We know that a lot of DIYers and professionals look for more natural ways to do time-consuming painting jobs. That is why we have researched air compressors, and the effectiveness of the setup after answering the size air compressor for painting one might need.
Moreover, roller or brush marks can ruin the certain look that you want on your job board. So, such cases need air compressors without any doubt, and you should know which air compressor you need for which type of job. Now, let’s begin by knowing the different uses of different capacity air compressors.
What Size Air Compressor for Painting?
There are different types of air compressors and paint sprayers to work on different projects. So, let’s see what size air compressors are needed for painting cars, houses, walls, miniatures, models, cabinets, and furniture.
Painting Cars
Most of the cars get their paint job done by the spray painters, and you will need some specific types of air compressors. Usually, 30 to 50-gallon air compressors can easily paint a sedan or SUV without wasting time. But you will need a higher capacity for trucks, and we recommend air compressors with 70 gallons of capacity or more.
Painting Houses
Painting big houses need some spray painting with professional or industrial painters and large-capacity air compressors. You can go with the low capacity ones, but you will need more time and effort to do this simple job. Get something in between 20 to 30 gallons for the perfect painting job.
Painting Walls
It will be enough to paint the walls if you get an air compressor for painting your house. But you can go for an air compressor to only paint the walls, and we recommend something in between 15 to 20 gallons for the perfect painting job.
Painting Miniatures
Miniature painting is done by professional craftsmen, hobbyists, and DIY lovers who like to do small projects and require painting some. You can go for the air compressors with a gallon’s capacity or less, which are the smallest. But beware of such compressors because you won’t be able to use these on other jobs.
Painting Models
You can get an air compressor slightly more capable than the previous ones to spray paint models without any problem. Air compressors with the capacity of 2 or 3 gallons can be perfect for painting models, and you will be able to do it quicker than the less capable ones.
Painting Cabinets
6-gallon air compressors or some models with a little bit of higher capacity are perfect for painting jobs on cabinets. You can choose some models from popular brands, but make sure that you are maintaining the proper steps to do the painting.
Painting Furniture
The same type of air compressors can be perfect for painting furniture in your house, and you can follow our website for more tips. Usually, five or 6-gallon air compressors are preferred by professional painters. You can even choose something with far less capacity, but it will require some extra effort.
How To Use An Air Compressor For Painting?
Knowing what size air compressor for painting you will need is not enough, and let’s see how to use one for painting properly.
Step 1: Firstly, collect the right-sized air compressor for the job, hose with enough length, and choose your chosen paint color with a sprayer.
Step 2: Now, check the manual of the spray-painting device to see where you have to attach the air compressor. You can also attach a regulator between the painter and compressor to see the power of the air being delivered.
Step 3: After that, you should attach a hose to the regulator or connect the hose directly to the spray painter with the attachment tools.
Step 4: Next, you can turn on the air compressor and set the PSI or air power that your tool requires.
Step 5: After spraying with the air compressor on, you will see that the regulator dial is showing a specific PSI. You can adjust the pressure accordingly and make the painting job effortless and quick.
Step 6: Finally, test how it is painting on a piece of paper and then go on painting the piece if everything is okay.
How To Maintain An Air Compressor?
Maintaining an air compressor is not a tough job, and you can do it by following some easy facts mentioned below.
- The first and foremost thing that you can do is to read the air compressor’s manual that describes the right ways to maintain it.
- After using the compressor for some months, check the nuts and bolts as vibration often sets them loose, causing accidents.
- Air compressors can work with full efficiency if the intake vents are clean, and you should make sure of that.
- The hose connected to the spray painter or other tool is very important, and you should regularly check them for leaks and repair immediately.
- Usually, the air filters in your air compressor get dirty with everyday uses, and you should keep them clean whenever you get some time.
- Air compressors store the moisture in the air as condensate, which you should drain from time to time for maximum efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
We get a lot of questions regarding painting with air compressors and let’s answer some of the most frequent ones below.
Can you paint a car with a 30-gallon air compressor?
Can I paint a car with a small air compressor?
Final Thought
What type or what size air compressor for painting is necessary or recommended depends on your job requirement. Keeping an electric air compressor has both merits and demerits like the oil-powered ones.
If your air compressor is powered by fuel, you will need to do extra maintenance and keep the fuel tank clean. No matter what kind of compressor you are using, take proper care, and you will be good for many years.
