Everything You Need To Know About Air Compressors For Painting Cars
Auto body air tools, often called pneumatic tools, are driven by compressed air supplied through an air compressor. Investing in a dependable electric air compressor or gas-operated air compressor is a major step for any mechanic. Air compressors are great for touching up paint on a car with a spray gun. When operating an air compressor for painting a car, it is critical that you set the shop compressor to just enough pressure to draw the paint out of the gun and disperse the automotive paint in a fine and well-spread mist. Of course, this paint spraying is also highly reliant on a quality hose line and air compressor accessories. When working with air tools, it is important to remember that you are tethered to an air hose.
Shopping for an air compressor for car paint? Are you looking for an oil-free pump? How much maintenance are you routinely willing to complete? Of course, a main consideration is finding the perfect smooth, quiet operation you need. From understanding pressure ratings to determining the tank volume needed, there is a lot to consider when purchasing an air compressor for car painting. Note the CFM (cubic feet per minute) and PSI (pounds per square inch) that a potential compressor provides. The electric or gas motor on a compressor is typically rated in horsepower. For electric compressors, choose between standard 120-volt motors or heavier-duty, 240-volt units. For either gas or electric compressors, heavier units should have wheels and a handle to make them easier to move. The NAPA experts also recommend a unit with a protective enclosed belt guard.
Next, focus on the product details of common air compressor tanks and pumps. Options run from stainless steel valved cylinder air pumps to solid cast iron cylinders. Given in pounds per square inch (PSI), the maximum pressure rating expresses the greatest pressure a compressor can achieve. Most tools will not require more than 100 PSI. But when you need higher performance from your tools, the ability to crank up pressure to 150 PSI is certainly convenient. Air volume is expressed in standard cubic feet per minute (SCFM) at a given pressure. A larger tank volume will allow heavier use. If you require a smaller tank for portability but have large air volume demands, your compressor must be capable of a high SCFM figure. That will allow the compressor to quickly refill the tank.
NAPA Auto Parts sells air compressors, replacement parts and accessories form from top brands like ACDelco, Donaldson, Forney, Ingersoll Rand, Weatherhead and more. No matter which professional air compressor you choose, make sure you are well stocked in air tool oil. And, for complete air tool safety, ensure you have safety glasses, earplugs and gloves in your home garage or body shop. And always use a respirator for any paint job!
Best Air Compressor For Painting Cars
Your paint shop air compressor most likely comes with an air hose, but chances are it isn't long or strong enough to handle the most rigorous jobs. You need a compressor air hose that easily fits with a range of adapters to operate all your pneumatic tools. And your current hose may become brittle, kinked or punctured, so an extra air hose is a common aftermarket accessory to keep in your garage. Keep in mind, properly installing the correct air compressor hose connectors, fittings and couplers is about more than just efficiency; it's about safety. These systems are under a lot of pressure, so using the wrong replacement parts could have serious consequences.
Finding the best air compressor for car painting has a lot to do with the air lubricators and air line regulators you pair with this versatile shop tool. With a pressure regulator installed, you can control just how much air flows from the compressor, ensuring the right amount of pressure for the job. The regulator attaches to the outgoing air line, which allows you to dial down the air pressure that goes through the hose and to the air tool.
The best air compressor for painting a car incorporates an air line drain and filtered air-intake system. An air line filter, which traps dirt, water and oil, keeps pneumatic tools from rusting, destroying your paint job and ruining your investment. With a high-quality filter installed, you can extend the life of your air compressor. Compressed air contains a lot of moisture that damages pneumatic equipment when rust and corrosion wear out moving parts. And, moisture can negatively alter color, finish and paint cohesion, clog orifices and freeze control lines. The solution here is a desiccant dryer, which contains a hygroscopic (water-absorbing) substance such as beads. Attach the dryer to the hose, just ahead of the spray gun.
