Airbrush compressor safety concerns?

[SanguinaryGuardsman]

I was considering getting an airbrush setup for basecoating but I am concerned about safety issues regarding a compressor.

 

Are these things safe to use a basement with a gas furnace nearby?  This furnace is pretty new but still... compressors can cause sparks cant they?

 

Can you get relatively quiet compressors for under $150USD ?

Do compressors have issues in colder basements?  Temps going down to maybe 45-50f (5-10c).  Would that cause any issues with water buildup or something else im ignorant of?

 

I'd like a small compressor with a small tank.  Something about a large tank of compressed air makes me really nervous. 

 

Im not really worried about fumes since I work only with acrylics and have good ventilation. 

 

 

[Subtle Discord]

Short Answer: Relax your reservations on all fronts. As with any tool or piece of equipment if you use it improperly or recklessly then there is a greater risk of something going wrong (note, you can't call it an 'accident' if you're being careless :) ), but used properly there is virtually no danger or risk. I can't cite sources, but I'd wager it's more dangerous to operate an automobile then it is to properly use any consumer grade compressor in a home setting. Compressors are purposely overbuilt with consumer safety in mind, usually to almost twice the intended operating pressure range; tanks do not spontaneously explode during correct use, or there would be serious consequences for the manufacturers.

 

I use both high pressure and deep vacuum all the time in a basement setting requiring a compressor and vacuum pump. I've also started to use an airbrush which has added another compressor. Used correctly I have no reservations using any of my equipment day in and day out. I also have a gas furnace and water heater, and again there is no reason to be concerned. If you are at all fearful of a spark igniting gas fumes, you need to deal with the gas fumes! Gas is treated so that leaks give off a distinct odour that should never be ignored. Note that my small studio also has some jewelry equipment sharing the space, which includes an oxy-propane torch (read: open ignition source) and there is no risk using it at any time.

 

You should have no problem getting a good airbrush compressor from a reputable manufacturer that is reasonably quiet in that price range; it will make some noise, but nothing unbearable. Really quiet ones will cost more depending on just how quiet you want. Cool temperatures will actually benefit a compressor. Warm air can generally hold more humidity, and the act of compressing the air adds more heat and humidity to the air so water can condense inside the tanks. Warm moist air trapped in cool metal tanks means that it's inevitable at least some water will condense in the tanks (they are designed with a release valve specifically for that issue) but cool air will generally reduce that effect. Be sure to get a compressor that has a moisture trap to catch the offending water and keep it from causing your airbrush to 'sputter'.

 

While you may not be worried about fumes, you should be careful of overspray and the dust/particles it will produce. It's true that you avoid solvents by using acrylic paints, but you don't avoid the overspray. Even a small session of airbrushing can coat a room with fine paint dust (a bane to significant others everywhere), and while it is considered non-toxic inhaling any dust in large quantities is not good for your health. Make good use of your ventilation, consider using a respirator while you paint, and try to contain any dust by closing doors or using a curtain. If you can smell the paint as you work (it has a noticeable sickly sweet kind of aroma) that means your inhaling paint particles that you would rather avoid.