Air compressor hose length

[KeithJackson]

I am looking into possibly learning how to use an air brush and have what is probably an unusual question.  I was reading the thread about what type of air brush stuff to get and saw a particular compressor recommended.  The one drawback to that model is that apparently it is noisy.  So what I was wondering is if there is a limit to the length of hose that you can hook up to your compressor?  If I wind up with a noisy model, I would like to keep it further away from where I am working but was wondering how far away I could actually put it.  I realize that one problem would be that the pressure gauges and controls are located on the compressor so everything would need to be adjusted before starting.  Any ideas?  Or am I just making things difficult?

 

[Ace-Garageguy]

You're going to get some pressure drop no matter how long your hose is, so if noise is an issue, put the compressor where you won't hear it.

What you DO need to do is have your regulator and water trap CLOSE TO THE AIRBRUSH.

Hang them on the bench, or close to where you're actually spraying, with a shorter hose running up to your airbrush.

Air is hot when it comes out of a compressor, so it holds more water vapor. This vapor condenses into liquid water in the hose as it cools. Putting your water-trap as far from the compressor as you can lets you get more water out of your air. Water vapor in your air can cause blushing, poor-adhesion, cratering, blisters, spitting, etc.

You also need to be able to adjust the pressure, close to the airbrush, as you paint, because you'll probably have to do a little fine-tuning with each different color and type of paint.

Edited February 23, 2016 by Ace-Garageguy

[KeithJackson]

Thanks for the info.  I didn't know whether or not you could move the controls away from the compressor.  Definitely gives me something to think about.

 

[Kit Basher]

This may not fit your situation, but I have a big noisy compressor that I put in a separate room so I don't have to listen to it. You're not limited to using hose. I used 3/4 inch steel pipe to run air to different locations. I've seen it done with PVC pipe as well. Using a reducer, you can then connect a shut off (ball) valve, your moisture trap, and your regulator near where you spray. I like to finish up with a quick disconnect so you can pop your airbrush hose off when you're done, and put the airbrush and its hose away.

3/4 inch pipe may be overkill for hobby purposes. My compressor provides air for some commercial machines that require 100 psi and a large airflow. Still, it works good with my airbrush too.

[BigTallDad]

Micro Mark sells a regulator with a built-in water trap. 

I have mine set up where the airbrush hose connects to the outlet fitting; the inlet fitting is a standard pneumatic coupling, meaning I can run a very long hose from the compressor to the regulator, thus reducing the noise.

Another advantage of the Micro Mark product is the adjustment feature. My compressor regulator goes way up past 100 psi, making fine-tuning a chore; my Micro Mark product goes up to 70 psi, so dialing in 20 psi is pretty easy.