Air Compressor Gallons?

Jawsiiv · Post by **Jawsiiv** » Mon May 18, 2009 11:56 pm

Been doing some research because I want to just paint my own car. Looking on here, H-T and some other forums for the size compressor to get. Mind you I do not have an arm and a leg to spend, but some sites (even Sears, Home DepoT) say a 33 Gallon compressor will do and not have the gun shutting down due to over usage, and there are others like Lowes their compressors say on the 60 gallon will do the job. I know there are some painting Vets in here so any advice is appreciated. IF I gotta spend the dough I will but if I can do a great job for less then that is my aim.

Thanks in advance.

civisi · Post by **civisi** » Tue May 19, 2009 1:39 am

Gallons are important but you also want to make sure the compressor has a high level of CFM's (cubic feet per minute). For painting or sanding, 7 or 8 CFM's will be alright, 9+ is recommended but that is $500+ brand new. For painting, to skimp by get a HVLP gun (high velocity low pressure) and spray at 20psi or so, probably need 5 CFM's or so, just take your time.. If you get a regular gun you'll be spraying upwards of 60psi, thus using a lot more air at one time. If you are on a budget, go on craigslist.org or other local sites in your area and buy a compressor that is used. Many still have warranties and receipts for purchase, a lot cheaper than brand new and still does just as good.

If you are painting your own car, I hope you have lots of experience! Body work and prep is the key to a good paint job, and a good filtration system, which can be fixed with wet sanding/buffing. GL and take pictures for everyone to see.

mike93hatch · Post by **mike93hatch** » Tue May 19, 2009 1:50 am

the $300 33 gallon at sears is perfectly fine.

Jawsiiv · Post by **Jawsiiv** » Tue May 19, 2009 2:22 am

Yeah I just seen that one today when I went there. As far as body work is concerned, I have little, but I am a fast learner and I do TONS of research. Of course practice is key here. Being an artist I am just trying to master another skill to add under my belt. Thank so much everyone. I tried craigslist as well. That is what I have been looking at for the past few weeks. I have seen a I couple, but I gotta shoot this wedding before I can pay for the compressor.

civisi · Post by **civisi** » Tue May 19, 2009 6:10 pm

On the body work, it's pretty simple if you just take your time and don't half ass anything. If you're filling dents, just make it flat. Don't sand in circles and wet sand the car ( or use high enough grit) to make sure you don't have ANY sand scratches left. AH I hate sand scratches! GL again

Story Worm · Post by **Story Worm** » Wed May 20, 2009 2:40 am

You also want to look for about a 5 hp compressor. If your buying from sears or some where like that make it 7 hp because those compressors aren't to efficent.

civisi · Post by **civisi** » Wed May 20, 2009 5:17 am

mike93hatch;181205 wrote:the $300 33 gallon at sears is perfectly fine.

Lowe's has a 60 gallon with 10.7 CFM's at 90 psi for $438. Not much more money for almost double CFM rating and over-all size. Just got mine today!!

Capt'n Obvious · Post by **Capt'n Obvious** » Wed May 27, 2009 2:28 am

my 26 worked perfect you could proly get away with less