Best Air Compressor for Painting

Are you looking for the Best Air Compressor for Painting projects and pneumatics task activities? A powerful and versatile air compressor is one of the best tools that can use to get paint and finishes done easily. By using the same air intake for many different tools in your workshop, you can obtain comparable finishing quality results with an air compressor.

We help you understand the difficult task of getting an air compressor capable of handling paint guns and other pneumatic equipment!

So, in this guide, the 6 best air compressors for painting will be reviewed with their outstanding features, pros, cons, and expert opinion on each product.

• who makes DeWalt 60 gallon air compressors

The Comparison Table Of Our Favorite Picks

The 7 Best Air Compressor For Painting

California Air Tools – Best Air Compressor For Painting Cars

California air tool is an excellent air power tool with easy maintenance and operation due to oil-free features. This tool can be powered with a 2 HP engine and fitted with all require output to power a wide number of air tools like spray paint. This tool will recycle the compressor from 95 PSI to 125 PSI within 25 seconds.

With 6.4 CFM at 40 PSI and 5.3 CFM at 90 PSI, this device will be able durable to provide high airflow to your air tools. This compressor is an excellent addition to garage equipment if you want to optimize the strength of your devices.

It generates little noise as opposed to traditional air compressors. The sound level is much lower than 70 decibels, which ensures a low sound level. If you’re concerned about the reaction of the people within your vicinity towards your air compressor sound, then you have nothing to worried about with the air compressor.

The compressor comes with a 10-gallon tank that provides the air pressure to support your air tool need to get your job done. The entire structure is also on wheels, thereby increasing its stability and transport. This will be very handy if you’re planning to move the compressor regularly. The process of refilling its tank is easier and faster than most other models.

The 2 piston pump is provided which will get you with more than 3000 cycle hours, while traditional pumps can provide 500 cycle hours. When starting the power tool doing the period, in extremely cold climates this air compressor with an oil-free pump will not give you any issues.

Pros

• Oil-free pump for low cost and less maintenance
• Great stability and easy transport
• 10 gallon with 25 sec. refill
• Dual-piston for fast air delivery
• Thermal overload protection

Cons

• Difficult to assemble

Our Verdict

There’s no other airpower tool that is better than this best air compressor for painting (California Air Tools 10020C) for that expertise searching for the most efficient air compressor that is suitable for difficult conditions.

Rolair JC10 – Best Air Compressor For Spray Painting

The Rolair JC10 is a replacement for the old model JC10. Consequently, it has been changed and provides more features than the old one. Since this company has nearly 50 years of experience, you can be confident that any item you purchase will serve you better and longer.

This tiny air compressor provides the strength of a powerful engine. You will get a hushed engine that produces just 60 decibels of sound. This model is also ideal for long-term indoor use in a market where quieter air compressors are too noisy to listen to music or speak to anyone.

The Rolair JC10 Plus uses oil-free piston pumps for a longer time than other compressors. You’ll also need to spend less on workshop repairs because of less engine wear.

Additionally, this two-cylinder pump is made of high-quality cast aluminum. It is powered by a 1700 RPMs revolving motor, with a constant flow rate which helps in better cooling.

The JC10 Plus is also fitted with a strong lever as is its previous iteration. This protects against damage to all essential components such as tanks, gauges, and interconnecting cables.

And besides, you will get 2.35 CFM at 90 PSI for all finishing work with this compressor. This air compressor is also very lightweight, as it weighs only 42.9 lbs and this is an incredibly compact build.

This model is one of the best air compressors for painting available on the market. However, some cons place it second behind California Air Tools. This includes a smaller tank of 2.5 gallons and shorter operating times.

Pros

• Unloading valve
• Double isolated with rubber mounting
• The great muffler that reduces tool noise
• Compact and lightweight
• Powerful motor with great air delivery

Cons

• Costly
• Not suitable for long use
• Small Gallon

Our Verdict

The Rolair JC10 Plus is a bit costly, owing to the power and pressure it generates. But it best compact air compressor ever made.

PORTER-CABLE  – Best Air Compressor For Automotive Painting

There are two numbers to take note of before checking any other thing: 2.6 SCFM, and 90 PSI. This is what determines the rate at which you can spray your area much faster with this air compressor.

What more? This air compressor tank can withstand a tank pressure of 150 PSI, meaning it can hold adequate air for an extended time. In short, this means you don’t need to take regular breaks to fill up the air.

This air compressor is known for its reliability and ease of use, and it was manufacture in China.

Also, it includes a robust and long-lasting oil-free pump. The tank has a wide capacity and is suitable for all spraying requirements.

The compressor can be used for various uses, including painting of different types, vehicles, walls, fences, etc. This air compressor can also be conveniently put in a garage or workshop.

Pros

• Compact, Lightweight, and powerful
• Great design for optimal stability
• Oil-free pump for no maintenance
• Quick and easily starting in cold weather

Cons

• Low amp motor
• A year limited warranty

Our Verdict

The Porter-Cable C2002 is a cost-effective air compressor providing a high-pressure level and reasonable portability. If you plan to work where a higher level of noise isn’t an issue, this is a great choice.

California Air Tools – Best Portable Air Compressor For Painting

This is another great air tools made by California that will feature in this guide. The California air tools 8010 ultra-quiet and oil-free tool are suitable air power tools to be owned by a homeowner or professional that loves to be working in a silent area.

The sound that it creates does not exceed 60 DBS, making it one of the quietest air compressors on the market. This large tool is made of sturdy stainless steel. This provides the tool full stability and durability to last for a long period.

Although the compressor is relatively small, it can contain about 8.0 gallons of air inside. It is just 48 Ibs in weights which offer easy transportation of the power tool without any difficulty.

The 8010 California Air Tools comes with a 1.0 HP engine. It spins very quickly in 1680 RPMs. Compared with the average of other tools, this air compressor has durability that beyond 3000 hours before extension.

You will have 3.00 CFM at 40 PSI while at 90 PSI you get 2.0 CFM. Unlike other air compressors of the same gallon, this has a maximum of 120 PSI.

This air tool was built with high quality and durable materials that has anti-rust and corrosion mechanism. This makes the power tool to be durable for a longer period. Since the pump is oil-free, less maintenance is needed, too.

Pros

• Excellent handle and wheels for easily move
• 0 HP motor / pump
• Excellent maximum of 120 PSI
• Easy to operate with less noisy
• Built with anti-rust and corrosion

Cons

• Low horsepower

Our Verdict

If your goal is a quiet user experience, then the California Air Tools 8010 compressor is great for you.

DEWALT Pancake – Best Air Compressor For Auto Painting

There are numerous air compressors of 6 gallons that available in the market. The 6-gallon Dewalt air compressor DWFP55126 is, therefore, one of the best available in the market. At a pressure of 90 PSI, this power tool will deliver 2.6 CFM air. The air compressor will generate air at a maximum pressure of 165 PSI which is great for air at higher pressures.

The power tools are oil-free air compressor, just like the majority of 6-gallon air compressors. There is a standard feature of air compressors of those 6-gallon sizes which is noise. But Dewalt DWFP55126 is quiet than most of those tools in its size categories. You can communicate with people when using the air compressor, as the tool generates 70 decibels of noise, while in use.

As will started early, the compressor is oil-free tools, which means that when in operation, you don’t have to add oil, which reduces stress, cost and require less maintenance.

You should drain unused air from the tank when you are finished with the compressor. This Dewalt features drain verve, to drain the unused air from a gallon and the process is easy. As for the weight, it only weighs 32.1 Ibs, which is a bit of light if you ask me. With this size, this air compressor is one of the best compact air compressor suitable for home use. Although it’s costlier than other 6-gallon air compressors, it worth its value as the air compressor has long life durability with a 1-year manufacturer warranty.

Pros

• Lightweight and easy portability
• Oi free pump which requires less maintenance
• Feature drain varve to dispose of unused air
• Suitable for home use
• Has a powerful maximum of 165 PSI

Cons

• Costly and Noisy
• No wheel for easy transport
• 1-year manufacturer warranty

Our Verdict

The impressive pressure range of DEWALT allows you to paint, clean, inflate and use small air tools. If you want to use a compressor on an industrial scale like a 60-gallon air compressor, this tool is not for you.

Makita MAC5200 – Best Portable Air Compressor For Spray Painting

The Makita MAC5200 air compressor is known for its rapid recovery to improved its performance with its newly developed piston. The compressor has a 3 HP engine, which produces 6.5 CFM. This power tool doesn’t take up much space because it folds very quickly and doesn’t take up a lot of space. The lubrication system reduces the damping level of the different compressor components.

A special compartment has been made in its new design to store accessories in the compressor, rather than leaving them anywhere else with the possibility of getting misplaced. The tool was made of cast iron which improves the tool life span durability considerably. It is also fitted with wheels that make going from one position to another easier at work. Certainly, a large hole in the interior decreased the noise to 70%, which is a major improvement from a worker’s viewpoint who had to work under a compressor’s constant noise. It has the potential to run two devices at the same time, with its high performance and powerful engine.

For those looking for the best air compressor for painting, you can opt-in for 12 to 15 CFM but if you need it for spray paint or normal daily use. You can opt-in for the 2 to 5 CFM range.

Choosing the best air compressor to paint according to your painting project is a great idea; with this, you won’t get frustrated with your work. PSI is also essential, but for better and cleaner coverage, you need to rely more on CFM for better performance.

Pros

• Portable with rugged wheels
• Industrial air filter for increased air intake
• Durable with greater efficiency
• Powerful with 3.0 HP Motor
• Oil-lubricated pumps to safeguard tool component

Cons

• Costly
• Frequent maintenance is require

Our Verdict

Makita MAC5200 Big Bore is an industrial choice for any supplier or professional searching for a great air tool that is durable to execute heavy-duty projects. The Big Bore is an excellent technical package for installing ranges of building site decoration with a top-quality air compressor, with a large gallon to work on long, load-free jobs, and a great line air compressor.

Senco PC1010 – Best Size Air Compressor For Painting Cars

Senco PC1010 is the smallest and lightweight air compressor on this list. This 1-gallon air compressor is powerful with a 1 horsepower peak. This air compressor was made for a homeowner, and DIYs to their air require activities such as inflate tire motorcycle, bicycle, airbrush, painting and it is also useful for nailers or pinners

This power tool will deliver 20 to 44 RPMs with its power unit, making it the perfect air compressor for beginners. And it is recommended for those with equipment or instrument that make use of 120 PSI or less for full power.

The Senco PC1010 runs at noiseless a level up to 60dB. This makes it suitable for various DIY painting activities. Moreover, at just 20 Ibs, it’s very light and compact.

Pros

• Powerful amp motor
• Portable and lightweight design
• Oil-free pump for less maintenance

Cons

• Not suitable for the heavy-duty task
• Built with subpar quality

Our Verdict

The Senco PC1010 is the best compact and lightweight air paint compressor available in the market. You shouldn’t expect anything more than light work with this power tool.

What Size Air Compressor Do I Need For Painting?

Certainly, size plays a significant role in selecting an air compressor, and the bigger the compressor, the more versatile it will be.

It would be best if you got an air compressor with a capacity of at least one gallon, no matter type of the painting you want to carry-out because anything less would require a longer period to execute painting tasks.

If you have a cabin or sedan that you want to paint, you should buy an air compressor with 30-50 gallons of air, as this should always be enough to cover the car’s exterior. If you own an SUV or truck, you can buy some 50 to a 60-gallon air compressor. It takes 70 gallons or more for vehicles like a truck to cover an enclosed trailer at the same time.

If you have a low-capacity air compressor, you can run out of air in the middle of the spraying, which you will have no option other than to stops painting due to lack of air. Buy a high-power air compressor with a large gallon for your painting to prevent this from happening.

What Size Air Compressor Do I Need For Spray Painting?

The majority of painting sprayers do not require substantial quantities of PSI to work. Some are suitable for 10 PSI while some suitable for higher or lower PSI.

So, you have to know the suitable CFM for your air compressor and should take note of it when purchasing an air compressor for spray painting purposes.

A higher CFM means a faster overall air compression process which means that the compressor can easily supply your spray gun’s the needed rate.

A spray gun as well will play a greater role in determining the size of CFM you will choose. Check the spraying gun CFM rate on the compressor that stated by the manufacturer is important.

Only compare the number CFM each air compressor provides and their quality and reliability as well.

If you already have a compressor, but it doesn’t have enough space, get an additional air tank.

Final Words+Recommendations

Here we’ve come to the end of this review. There are several air compressors available in the market, and each powerful compressor is suitable for one or another task. But the process of selecting the best air compressor among several and numerous available tools in the market is the major issues experience by many people.

But if you carefully read this guide of our 7 best air compressor for painting, you will know what to look for when buying an air compressor for painting and other projects. All the above listed and reviewed air compressor are carefully selected and vividly analyze with their great features and functionality. Setting up an air compressor for painting is not difficult. You will never go wrong as long as you know the exact gallon and the air pressure you need.

So check out the aforementioned top air compressors. This guide will help you purchase the best and quality power tools and stop wasting hard-earned money on poor power tools.