How big of an air compressor do you need to paint a car?

[Flicktitty]

Just wondering how big? either gallon or PSI a air compressor needs to be to be able to paint a small car?

or will any work as long as it is "full"?

[LIL EVO]

The only factor you need to be worried about is CFM. Paintguns need probably at least 12-15cfm. Youll also need plenty of filtration and water separation.

Probably need at least a 60 or 80gal compressor.

[SSLEVO]

Depends how nice of a paint job you want, LOL. I'm with him though.

[Prince Valiant]

Russ Jerome didn't need a compressor...he used a roller and tractor paint.

[wrath]

You can do it with 4.5CFM@90 if you have a huge tank but it's painful. 6CFM@90 is better. 9CFM is more than I can keep up with.

[DRK]

It will depend on the gun and what you are shooting.

[88Nightmare]

HVLP guns go for anywhere from $15-$50 bucks depending upon the quality of the gun. For some reason though, I like the way the conventional guns spray better, but with a smaller air compressor, it makes painting a whole car tricky. I was using a nice stand up unit, not sure on its size though. I think it was at least 80 gallons.


And as others mentioned, air/water seperation is key otherwise you will end up with some nasty fish eyes

[lordairgtar]

Just buy yourself a case of rattle cans from the dollar store and go at it.:goof

[kornholio788]

HVLP guns go for anywhere from $15-$50 bucks depending upon the quality of the gun. For some reason though, I like the way the conventional guns spray better, but with a smaller air compressor, it makes painting a whole car tricky. I was using a nice stand up unit, not sure on its size though. I think it was at least 80 gallons.


And as others mentioned, air/water seperation is key otherwise you will end up with some nasty fish eyes
If you are paying 50 for a gun my god no wonder you think a conventional sprays better. hahah. At least spend 130 or so on a finish line gun or something.

A 60 gal is about as small as I would want to use. And while yes CFM is important size is VERY important as well. For sure good water separators and filters and such.

[88Nightmare]

I just like the way the conventionals lay paint

[Car Guy]

:bling :rolf

http://www.ivyhousestudio.com/newsletter_2006/Krylon%20Sprays.jpg

[Al]

I've sprayed entire cars with a 30 gal craftsman.

If you plan on doing this, make sure you don't have a crap spray gun. I have a Devilbiss and my compressor would not run non-stop because it didn't use that much air.

Honestly, I would not be afraid of using my 3 gal C&H to spray a car...but I won't reccomend it.


BTW- I think it ran at 25psi.

[DRK]

I've sprayed entire cars with a 30 gal craftsman.

If you plan on doing this, make sure you don't have a crap spray gun. I have a Devilbiss and my compressor would not run non-stop because it didn't use that much air.

Honestly, I would not be afraid of using my 3 gal C&H to spray a car...but I won't reccomend it.


BTW- I think it ran at 25psi.

My SATA RP2 draws 14.5 cfm @ 45psi, it's $600 so def. not a cheap gun and it will drain my 30gal 3.5 peak hp comp. at home in seconds. I can shoot a hood but that's about it. My 5 running hp 60gal at the shop doesn't break a sweat with the spray guns but it will run non-stop for palm sanders. Also if your just doing a few jobs here and there you can get away with desiccant snakes on each end of a short hose then run your gun off of a longer line, I did this for a while and had excellent results. I'm going to be buying a turbine soon, I figure with the money I'll save in desiccants it will pay for it's self soon enough.

[Voodoo Chick]

At least 60-80 gallon, or you'll just end up draining it in no time.

[NitrousPig]

Or save your money, do the body work and bring it out to the shop and pay us to spray it...

[Voodoo Chick]

How much do you charge to spray a car that has it's bodywork already done? With a one stage paint, that is.....feel free to let me know via PM....

[Russ Jerome]

Russ Jerome didn't need a compressor...he used a roller and tractor paint.

$18 worth!!

I've also painted a 66 Vet and a 70 chev pu to show car
finish in my driveway with a 5hp 20gal 110v home comp!
Your cfm flow will dictate how long you can spray, going all
the way around a car before the first spray flash's isnt
hard when working at your own pace (for yourself).

Come to think of it I did a Kenworth T-600 with the little
comp as well, still looks good 8yrs later :)

[flyin_blue_egg]

WTF you gonna paint?

[Flicktitty]

Or save your money, do the body work and bring it out to the shop and pay us to spray it...

why didn't i think of that.

i'll stop out at the shop this week.