Best Air Compressors for Spray Painting

Choosing the right air compressor is important for getting a nice and even finish to that DIY spray-painting task of yours.

You have to focus on the CFM of the compressor more than the PSI level that it can achieve. This would give it the proper and consistent airflow that it requires.

I have highlighted the right type of compressor that is available in the market right now. We considered factors like CFM, gallon capacity, brand, and affordability. We also read a lot of customer reviews and shorted-listed some based on that.

QUICK PICKS

Here are my recommended products picked out through amazon you would be interested in depending on your budget…

BEST PICK

EMAX Hulk Portable Air Compressor - 2hp 20 Gal. Silent Air...

SaleBest Value

DEWALT Compressor, Oil Free, High Pressure, Low Noise,...

225 PSI max pressure and 15 gallon tank allows for longer air tool run time; 78 dBA (tested per ISO3744) operational noise level for a quieter work environment

California Air Tools 10020AC Ultra Quiet & Oil-Free 2.0 Hp,...

Ultra Quiet only 70 Decibels; Oil-Free Pump for Less Maintenance & Costs; 10. 0 Gallon Rust-Free Aluminum Tank with Wheels

10 Best Air Compressors for Spray Painting Reviews

Here is a list that we have compiled for Best Air Compressors for Spray Painting;

1. DEWALT DXCM 200 PSI Portable Air Compressor

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Overview

This compressor is great for HVLP (High Volume Low Pressure) spray painting and quickly covering up large areas with minimum breaks. It makes very little noise when operating (78 dBA), making it easier to use it indoors and in office environments.

It has a 120V AC motor that has no magnetic starter and takes just 15 amps to run. It would be fairly convenient to use it on household outlets without any significant load. The motor is a 1.7 HP UMC powerhouse that is tested for getting maximum efficiency and performance out of it.

The great thing about this compressor is that it has a huge air tank vertically placed, supported by a base and wheels. It has a capacity of 27 gallons which makes it vital for spray painting tasks. Having such a large capacity relieves pressure from the compressor and prevents excessive condensation.

It can pump out 6 CFM @ 40 PSI and has a maximum PSI of 200. If you combine this with the large tank capacity, this gives you longer runtimes, leading to increased efficiency in your tasks. The pump is made from aluminum and is single-stage with a direct drive system. And since it’s oil-free, the compressor gives out cleaner air.

The tires are 10-inch in size and are pretty sturdy and grippy, making it super easy to take it on uneven surfaces or just take it around the workshop. Its base has rubber feet and helps to dampen vibration. It does, however, take up more floor space as compared to others in this list.

You’ll see 2 pressure gauges that show the PSI in the tank and the outflow rate on the panel. It’s an old-school analog compressor that is very reliable and destined for long use. Also, the company offers a 1-year limited consumer warranty on the product and is both UL and CSA certified.

2. Industrial Air ILA1883054 Belt Driven Air Compressor

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Overview

This one is equipped with a powerful 1.9HP Induction motor ideal for achieving maximum efficiency and optimal performance. The motor is a dual voltage motor that you can use on 120V sockets and 240V outlets.

The maximum pressure level that it can achieve is 155 PSI and can pump out air at a rate of 7.1 CFM @ 40 PSI.

It can generate this much air due to its twin-cylinder pump made of aluminum with a cast iron sleeve. The body is also thermally stable and has reed valves made out of stainless steel. It is effortless to refill oil and also has a sight glass for checking oil levels.

The tank is vertically positioned and has a large capacity of 30 gallons.

This makes it even better for performance if coupled with the high CFM. And we’ve already established that capacity helps a lot in continuous working, especially for spray painting, so it would be better for the compressor’s life and avoid excessive heat and condensation.

Like the Dewalt DXCM271, it has pneumatic wheels that make it convenient to move around the workshop. You can see a 0.25″ air outlet along with one working pressure gauge and one tank pressure gauge on the panel.

There is no electronic drain valve in this version, but it has a quick-set regulator located on top of the panel.

The compressor is CSA certified and comes with a 2-year consumer warranty and a 90-day commercial warranty. It is, however, a bit expensive to purchase in comparison to others.

It also has a short power cord which means you’ll have to connect it to an extension. The noise levels measured from 3 feet showed 79 dBA, which is pretty much in line with the rest.

It is also relatively heavy (190 pounds), despite having pneumatic wheels.

3. 2 HP Quiet Portable Air Compressor by EMAX Compressor

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Overview

The HP02P010SS from Hulk Power is a contractor-grade compressor that features a dual-piston pump made from aluminum. It is a single-stage direct drive pump that is oil-free, designed for higher CFM rates, making it excellent for spray painting.

Talking about some numbers, this compressor can generate a CFM of 8.39 @ 40 PSI and can hit 125 PSI maxed out.

It weighs around 80 pounds and has a pretty good structure for enhanced portability. It also has thick steel cylinders that give maximum reliability to the pump.

The motor is 115V AC with an amperage draw requirement of 14.5. It has a horsepower of 2HP, and you can probably plug it into your normal household outlet. However, some customers did complain that the breaker tripped after using it for a while. For longevity, the manufacturer has added stainless steel transfer tubes and copper windings.

Design-wise, you could compare it to the Dewalt DXCM271 as the tank is vertically placed on the base, with the motor on top. It has a handle and 8″ wheels at the bottom to move it around. There’s also a nice rubber grip on the handle for added comfort.

The specifications section says that it makes 45 to 51 dBA of noise, but when tested, noise levels reached approximately 71 dBA measured from a 3-foot distance. This is also pretty reasonable and in line with others on the list.

The air tank has a capacity of 10 gallons, and for easy maintenance, it features a quick-opening valve tank drain. It also has quickly connected couplers which makes it easy to attach and detach air hoses.

Overall, the unit is elementary to assemble, and the user manual makes things easy for you to operate.

It comes with a 2-year limited consumer warranty which indicates the confidence of the manufacturer regarding its durability.

This is, however, subject to some terms and conditions that you may find on the company’s website.

4. California Air Tools  Ultra Quiet Aluminum Tank Air Compressor

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Overview

The CAT-10020AC is from the Ultra Quiet series of the company and a wonderful addition to the compressor family.

The design is vertical storage with the motor placed above the vertically-positioned tank.

The motor is a UL-certified 110V AC motor that requires an amperage draw of 14. The motor has a horsepower of 2HP and is also made for continuous use.

However, it has a lower RPM (1680) which is deliberately designed to reduce wear and noise levels.

The noise level is 70 dBA which makes it comfortable to use indoors without those heavy earmuffs. It is also very lightweight, weighing just 62 pounds which is way less than similar compressors.

As spray painting requires lower pressure and higher CFM, we’ve kept the criteria at 40 PSI to measure performance.

So, this one can hit 6.4 CFM @ 40 PSI and has a maximum pressure level of 125 PSI. Its splash lubricated dual-piston pump system is capable of giving a great runtime and smooth airflow.

Reading at technical specifications, we also found that it can give more than a 3000-hour life cycle before it starts to demand repairs and maintenance.

Since the pump has a direct drive system, having a lower RPM would help to extend its life even further.

The size of the tank is 10 gallons which are normal when looking at the rest.

Having a large capacity definitely helps in working consistently without putting too much load on the compressor. But there’s also thermal overload protection for that.

However, there were multiple issues reported by customers relating to quality control.

They highlighted problems with the on/off switch being faulty and said they received poor customer service support.

Overall, it’s a very compact and lightweight compressor that works quietly.

Plus, there’s a 1-year limited consumer and 1-year commercial warranty on this compressor, which would definitely cover your investment risk.

5. NorthStar Single-Stage Portable Electric Air Compressor

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Overview

This compressor is made with reliable parts that allow you to run it for a longer period without any problems.

It features a V-twin pump made out of durable cast iron, which is pretty well lubricated. The company has made it belt-driven to reduce noise levels, which hasn’t managed to reduce much noise anyway.

It has a 2 HP 115V motor featuring dual voltage induction for a lower amp start. The max amp it takes to run is near 15 and may fluctuate slightly after some time, but that happens with others anyway.

Getting back to the pump, it has a cast iron head that keeps it cool and prolongs the pump’s life.

The estimated life of the pump as per technical specs is 5000 hours, while the life of the bearings is nearly 20,000 hours. It has a dual-piston system (double-ringed) for reducing oil consumption to a minimum.

The compressor can generate 6 CFM @ 40 PSI, which is suitable for many DIY and small projects. The maximum PSI level it can achieve is 135, and it has an in-built regulator for maintaining consistent airflow to the air tools, including spray guns. It also has an easy-start valve that helps to run the motor during winters.

The 20-gallon tank would certainly help in relieving some pressure from the compressor. You can easily work for long hours with less refilling time.

And to get maximum strength, there are graphite cast iron crankshafts with dual ball bearings systems. This helps in increasing durability and making it run smoothly.

Despite the heavyweight (207 pounds), you can easily drag it around in your workshop as it has ball-bearing wheels and no-flat tires. But for frequent movements, it does become difficult to push it.

6. Stealth Ultra Quiet Air Compressor for Spray

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Overview

This compressor is powered by a 120V induction motor that has a horsepower of 1.8 HP. You can easily operate it in your home as the amperage draw is just 12A.

The design is vertical storage with the motor on top, which is protected by some alloy rods. This design is considered better than the horizontal one, especially when it comes to big air tanks. It saves valuable floor space and generally takes up 18 to 20 square inches.

But with the vertical design, it would be difficult to move it frequently. But with the 8-inch semi-pneumatic wheels and grippy handle, it makes movement fairly convenient. The compressor features a dual-piston oil-free pump that is designed for better performance and long life.

Considering its performance, it can reach consistent airflow of 6 CFM @ 40 PSI with a max level of 150 PSI. It can give a duty cycle of 50%, which means a 30-minute runtime followed by a cooldown of 30 minutes.

The cord is 6 feet long, which is reasonable, and it has two pressure level gauges on the control panel like the others. As per technical specifications, this compressor can run for 1000 hours without demanding repairs.

It is also tranquil while operating, as reviewed by a lot of customers. The max noise level was recorded at 68 dB, which is quite low, making it possible to work indoors and in office environments.

However, many customers also identified the poor customer service displayed by the company when it came to solving technical issues. Overall, it’s a decent addition to the less noisy compressors category with a great tank capacity and great CFM rating.

7. DEWALT Portable Oil Free Compressor for Spray

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Overview

This compressor model by Dewalt has a compact design and places the tank horizontally. With the wheels, it can easily be transported to other places with ease. It does, however, take more space due to its horizontal design.

It is equipped with a 120V motor with a horsepower rating of 1.9. With an amp draw of 15, you can use it easily in homes, but some customers did report tripping due to power fluctuations. The compressor’s tank and pump are made from high-quality materials and are manufactured in the US.

As per the company, the max pressure level this compressor can achieve is 225 PSI. However, we found many customers reporting that the correct rating is near 150 PSI. Either way, both levels are acceptable when it comes to spray paint.

As far as the performance goes, the pump is oil-free and can pump out air at 6.2 CFM @ 40 PSI with an RPM of 1750. It also features EHP® Efficient high-pressure technology that is perfect for extending runtimes for spray guns.

On the bottom, you’ll have two rubber feet and two semi-pneumatic wheels with excellent grip. The compressor is not too heavy, so moving it around won’t be too much of an issue.

The recessed control panel has two pressure gauges that are 2″ in size, making it easy to read while working. Next to the gauges, you’ll find a regulator and a quality coupler for easy plug-in/out of hoses.

The capacity of the tank is 15 gallons which are quite enough for a job like this. You’ll find a ball drain valve on the back of the tank that you can use for draining.

This compressor comes with a warranty of 1 year along with a 30-day money-back guarantee in case of faulty delivery. You would also benefit from a 1-year free service contract which truly covers your risk of investment.

8. Pulsar PCE6200 Vertical Electrical Air Compressor

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Overview

The 120V motor is ETL listed and draws only 15 amp to get running. As per specs, it is a 2.5 HP motor with a max cap of 4 HP, which means it can give some great power without compromising portability. It was designed to work for longer hours and can be kept in a small spot conveniently due to its compact design.

This compressor has a maximum tank capacity of 115 PSI and can achieve an airflow of 6.2 CFM @ 40 PSI. The pump used in this one is electric and has a splash oil-lubricated system that significantly increases the pump’s life. This does, however, require maintenance to keep it clean.

The air tank has a capacity of 20 gallons and is placed vertically with two shock-absorbing rubber feet and two large wheels. This gives it stability and makes it easier to move it around.

Though vertically placed, the shape of the tank is also fairly wide, which gives it more balance. It also has a mirror glaze finish on the tank, which makes it durable.

You can use the soft grip handle to push it around and also use it to tie the power cord or the air hose. There are two pressure gauges that you can find on the side of the motor with the regulator on top of it.

It also has an easy-to-read manual and comes with a 1-year limited warranty subject to certain terms and conditions. The compressor is also pretty affordable if you compare it to others with similar features. However, there were some reviews regarding substandard ball valves and other parts of the compressor.

9. Rolair VT25BIG 2.5 HP Wheeled Compressor with Overload Protection

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Overview

This air compressor is also great for spray painting as it has a high CFM rate compared to many others, especially when considering portability and price. With a noise level of 86 dBA, we can say that it does make a lot of noise when operating.

It has a 3400 RPM motor that is industrial grade, made for heavy-duty use. It is a 1-Phase 115V AC motor that can bear frequent use without any issues. The horsepower is 2.5 HP which is pretty much relevant for doing these spray painting jobs. Its amperage draw is also fairly low (13.8 Amp), which means you can easily power it from your household outlet.

Now coming back to its performance, this compressor can pump out 6.5 CFM @ 90 PSI and has a maximum pressure level capacity of 135 PSI. The pump is also high quality, made from aluminum with a cast iron sleeve.

Its pump is single-stage with stainless reed valves and consists of ball bearings and a clear oil sight glass. It can give a duty cycle of 100%, and just, so you know, the pump drive is direct with splash lubrication for enhanced performance.

In case you overuse it, there is overload protection that protects your compressor from damage. It senses the heat level and pressure level in the tank, then automatically turns itself off. You can also hit the manual reset button for it if you want.

The tank is horizontally placed in front of the motor and has a small capacity of 5.3 gallons. The panel is just above the tank, which consists of the outlets and pressure gauges. There are also big rubber wheels for increased mobility and are designed in a folding cart style, making them easier to store.

It weighs 108 pounds and comes with a consumer warranty of 1 year. For further details regarding the warranty, you can visit the manufacturer’s website.

10. Craftsman Heavy duty Air Compressor | Oil Free Compressor

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Overview

This is a contractor-grade compressor that features a single-stage V-Twin pump. It is oil-lubricated and is designed for long-term use. It will require some maintenance, and your packaging may be covered in a bit of oil when it arrives.

The compressor can go to a maximum pressure level of 135 PSI and pump out 6.2 CFM at 40 PSI, making it competitive with others on this list.

It features a dual voltage motor that can be used on 120V as well as 240V electrical outlets. This motor has a horsepower rating of 1.6 and requires an amperage draw of 15.

There is no control panel board, but it does have the necessary equipment like the pressure gauges, on/off switch, and the regulator. These are located on the front side of the compressor.

The air tank has a total capacity of 30 gallons which would be of immense benefit if you plan to work for a longer period with short breaks. With a vertical design, you would save floor space and can also push it around with its pneumatic wheels underneath.

There is, however, an issue with the compressor and its delivery. Many customers reported that the condensate drain was too tight to open and that the packaging was covered in oil.

Buying Guide for Air Compressor for Spray

Here we will discuss some of the features that these air compressors have and how they can impact performance.

We would also explain what certain terms mean and the factors you should look for when browsing for compressors online.

This buying guide can be used to choose products other than those mentioned here in our list. It basically sets out the details or the primary things you should know before you go forward to purchase any compressor.

CFM and PSI

CFM is short for cubic feet per minute and is basically the airflow (speed) that the compressor can generate. It is also sometimes stated in LPM (Litres per minute) by many companies.

Generally, we see that PSI is given more importance over CFM, but a compressor with a higher CFM would be more advantageous for spray painting. It tells us that it can compress air quickly, making it easier to match the speed of sprayers.

PSI is pounds per inch and tells us the pressure level that the compressor is working. For spray painting, you can go for a lower max PSI level. When we talked about air tools, we measured it at 90 PSI, but for this, the best way to measure it would be at 40 PSI. This is because spray guns don’t require many high-pressure levels to operate.

If the CFM rating of your compressor is lower than the requirement of spray guns, it doesn’t necessarily disqualify it. You can still use it, but you would have to take breaks in between.

Horsepower (HP)

You can use this factor to determine which compressor size would be best for your work. But many manufacturers have deliberately overstated HP rating than what it really is.

They can sell more compressors but often lose customers in the long term due to this tactic. Many industrial-grade compressors do have the right HP mentioned on them in contrast to consumer-grade ones.

But to pick the one with the right HP, you can look at the amperage draw it requires. On a 110V household outlet, an actual 5 HP compressor would take somewhere between 22 to 24 amps to run. So, if the amp draw is lower than this (e.g., 14 or 15), its true horsepower may be near 2 HP.

Tank (Size and Placement)

The larger the tank, the more pressurized air it can store inside of it. A compressor with a smaller tank will suffice for DIY spray painting if the CFM rating is high.

Having a large tank always helps when you’re planning to use an HVLP spray gun for a long time, like painting your house or using it in a workshop to paint cars. You always have some reserve air in the tank, which relieves the compressor from excessive load.

Now, we’ve seen both horizontally and vertically-placed tanks in this list. Just remember that a horizontal design would take up more space, but stability would be enhanced. A vertical design is best for larger capacity tanks, and it becomes easier to store them.

Drive and Oil

You can go for both belt-driven and direct drive compressors, but each has its own benefits and drawbacks.

Many people think that manufacturers usually try to cut costs to direct drive compressors, which usually equates to less performance. This type of drive is best for using air tools or when you want cleaner compressed air in the tank.

The direct drive features a connection between the motor and compressor so that the compressor runs at the same rate as the motor spins. Higher CFM compressors with a direct drive are a bit less durable than belt-driven, but they offer better air quality and extend the life of the air tool you’re using.

For spray painting, direct drive compressors are better because you wouldn’t need to be flexible with pressure and CFM adjustments. Some of the European models of direct drive compressors are more durable than the Chinese knock-offs. So always try to find the right model as they are more durable.

The belt-drive type increases the compressor’s life as the rotation speed of the motor can be reduced. These can also be used for spray painting, and they also reduce wear & tear. They are generally more expensive than direct drive compressors.

Oil vs. Oil-less

There has been a recent trend to go for oil-free compressors among many users. Earlier, people had to lubricate the piston chambers with oil and this also required regular maintenance. To avoid this hassle, manufacturers making air compressors that were pre-lubricated.

The oiled compressors take points in durability, but they have a higher price tag attached to them. You would find that the term splash lubrication is used in the specifications section of many products.

The oil-less design would be maintenance-free for a long time till the Teflon wears out. Also, the compressor is lighter and produces cleaner air. However, these oil-free designs are generally noisier.

So, experts have advised going for oiled compressors if the user is planning to use them frequently (e.g., in a workshop for daily use). Otherwise, the direct-drive compressors would give a good value for money.

Duty Cycle

This shows the time that the compressor can operate without any breaks for cooldown. It is measured at a standard PSI level of 100 and a temperature level of 72° F, with the result shown as a percentage.

So, if a compressor has a 50% duty cycle, this indicates a 30-minute runtime with a cooldown requirement of 30 minutes. Going beyond this limit may overheat the compressor.

Moisture Problems

During compression, the temperature rises and then slowly starts to drop when it’s done. Because of the condensation process, moisture accumulates, which then later becomes a problem.

When you use a compressor with a larger tank, the compressor would not be overburdened, so less moisture would occur. So, for those planning to use it frequently, it is best to use a larger tank.

Life Expectancy

The cheaply-priced compressors don’t necessarily mean cost savings. You should consider the price factor in the last as sometimes those that come with a low-price tag wear out within 4 to 5 months of use.

In the technical specifications section, you can find the expected hours that the compressor can operate. Also, consider the reviews and the brand that is involved in making the right decision.

As mentioned above, you can consider the oil vs. oil-free factors and the direct drive vs. belt drive factors to make this decision. Don’t forget having a larger tank capacity (e.g., 40-50% more than required) always comes in handy and takes off pressure from the compressor.

Final Verdict

The products mentioned in the list are ideal for using paint sprayers. Just remember that HVLP sprayers always need a higher CFM from the compressor.

This is ideal for getting an even finishing as frequent interruptions in airflow would be dreadful for professional painting.

We’ve tried our best to lay out the factors relevant to your buying decision. If you have any queries or feedback on this article, do leave a comment down below.

Related Posts:

You may also love to read these my reviews and the buying guides…

People Also Asked

Here are a few questions that people used to ask about compressors for spray painting;

What are the Best Air Compressors for Spray Painting?

Here is a list that we have compiled for Best Air Compressors for Spray Painting;

1. DEWALT DXCM 200 PSI Portable Air Compressor
2. Industrial Air ILA1883054 Belt Driven Air Compressor
3. 2 HP Quiet Portable Air Compressor by EMAX Compressor
4. California Air Tools Ultra Quiet Aluminum Tank Air Compressor
5. NorthStar Single-Stage Portable Electric Air Compressor
6. Stealth Ultra Quiet Air Compressor for Spray
7. DEWALT Portable Oil Free Compressor for Spray
8. Pulsar PCE6200 Vertical Electrical Air Compressor
9. Rolair VT25BIG 2.5 HP Wheeled Compressor with Overload Protection
10. Craftsman Heavy duty Air Compressor | Oil Free Compressor

How does an air compressor work when spray painting?

The compressor pumps out air through the air hose into the sprayer, creating enough airflow to push the paint out from the nozzle. This is done at low-pressure levels as a higher PSI would create lumps and a coarse coating.

The air compressor basically makes an aerosol of the liquid paint to spray and complete your painting task easily.

What voltage should I run the compressor on?

This is dependant on the size and power that the compressor can generate. Many small compressors can easily run on the 110V household outlet, while the larger ones can go up to 460V. Of the ones within the range we’ve discussed, the max voltage is 240V.

It is highly recommended first to read the technical specifications and find out the exact requirement. You can also have an idea from the amperage draw. Anything under 15 can run easily, while some outlets can also accommodate an amp draw of 20.

What is the max hose length I should use?

It is highly dependant on the CFM requirement and the size of the compressor you’re working with. The answer to this varies significantly and is probably one of the most open-ended questions for air compressors.

As per experts, the maximum length should not be more than 150 feet if you’re using it in a small house. For more professional-grade compressors, you can contact your provider or directly ask the manufacturer.

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David Houghton

Construction Manager at Schlumberger

I am a content strategist and editor here at tools10.com. I have been working in Oil as well in the Construction Industry for years. The major projects I was involved in are Offshore Drilling and residential buildings. I have great hands-on experience in Tools & Machinery. Read More About Me

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