Best Air Compressor for Painting Cars 2024 [Top 12]

A serious job requires serious tools. If you intend to paint some cars and you want the paint job done efficiently, with the highest quality, and fast then you need the best air compressor for painting cars that the market has to offer.

This is your main tool for this kind of job and if you could compare all the offers on the market and find the best air compressor for painting cars out there, your job would be much easier to complete.

You also might need the best paint spray gun for the best performance, but that’s a different story. Today we focus on the top air compressor for painting cars.

Air compressors have some technical specs that you ought to consider in order to find the one that is most suiting for your needs. Some of those specs are the tank capacity, the CFM, and PSI, etc.

In our reviews, we will go over those specs and analyze them for you so you can make your decision and find the well-suited air compressor for painting cars.

Best Air Compressor for Painting Cars in 2023

Well, if you are painting cars for a living, you surely know that a good air compressor can make a huge difference. This is why you must have the best machine for the job if you want your work to be a quality work.

A proper CFM and PSI which you can find only in the best quality air compressor for painting cars will make a huge difference when it comes to the amount of paint sprayed and the pressure with which the pump is capable of spraying the paint.

Furthermore, the top-rated air compressor for painting cars will serve you for decades. It’s not really a cheap thing you want to buy every year or having to have to fix it every now and then. The best compressor will also be the most reliable one.

Image	Product	Max PSI	Horse power	Price
	California Air Tools 5510SE (Editor’s Choice)	120 PSI	1 HP	Check Price
	PORTER-CABLE C2002 Pancake	150 PSI	1 HP	Check Price
	Viair 00088 88P Portable	120 PSI	1/4 HP	Check Price
	DEWALT DWFP55126 Pancake (Editor’s Choice)	165 PSI	0.9 HP	Check Price
	EPAuto 12V DC Portable	100 PSI	1/3 HP	Check Price
	PORTER-CABLE CMB15	150 PSI	0.8 HP	Check Price
	Makita MAC5200 3.0 HP	140 PSI	3 HP	Check Price
	California Air Tools 10020C	125 PSI	2 HP	Check Price
	PORTER-CABLE PCFP02003	135 PSI	0.8 HP
	Campbell Hausfeld DC060500	125 PSI	1 HP
	Senco PC1010 1-Horsepower	120 PSI	1 HP
	Rolair JC10 Plus 1 HP	125 PSI	1 HP

Our Top Picks of the Best Air Compressors for Painting Cars

There are various choices of air compressors out there. Some of them are small, others are big, and some of them are powerful while the others are not, and ultimately, some of them are good and some of them are just bad.

We picked out the affordable and best compressors for painting cars on the market and compared them for your convenience. Below you will find the reviews of these products and detailed analysis with pros and cons for each compressor.

1. California Air Tools 5510SE – Best for low-noise work environment

This 5.5-gallon air compressor is an oil-free compressor that requires less upkeep and can perform proficiently to give perfect and clear air to smooth apparatus function. The unit comprises of a steel tank having the ability to oblige 5.5 gallons of air and offer ultra-quiet work for smoother and less demanding use.

In addition to that, the compressor offers 3.10 CFM for 40 PSI and at 90 PSI it gives 2.20 CFM. This level of pressure and the measure of paint stream is sensible for the ideal painting work. At its most extreme, it can reach up to 120 PSI.

The engine in this air compressor works at 1.0 HP and has an expanded obligation cycle to give ceaselessly longer run time for reliable compressor execution with no intrusion.

Because a large portion of the air compressors that are utilized for painting need to work reliably at a steady pressure and CFM that requires a continuous stream of the paint for astounding outcomes, they should control warm over-burden effectively. This one accompanies assurance against an overload.

The ultra-quiet engine works unobtrusively and produces commotion for up to 60 decibels only which is unimportant and may not influence the client and the surroundings in any hurtful way.

This compressor is shockingly moderate. Yet, this likewise implies it isn’t equipped for conveying a similar powerful execution as industrial powered air compressors. Also, don’t anticipate that this compressor will keep going as long.

However, it offers commotion that is more than 25 percent calmer than industrial powered air compressors. This implies you can have the capacity to have better discussions with workers as the compressor does its activity. The compressor is additionally very light in weight.

View Features

2. PORTER-CABLE C2002 Pancake Compressor – Best for beginners

This pleasant looking Porter-Cable is a budget alternative for those that don’t have any desire to burn up all available resources but need to begin with two or three low to medium measured activities.

It has SCFM conveyed at 90 PSI pump that fortunately has an extensive 3.5-gallon tank so you have more opportunity to complete what you’re doing before sitting tight for it to recoup. The maximum 135 PSI is really nice for the size, with a sans oil pump that will keep you in business for quite a while without agonizing over upkeep issues.

It utilizes a standard 120v engine, yet the manner in which the unit is constructed it doesn’t over duty it like some more seasoned models have had a tendency to do. The whole weight of the air compressor is just shy of 30 pounds, and it tips the scales at around 26 pounds for simple compactness.

The brisk coupler alternative is incorporated so you have simple access to redirected air while the decent 82 dBA won’t explode your ears excessively.

The unit works extraordinary for little framing occupations, various trim completing nailers, general swelling and inflating toys, and leisure activity hardware. The amperage limit is just 10 amps instead of the typical 12, so no stresses over-exhausting your electrical switch when powering this up.

For security, you’ll have a 1 year constrained guarantee on compressor parts, so nothing great in that department since the primary year you’re probably not going to have an issue. In the event that something awful happens, you do have an extraordinary client bolster group, truly outstanding in the business to deal with your issue.

There are extremely no genuine significant objections about this air compressor, as it does the job it is planned to do well with no issues. When you factor in the cost of the model it truly is a great deal for amateurs and individuals searching for a substitution.

View Features

3. Viair 00088 88P Portable Air Compressor – Best for inflating tires

You are most likely not going to use this one for painting cars, but it’s a decent compressor and it’s worth mentioning. Regardless, what you see is what you get with Viair’s 88P.

The 88P has a basic straightforwardly driven cylinder. It doesn’t cover up what it is behind a cover of plastic. To finish everything, an expansive gauge makes getting a reading simple, however, it’s vital to take note of the compressor must be off to get an exact one.

The entire compressor rests on elastic feet. Additionally, the rock-solid outline cylinder stroke implies it doesn’t vibrate as strongly and unpredictable as different compressors.

The cylinder head includes a coordinated warmth sink that completes a magnificent activity of helping the compressor keep cool, and that is critical. This thing gets burning hot in a rush.

The 88P’s 20 Amp draw implies you won’t connect it to any of your extra ports, at least not without blowing a couple of wires. Rather, power is conveyed specifically from the battery. An inline 20-amp combine includes an additional layer of insurance to your vehicle’s electrical framework.

With regards to execution, the 88P is quite great considering its size.

At 0 PSI, Viair claims the 88P conveys 1.47 cubic feet per minute of compressed air. Be that as it may, this is a touch of deceiving in light of the fact that the measure of air a compressor can move around tumbles off as the pressure increases.

At 30 PSI, the 88P deals with a still great 1.25 CFM of air, and at its maximum working pressure of 120 PSI, it should deal with an unassuming 0.35 CFM.

A 45 percent obligation cycle implies the compressor can keep running for up to 25 minutes at 30 PSI before expecting to cool for 35 minutes. Except if you’re running your tires at extremely high pressures, you shouldn’t go anyplace close as far as possible. In principle, the 88P ought to have the capacity to air up every one of the four tires in a little more than 10 minutes.

View Features

4. DEWALT DWFP55126 Pancake – Best for multitasking person

A versatile 6-gallon tank is elusive that doesn’t cost a lot, yet watch out because here comes the DEWALT DWFP55126 in the mid-level value run. Max PSI is 165 with 2.6 SCFM delivered at 90 PSI pump.

There are some clear power downsides here that we will get into later. However, I wouldn’t expect a powerhouse on this one. The clamor level is truly sensible at 75.5 dBA so it shouldn’t be the loudest bit of gear in your region.

That level keeps up itself notwithstanding amid high use, so it’s a delegate of what’s in the store whether it’s in the pinnacle or simply broad utilization. Superior performance with the air instruments is ensured because of the high stream controller and couplers which gets the most to your air tools as opposed to chopping their execution down.

This is all really great in a 30 pounds bundle and is astounding how they figured out how to get a 6-gallon tank joined to it. A removable support cover secures the critical parts of the unit and still gives you access when required.

Tank depleting is taken care of by the ball deplete valve which is anything but difficult to get to and a natural asset for clients that have dealt with air compressors previously. The legs are shielded with rubber to shield them from defacing your work zone or any surfaces where you may put the machine while it’s in action.

For clients that visit a few worksites in a day, the line wrap highlight will prove to be useful as an approach to keep the majority of your work prepared to go in one unit. There are some power issues that might be of worry for anybody needing to utilize the double device highlights of the unit, yet for a 6-gallon compact air compressor, this is an incredible purchase.

Upkeep is low on the unit, yet on the off chance that you plan on utilizing it with multiple instruments take great consideration of the all-inclusive couplers, or at least secure them when you can.

The removable support cover is a reward, however, will just profit those who know how to settle the unit.

View Features

5. EPAuto 12V DC Portable  – Best for quick and easy tire inflation

Here’s yet another compressor you won’t use for painting cars but it’s worth mentioning here. The EPAuto 12V DC Portable Air Compressor Pump is intended to meet the majority of your expansion needs, from auto tires to pontoons, to ATV tires and balls.

This little, however, the great air compressor can suit different requirements and it can fit in the storage compartment of your auto without taking up excessively valuable load space. All you have to do to get this unit working is connect it to your auto’s cigarette lighter attachment and turn it on!

When you’re in a scrape and you have to inflate a tire (or if your children are bugging you to inflate some sort of ball for whatever game they are keen on playing), you will need an air compressor that will make short work of expanding. This pump is fit for pumping 10psi every moment and is evaluated at 1.06 CFM.

The power cord for this is 8.5 feet long and the hose is 3 feet long. While it might not have the uttermost achieve, it will carry out the activity pleasantly. When you are utilizing this for your auto, the auto shouldn’t be on, yet you will require an auxiliary jack, as there isn’t an attachment for the cigarette lighter.

When we took a gander at the client reviews, we saw that 87% had incredible things to say in regards to the ride on and left 4 or 5-star reviews. Of these audits, individuals remarked that they were awed by how rapidly the compressor could fill a tire.

They preferred that you could set the air compressor to the coveted PSI and when it achieved that setting, the compressor quit pumping air (in spite of the fact that the engine kept on running) so it didn’t overfill the tire.

Clients additionally said that the association with the tire valve screws on easily and it makes a superior seal than a clasp on the connector. Clients felt that the LCD display was a decent touch and it made the item simpler to peruse.

View Features

6. PORTER-CABLE CMB15 – Best for those who want a portable powerful unit

The Porter-Cable CMB15 has an engine that creates 150 PSI which is sufficient capacity to take into account 2 or even 3 medium fueled devices at the same time. At just 40 PSI, the unit will furnish you with 3.0 CFM.

Preferably, the more CFM you will require the more PSI you will require – the two are straightforwardly corresponding. All things considered, you can inflate tires, power your pneumatic nail guns, and even paint cars with the power given.

The engine additionally creates 0.8 HP. This may appear to be on the lower side, however, when contrasted with other air compressors like the Rolair FC1500HBP2 which includes a 3400 RPM engine and just conveys 0.75 HP.

The last unit even costs more than the Porter-Cable CMB15. When looking at air compressors, make sure to think about the running HP as opposed to the pinnacle HP as this frequently has a tendency to delude at the start.

The engine on this unit keeps running on 120V which is practically the business standard of most convenient air compressors accessible available. Likewise, the engine framework includes an innovation that enables it to begin even in a chilly climate which is an additional plus.

The unit registers at 79 decibels which is a calmer rating than the greater part of the Porter-Cable air compressor arrangement of items including the Porter-Cable PCFP02003 and the PCFP12234.

In all reasonableness, however, they are somewhat bigger and come pressing more noteworthy power, yet with regards to the clamor levels, the Porter-Cable CMB15 beats the competition.

Note, in any case, that even with the 79-decibel clamor rating, you probably won’t escape with late night ventures. However, you will have a quiet and calm workstation and in the occasion, you are working out in the open, you won’t need to work through irate gazes from your neighbors.

View Features

7. Makita MAC5200 3.0 HP  – Best for professional use

Makita’s 3.0 HP Air Compressor is outfitted with Makita’s Major Bore built pump chamber and cylinder for more prominent yield for two spray guns, with substantially less commotion and enhanced job site general execution.

The Makita MAC5200 conveys industrial power and results with enhanced strength, and comprises of rough wheels and a handle for effortless transport.

The Makita MAC5200 is powered by a 3.0 HP engine with inherent warm overload for extra security. The Makita Major Bore built pump with cast press chamber has higher bore and stroke for expanded compression, quicker recuperation, and substantially less commotion.

The cast press construction is designed for lifted sturdiness even beneath extreme working conditions. The MAC5200 has an oil-greased up pump and is prepared to have a huge car style channel for expanded air consumption and higher effectiveness.

The 5.2-gallon tank supports a working pressure of 140 PSI and conveys 40PSI (6.9 CFM) and 90 PSI (6.five CFM), satisfactory for two spray guns. The oil-greased up pump runs cooler, alongside the finned release tubing disperses warm a lot more effectively.

The roll-cage development is worked for additional assurance for the pump and engine gathering, helping it withstand unforgiving job site conditions. Usability and comfort highlights comprise of hardware holders, an implicit stockpiling compartment for air fittings and frill, and an air hose wrap to shop 50 feet of 3/8-inch air hose with manage collapsed or upright.

The MAC5200 is designed for the low commotion, high yield, and less upkeep, and conveys industrial power and results with enhanced strength beneath extreme conditions. The MAC5200 is a classic case of Makita’s promise to creative advances and best-in-class designing.

All Makita Major Bore Air Compressors are oil greased up and outfitted with sizeable car style channels for expanded air admission and higher proficiency. Makita Large Bore Air Compressors convey modern power and results with enhanced sturdiness.

View Features

8. California Air Tools 10020C – Best for those who need a versatile compressor

The 10020C is little and weighs only 26 pounds. It is comfortable to convey and compact. You will be unable to discover a compressor that offers the conveyability of this unit from California Air Tools. At only 18.1 x 17.2 x 18.5 inches it is little enough to fit in the boot of even the smallest vehicle.

In spite of the little size and conservative design, this air compressor gives a not too bad CFM rate. At 90 PSI it keeps up a 2.0 CFM, while at 40 PSI it is fit for 3.0 CFM. This is satisfactory for most little hand devices or airbrushing, but for brief terms because of the constrained limit of the tank.

It is more than you would expect, giving great execution for most home, car and different workshops. The high obligation cycle gave gives you around an hour or a greater amount of consistent use at 2.0 CFM, somewhat amazing for a little compressor. Fueled by a 2HP engine, the 10020C just continues running.

You’ll never have any support concerns other than keeping the unit free from residue and flotsam and jetsam. The engine is without oil and never requires any attention other than cleaning.

This air compressor is louder than you would anticipate. Achieving 70dB in closeness, the commotion levels are comparable to far bigger models. Around 70dB is somewhat louder than a noisy discussion and the 10020C does not whimper but instead conveys a hum. It’s anything but an unnecessarily loud and can be utilized over a broad period in urban territories without exasperating anybody.

This is a convenient air compressor for both experts and occasional use around the home. Inflation is to a great degree fast and the unit runs cool when performing more exhausting undertakings. It is suited to any individual who needs access to a versatile compressor consistently.

This device conveys an expected life cycle of three-thousand hours. One can’t contend with the low value this ground-breaking little compressor is given at, or the execution that it gives. Supported by a one year guarantee, it makes a commendable choice for any expert contractual worker or an enthusiastic home client.

Other than being fairly boisterous, the California Air Tools 10020C Ultra Quiet Oil-Free and Powerful Air Compressor is a standout amongst other compact units accessible.

View Features

9. PORTER-CABLE PCFP02003 – Best for entry-level users

This pleasant looking Porter-Cable is a budget alternative for those that don’t have any desire to burn up all available resources but need to begin with two or three low to medium measured activities.

It has SCFM conveyed at 90 PSI pump that fortunately has an extensive 3.5-gallon tank so you have more opportunity to complete what you’re doing before sitting tight for it to recoup. The maximum 135 PSI is really nice for the size, with a sans oil pump that will keep you in business for quite a while without agonizing over upkeep issues.

It utilizes a standard 120v engine, yet the manner in which the unit is constructed it doesn’t over duty it like some more seasoned models have had a tendency to do. The whole weight of the air compressor is just shy of 30 pounds, and it tips the scales at around 26 pounds for simple compactness.

The brisk coupler alternative is incorporated so you have simple access to directed air while the decent 82 dBA won’t explode your ears excessively.

The unit works extraordinary for little framing occupations, various trim completing nailers, general swelling and inflating toys and leisure activity hardware. Amperage limit is just 10 amps instead of the typical 12, so no stresses over-exhausting your electrical switch when powering this up.

For security, you’ll have a 1 year constrained guarantee on compressor parts, so nothing great in that department since the primary year you’re probably not going to have an issue. In the event that something awful happens, you do have an extraordinary client bolster group, truly outstanding in the business to deal with your issue.

There are extremely no genuine significant objections about this air compressor, as it does the job it is planned to do well with no issues. When you factor in the cost of the model it truly is a great deal for amateurs and individuals searching for a substitution.

View Features

10. Campbell Hausfeld DC060500 Quiet – Best for home use

Campbell Hausfeld, one of the head names in air compressors and devices, offers two models in its ‘Quiet Series’, a 6-gallon “pancake” (DC060500) and an 8-gallon “sausage” (DC080500). They have a similar list of capabilities, aside from the bigger 8-gallon unit is mounted on a couple of wheels.

The DC060500 has a 1 HP, 7 amp enlistment engine that conveys 2.4 SCFM of air at 90 PSI (and 3.5 at 40 PSI), with a most extreme PSI of 125, which approves of me, as none of the air apparatuses I consistently utilize require in excess of 100 PSI, and all expend under 2.4 SCFM.

While you could utilize it with a complete or confining nailer the tank would probably be continually reusing. It takes an entire 75 seconds to at first fill the tank, yet then just 35 seconds for reusing.

The 80% obligation cycle implies you can run this compressor for 48 minutes out of every hour. In the event that you utilize the compressor on a discontinuous premise all through the work day, you won’t keep running into any issues.

While the DC060500 isn’t the quietest compressor you’ll ever use, it’s darn calm. I quantified a normal commotion level of 63 decibels at 6 feet from the compressor (with no different machines working in the shop). This is low enough that you won’t get startled when the compressor kicks in to refill the tank, or power you to wear ear protectors.

The roll cage configuration gives sensibly great assurance to the engine and the key compressor segments, and the inside mounted handle gives great equalization while bearing the compressor the shop, job site or home.

View Features

11. Rolair JC10 Plus 1 HP – Best for those who need a versatile machine

You would be unable to discover an air compressor that suits each possible activity. You could locate the ideal air compressor for little assignments, the ideal compressor for blowing up tires, or even the ideal unit to perform hardcore pounding, however, once in a while will you discover one that suits all undertakings similarly.

The issue is that substantial compressors wind up being wasteful for little devices, so if your undertakings will be lightweight, at that point a little compressor will best suit your necessities.

On account of the Rolair JC10, it is a little compressor, so normally it will be suited to lightweight assignments. For the home DIY client, this is the sort of compressor that will get a great deal of utilization.

Finishing guns will run consummately with this compressor, anyway, bigger gadgets (think anything that is shooting 3″ nails and up) won’t be satisfactorily fueled by such a little compressor. Generally, low CFM figures and a little tank imply that the compressor is constrained, yet great at what it does.

On the off chance that you have to occasionally put air in vehicle tires, pump up inflatables, do some finishing work, or regardless of whether you need to utilize air for cleaning, at that point this compressor will be all that could possibly be needed for your requirements.

It’s an odd thing when a maker doesn’t indicate the duty cycle of a unit either in the item depiction or the user manual. This can mean one of two things. Either the compressor has an embarrassingly low duty cycle, or the duty cycle is high to the point that the maker neglects to specify it.

On account of this Rolair compressor, the duty cycle is a gainful 70%. This number has been affirmed by experts at Rolair. This implies out of consistency, you can run the engine on the compressor for around 40 minutes.

View Features

12. Senco PC1010 1-Horsepower – Best for less heavy-duty tasks

This compressor is most appropriate for a portion of the less rock solid errands, for example, blowing up tires or balls, painting, cleaning, nailing et cetera.

It is additionally a great instrument that will assist you with your hobby work. This is above all else an indoor compressor which is reflected in the way that it is one of the quietest I have gone over.

In any case, don’t think it does not have any power as a result of it. With a pinnacle of 1 horsepower and up to 125 PSI, it packs enough power for most home errands. On the off chance that you take a gander at its execution rating numbers and speedy recuperation time you will see it is exceptionally productive as well.

Air compressors come in a wide range of outlines, and this one highlights a well known “hotdog” plan arrangement which makes it quite simple to move around and store.

There are a few kinds of air compressors in light of the sort of oil they utilize. Those that use oil-based grease are the most widely recognized, be that as it may, this one doesn’t require any oil in order to work which I believe is extraordinary since replacing oil can get entirely untidy.

Honestly, air compressors are not precisely known for being quiet, but rather the PC1010 is to some degree a special case. The Hotdog configuration is considerably quieter when contrasted with its rivals which are worked around a pancake plan.

The compressor additionally has rubber feet which diminishes a portion of the vibration and keeps your floor without a scratch in the meantime.

This specific air compressor can deliver somewhere in the range of 20 and 44 drives per minute. Everything relies upon the kind of air apparatus appended to it. It utilizes a 0.5hp direct drive pump with a pinnacle of 1hp and a smart recuperation time which implies you can utilize the compressor for expanded timeframes.

125 PSI is sufficient for any sort of occupation that includes air swelling. The limit of the tank is 1 gallon.

View Features

How to choose the best air compressor for painting cars

There are numerous factors you ought to consider before purchasing the air compressor, and we are going to go over most important ones of them one by one.

Type of the compressor

The types of air compressors in this field available on today’s market are:

• Two-stage compressors
• Single-stage compressors
• Rotating Screw Air Compressors
• Responding compressors

With a specific end goal to have the capacity to convey adequate CFM for painting, you will ordinarily require a 2-stage compressor. The device will give around 4 CFM of air for each horsepower.

In correlation, a Single stage compressor just conveys around 1 CFM per horsepower. So, on the off chance that you will utilize your air compressor for painting or painting cars, you will need to consider a 2 stage compressor with at least 5 Horsepower to legitimately give air to your spray gun.

Notwithstanding choosing a 2 stage compressor, you will likewise be able to pick between various compressor composes relying upon the span of the compressor. Regular 2 stage compressor outlines incorporate rotating screw compressors and responding compressors.

Rotating Screw Air Compressors require less support in contrast with responding air compressors. Anyway, they are not as productive (which means they don’t convey very as much CFM per pull).

Rotating Screw Compressors support will ordinarily include oil, oil channel, and oil/air separator changes. In correlation, a responding compressor will require more continuous and broad support including upkeep things like valves and cylinders.

Anyway, they frequently give a more extended general life of utilization and convey more air per horsepower.

Responding air compressors do have a higher starting cost while considering a bigger (over 30 HP) unit contrasted with rotational screw compressors.

In the event that you are choosing a responding compressor for painting, they will likewise offer a possibility for oil or non greased up. On the off chance that it isn’t permitted to have any oil in your compacted air the non greased up compressor might be correct (however it is more costly).

For smaller compressors (under 30 HP) responding compressors are frequently more reasonable. Also, they don’t deliver as much warmth and are cooled via air at a lower horsepower.

This frequently makes responding air compressors a perfect decision when you are thinking about a lower strength air compressor (which you will most likely be thinking about if you’re searching for a compressor to begin painting).

CFM of the air compressor

Splashing paint with an air spray gun requires a substantial volume of air being infused into the paint which makes atomization or separation of paint. Volume is alluded to as SCFM or CFM on a compressor.

Regularly individuals can befuddle PSI and surmise that PSI is the thing that decides paint separation. PSI alludes to the pressure that an air compressor gives. With regards to spray guns and air compressors for painting, the cubic feet per minute is the basic factor to think of it as is additionally what you normally pay for the most when purchasing an air compressor.

For a quality HVLP spray gun, you can frequently require up to 20 CFM of air. On the off chance that you are utilizing a conventional spray gun you may not require as much air as HVLP requires a High Volume of air (HV) particularly contrasted with traditional splash guns.

However, an ordinary spray gun can, in any case, utilize 10 – 15 CFM. While there are choices accessible for low CFM splash guns, they will normally not give as great of paint separation which can impact your paint job quality.

Additional features

When you have made a point to choose the best air compressor for painting cars the following interesting point is whether you are keen on extra choices. One potential issue with utilizing a compressor for painting is dampness and oil in your air.

Having either in your airline can cause fish eyes or dampness pockets in your paint finish. To address issues like these you can consider a 2 or 3 stage air dryer that is associated with a pipe that goes through your shop.

Anyway, you may likewise need to consider a discretionary overhaul like a refrigerant dryer for your air compressor. A refrigerant dryer will quickly cool and after that rewarm the air as it leaves your compressor which will dispense with dampness in your compacted airline.

This can be especially essential on the off chance that you will utilize your compressor in a little shop and not have an adequate length of funneling to enable your compacted air to move before a 2 or 3 stage channel would be associated.

In the event that the compressed air doesn’t have an adequate length of line to move before reaching a general air channel, you will discover your air channel won’t have the capacity to legitimately expel dampness from your compressed air line quick enough.

At last picking, the best air compressor for painting cars is basic to guarantee you give adequate air volume to your spray gun to have the capacity to sufficiently atomize your paint.

By having adequate air volume and picking a compressor that has any extra alternatives you might need to look at something like a refrigerant dryer to evacuate dampness so you can accomplish the most ideal outcomes in your painting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What PSI should I use to paint a car?

Answer: When spraying clear coat I like to up the pressure 2-3 psi for a little more atomization and better flow out. Setting the air pressure to about 28-29 PSI for clear will ensure you have great flow out. Most HVLP spray guns will use 10-14 scfm at 40 psi. This is the volume of air pressure per cubic foot.

Q2: How many CFM do you need to paint a car?

Answer: Most paint guns are rated with a suggest CFM that they operate best at. Many guns (high-end professional guns especially) are “air hogs” and require in excess of 12 CFM! This means you need a compressor that can steadily output well over 12 CFM to be able to handle those paint guns.

Q3: How do air compressors work?

Answer: The inlet sucks air in for the piston to compress. The compressed air is then released through the discharge valve. In certain air compressor models, the pressure is produced with rotating impellers. … As more air is sent into the tank, the pressure gains intensity.

Q4: How do you determine SCFM?

Answer: SCFM stands for standard cubic feet of air per minute. This term is used to measure air flow rate. SCFM is the air flow rate when corrected for current temperature and pressure. You can calculate SCFM from actual cubic feet per minute (ACFM) if the air pressure, temperature, and altitude are known

Wrapping Up

We hope that our text and product reviews were helpful. We’ve tried to be as detailed as possible without overloading you with unnecessary information.

By now you should have enough knowledge and information you need to decide which one of these products is the best air compressor for painting cars. If there’s anything you’d like to add or ask, feel free to leave a comment. After all, it is your feedback that drives us to write more content. Stay safe, follks!