How to Hook Up a Central Pneumatic Airbrush to a Shop Compressor

Prepare the Compressor

• 1

  Determine if your compressor system uses an oiling system. Many air-operated tools require lubrication, and therefore many shop compressors add oil to the air as it exits the compressor reservoir. If your compressor has an oiling system, disconnect it when using the air brush.

• 2

  Connect an air dryer (optional) to your compressor. Water and oil present in the compressor reservoir can be carried into the air brush and cause streaks, runs or splotches in the paint. Although an air dryer is optional, attaching one to the compressor can give you more controllable results.

• 3

  Set the regulator on the air compressor for 30 PSI. Central Pneumatic air brushes can operate at pressures from 15 to 50 or 60 PSI. A working pressure of 30 PSI is a good initial setting for the compressor.

• 4

  Connect the air hose to the compressor. Use Teflon tape or thread sealant on the threaded fitting of the hose to ensure the connection will not leak.

• 5

  Attach the female end of the quick-disconnect fitting to the opposite end of the shop air hose. Again, use Teflon tape or a thread sealant to ensure the connection is leak-proof.

Prepare and Connect the Air Brush

• 6

  Connect the 1/4-inch NPT female fitting supplied with the air brush to the end of the air brush hose. In some cases, the air brush kit may come with the 1/4-inch NPT fitting preinstalled.

• 7

  Wrap the threads of the male end of the quick-disconnect with Teflon tape and thread the male quick-disconnect fitting into the 1/4-inch NPT female fitting on the end of the air brush hose.

• 8

  Push the male end of the quick-disconnect fitting into the female end to supply air to the air brush. To disconnect the fitting, pull back on the retaining ring of the quick-disconnect fitting.

• 9

  Prepare the air brush for painting according to the instructions supplied with the kit.