What is best air compressor / gun for painting?

[bob64]

Well he only has 110 volt so 2 stage is not happening.

 

[Doug Chahoy]

I think a 2 stage is over kill, you need under 18 cfm max to paint a car

Well he only has 110 volt so 2 stage is not happening.

Thats easy to upgrade as long as you have space in your panel box
One doesnt buy a compressor just for painting. Upgrading to a 2 stage was the best upgrade I've done .

 

[bob64]

Thats easy to upgrade as long as you have space in your panel box
One doesnt buy a compressor just for painting. Upgrading to a 2 stage was the best upgrade I've done .

I agree that a 2 stage is the best answer, but you'll never get a used one for $300.

An yes it's easy to throw in a 220 breaker an you could even go as far as getting a 5 hp stage 2 compressor that runs on 110 volt an just up your amp draw to a max 30 amp breaker. My big 2 stage 5 hp compressor can be wired to either as well as my 5 hp single stage, just easier running them 220. But l bought them that way, not all are 220/110.

But to me if the OP says 110 volt, pretty much bet that's his limit for whatever reason.

If the OP gets a 2 hp oil bath single stage but with a 60 gallon that will work for many uses an he could buy one used. Should be able to do that with the funds he has.

 

[pontiacgp]

Thats easy to upgrade as long as you have space in your panel box
One doesnt buy a compressor just for painting. Upgrading to a 2 stage was the best upgrade I've done .

I agree with your point about a 2 stage but the op seems to have goten all his mechaincal work done without a compressor and he is just interested in one to paint his project.

 

[Jimmy]

As far as paint guns. Not sure how much painting you plan on doing besides the car but this is what I bought a couple of years ago. My brother is a painter and he recommended this for me and the minimal painting I would be doing. He said these are guns at a good price. I don't paint cars but I do paint parts with them and they work great.
https://www.eastwood.com/devilbiss-3-gun-kit.html

 

[Clone TIE Pilot]

Be sure to use the disposable cups, I use the ones from HF. Saves a lot of clean up and cleaner.

My old Sears oilless compressor has lasted near 20 years, but I don't tax it either. Only painted panels at a time, not a whole shell.

 

[Northernregal]

I use a 40 gal Sanden compressor and a 3 gun set like Jimmy shared above but a little cheaper. Works great for small jobs but I don’t think I’d want to try painting a whole car in one go. If you section it off it’ll work, and that’s what I’m planning, just takes longer and has more prep involved. Not ideal but will do the job.

 

[roger1]

I own 3 paint guns and that's all I'll ever need. However, I also have an air brush which is also can be a handy thing to have.
I use these 2 guns for base coats, clear coats and for single stage paints as well.
https://anestiwata.com/product/lph400-lv/
https://anestiwata.com/product/lph101-lvg/

I use this primer gun and it comes with 2 tips. I used the smaller tip for epoxy and medium build primers and the larger tip for high-build primers:
https://www.tptools.com/DeVILBISS-Finishline-FLG-4-HVLP-Primer-Gun-Kit,7483.html

I agree with the statements about buying a big compressor. The best way to compare compressors is by the CFM rating not the horsepower. 5 horsepower and under compressors usually have inflated horsepower claims and can't be trusted.
Notice the CFM requirement with my primer gun using the larger of the 2 tips it comes with. Today's HVLP type spray guns require a large amount of air. I'd recommend getting a 2 stage compressor with at least a 15 cfm rating.
Here's a good one with a 15 cfm rating:
https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200350475_200350475