Air Compressor minimum
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
Air Compressor minimum
I'm looking to paint my truck, I'm pretty sure I will not have a problem with doing the job but I have one question that no one hase really addressed what is the minimum air compressor size for painting? I am looking at a 4 gal. 2hp compressor that is at my price limit of $100(new). Will this work for painting?
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 999
Likes: 1
From: Willamette Valley Oregon
<cr>
In one word, nope.
Don't be concerned about hp, psi or voltage. Look at the CFM (sometimes called SCFM) rating. It gives you the true capabilities of an air compressor.
A modern HVLP spray gun requires lots of volume (measured in CFM). One of the lowest CFM requirements that can be found is 7.5 CFM @ 65 psi with a Sharpe Platinum spray gun. Other guns can require up to about 16 CFM. I think if you check the specs on that compressor you are thinking of buying, you'll find it doesn't even approach 7.5 CFM.
In one word, nope.
Don't be concerned about hp, psi or voltage. Look at the CFM (sometimes called SCFM) rating. It gives you the true capabilities of an air compressor.
A modern HVLP spray gun requires lots of volume (measured in CFM). One of the lowest CFM requirements that can be found is 7.5 CFM @ 65 psi with a Sharpe Platinum spray gun. Other guns can require up to about 16 CFM. I think if you check the specs on that compressor you are thinking of buying, you'll find it doesn't even approach 7.5 CFM.
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,977
Likes: 1
From: South Texas
Not trying to argue with you Aekisu, I know you're a pro. But if TheFrog isn't looking for a showroom paint job, just something decent, it could be done. I've painted with a tiny 2 gal. compressor set a 40 psi with a regular gun (not HVLP) , just some small parts, but it worked. He might be able to do it in parts, instead of all at once. Just an idea.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by triton_2002
Not trying to argue with you Aekisu, I know you're a pro. But if TheFrog isn't looking for a showroom paint job, just something decent, it could be done. I've painted with a tiny 2 gal. compressor set a 40 psi with a regular gun (not HVLP) , just some small parts, but it worked. He might be able to do it in parts, instead of all at once. Just an idea.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,236
Likes: 2
From: Vancouver Island
Maybe. I've used an old Devilbiss gun, and a made-in-Taiwan touch-up gun comfortably with a homemade 1/2 Hp compressor (continuous duty motor, cast iron Sanborn pump) that was around 2 to 3 cfm. Not to do a whole truck, just for fenders and stuff.
I just don't know how good a compressor $100 will get you. Is it a brand that anyone has heard of before? What's the warranty like?
I just don't know how good a compressor $100 will get you. Is it a brand that anyone has heard of before? What's the warranty like?
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 191
Likes: 0
From: Portland Oregon
If you are using a HVLP gun you will run out of
air after about half a fender as an example. For
a work truck paint job its probably O.K.
There are mega threads on this in the archives.
Good Luck!
air after about half a fender as an example. For
a work truck paint job its probably O.K.
There are mega threads on this in the archives.
Good Luck!
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,495
Likes: 2
From: Northwest Fl
Be very careful with smaller compressors as they run very hot and you will wind up with a lot of water in your lines. If you must do it, at least plan for this in advance with water traps etc. Another tip would be to stay away from anything HVLP, go the conventional route.
Last edited by Huntsman; Aug 19, 2004 at 12:03 PM.
