Best Air Compressors for Spray Painting

With a paint sprayer lying around and waiting for a suitable compressor to match, your spray painting projects will become more fun. However, the main issue is choosing the right compressor to power the paint sprayer throughout the project. When it comes to selecting a compressor for your spray painting projects, the least go for is a 30-gallon compressor.

A 30-gallon compressor will be suitable if you are considering small projects like spray painting furniture. If you are thinking of painting a car body, you can use it to spray paint one car panel, but then you have to wait for the compressor to recharge before you continue. You won't be able to spray paint multiple car panels with one charge.

Here in this post I've listed the top 10 best air compressors, I believe a more in-depth look into each of them will further help you choose the best one for your needs. So, here is a detailed evaluation of each of them.

Product 

Price

Rating

1). Industrial Air IL1682066.MN Portable Air Compressor

Best Air Compressor for Spray Painting

2). Makita MAC700 Gallon Air Compressor

3). Dewalt DWFP55126 Air Compressor

4). Bostitch BTFP02012 Air Compressor

5). DeWalt DXCMPA1982054 Air Compressor

6). Makita MAC2400 Air Compressor

7). California Air Tools 8010 Air Compressor

8). California Air Tools 2010A Air Compressor

9). Powermate Vx PLA4708065 Air Compressor

10). Industrial Air ILA4546065 Air Compressor

1. Industrial Air IL1682066.MN Portable Air Compressor

The Industrial Air IL1682066 Mn is a little bit on the pricey side. You can easily find other 20-gallon air compressors in a cheaper deal than the IL1680266, but I like to assume it's like flying first class instead of a couch in a commercial airline.

It is loaded with a cast iron V-twin cylinder single stage pump. The compression of the air takes place in two cylinders at the same time, hence more compressed air is produced at a time and directed into the cylinder at once.

The 20-gallon tank is ASME rated, so for sure it can handle high enough pressure to power your air tools. In fact, it can stock up a maximum pressure of 135 PSI so you can run your high air demand tools, and the compressor will keep up with it. After the tank fills up, it will automatically shut off, and it will restart by itself again when running low on air.

I really can’t fail to mention that the compressor is really quiet.

Pros

  • It comes with free oil
  • Easy to maneuver
  • Comes with two years warranty
  • Long-lasting

Cons

  • Air should be filled in the wheels


2. Makita MAC700 Gallon Air Compressor

Although the Makita MAC700 is one of the smallest air compressors you can get in terms of tank size, it certainly has its pecks.

When you get the MAC700, Makita promises a quiet single cylinder compressor that fills up very fast. Well, after testing out this compressor you’ll discover that it fills up in less than 2 minutes. The Makita MAC700 has the ability to fill up so quickly because of the type of pump it’s equipped with.  The pump cylinder has a larger bore, larger piston to go with it, and longer stroke length compared to other pumps of the same class.

Being an oiled compressor is also another reason why the MAC700 runs very silently. It’s has an oil sight glass which allows you to easily check the color and level of the oil in the compressor, in order to either top it up to the required oil level or drain out bad oil using the oil drain valve and replacing it with fresh compressor oil, which is usually supplied with the unit. Apart from the noiseless nature,  it recovers very quickly when it starts cycling. When the compressor tank gets below the ideal pressure for operation, it starts cycling or the pump kicks on by itself and starts filling the tank again, and in less than 2 minutes, the 2.6-gallon tank is filled up and ready for use. At 90 PSI, it can produce about 3.3 CFM of air.

Pros

  • Double the horsepower to that of most other comparable air compressors available in the market.
  • Designed with safety and health in mind
  • Durable and easy maintenance

Cons

  • It does not have wheels so must be lifted
  • Some users find the 2.6-gallon tank somewhat limiting, but that is very subjective.


3. Dewalt DWFP55126 Air Compressor

There are several 6-gallon air compressors out there which you can select from. However, the Dewalt DWFP55126 6 gallon air compressor is one of the tops of the list ones. It can produce 2.6 SCFM of air at a pressure of 90 PSI. If you need air at higher pressures, it has the ability to produce air at a maximum pressure of 165 PSI.

All the 6-gallon compressor you’ll find are oil-less, and the thing common with them is that they make lots of noise.  However, it is quieter than most of the other ones you’ll come across. At around 70 decibels of noise, you can have a conversation with anyone even when it’s on.

Like mentioned above, the compressor is oil-less or oil-free, which means no need to add oil when using it, which means less maintenance is needed.

When you’re finished using the compressor, it is recommended to drain the air that’s left in the tank. To make this effortless, Dewalt equipped it with a ball drain verve at the bottom (not the centre). when it's come to weight, it just 30 lbs which is kind of light if you ask me. So it’s a very portable air compressor for home use. Though it’s more expensive compared to other 6-gallon air compressors, after using it, you’ll be glad you spent the extra cash to get it.

Pros

  • Comes with a well-sized tank that holds up to 6 gallons
  • Very light in weight and easily movable
  • Very quiet so no noise pollution
  • Starts quickly in external sites and even the coldest of temperatures.

Cons

  • This air compressor has no wheels, so it always has to be lifted
  • The electric cord can be off-putting and can be a source of losing interest to some users or DIYers as it can get it the way


4. Bostitch BTFP02012 Air Compressor

The Bostitch BTFP02012 and the Dewalt DWFP55126 are almost the same compressors, the basic difference is just that they’re made by different companies, Bostitch and Dewalt. They’re both oilless compressors. So, require less maintenance.

It is a 6-gallon air compressor which can produce a maximum pressure of 150 PSI, a little less than its Dewalt counterpart and that’s not going to make a lot of difference during usage. At a pressure of 90 PSI, it can produce an SCFM of 2.6.

Like mentioned earlier, it’s an oil-less compressor, so it’s not going to go easy on your ears so you should think of wearing ear protection when using this thing. It’s loaded with a high-efficiency motor to keep the compressor pump up and running even in chilly climates. Two couplers give you the opportunity to use the air compressor with your pal at the same time.

It’s a 6-gallon air compressor, so if you’re working with some air demanding tools, it’s going to eat the air pretty quickly, but if you keep the motor running, the compressor recovers very rapidly so that you can continue working at a steady pace.

Pros

  • Separate reading gauges
  • High performance in less expense
  • It has 6 gallons of capacity
  • Oil-free pump

Cons

  • Warranty is for only a year
  • Power cord length is only 5 feet. You will need to attach an extension for extended reach across the job site.


5. DeWalt DXCMPA1982054 Air Compressor

If you actually want an air compressor that you can use to tackle more demanding projects in the project, or maybe you want an air compressor that can perform better then that the small 6 gallon ones, a 20-gallon air compressor like the DeWalt DXCMPA1982054 20 gallon air compressor will certainly step up your game.

This thing can produce up to 5.7 CFM of air at 90 PSI. It’s loaded with a cast iron, twin cylinder, oil lubricated pump. Oil lubrication means, you don’t have to worry about noise so much, but you have to Keep an eye on the oil, though, and make sure it got enough of it.

The pump is powered by a heavy-duty induction motor, ensuring the compressor runs steadily. Using and regulating it is very easy because it comes with good onboard regulator gauges, and quick connect air outlets to make attaching your hoses or tools immediate and easy.

You can run it using normal 120 volts power outlets in your garage. However, it is recommended that you create a dedicated 15 amp circuit for the compressor alone. Though it runs on 120 volts, you can still convert it to use 240 volts, if you want.

Pros

  • Durable
  • Leak-proof design
  • It has Pneumatic wheels which have a small footprint for easy mobility
  • It has front handle enabling you to move it to various work sites with ease

Cons

  • Does not have a water filter
  • Requires a lot of power to function


6. Makita MAC2400 Air Compressor

Like the MAC700, the Makita MAC2400 is equipped with a big bore pump, which is meant to make the recovery process of the compressor quick when the tank losses pressure. It comes equipped with a 4.2-gallon twin stacked tank for a better runtime before recovery is needed. Its compressor is capable of holding a maximum pressure of 130 PSI and produce a 4.2 CFM at 90 PSI of air pressure.

It has two couplers right at the front where the pressure gauge, to support the use of two air tools, and black dial is provided to raise or lower the pressure as needed.

It is an oil lubricated compressor, so it not only run cooler but also quieter compared to ones that run without oil. Another way Makita reduced the noise is by having the motor run at a lower RPM compared to other air compressors in its class. The lower RPM plus it is oil lubricated and also it’s made of durable cast iron reduces the wear and tear in the pump, ensuring that you get many years of service from it. As for electrical requirements, you can run it with the normal 120 volts circuits in your home.

Pros

  • Quiet operation
  • Comes with an oil-lubricated motor
  • Two hose outlets make this unit more flexible than others
  • High CFM rating

Cons

  • Easy for portability
  • Low tank capacity


7. California Air Tools 8010 Air Compressor

If you want to buy a truly quiet air compressor, the California Air Tools 8010 is one of the best ones that you can get. It is an 8-gallon air compressor that produces 2.2 CFM of air at 90 PSI and has the capacity to stock up and compress air up to a maximum pressure of 120 PSI. A 1 HP motor operates at a speed of just 1680 RPM that keeps the dual piston pump running, and also to increase the life cycle of the air compressor by dropping wear and tear in the pump.

The most amazing thing about the California Air Tools 8010 is that it’s an oil-free air compressor, but it ’s even quieter than even some of the oil lubricated ones. The compressor fills up rapidly in less than 3 minutes and recovers rapidly in less than 30 seconds when the pressure falls down during usage.

It’s an oil-free air compressor means you don’t need to worry about lubricating it, which also means less maintenance for you.

Pros

  • Quieter than any other compressor
  • Requires no or less maintenance
  • Comes with 25-feet flexible hose
  • It consumes lower power and dissipates heat efficiently

Cons

  • Welding that is around the tank is quite unattractive
  • Little expensive
  • Not a good option for more significant projects


8. California Air Tools 2010A Air Compressor

The California Air Tools 2010A is a 2-gallon air compressor equipped with a dual piston pump, meant to actually fill up the tank quickly, which is powered by a 1 HP power motor ability to producing a speed of 1680 RPM.

It provides air at a volume of 2.2 CFM too. The small tank capacity means it’s also lightweight and easy to move around. So, if you need a small portable air compressor for your home use, this one may do just good depending on your needs.

Pros

  • Ultra-quiet
  • Oil-free
  • light in weight
  • Low maintenance cost.
  • Powerful 1680 RPM motor

Cons

  • Nothing has been mentioned or conveyed about the warranty on any purchasing websites


9. Powermate Vx PLA4708065 Air Compressor

If you need one of the best compressors I’ll recommend is the Powermate Vx PLA4708065. It’s an 80-gallon single stage air compressor loaded with a 3 piston pump powered by a 4.7 HP motor that operates at a speed of 3450 RPM. It can store air up to a pressure of 155 PSI and it produces 14 CFM of air at 90 PSI of air pressure.

This thing needs to be bolt to the ground in your workshop to prevent it from falling or traveling along the ground due to vibrations during operation. It’s weighted 350+ lbs , so you certainly need something like a shop crane when setting it up.

The 3 piston pump surely helps to spread the work of compressing the air across the 3 cylinders and reduce the workload of the pump. It compresses air more efficiently because it’s 3 cylinders instead of 1, hence more air is produced at the same time compared to a compressor that uses only 1 cylinder for compression.

It’s an oil based air compressor, so you have to ensure that there’s oil in the crankcase and also at the correct level. It’s equipped with an oil sight glass so you can monitor the oil level easily. A 240 volts power supply is required to get this beast running.

Pros

  • Powerful motor
  • Gives a nice and even finish
  • long-lasting
  • no noise while running

Cons

  • Challenging to transport from one point to another


10. Industrial Air ILA4546065 Air Compressor

Same as the Powermate Vx PLA4708065, the Industrial Air ILA4546065 is a 3 piston single staged air compressor. But, it’s a 60-gallon air compressor.

It’s a 3 piston high air flow compressor, so it will be able to keep up with your high CFM air tools and recover rapidly if the pressure drops because the 3 piston pump produces quit a lot of air. It produces 14 CFM of air at 90 PSI, and store air up to a pressure of 155 PSI. It’s an oil lubricated air compressor with oil sight glass for you to keep the oil level in check.

The 4.7 HP pump made of a cast iron crankcase, and cylinder heads that are made of aluminium to aid proper dissipation of heat and effect proper cooling of the pump.

Pros

  • User-friendly model
  • Can handle industrial tasks
  • Comes with thermal overload protection
  • Several colors for camouflage.

Cons

  • Records a very high running temperature.
  • You have to buy the electrical cord separately.


Buying guide for Air compressor for spray painting

When you are in a market looking for the best air compressor and totally confused by the enormous range of options available, so these small points will definitely help you to choose the right one.

All air compressors are not the same and depend on whether you are looking to tackle a professional, large scale project or merely working on some DIY painting jobs, your selection will probably be different. Selecting the right air compressor for spray painting requires a rational, systematic approach to both the pre-purchase and purchasing process.

Since different air compressors can be used for several different devices and equipment, you should always consider buying one that is perfect for your paint sprayer.

Have a look at some essential crucial factors which could help you in selecting the air compressor that you are looking for.

1) CMF Rating

CMF stands for cubic feet per minute. It is evident by its name that it rates the volume of the air that is provided by the compressor. CFM is straightly related to how much pressure this air compressor can contribute to your sprayer. 

It will not let you know the run time but can surely tell you the capacity of the volume that specific compressor can provide.

2) Weight

This is yet another crucial point that you need to look on before making a final choice. Weight will determine the portability of that product. Look for the air compressor that you can easily move while painting a large object. Though you may need something big for a longer run time still light, weighted objects are always easy and as well as comfortable to use.

3) Horsepower (HP)

This is yet a critical specification that needs to be considered.  For many DIY and non-industrial applications, 1 to 2 HP motor is best with paint sprayers rated for 6 CPM and 30-40 PSI. 

Nowadays 2 HP compressor has come under the mainstream retail market but gets the compressor that has at least 8 CFM at 40 PSI.

4) Presence of oil in the compressor

Oil compressors are generally substantial, expensive yet durable. While on the other side oil-less compressors are maintenance-free and also light in light least until the Teflon or equivalent coating wears out. Previously oil-based compressors would have been quieter, but due to technology advancements, noise differences of comparable models have been eliminated. 

5) Noise and Noise reduction

The noise of a compressor is indeed a significant issue, and it gets aggravated if you are working on some closed place. Despite looking at the compressor with the lowest decibel rating (dB), make sure that certain accessories can be purchased and installed.

  • It would be best if you had expansion chambers mufflers or regular automobile mufflers which can block low frequency.

  • Intake silencer filters can reduce the noise of air intake activity into inlet holes of that compressor.

There are also some options for soundless compressors, but they are costly even for businesses. In your workplace, you can add sound dampers like fibreglass insulation that can block the sound and prevent outward spread.

6) Price

If you are a price-concerned DIYer, pancake-shaped and portable air compressors may be the best option for you.  They are generally smaller, lighter in weight, and allow for chaining so that you don't need to access a 220v outlet.

7) Operating Considerations

Air compressors are motor-driven, so they dissipate heat and friction.  This is true for increasingly popular oil-less compressors used by any DIYers or any person who has this hobby. If you don't want to make any kind of adjustments with the quality of your painting, then make sure that you are work in a well-ventilated area.

8) Style

In this world, where everything is about the latest trends, you may also need to consider the styling as well. Take a look at the different styles like pancake compressors, hot dog compressors, pontoon compressors, and other options, because they will determine various aspects of the compressor and may affect your final choice while buying. 

Pontoon compressors are the most strong in terms of power and so will have a higher CFM rating and run time. Though they are powerful, they are tough to move from one place to another, so you really need to consider what you actually need and then make a decision accordingly.

9) Roll Cage

A roll cage can protect the critical components of the air compressor. The chances of an air compressor being crushed or crashed are highly unlikely or near to impossible if it has the right quality roll cage. So if you don't want to buy again and go through lousy experience so make sure that your selected product have this specification.

10) Tank Size

The size of an air compressor is also indeed an important consideration. Suppose you are planning to paint a large object like your vehicle so a small and cheap compressor will not stand up to your expectations.  Look for an air compressor that has 50 or more gallons capacity so it can be more efficient and easy to handle in this capacity.

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