Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2005 12:40 am Post subject:



Yup same compressor, basically compressors are rated by CFM (cubic feet per minute) or FAD (free air displacement) normally quoted at 90psi, FAD being the most informative but CFM will be a good indication of the compressors abilities. Get the highest CFM compressor you can afford.


Spraying is quite air intensive so you’ll need a compressor which is at least of a medium size (10CFM or greater with a receiver of at least 50 litres) or you’ll run out of air and have to wait for the receiver tank to build up pressure again - not the end of the world but extremely annoying.

Most commercial spraying equipment is HVLP (High Volume Low Pressure) which means whilst the pressure is quite low it will consume vast amounts of air, for home use I would avoid HVLP guns and go with a conventional spray gun. Personally I wouldn't buy a cheap spray gun as they tend to make learning 100 times more difficult, I would personally start of with something like a DeVil Biss Finishing Line or something similar.

Something else to consider; if you don't want to make a lot of noise oil-less direct drive compressors are not a good idea, they have loose internal tolerances (because they are oil-less) so make an awful noise. Get a slow running belt driven oil filled one if possible.