12 - 16 lpm and 23-25lpm

by Eliane
(Las Vegas)

I'm trying to decide which airbrush compressor to get. To use with markers, most of places I checked advise a 12-16lpm airflow and a 40 psi.I found a similar compressor with almost the same features, however the airflow is 23-25 lpm. So actually, what is the differece. I know the airflow is higher, but what does the airflow do?

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Bill says...

Howdy Elaine. In terms of air brushing, the higher the flow, usually the greater the paint flow.

If the question is can you use the 23-25 LPM compressor when your application calls for 12-16 LPM?

Yes, you can. If the results aren't satisfactory, then you can reduce the pressure with your regulator a bit to see if that helps.

Or, and as well, you can install a needle valve in the line from the compressor to "dial down" the available flow. This will likely mean tweaking it and the regulator to get the optimum flow for your air brush.

There are almost no circumstances that a larger compressor than required can't be adjusted to suit a lower flow or pressure requirement.

Cheers,

Bill