13 replies to this topic

[Chris White]

anybody have any tips for airbrushing, using propel cans? Can't afford compressor yet. They keep giving a blast of cold air when the airbrush sits for a moment.

[Futurabat]

OY! This question comes up fairly regularly, and it's never a conversation the questioner wants to see. Those propel cans are junk to say the least. It usually takes at least two of them to completely paint a model (just the body) and can run into alot of $ pretty quickly. I can only offer limited advice because I only ever used one. I've heard that setting the can in a tub of warm water while using will help the propel and paint flow. The only other suggestion I have is that if it's cost effective you could get an air tank.

 

If your airbrush has the cheapy vinyl air hose, scrap it and go get a decent nylon hose. One tiny kink in the vinyl hose and it's done for. There's also the detraction of breaking easily and being too small in diameter to be usefull. Hopefully some of the other guys here will have more info for you.

[Swamp Dog]

anybody have any tips for airbrushing, using propel cans? Can't afford compressor yet. They keep giving a blast of cold air when the airbrush sits for a moment.

i still use them once in a while..keep the can at room temp.and don't turn it up all the way ..start of at a low pressure...then increase it...that's the way i do it..

[G Holding]

Keep it in a warm water bath....if you know when an "issue" is going to happen, plan for it. Or get a different air supply

[my80malibu]

I would guess, that for what your paying for those propellant cans, you could afford a small compressor from Harbor fright, or some knockoff store in a relatively short time. I found a 2.5 gallon setup at a sears outlet store for under fifty. just look around maybe craigslist can help.

[Aeroteto]

an alternative is to use a spare tire.
You can inflate it at a gas station for free and use the compressed air, until you can save some money for a compressor.

[Chris White]

Thanks guys those are some good suggestion. But the general idea is , "suck it up and buy a compressor". Any suggestions

[Chris White]

Look what I just bought !!!!!

[my80malibu]

That looks like it will work for you, congratulations.

[LoneWolf15]

Chris ,
Buy another inline filter , install it between the compressor outlet and your airbrush hose . The filter that is on the compressor will fill up far quicker with moisture then you would ever begin to believe .

[Chris White]

Thanks I will do that, I appreciate any advise give. If anyone wants to come over. I buying beer

Sorry given

[hooterville75]

Donn, this might sound like a stupid question but I have ZERO maintenance knowledge ha ha.  Is it a easy process to change the pressure regulator and install a moisture control trap on a air compressor ?  I use a Craftsman Air Compressor and would like to put both of these items on new as the compressor is at least 15 years old with neither ever being replaced.  Ive tried to research how to change these items online but cant seem to find a tutorial or step by step anywhere.  If I cant find out how to do it myself within the next couple weeks I guess a trip to Compressed Air is in store ha ha.  

[Chris White]

Don't worry Donn if I can do it, you can do it. Its like plumbing, use plumbers tape around the threads and screw it together. Be sure its tight, but not overtightened. Turn it on and look for leaks. Use soapy water, it will bubble where the leaks are. Hope it helps. My moto is "how hard could it be ?????" "if I break it????? so be it"

[LoneWolf15]

It's not difficult , believe me ! Take the assembly off of your compressor and take it with you to the store .

Explain to the employee what you want to do and they'll help you out . You might have to buy a few black iron pipe nipples and fittings for the retrofit along with the new moisture trap , and as indicated , a roll of Teflon tape .

Two small pipe wrenches are the only tools that are required , or you can use 2 Channel Lock pliers in a pinch !

Edited by LoneWolf15, 08 February 2013 - 10:07 AM.