I’m just starting with airbrush and have already run into the splatters due to moisture. I’m going to get a moisture trap but was wondering whether anyone simple uses a couple of loops in the air line to collect moisture during operation and than blowing it out afterwards?
Never really heard of anyone trying that trick yet. I went with a moisture trap and have noticed a marked improvement over my last set-up that didn’t have one. I picked one up at Princess Auto for $10 Canadian so they are quite reasonable in price.
I know Scale Auto had a setup like that in their “Tip of the Month” one time but I haven’t tried it personally.
Ray
Never put loops in your line to catch moisture, unless you want problems. Spend the extra money on a moisture trap. -Mic
Here’s the tip from Scale Auto Mag…
http://www.scaleautomag.com/sca/features/tips/tip38.html
This in itself isn’t a moisture trap. This helps cool the air to make it easier for your moisture trap to seperate the water from the air.
The loops may collect water, bu tit will just splatter out even worse once it builts up.
A good water trap $ regulator is the best bet. Try looking at:
Everyone’s right. The few buck spent for a moisture trip is well worth it. (the voice of experience!)[:I]
I don’t know what I’m doing or what is special about my AB and compressor (Tamiya HG AB and Revo compressor), but I’ve never had any problems with moisture whatsoever, any time of year, no matter how long the session.
I’ve always heard folks say a moisture trap is absolutely necessary, but I’ve never had a need for one myself. I can imagine the horror of a sudden spritz of water in the mix, but thankfully have never experienced it firsthand.
Under what conditions and with what equipment is condensation buildup in the hose more likely? My Revo compressor only blows at about 11 psi. Is condensation more likely at higher pressures?
I reckon the bottom line is, if you have moisture problems, you need a moisture trap!
Absolutly true.
Compression causes heat, deconpression causes moisture. These are facts. Put a small tank, 1 or 2 gal., after the compressor and use a moisture trap. The tank only needs to hold 20lbs. or less for an air brush and alllows time for the air to cool and condense.
Also true.
The coils will hold water and, when full, air won’t pass and you will get a water brush.
Also rapid atmospheric changes can mess you up, we had a 40 deg. drop in 10 min. here last week, glad I wasn’t even trying to spray paint (especilly metal flake)!
Your other choice are dessicants and these are VERY expensive.