Air compressor specs for Diy paint job?

[joyRidaz]

I'm starting to get deeper into into my body rust repair and I'm starting to think forward into the painting phase(probably further off in reality than in my head).

I do not own an air compressor yet, and am scanning Craiglist and HF ads.

I will likely use this compressor for this single paint job on my fj40 and for some small diy home paint jobs like cabinets.

Hoping that my budget should be capped at $250ish.

I've never done a proper hlvp paint job, but am excited to learn, likely single stage. I don't need perfection, just "better than today",,, my rig is rough.

1) what specs do I need need to look for?
A) hp
B) air tank volume
C) cfm/ flow rate
D) gas powered vs electric

2) Given my budget, Is a used brand name compressor on CL better than buying new at an affordable store like HF, NT, Home Depot etc

Much apperciated for your help in advance!

Thanks
-clueless newb

 

[joyRidaz]

Ok just to close the loop....

I bought myself a used Craftsman compressor, to use for weekend bodywork/wrenching and ultimately to paint my fj40.

220 volt
5 hp (oiled)
30 gallon
12 scfm at 40psi
10 scfm at 90psi
125 max psi

Not sure if it's a single stage or dual etc. it's stuck in the back of my truck until I clear up garage space and some suckers that enjoy beer... That mofo is HEAVY!

Hopefully it will support my light needs... I take that back, hopefully it works period... I took a gamble, but the seller seemed legit but his new shop didn't have a 220v outlet, which is why he was selling it.

In the next 6 months I'll post back on performance using a DA, block sander, HF purple HVLP gun(primer) and HF professional HVLP spray gun(base/clear).

One less excuse to couch wrench... Time for action

 

[jblueridge]

Maybe you already know this : you have to make sure the air going into the paint gun is clean and dry.
I have found that even with a moisture "separator" and an inlne cannster of dessicant, I still get water blowing out of the air hose on days like today in Virginia.

I think your choice of compressor was good.

Air Compressor moisture question [Archive] - The Garage Journal Board

Why is my air compressor making so much water?

 

[Heirloom]

Tip: get 50' of 1/2" ID rubber hose and install it between the compressor and your water separator/regulator. From there, you can attach your hose for paint gun and tools. My air is dry after I did this. I just coiled the hose in the trusses of the garage. It's cheap and effective. The larger diameter will allow enough air flow for the HVLP gun to work consistently. The purpose is to allow moisture to condense before reaching the separator, making that component work better.

 

[jblueridge]

Does it matter how the condensng hose is oriented? Does it need to drain back to the tank?

 

[Splangy]

Ok just to close the loop....

I bought myself a used Craftsman compressor, to use for weekend bodywork/wrenching and ultimately to paint my fj40.

220 volt
5 hp (oiled)
30 gallon
12 scfm at 40psi
10 scfm at 90psi
125 max psi

Not sure if it's a single stage or dual etc. it's stuck in the back of my truck until I clear up garage space and some suckers that enjoy beer... That mofo is HEAVY!

Hopefully it will support my light needs... I take that back, hopefully it works period... I took a gamble, but the seller seemed legit but his new shop didn't have a 220v outlet, which is why he was selling it.

In the next 6 months I'll post back on performance using a DA, block sander, HF purple HVLP gun(primer) and HF professional HVLP spray gun(base/clear).

One less excuse to couch wrench... Time for action

View attachment 1305581

You might have enough air for paint (might), but definitely won't for most tools. A DA sander uses a lot of air.

 

[joyRidaz]

Does it matter how the condensng hose is oriented? Does it need to drain back to the tank?

I'll need to do some research on that one. I've seen some neat ideas on the garage journal (thnx @jblueridge, there's some good ideas all over that sight!) that removes condensation by running long zig zagging air lines on the wall. kinda the same principle that @Heirloom suggests.

I admit that my compressor is still in the backseat of my sixty, super heavy and haven't figured out where it'll live...

Once I try it out ill post a mini review.

 

[joyRidaz]

You might have enough air for paint (might), but definitely won't for most tools. A DA sander uses a lot of air.

Your probably right, lucky for me this is a monthly hobby, so all my work is usually time boxed to an hour or two max, therefore most projects are short.

 

[jblueridge]

I bought HVLP spray guns from my local auto paint store. The guns were not super expensive. They are made by Pro-Tek. I doubt if real pros use this brand but I am getting a lot of good results with these guns and epoxy primer.
Pro-Tek Spray Equipment :: Product details

The mini gun is great for spraying parts removed from the vehicle. Very little air volume needed.
Pro-Tek Spray Equipment :: Product details

Oil coming through the air hose from the oiled compressor needs to be removed. I bought a regulator that has a sort of cyclone action for separating moisture. It also has a filter inside that seems to stop the oil. I think it gets anything down to 3 or 5 microns. Lots of folks put a second (inline) filter right at the spray gun.
1000 Series Filter-Regulator "Piggyback"

TP Tools sells some good but less expensive stuff. I bought their blaster gun. Huge improvement over the cheap gun my blaster box came with.
Search results for air filter - TP Tools & Equipment