Compact Airbrush and Compressor

Design for You

Reviewed by Cookie Sewell

HyperScale is proudly supported by Squadron.com

Recently I noted a number of ads for “micro-airbrushes” with “micro-compressors” and as I am about to start working on a model train layout – where it is difficult to bring a normal airbrush and compressor to use on finishing it – I decided to check on this concept. 

There are a number of these advertised under various names and brands (this one brags more about its patents than its place of origin or model number) but they are advertised for a wide variety of uses: henna tattoos; cake decorating; makeup application; and modeling and hobby use. I of course prefer the latter (!) so, as they come in a wide variety of colors, went with an all black model.

What you get is a short set of instructions, an airbrush in black, a micro-compressor in black, a color cup of about 7ccs capacity, one of about 30 ccs capacity, one of about 75 ccs capacity, a wrench, an eyedropper, two adapters for various compressor fittings, and a USB cable for charging the compressor.

The airbrush itself is very conventional – a dual action brush with a 0.3mm needle and a paint flow adjustment knob at the rear of the handle. The design is pretty standard with an open section for detaching the needle and a section that can be removed to access the plunger assembly. The directions refer to a “Type A” and “Type B” brush but they are actually the same; the difference is by unscrewing the air fitting under the barrel to allow it to fit on the micro-compressor. The other fitting appears to neck it down so it will fit on a Badger air hose; the one with the “Type B” fitting will go on a GREX compressor hose.

The compressor – called an ARP-150 in the directions – is a cylinder about the size of an energy drink like those marketed on the interstates. It has a bespoke fitting for the USB cable and a power switch at the top. In operation it is a bit buzzy and noisier than either my Badger or GREX compressors. It does not have a pause function when not spraying.

The 7cc cup is aluminum but the other two – apparently in line with the cake decorating function – are clear plastic. Each of them has a threaded metal fitting and gasket (o-ring) for mounting on the airbrush as well as a cover (metal for metal, plastic for plastic).

Balance is a bit different due to the micro-compressor but not too bad; it does make a nice grip.

Mine had a problem right off as the needle did not seat properly so there was a constant air flow but I will attend to that.

Overall this seems to be a handy item for weathering larger dioramas or train layouts in place or if all else fails you can give it to your spouse for cakes or makeup or kids for fake tattoos!

PS does not say where it was made (China) but it would seem to be from the orient (China)…

Cookie Sewell 

Text and Images Copyright 2021 by Cookie Sewell
Page Created 30 January, 2021
Last updated 30 January, 2021

Back to HyperScale Main Page

Back to Reviews Page