New to painting. Looking into air compressors and just wondering what you guys would recommend as far as max psi. Would 115 be too low?

 

Max psi means nothing. CFM is what matters. CFM is basically how fast the compressor motor can refill the tank as you use the air. Most guns require a lot of air and have high CFM ratings. If you get a compressor that can't keep up with the gun you have you will use the air faster than the compressor can refill it and then you'll run out of air and starve your gun. For small jobs like parts a low rating compressor is ok but if you're doing a whole car then buy the right one. Find out what the CFM requirement is of your gun and buy a compressor that can match it or better. More is better expecially if you are gonna be using da sanders.

 

Exactly what 19civic93 said. PSI means nothing you need CFM. If you get a compressor that can do 9.0 cfm at say 60-90psi at 100% duty cycle you will be fine.

 

yep yep, CFM is the name of the game. have to be able to maintain working pressure in your gun to get stuff done correctly, if your tank is empty, well than your gonna be waiting.

 

I have H.V.L.p Gun and the pressure require is 30-43 PSI and need 1 HP? What kind of air compressor would i need this gun to spray nicely. There is $500 Compressor at HOme Depot but don't know the spec but curious if that price seem right?

 

ah. ok. thanks guys. very helpful and much appreciated.

 

ya it might be possible to spray with a $500 compressor

 

I sprayed my whole car with a $150 21 gallon compressor from harbor freight.

 

I dont suggest that. You get what you pay for

 

Same here.

 

a 21 gallon compressor from harbor freight will not keep up with the air flow requirements for a spray gun. If your just spraying parts ex. (Hood, or a fender) then ya it will work. But if you are spraying an overall (entire car) then no it will fade in and out and your paint will show the results.

 

when you run low on air your putting bigger droplets of paint on the car, then it turns back on and air increases which atomizes your paint better and puts smaller droplets, you will not have a consistant finish on your car. small compressors work ok for small repair but you need a better one if you plan to paint all-overs.
same with spray guns. a $40 dollar harbor freight will put paint on your car but it will not look nearly as good as a proper spray gun. my cheapest gun is a sata nr3000 which is about $550(i'm a professional, not saying you should have to buy one too) but if you plan on painting much then do yourself a favor and don't skimp and you'll be happy in the end