If you’re asking yourself, can I use a pancake compressor for airbrushing? Keep reading this article, and we’ll tell you all the details about a pancake compressor.
You can use your pancake compressor for airbrushing. It’s common to use a small, portable compressor to do your own art projects or paint small things around the house.
The quick answer is yes, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind before buying using your pancake compressor for airbrushing.
What Is A Pancake Compressor?
A pancake compressor is a tiny, handheld air compressor used for applications requiring a lower amount of air at home or in the workplace. The flattened, oval-shaped container which is used to hold compressed air is referred to as a “pancake,” as it resembles a breakfast pancake.
These compressors are compact, mobile, and can operate on standard home electrical wiring, making them ideal for households and small companies who need compressed air regularly.
Oil doesn’t really exit the compressor with the air, mostly in tiny air compressors, demanding the use of an oil separator. The compressor oil is enclosed inside the machine, and a pancake compressor requires very little upkeep other than cleaning every now and again.
The device may be plugged into an outlet, connected to a compressed air hose, and connected to a variety of tiny compressed air equipment.
Can I Use A Pancake Compressor For Airbrushing?
Many users wanted to know if they could use their pancake compressor for airbrushing.
Pancake compressors are not made for airbrushing. They’re generally not the best choice and are not recommended, but you can still use them.
Pancake compressors are much noisier than other types of compressors that are designed specifically for airbrushing, like those with oil-less rotary vane pumps or piston-type cylinders.
Pancake compressors also don’t provide enough CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) to operate a good quality dual-action brush effectively, so if you want to use your pancake compressor for airbrushing, you’ll be disappointed in what results you get.
Although, you can use a pancake compressor for airbrushing. However, a few things to remember before buying your first oil-free compressor.
Oil-Free Compressor
Oil-free compressors tend to be more powerful than pancake compressors and are generally quieter. They will also last longer because they don’t experience the same wear and tear as oil-lubricated compressors. However, these benefits come at a price—oil-free compressors are more expensive than their pancake counterparts.
If you want to buy a cheap airbrush compressor, get one from Paasche or Badger since these brands are made for silicone-based paints.
Airbrush System
Using a pancake compressor with an airbrush system will probably work fine if you use spray cans. But when it comes down to painting with oils or acrylics on canvas or wood panels, there is too much overspray, and the result is never satisfactory.
A compressor will make noise, so it is advisable to wear hearing protection when using one. Especially the more powerful models make more noise than your average vacuum cleaner.
The second thing to consider is the noise level. Compressors will make some sounds, so it is advisable to wear hearing protection when using one. Especially the more powerful models make more noise than your average vacuum cleaner or leaf blower.
A pancake compressor is not as noisy as a shop vac, but on the other hand, it is louder than many other airbrushes out there (although not all).
Thirdly, you should not use the pancake compressor with spray guns. If you have an airbrush and require an air tank, invest in an oil-free tankless pancake compressor that will last longer and is much less noisy than compressors using oil lubrication.
Fourthly, as mentioned earlier, you should not use a pancake compressor with oil-based paints or lubricants because they will destroy your machine’s motor within a few months.
Fifthly, clean your machine after each use so it lasts longer!
Always ensure that you don’t run the machine at an air pressure higher than recommended by the manufacturer. Doing so may cause damage to the device and limit its lifetime considerably.
Sound Suppression Technology
Compressors are rated by their maximum pressure, which is usually indicated on a label or tag attached to the unit. The regulated pressure can be increased by turning the regulator clockwise. Do not exceed this pressure in any case! It is important to know that increasing the regulated pressure will also increase noise level since less energy is required to compress air at higher pressures than at lower ones.
Suppose you are using a pancake compressor for airbrushing purposes. In that case, it may be possible for you to reduce noise levels by installing a regulator with built-in sound suppression technology (sometimes called “silencers”).
This type of regulator will reduce exhaust noise levels significantly compared with regular models without silencers installed because it contains baffles inside, which absorb most vibration noises caused during the operation of your pump machine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use A Pancake Compressor For Airbrushing?
Yes, you can easily use a pancake compressor for airbrushing. Still, it is advisable to buy a well-known brand like Paasche or Badger instead of Campbell Hausfeld or other generic brands.
Well-known brands last longer and are more reliable than generic ones.
The latter has a shorter life span. Moreover, they are not as reliable as their counterparts from well-known brands like Paasche, Badger, or Iwata.
How much does a pancake compressor cost?
A pancake compressor is quite cheap compared with an airbrush compressor which costs around $200 at least! So if you’re looking for an inexpensive way to get started with airbrushing, this is worth considering!
How Often Should Your Airbrush Be Cleaned?
After each usage and paint changeover, properly clean your airbrush; otherwise, the following color will blend with the last one.