Air compressors are incredibly long-lasting pieces of machinery. A compressor should last between 40,000 and 60,000 hours according to manufacturing requirements. This equates to around 20–30 years of continuous full-time operation. When air compressors are maintained on a regular basis, they often last substantially longer.
Although air compressors come in a variety of sizes, their size does not indicate whether they are strong enough for your air equipment or not. An air compressor takes compressed air and pressurizes it so that it may be used by power tools such as spray painters.
Rather than judging an air compressor’s capability simply on the basis of its physical size, operators should consider the amount of air it delivers. Choosing the incorrect size can be annoying, especially if you are new to it or are shopping online. So, the question is: what size air compressor for painting is good?
Now talking about the air compressor, let’s first divide it into two main categories; small ones and the big ones. Considering the small size air compressor, you can utilize it in homes if the air tank is large because even high-air-demand tools will not be used continually.
In this case, the air compressor will have plenty of time to recover. More for that, you will be the only one using it for your home purposes.
On the other hand, when we consider big industries or a workshop where numerous users may be operating high-demand tools.
Upon this situation, it’s easy to understand why a small 2hp compressor (with a larger air tank) would be more than enough for the average homeowner, but a 7.5hp compressor could be insufficient for specific workshops.
Factor to consider while choosing the right size
CFM rating:
When choosing the right size, the first factor should be the CFM rate of an air compressor. There are certain factors in which one should analyze the required CFM for the most potent air tool that you use.
The first thing should be the CFM ratings, whether it’s 100 percent of the duty cycle or not. Because ultimately, many continuous-use machines are rated if you have only used them for 50 to 60 percent of the time out of 100. if you don’t want to stop frequently, you’ll need a higher CFM rating.
If you are using more than one tool simultaneously, you must add their CFM ratings together to establish your requirements.
Air receiver tanks:
The air receiver tank plays a vital role in increasing the short time availability. These tanks are used for reciprocating air compressors. However, if we think about rotary compressors, they do not require an air receiver tank because of their capacity to operate at 100 percent duty cycle.
When using an air compressor with a small tank, you will most likely experience uneven paint application and a poor finish on your paint job. When spraying the car, you should do so all at once to avoid shiny transparent surfaces from becoming dull. It can be the result of over spraying.
The pressure of the air:
PSI (pounds per square inch) values describe air pressure and are handed down at the industrial level. Now the misconception, the majority of people believe that a high level of PSI directly means a smooth coat, which is entirely incorrect.
On the other hand, if you invest in a higher volume and reduced pressure spray printer, it will help you not apply excessive crack pressure to achieve the necessary results. In order for this sort of compressor to function, it requires less air pressure.
Which air compressor size do I require to paint?
For painting generally or to paint a car, we have prepared some measurements for you to follow. First, you need to choose a compressor for vehicle painting if this is a daily chore in your garage and painting cars.
I mean to say that if you want to do it as a business or you have a bulk of vehicles to get done with, not just something to do for once.
When purchasing an air compressor, it is recommended that you go for a 60-gallon unit with a 5-horsepower motor. At the same time, that can produce a minimum of 10CFM with it.
If you are not an occupational painter but the one who enjoys doing weekend projects at home, a 6-10 CFM delivering air compressor is the ideal solution to meet your requirements.
If you can find an air compressor with a 3-horsepower motor and a CFM rating greater than 6, then it’s something like a piece of gold that will last you for longer.
Furthermore, you will require a compressor that is capable of delivering a constant flow rate of 14 to 17 cubic feet per minute at a pressure of around 40 PSI. Next, examine the manufacturer’s specifications to confirm that the paint gun suits your needs.
In this case, a 2-stage compressor with at least a 40-gallon tank is preferable, and the usage of a 220V power source will almost probably be required in order to operate the compressor appropriately.
Conclusion:
These are just a few of the factors to consider when purchasing an air compressor for painting. The compressor’s size is critical to consider. Nonetheless, it would be best if you considered additional factors, as well as the technologies utilized to operate it.
It is recommended that you select an air compressor with a volume tank of up to 60 gallons and a pipe compressor of 5-6 horses, side by side with a CFM rating of 14-18, as we have discussed above.
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