You will need an air compressor to run a paint sprayer. This is a different matter if you use an airless paint spray gun. Otherwise, there must be the best possible air compressor for spray painting.
A powerful compressor will always supply essential airflow and pressure to run any type of paint spray gun as well as other air-powered tools.
If you can choose the right toolset (compressor and paint sprayer), then your painting work will be easier. Suitable compressors compatible with most paint sprayers are rarely found. So, we have created this guide to help you find the most versatile and powerful air compressor.
Different Types of Spray-Painting Air Compressor
There are mainly two types of air compressors, stationary and portable. You should choose between a stationary and a portable compressor considering your essentials.
a. Stationary Air Compressor
With the high horsepower and uninterrupted usability, the stationary compressor is compatible with heavy applications. Typically, the stationary compressors feature large storage and vertical design.
b. Portable Air Compressor
Unlike stationary, the portable compressor has limited storage. Due to the attached handles and wheels, you can carry them anywhere.
Top 3 Item Comparison Table
Last update on 2023-11-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
5 Air Compressor for Spray Painting Reviews
Air compressor is a reliable choice to quickly and precisely execute your spray-painting application. But, unless you buy a reliable compressor for a paint sprayer, you won’t get the expected service.
So, let’s go through our top 5 best air compressors to run the paint sprayer.
1. WEN 2289 10-Gallon Oil-Free Vertical Air Compressor for Paint Sprayer
With the title of the compressor, you might assume how it works. The Wen 10-gallon oil-free compressor doesn’t require lubrication to operate. Hence, there’s no need for additional maintenance.
It is a vertical-style compressor. So, if you have limited space in your house, this spray paint compressor can stand steadily. It comes with a rubber handle and 7-inch no-flat wheels. Accordingly, compressor transport becomes straightforward for users.
- 10-gallon tank constructed with reinforced steel for a maximum pressure of...
- Provides air flow rates of 4.0 CFM at 90 PSI and 5.0 CFM at 40 PSI
- Oil-Free pump requires no external lubrication for a longer lifespan
Last update on 2023-11-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The WEN compressor paint sprayer features an extended warranty. If anything happens, always remember the WEN technicians for free servicing.
The price of the product is reasonable considering the features. So if you are looking for a compressor for paintwork and to perform other work with it, this would be an ideal option.
Benefits
- Quick, easy-to-maintain, oil-free compressor
- Convenient transportability
- Safe and reliable compressing
- Fulfills varieties of woodworking and painting needs
Drawbacks
- Quite a bit louder
- It doesn’t support excess volume
2. Industrial Air Contractor Portable Pontoon Air Compressor
Here’s another oil-less air compressor well-fitted for industrial purposes, the portable pontoon.
This is a powerful optimization tool with 5-horsepower and 155 PSI air pressure. These features provide a smoother engine performance without consuming too much fuel.
- Low maintenance, oil free, direct drive pump has a patented two piece...
- 5-Horsepower Honda OHC/OHV premium residential gas engine
- 155 PSI max pressure for optimum tool performance. Application Use-Air...
Last update on 2023-11-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Frankly speaking, the 155PSI air pressure promotes the maximum performance of the air tool.
Another plus point of the power tool is its cooling system. It features an extreme cooling system with a patented pump design. Consequently, the temperatures of the pumps minimize and become a long-lasting tool.
However, the high-performing air tool applies to multiple projects, including cleaning, blowing, brushing, painting, nailing, and many more.
Note: This one is also very good as a sandblaster air compressor
Benefits
- It starts quickly, even in the cold
- Regulates the pressure perfectly
- Easy to bend and maneuver
- Optimum tool performance
Drawbacks
- Limited air holding capacity
- Odd runner
3. VIVOHOME Professional AirBrushing Paint System
If you want a top-notch paint compressor, the VIVOHOME professional might be a good choice. It is well-equipped with two airbrushes.
Frankly speaking, the features make the compressor different from others. Due to the dual airbrush works on a wide range of surfaces like fabrics, leather, plastic, wood, and many more.
- MULTI-PURPOSE - A high-performance airbrushing machine with 3 kinds of...
- WELL-EQUIPPED - Comes with a compressor-mounted airbrush holder that can...
- PROFESSIONAL EFFECTS - Unique, well-crafted equipment provides top-notch...
Last update on 2023-11-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Airbrushing compressor is designed with the classic piston framework. Due to the design, the compressor provides steady and sufficient air pressure to maintain stable output.
This Airbrushing compressor is compatible with everything from commercial art to retouches. Possibly that’s why the hobbyist and airbrushing artists chose this tool for their projects.
Benefits
- Lightweight and compact design
- Adjustable to almost everywhere
- Simple and precise to set-up
- Offers fabulous support
- Super quiet
Drawbacks
- Mightn’t even get brushing from 3 brushes
4. Master Airbrush CoolRunner II Dual Fan Air Compressor
If you’re a commercial artist looking for an airbrush air compressor, blindly choose the Master airbrush cool Runner II. The Cool Runner II is a professional master brush used for multiple professional purposes.
Including two cooling fans, the compressor has a 1/5 HP single-piston compressor.
- Professional Master Airbrush Multi-Purpose Airbrushing System with 3 of...
- Master Airbrush Model TC-320 Cool Runner II superior performance powerful...
- 3 Types of Master Airbrushes: Model G22 dual-action airbrush with a 1/3 oz....
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The horsepower allows the compressor to the airbrush without interruption. The cooling fans enable the compressors to run continuously without overheating.
The plus point about the compressor is the returnability of the airbrushes. You can return the airbrushes, return them anything within the next five years.
Unfortunately, the compressor becomes uncontrollable when it goes below 20 PSI. So, you cannot use the compressor for anything that needs lower PSI than 20.
Benefits
- Beginner-friendliness
- Multi-purpose professional airbrushing system
- Controllable loudness and heat
- Delivers precise air pressure
- Easy installation
Drawbacks
- Becomes Uncontrollable below 20 PSI
- The book should get upgraded
5. SPLOTY Airbrush Kit Motor Corded Air Brushes for Painting
The brand SPLOTY has been producing airbrushing kits for more than 10 years. The SPLOTY airbrush kit is a top-ranked product that offers a prolonged service life.
- MAX PRESSURE BEING 4 BAR(58 PSI)--This airbrush kit is designed as a 3l air...
- BUILT IN COOLING FANS--Equipped with 1 big and 2 small, the total 3...
- MICRO FINE SPRAY CONTROL--Easy to read pressure regulator with gauge, you...
Last update on 2023-11-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Unexceptionally, the spray paint compressor features a dual-action gun. The paint application becomes faster and more precise when using both of these. It features a spray gun with adjustable triggers like the handy air gun. Consequently, you can easily regulate and control the air pressure according to your needs.
Getting warmer becomes common for the air compressor after operating for a long and continuous working time. Nevertheless, the tree air cooling fans control the temperature of the compressor.
Here we need to mention that one air cooling fan is more significant and others are more diminutive.
Benefits
- Responsive dual action
- Requires lower maintenance
- Quieter and efficient application
- Prevents overheating
Drawbacks
- Long hair hose might disrupt airflow
- Average airbrush
How Does an Air Compressor Work for a Paint Spray Gun?
Air spray gun uses compressed air to spray paint. So when you want to paint an object using the paint sprayer, you first have to connect it with an air compressor.
By default, the paint sprayer has a shooter nozzle for paint spraying and a container for paint storage.
The air compressor is usually attached to the electricity. When you connect the paint sprayer with it, it atomizes & propels the paint through the shooter nozzle.
Note: You can control the paint thickness by controlling the compressor pressure.
Paint Sprayer’s Air Compressor Buying Guide
From industrial to dye projects, the compressor is used for completing a variety of jobs. How accurately an air compressor can complete a task depends on the size of the device, the air pressure, the capacity of the tank, and so on.
You have multiple things to consider in a paint sprayer’s air compressor as a buyer. To help you easily understand, we’ve created a detailed guide:
1. Consider Types of Spray Paint Compressor
Stationary and portable compressors are two popular types discussed earlier. The stationary compressor features a high-horsepower and vertical design.
Conversely, the portable compressor features smaller storage but versatile models.
Usually, painting a car doesn’t require an extended period. So, a compact air compressor, like a pancake or hot dog, will be the right one to choose.
Let’s see some other compressor and their core features
a. Pancake Compressors
The pancake air compressor is a lightweight and handy compressor that comes without the wheel. It features a flat and round design which consequently takes less floor space.
b. Hot Dog Compressors
Unlike the pancake, the hot dog compressors feature a horizontal design. But, it quite looks like the pancake compressors when it comes to the design.
However, the hotdog compressors are lightweight, portable, and hold a cylindrical shape.
c. Twin-Stack Compressors
Instead of one cylindrical tank, the twin-stack compressor features two horizontal tanks. The twin tank efficiently enhances the compressor’s air capacity without adding floor space.
d. Wheelbarrow Compressors
The wheelbarrow compressor generates and distributes the huge compressed air with the twin cylindrical tanks. Furthermore, it holds easy and efficient mobility due to the wheel build-up.
2. Air Compressor Tank Type
The compressor’s tank size will determine how long you can paint an object without stopping. The larger the tank size you buy, the better service you’ll get from it.
On average, you shouldn’t buy an air compressor with less than 50 gallons of tank capacity.
3. Choose Between Oiled Versus Oil-less Compressor
Which one you’ll choose between oiled and oil-less air compressors?
Usually, the oiled compressors are pretty heavyweight and need lots of maintenance. But the oil-less air compressors are lightweight. The oil-less compressor doesn’t require oil to operate, so it needs lower maintenance.
Perhaps, that’s why the home dyers choose the oil-less compressor for their dye projects.
4. Check CFM Rating
CFM rating is one of the sensitive and essential factors in the spray paint air compressor. The CFM rating always has to be higher than the spray gun for spray paint.
This means, if you have a 10 CFM paint gun, buy the spray paint compressor with a 15-20 CFM rating. Conversely, a 6-8 CFM compressor will be compatible with a 4 CFM paint gun.
5. Consider Preferred Weight
The lightweight compressor is always the best choice for spray painting. You need to carry the spray gun when you paint your car through the spray painting.
Also, you’ll need to move the sprayer everywhere around the car for better paint application. If your air compressor is heavyweight, you cannot carry the sprayer comfortably.
Besides this, it’ll be complicated for you to move the compressor from one place to another.
6. Compressor Style
The vertical style air tool occupies more floor space than the horizontal air compressor. You must buy a horizontal compressor when you don’t have a large lawn. Buy the vertical compressor for your dye projects when you’ve plenty of floor space.
7. Check PSI
Using the HVLP spray gun, you’ll need 40 PSI air pressure at 10-14 SCFM. Conversely, when using the LVLP spray gun, you’ll need to apply 10-15 PSI air pressure.
But, for applying the car’s base coat, you mustn’t exceed the air pressure less than 28-29 PSI.
In essence, you must choose a compressor that comes with the heavy flow for car paint application. Accordingly, 40 PSI should be the minimum airflow level of an ideal compressor.
8. Check Horsepower (Hp)
Minimally, the air tool with 10 HP is required for operating the air gun efficiently. But it is always best to choose the higher horsepower at an affordable price.
The greater horsepower of your air compressor is, the more efficient service you’ll get.
9. Noise and Noise Reduction Feature
The noise reduction feature is excellent. No one wants to annoy the neighbors or cause hearing problems with loud noises. You must prioritize noise reduction features.
10. Is It Versatile or Not?
Indeed, if you’re investing in an air compressor, you aren’t buying it only for spray painting. Multiple chores need to operate through the compressor. So before buying one, make sure that it can meet your other needs so that you can use it for other purposes as well.
11. Consider Price
Price is always important. Of course, you have a budget and can buy accordingly. But don’t buy the cheapest one, it mightn’t last long. Furthermore, the inexpensive air compressor produces unbearable noise.
Check out our suggested product because we have included products from different budgets. We hope you can buy one from our list within your budget.
Recommended Reading
FAQ
1. Which Air Compressor Is Better for Spray Painting Furniture?
The compressor with a valid size and powerful motor is better for spray painting furniture. Spray painting is a non-industrial dye application. So, it must include the motor with 1 HP or 2 HP. Furthermore, the size of the spray-painting air compressor must also feature at least 12 CPM.
2. Which Is the Best Spray Paint to Work with An Air Compressor?
Rust-Oleum Stops Rust Spray Paint is a reliable oil-based and semi-gloss spray paint for air compressors.
Indeed, the oil-based paint is the most precise and reliable spray painting that works with the compressor. The latex and acrylic spray paint also works with a compressor.
3. How Much Is Air Needed for An HVLP Gun?
An HVLP gun needs high volume but low pressure to atomize the paint into small, soft particles.
Typically, the air volume between 15-26 CFM is ideal for operating paint through an HVLP Gun. At the same time, the compressor’s pressure mustn’t exceed more than 10 PSI.
4. How Many Gallons of Air Compressor to Paint A Car?
A compressor with 30 gallons or more than 30 gallons is ideal for painting a car. But frankly speaking, the compressor’s tank size isn’t the main factor for painting a car.
Instead of compressor size, match its CFM with your suggested air paint sprayer. Ensure that the compressor’s CFM can handle the paint gun you’re about to use for car painting.
5. Which Is the Best Compressor for Painting Cars?
Including maximum PSI ratings, the Campbell Hausfeld DC080500 is the best air compressor for painting cars. Regardless of PSI ratings, the compressor is also popular for being quieter and more reliable to build.
6. How Many CFM’s Are Required for Spray Painting?
The minimum CFM rating required for the compressor is 12 CFM. However, some compressors also work well with a 10 CFM rating. But, using an air compressor of less than 10 CFM for spray painting isn’t acceptable.
7. What Size Is the Air Compressor Best for Spray Paint Guns?
A large tank-included compressor is considered best for spray paint guns. Preferably, the air compressor, including a 50-Gallons tank, can keep up perfectly with the speed of spray guns.
8. Which Type of Air Compressor Is Ideal for Spray Painting?
The pancake compressor is ideal for small jobs, like spray painting. The pancake air compressor features a low profile but comes with excellent stability.
Regardless, the size and lightweight features make the pancake a top choice for spray painters.
9. Can You Use A Spray Gun Without A Compressor?
The HVLP leveled spray gun is useless without the air compressor. The HVLP turbine generates the air to operate the HVLP spray gun using electrical power.
Consequently, you’ll get the same painting finish from the HVLP spray gun as the compressor spray gun.
10. Can A Pancake Compressor Run A Spray Gun?
Indeed, pancake compressors are lightweight and feature small capacities. Still, you can run the spray gun to paint your car. Just wait for the compressor’s adjustments with the spray gun to cover the whole vehicle with paint.
Conclusion
Smooth and precise spray-painting application highly depends on the compressor’s type. You should avoid spray painting your car when you don’t have the well-matched air compressor and paint gun.
For matching the compressor with a paint gun, you must choose the best air compressor for spray painting.
Luckily some air compressors also come up with the spray gun. You can hunt two birds with one stone by buying those compressors.
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