What size Air Compressor To Paint a Car?
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'Hi Tony, I'm new to the auto body/paint world and just want to ask: What is this is because needing a 50 - 60 gallon compressor? exactly why can't i use a 25-30 gallon compressor for an entire paint job? if because of the pressure variation. Can we paint the whole car by steps? say one side, let the compressor fill up, then the front, let the compressor fill up, then the additional side, again, let the compressor fill up then finish with the back of the car. If this describes possible, can you teach us how?'
Answer.
With a small air compressor tank you simply not have the air volume (cfm) to paint the car at one shot. Your gun will strain and struggle.
Your smaller tank will most likely run out of air while you're spraying nonstop available a full car at once for instance.
You can take a risk and paint the full car at one shot if you can hear and feel the air pressure drop and adjust accordingly. (I've done it) and had no problems with the amount of years of experience painting cars.
By doing this (You will have condensation problems) your smaller tank Might get hot and create water because of constantly being on and running. See, water usually builds up in tanks anyway, that's why there's a drain at the foot of your air compressor tank. Also be sure to drain it once in a while. More often if you now have a smaller tank.
When painting with a smaller tank much like 15-25 gallon with.you'll have to keep draining the tank every 2-3 passes over the car just safe. OR, leave it cracked a little so as water builds up it's going to automatically drain on. It's also wise to have a (in-line) water separator off your tank about 10-15 feet from your very own tank and one at the neck of your rifle. This goes for small compressors or big shop style. It's actually good insurance to have.
Painting a Car
The tricky part. YES, you can paint issues in steps (same day) with an inferior air compressor but thinking run into problems with overspray located on the clear coat stage. When laying sure the car you in order to spray it on at the same time because in order to wait lengthy time and spray you will help make your other glossy clear panels dull from the overspray that you create. You have a certain space of time where overspray will just melt into fresh clear coat, that is what painting flash times are important facts about. More on this within the VIP cub.
When freshly sprayed clear coat becomes tacky and also create more overspray by spraying other adjacent panels because you had to wait your tank to refill etc.
The overspray from the clear coat will cause your job look slow. Of course if you plan entirely color sand and buff you wouldn't have a dilemma. What you can do is, if not painting with candy, flake or pearl paint the hood, the leading bumper and also two front fenders at a time.
You know, two coats of base and two coats of clear topcoat. Let that completely dry, then in one day later mask all belonging to the painted parts, then paint your roof, and doors that day, and last week later exploration . rear quarter panels, trunk and rear bumper for you to complete the lifestyle.
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