What is best air compressor / gun for painting?

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tkruger

Master Mechanic
May 6, 2015
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I have a 1941 Chevy Master Deluxe as a new project (still driving the 87 Monte). I am budgeting for the 2-3 year process of getting this back in shape. Biggest expense is going to be painting. What is the best compressor for less than $300 that will do the job? I am limited to 110 volt. I have been looking at 20 - 30 gallon range. Oil-less or Oiled? Also what are the best for the budget dries etc?
 

pontiacgp

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Mar 31, 2006
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the bigger the better, I wouldn't go smaller than a 60 gallon and 5hp motor. I just bought a used CH 60 gallon 5 hp compressor for $300
 
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bob64

G-Body Guru
Mar 30, 2017
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Niagara Falls, Canada
I agree with pontiacgp 60 gallon is just about right.

The less it runs the better while painting because of the inline vapour moisture it creates from hot compressed air as it cools down.

Oil less compressors don't last long because they don't have a lot of CFM an will run alot/endlessly to supply enough air to spray paint.

You can get cheap inline air filters from a paint store or go on the high end an buy water separator an a high micro dirt filter.

2 stage compressor an 80 gallon is really nice, but cost, but will last for years.

It's all about funds an how well you want your paint job to turn out.

I'll edit an add this in, as for paint guns, lve seen cars paint with cheap guns (HF) that turn out amazing an some that turn out farmyard bad. Alot will have to do with prep work an type of paint your blowing on. Get yourself a good respiratory.

If your in this hobby long term everything you buy is an investment an yes it's resalable.

I'm not even sure anymore how many guns l have 7-8-9? from $100 to $800 ea. I have 4 13-14mm tip that are back-ups just cause sh*t happens. When your spray high end paint $500cad plus you don't want to get caught un-prepared.

No l wouldn't say l'm a painter but l have been painting 1 or 2 cars each year for 30 years. So you do collect stuff over the years.
 
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pontiacgp

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You"ll save more than the cost of a good used compessor doing the paint yourself, plus there is no price you can put for the satisfaction of a job that turns out great. If you don't want to keep the compessor after the paint job there is always a market for used compessors
 
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mikester

Comic Book Super Hero
Mar 10, 2010
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Yup, at least a 60 gal tank. I doubt a small oil less can keep up with the volume needed to spray a complete car. As far as a cheap gun that works okay I have two sets of Devilbiss Starting LIne guns. For what I do they work really well although with spray guns you get what you pay for as far as quality.
 
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Longroof79

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Oct 14, 2008
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I also agree with everyone. I have a 60 gal. 5hp compressor. It worked well painting my car...also for powering sanders, die grinders, and assorted air tools. An 80 gal two stage would be even better, but right now I'm happy with what I have.
I couldn't imagine using anything less than a 60 gal tank.
 
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pontiacgp

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Another option that may be available to you is to rent a spray booth that has all the equipment. I have seen one or two around my area that offer a rental on a weekend.
 
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Jimmy

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Jan 25, 2016
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You can build a dryer to keep moisture out also. My compressor discharges into the two coils of tubing then through a check valve into a small nail gun compressor tank I bought off eBay. It goes into the small tank and out back to my air compressor tank. I put a drain valve on the small tank for the water that collects. It works great since where I live humidity is usually around 100% all the time. I get no moisture in my air.
 

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