Is pressure painting with nitrogen good?

Answer 1

If you are talking about air brushing, no, it isn't necessary. But use a good moisture separator in your line, and bleed and flush it regularly. Same with your compressor's tank. If you don't know how to do this, consult the owner's manual. Or post a question on WikiAnswers. Word on the street is that they can really help if given the chance.

Answer 2

Sure. But it costs more than using a compressor. A compressed air system with a good filter and moisture separator that is maintained well can deliver performance every bit as good as the nitrogen - and for a fraction of the cost. You can't tell the difference between "treated" compressed air and nitrogen air brushing. The in-line filters available today are remarkably good. Look for one that is not a "cheap knock off" and you'll have great results (as long as you maintain it). Consider a "laboratory grade" unit and not one that is designed to protect air tools in auto repair shops. On the other hand, if you have deep pockets and aren't concerned with your bottom line, go to your nearest Air Liquide, Praxair, Airgas, BOC, Air Products or even your local welding supply company and swipe your plastic. Then have one of the chaps load the cylinder into your SUV so you can get it to the studio. Remember that only clean dry compressed gas is needed to power up an air brush. The low pressure and low volume used on the units makes "feeding" them easy. It's just a question of how much you want to spend. Laboratory compressed air uses a microfilter and a dryer in the line, and the material in the dryer is often "on display" as it can be seen through the plastic housing of the unit. It changes color when it is "full" and then can be changed out. Oh, and here's the cool thing. If you take the drying medium (which is like the stuff in those little packets that come in new electronic equipment) and you put the stuff in a pan and gently heat it (but not too hot), you can dry it out - and reuse it! Of course, if you'd won the lottery, you could skip all that and use bottled gas. Or pay someone to do all that air system maintenance for you.