Revell Standard Class Compressor vs Aerosol Spray Cans
By Modellbau & Plastikmodellbau | Published: 2026-10-13
Category: Comparisons
Compare the Revell Standard Class Compressor and aerosol spray cans for model painting. Learn which gives better control, finish, and value for your projects.
Quick answer
For ambitious beginners who want precise control and a professional finish, the Revell Standard Class Compressor paired with an airbrush is the better long-term investment. For quick, small-scale projects or occasional painting, aerosol spray cans like Revell Spray Color offer a convenient, low-commitment alternative.
How the two painting methods differ
The Revell Standard Class Compressor is an oil-free piston compressor designed to work with the Standard Class airbrush spray gun. It provides a steady, adjustable airflow that lets you apply thin, even coats of paint. This setup requires mixing paint, typically Revell Email Color or Aqua Color, and cleaning the airbrush after each session. In contrast, aerosol spray cans, such as Revell Spray Color, are pre-mixed and ready to use. You shake the can, press the nozzle, and paint. They dry very quickly and offer high coverage and scratch resistance. The trade-off is less control over spray pattern and thickness, and you cannot easily mix custom colors.
Control and finish quality
An airbrush gives you fine control over paint flow, allowing you to work close to the surface for details or further away for broad coverage. This makes it easier to achieve smooth, thin layers that preserve surface detail. Aerosol cans tend to spray a wider, more fixed pattern, which can lead to thicker coats and potential drips if you are not careful. However, Revell Spray Color is formulated for high coverage and scratch resistance, so it can produce a durable finish with fewer passes. For model cars or aircraft where a flawless gloss is critical, the airbrush route often yields a more refined result, but it requires practice and patience.
Cost and convenience
The upfront cost of the Revell Standard Class Compressor is higher than a single can of spray paint. However, over time, airbrushing can be more economical because you buy paint in jars and dilute it, rather than buying multiple cans. Aerosol cans are convenient for quick projects, touch-ups, or when you lack a dedicated workspace with ventilation. They are also easier to transport and require no cleanup beyond wiping the nozzle. The compressor, on the other hand, needs a power source, a workspace, and regular maintenance like draining moisture from the tank.
Paint compatibility and materials
Revell Email Color is a synthetic resin enamel that does not attack plastic model surfaces. It can be brushed or sprayed when diluted with Revell Color Mix. This versatility means you can use the same paint for both brush and airbrush work. Aerosol sprays like Revell Spray Color are acrylic-based and can even be used on polycarbonate RC car bodies due to their special composition. If you work with a variety of materials, having both options may be useful, but for plastic models, enamel paints through an airbrush offer excellent adhesion and color depth.
Trade-offs at a glance
- Control vs. convenience: Airbrush offers precise control for details and smooth coats, but requires mixing, cleaning, and a power source. Spray cans are ready instantly but offer less control over spray pattern. Choose airbrush for detail work; spray cans for speed.
- Upfront cost vs. long-term savings: Compressor and airbrush have a higher initial cost, but paint jars are cheaper per volume. Spray cans are low upfront but cost more per project if used frequently. If you paint often, airbrush pays off; for occasional use, cans are fine.
- Finish durability: Revell Spray Color provides high scratch resistance and quick drying. Enamel paints through an airbrush can achieve similar durability but may need more coats. Both can yield durable finishes; spray cans are faster to apply.
Product facts
- Revell "Standard Class" compressor: The Revell Airbrush Standard Class Compressor is an oil-free piston compressor. It works optimally with our 'Standard Class' airbrush spray gun. It is ideal for ambitious beginners in the airbrush hobby. This compressor is designed for those ready to move beyond spray cans and invest in a reusable painting system with precise control.
- Matt "Anthracite Grey" Spray Color Aerosol - 100ml: Revell Spray Color are acrylic spray paints that dry very quickly and have high coverage and high scratch resistance. Due to their special composition, polycarbonate bodies of RC cars can also be painted with Spray Color. Aerosol cans are a fast, durable option for quick projects and can handle materials like polycarbonate that some airbrush paints may not.
- Gloss "Blue" (RAL 5005) Email Color Enamel - 14ml: Revell Color is a synthetic resin enamel paint that does not attack the plastic surface of plastic models. The 14 ml paint can also be used to paint many other materials. All colors - except signal color - can be mixed with each other and can be diluted with 'Revell Color Mix'. This means that the paint can be applied not only with a brush, but also with a spray gun. This paint is compatible with airbrush use, giving you flexibility and cost savings compared to buying multiple spray cans.
Which should you choose?
Best for
- Ambitious beginners ready to invest in a reusable airbrush system
- Modelers who paint frequently and want to mix custom colors
- Those with a dedicated workspace and ventilation
Not for
- Hobbyists who only paint occasionally and prefer minimal setup
- Those without a ventilated workspace or power source
- Modelers who need to paint polycarbonate RC bodies (choose Spray Color instead)
