Rechargable air compressors?

[Valvefloat]

Hey Im looking at getting into airbrushing but at a low cost start.

Ive seen on Temu the rechargeable compressor with an airbrush and attachments for $70 Cdn.

Would these have the air pressure needed for acrylics?

[johnyrotten]

I believe those are more suited for cosmetics or cake decorating. 

[NOBLNG]

I agree, I would save up and buy a real compressor (with a tank) and an airbrush. Spend once wisely.

[Swamp Dog]

i know members on my Facebook Big Rig Group that have them for small parts & touch ups. they like them. i thought about getting one.

[stitchdup]

2 hours ago, Valvefloat said:

Hey Im looking at getting into airbrushing but at a low cost start.

Ive seen on Temu the rechargeable compressor with an airbrush and attachments for $70 Cdn.

Would these have the air pressure needed for acrylics?

you can get a starter set, with a tank for not much more. you can upgrade as you go and the compressor should last years. it will be noisier than a more expensive version but would get you going. i think mine cost around $100/120 a couple years back and if i didn't have so mant spray cans i'd use it more

[johnyrotten]

Absolutely get a compressor with a tank, while I currently have no issues with my tankless compressor, I see it's drawbacks. I went bang for buck, just starting out like you. Buy once, cry once. 

[Valvefloat]

Maybe Princess Auto has something.

[Papaof2]

I purchased a compressor with tank from Amazon for about $90 and a NEOECO J83 airbrush. Both have worked great. Compressor is very quiet, doesn't startle me on startup. Was using my 5 gal shop compressor  at the noise was unbearable. NEOECO airbrush performs very well for model painting, probably not for artistic use. Lots of adjustability. Can spray fine or heavy amounts. I like to spray final gloss coats pretty heavy to get a high shine and have had no problems. Clean by spraying with your compatible thinner. Attached is a picture of some results

[tim08]

On 3/22/2025 at 3:41 PM, Valvefloat said:

Hey Im looking at getting into airbrushing but at a low cost start.

Ive seen on Temu the rechargeable compressor with an airbrush and attachments for $70 Cdn.

Would these have the air pressure needed for acrylics?

I used this little thing for the air comp. and the tanks and hoses on the acetylene torch. Works pretty well if you thin your paint good. These were done with vellelo air paints and i think some old pollyscale clear. I wouldn't trade it for bigger stuff like bodies but Ive painted metallics, some interior work and wheels and resin tires with it. Pretty handy for small stuff when you don't want to fire up the big airbrush stuff up.  

Works ww

Edited March 31 by tim08

[tim08]

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Edited April 1 by tim08
Pic turned out better than I thought

[Valvefloat]

I just bought a handheld compressor and airbrush for$35 and it works ok, just figuring the adjustments on it.

[Mike C]

How about one of these (from Amazon)?

[gman]

I bought something similar on Amazon late last year (but with a hose between USB chargeable "compressor" and airbrush body), for the Mrs. to spray thinned gel food colouring on cookies through stencils. I think it was about $70.

I was tasked with doing the spraying. It worked for that purpose, but there was considerable pulsing in the air supply. I would still be looking at a traditional airbrush and compressor for anything more involved than shooting a few small parts. I have a proper airbrush and hobby compressor I use with lacquers, and while the Amazon piece did the trick, I wouldn't really trust it to spray something like a car body.

[mcs1056]

I have a NEOECO airbrush kit ($35.00?) (see BarbatosRex on YouTube) and a Harbor Freight 2 gal "Fortress" compressor ($150.00). This combo has been great.

HF also has a 1 gal version for about $20 less. Both units are REALLY quiet, and the tank is a huge benefit to have. The airbrush comes with different sized needles, so I can spray everything I need so far. I did spray Mr Hobby 1000 with good results, using the 0.5 needle. 

Add a water separator off of the tank or at the bench, and all is good.   

I've never had a "high quality" airbrush, so i'm sure others can speak to those.