When it comes to choosing a compressor for car spraying, there are a few key factors you need to consider.
It’s common for people to come to us and ask for help after they have bought a ‘cheap’ compressor elsewhere which has been shipped from overseas. More often than not, they have many issues with it, including the compressor cutting in and out too often when spraying.
Knowing your Requirements before Buying the Compressor
There are many variables to think about before buying a compressor for spraying – such as the level of finish you’re looking for, is it for everyday use or concours level?
The first thing you need to find out is the pressure and flow (CFM/L/Min) required by the spray gun and any other air tools you are intending to use. This will help decide the size of compressor needed to allow you to carry out the work.
Things to Consider when Choosing a Compressor for Car Spraying
Firstly, if you are using the less powerful direct drive type compressor, it’s likely working too hard for what you need it to do. It’s probably making a lot of noise and running all the time because it can’t produce enough air fast enough to power your spray gun properly.
Secondly, the type of compressor you need can even depend on what type of paint and spray gun you are using!
High volume low pressure (or HVLP) spray guns needs a very large flow of air to make the spray gun work at extremely low pressure. Additionally, you’ll need to consider whether the type of paint you are using requires a breathing mask – which also uses air from that supplied by your compressor.
The Key information you NEED when Choosing a Compressor for Spraying
Assuming this is for use in your home garage, it’s unlikely you’ll have access to a 400-volt three phase supply (if so, any three phase compressor would work perfectly!).
So, let’s assume you have a standard 230v power supply, what should you buy?
Portable Compressor Options
You won’t go wrong with belt driven Nuair compressors, which are offered in both portable and static versions. The portable unit uses the long established B28 pump and a ‘Soft Start’ electric motor and has a choice of 50, 100, 150 and even a 200 litre receiver (tank).
In fact, all of the 3HP belt driven portable units that we have are 10 bar and have a usable Free Air Delivered (FAD) of at least 9.5 CFM. This is more than a direct drive machine and all just using a standard UK single phase 13-amp plug.
Belt Driven: Nuair Piston
Belt Driven: Nuair Piston
Belt Driven: Nuair Piston
Belt Driven: Nuair Piston
Room for a Static Compressor in your Garage?
If you have the room and don’t need to move the compressor, we suggest using a ‘static’ version as they use the more powerful B38 pump and an up-rated 16-amp single phase motor. However, this can’t be run on a UK plug top, so you would need to have a 16amp isolator installed.
With a 16-amp isolator installed, this would give you 10.5 CFM of Free Air Delivered (FAD) which is maximum usable air. Again, we usually keep 100, 150 & 200 litre versions in stock in the shop. It’s also worth pointing out that Fini Nuair are made in Italy by Europe’s biggest manufacturer of compressor pumps by a long run. So, you’re in safe hands!
Belt Driven: Nuair Piston
Belt Driven: Nuair Piston
Belt Driven: Nuair Piston
Oh, and did we mention? There is also a vertical version of the static 150L:
Belt Driven: Nuair Piston
Check before you buy!
We urge anyone looking to spend money on setting up any type of compressed air setup to TALK to expert companies like ours, and NOT just trawl the internet and buy shiny addons that have no practical use.
Excellent quality Compressors, Hoses, Couplings & Fittings and Air Treatment units are available from professional web shops like ours along with FREE advice which could save you a fortune NOT buying things you don’t need and will work with the heart of the setup, the Compressor!
Think Twice, Buy Once with Confidence from us here at Metro Sales!
If you have any questions or need compressor advice, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.