Painting Air Compressor size

[randy73]

Thinking about painting my own car and am trying to see if it worth it for me to go this route.

For a non-HLVP gravity gun, what is a good size compressor to use?

I have an 8 gallon 150 psi compressor now and am pretty sure it is way to small.

Thanks,
Randy

[Mike DC]

   
You don't need huge air pressure, you need air volume.  How much cubic feet per minute can it steadily supply, ongoing?  That has more to do with the power of the machinery than the tank size.  

Realistically speaking . . .

1.  How perfect do you demand the results be?  If you know a good painjob from an average one, and you are going to nitpick every flaw in your job, then don't bother trying it at home.  Rent a spray booth or maybe pay a pro to do the whole thing.  

2.  A compressor that's really big enough will be 240v powered.

[Pete in NH]

Hi,

X2 on Mike's comments. I would start by looking up the air requirements for the spray gun you have . What make and model is it? That will give you the air volume or CFM requirements. Mike is right any compressor that can handle a good spray gun is likely to be a 240 v unit. You also need to supply dry air to the gun. As air is compressed it is heated, when it cools back down water is released. A smallish compressor running constantly will produce a lot of hotter air and therefore more water. You need a good dryer in the air line before the gun to remove the water otherwise the gun will be spitting water onto the paint as it goes on.

[1970Moparmann]

Go to this site for a wealth of information - http://autobodystore.com/forum/index.php .   I was on this site for many nights years ago and concluded that I needed to get a 60 gallon unit.  It's been five years, but I'm finally going to be be doing some painting towards the end of the summer of beginning Spring.   

The forum will have every answer for you because that is what the content is about.   There are a bunch of great guys on it and would answer any question if you can't find it.

[Patronus]

Gonna need an 80g. And get something that can run all night. I like IR

[68 RT]

Min. 30 gal. tank. If you are buying a compressor, I would do an 80 gal, 240v single ph. Also will need inline oil/water seperator, air dryer would be even better for moisture since you are painting.

[Lord Warlock]

My 40 gallon craftsman has worked out pretty well over the years to paint cars with, think its a 6hp, and it works on both 110 and 220v.  If I were to do it over, I'd go 60 or 80 gallons and get longer hoses, and set up a dryer system to remove moisture in the lines.  That has been my biggest problem Is that with the 40 gallon tank moisture will build up inside tank and eventually get on your car if not using a good moisture trap.  When I started painting, it was mostly just practice so I would be able to paint the charger eventually, worked out pretty well, charger did get painted eventually.