My mom has airbrushing equipment like people use for painting......she has the air compressor and two airbrushes........are they the same as the type you would use to decorate a cake or is there a difference? If they are the same is there a way to wash it in order to use it for cake.....or should I invest in another airbrush for it......she said she'll just give it all to me. Any input on this is very much appreciated......TYI advance
Tina

I have only done a tiny bit of airbrushing but I think it would depend on what size compressor that you have. You don't want too much pressure. As far as the pens go, I would think you would want to purchase new ones to use in you decorating and then use the compressor if it isn't too strong!

I believe it is a pretty small air compressor......she offered to mail it to me.......so I imagine it's not too big. Thank you

I was going to mention that too the air pressure for a regular compressor can vary anywhere from 30-120 psi. You only need around 10 psi for cake decorating or for applying makeup or fake tattoos. (They all use the same airbrush psi) I would also get a new airbrush for the reason that some of the solvents or mediums used in regular painting might still be in the pen and contaminate your paint.

p.s.
sometimes compressors have little air regulator screws and you might be able to regulate the airflow for your airbrush and could use it.

I recently purchased an airbrush and did a lot of research because like you, I had a family member who had an airbrush that is used for painting, and he was willing to give it to me. I decided that it was better to purchase an airbrush that is for cake use, mainly because the other kinds are too strong (if it's too strong, it will blow "holes" in the icing/fondant/etc.) I purchased the KopyKake KromaJet. I did a lot of research on which one to purchase, and the KromaJet is supposed to be good for people who make a small amount of cakes a week. I purchased it online for only $135, but saw it selling for up to $200. PM me if you want the site I bought it from...I don't know if CC would consider it "advertising" to post it publicly!

oh believe me.......if I had $100 + to spend on it, I wouldn't even bother with a used compressor, etc. guess I'll keep saving for that kopykake airmaster *sigh*

We have a $500.00 compressor at home along with one gun.

I asked my sweetie about it and he said I would need a new gun if you wanted to actually eat the cake. The guns are not that expensive.