What power Air Compressor for Gravity Feed Paint Guns?

[696969]

This is a question for you painters out there. I'm looking to put together a setup to do my own body painting. Actually, it's just to spray a hood and trunk lid for now.
Any recommendations?

Thanks.

 

[Pistol Pete]

Get a 5hp, two-stage at minimum. Yes, the initial outlay may be more than you had anticipated, but this will keep you from having to replace "the small one" you bought the first time out. Here is a decent unit and not terribly expensive.

http://www.tractorsupply.com/en/store/ingersoll-randreg;-5hp-air-compressor-80-gal

 

[dpstark2]

Quincy- check them out. More expensive than some others, but the key differences are they are rated for 100% duty cycle and 50k hours on the pump. IR units are 15k hours, and others (CH, for example) are as low as 5k hours.

If painting is your goal, see this threadhttp://www.forbbodiesonly.com/moparforum/showthread.php?54674-New-air-compressor-finished for my setup. I would never go back. The cooler is invaluable for painting, but it also helps all tools. I have painted with this with really good results for a garage paint job and I've definitely run it 100% for hours on end with two people sanding...

 

[BeastlyBirdie]

And get moisture/oil separators, if you are painting.

 

[YY1]

I've painted a roof and fender with a $99 nail gun compressor.

If that all you're ever gonna do, or you want a light tire inflator for a 1st comp...

If you're gonna run some light air tools like an impact and a sander...I'd get an 8-10 CFM unit.

If you ever want to run a sand blaster, you'll need 15 CFM minimum.

1st rule of compressors- CFM, CFM, CFM.

 

[Runner 68]

I've painted a roof and fender with a $99 nail gun compressor.

If that all you're ever gonna do, or you want a light tire inflator for a 1st comp...

If you're gonna run some light air tools like an impact and a sander...I'd get an 8-10 CFM unit.

If you ever want to run a sand blaster, you'll need 15 CFM minimum.

1st rule of compressors- CFM, CFM, CFM.

YY1 nailed it.

You don't need an expensive compressor if that's all you're going to do. I have been running a PUMA, Harbor Frieght, $450, 60 Gallon, 5 HP, 16.2 CFM compressor since 1996 without a hiccup. Have run it constantly with a variety of tools including blast cabinet and painting.

The combo to look for is highest CFM, for the lowest price. If all you're going to do is a hood and trunk lid, a pancake will get it done but if you're going to spring for a compressor why not spend a little more and get something you'll use until you croak.

There are some nice units out there for under $500.

 

[440ronnie67]

I have a 60 gl tank and have had the same cheap $50 gun with a 1.4 tip for 6 or 7 years now. you can look at my car pics its pretty nice. Yes I like sata and others but unless you paint for a living get the decent gun and keep it clean, very clean. good luck!