushing now takes place within the makeup industry, such as with spray tans, nail art, and actual makeup application. Some airbrush compressors throughout this review can be used for a range of different purposes.
The Iwata-Medea Studio Series Power Jet Pro is a multi-purpose airbrush compressor. This particular compressor has a very precise application that can be used for a range of purposes. If you are using your airbrush compressor for multiple purposes, you need to make sure that you have different brushes and hoses for each purpose. This will prevent contamination.
Will it be Noisy?
If you are working on an art project at home or in a space where you are surrounded by other people, then the noise level should be considered. Some airbrush compressors can be quite noisy as they are providing a lot of power. This noise can get worse the more you use the airbrush compressor and how much pressure you apply.
Luckily, a lot of airbrush compressors throughout this review have quiet operations. The PointZero Airbrush Dual Action Airbrush Kit is just one of the many that have a very quiet operation, making it suitable to be used in the home or other locations. If you are just getting into airbrushing, then having some peace and quiet is certainly going to be important to you.
With something as precise as airbrushing, you don’t want to be distracted or interrupted. Having a quiet and smooth operation, like the Master Airbrush Model TC-40T, is invaluable. The more comfortable you feel with your airbrush compressor and tools, the more you will use it and the better you will get at this art.
How to Connect Airbrush Hose to the Compressor?
It is incredibly likely that in order to connect your airbrush hose to your airbrush compressor you will need an adapter of some kind. Some airbrush connectors throughout this review come with their own range of adapters. However, it is likely that you will still have to go out and buy your own adapters at some point if you want to use a range of brushes.
Luckily, airbrush hose adapters can be purchased from most art stores or even hardware stores. It is important that you know what kind of adapter you need and what the correct fitting is. The wrong adapter can cause issues with the airbrushing pressure.
How to Remove Moisture Trap on Airbrush Air Compressor?
When using an airbrush compressor, it is likely that you may come to some issues when the paint mixes in with the moisture. This is a common occurrence that causes the paint to go from a smooth and stable airflow to a bubbly mess. To tackle this to the problem, you need to try and keep water away from your acrylic paint. This is especially important if you are working in a humid location.
This is where a moisture trap can come in handy. It is likely that most airbrush compressors already come with a moisture trap already installed, but if this is not the case, you can add one yourself. When your airbrush compressor has got too much moisture in it, you need to drain the moisture trap. This can be done by opening the drain cock, if the moisture trap is preinstalled, or simply detaching it from the device.
How to add a Tank to an Airbrush Compressor?
Adding a tank to your airbrush compressor is a great way to get more volume and power. This is something that can be done to a compressor that doesn’t have a tank, or tanks can be added to models that already have them for more volume. This is actually quite a simple process that can be done at home. Adding a tank to your airbrush compressor is a great way to get more out of your device without spending a lot of money on new gear.
In order to add a tank to your airbrush compressor, you need to make sure you have the right tools on hand. As well as the additional tank, you also need brass couplers, adhesive, and an additional compressor hose. Before attempting to install anything to your airbrush compressor, you first need to drain it.
You need to release all of the air and drain any condensation that may be present in your compressor before installing an additional tank. This is something that you should do regularly anyway to avoid mold build up.
The new tank needs to be attached to the air compressor through a valve. When adjusting your air compressor in any way, you need to make sure that everything is connected and is clean. Take your time and ensure that everything is secure at every step of the way.
Final Thoughts
The best airbrush compressor for your needs will differ depending on the kind of project you are working on and how long you need it to run. Airbrush compressors are a vital part of airbrushing, as they are the main source of power. Without an airbrush compressor, you cannot use your airbrush for fine details or large portraits. The best kind of airbrush compressor will have a quiet operation, long run-time and be easy to control.
Did You Know?
Airbrush compressors are vital pieces of kit for a range of projects and can be used in various different industries.
Expert Tip
The best kind of airbrush compressor will have a high-capacity tank and a quiet operation.