Question: What size compressor (bare minimum) do i need for automotive painting?

(Posted by: Matthew on 2010-07-10 18:56:22)

Posted by: Karle on 2010-07-10, 19:02:15

Have seen it done with a 4 gallon dual tank compressor......but was slow.....and i mean really slow....as in 2-3 passes and had to wait for pressure to build..... have seen ppl do it with 4 gallon dual compressor with additional 20 gallon air tank hooked up....was faster but still slow......

Posted by: Mark on 2010-07-10, 19:11:13

Well bare minimum; 5 hp single stage that can run about 12 to 15 cubic feet per minute at 90 psi with a 60 gallon tank would do. You could go less but you need at least 10 cuft per minute to stay up with a gravity feed gun,a siphon gun needs at least 12. The number to look at in compressors is how many cubic feet per minute or else you will be standing there waiting for air pressure while your paint flashes off.

Posted by: Joshua Case on 2010-07-10, 19:13:07

Its not just the size of the compressor that matters. It has a lot to do with the type of spray gun your using. If your using an HVLP (high volume low pressure) which is the industry standard your compressor will need to have an output of 12 to15 cfm @ 90 psi.