Question about tools/compressor etc

**TampaMCS** · 05-08-2007, 11:02 AM

Ok, I am new to painting, but have some of the concepts down. I am not planning on painting whole cars, but would like to paint fiberglass enclosures and do some small jobs like bonnet stripes and repair a door ding on my MINI.

Right now I have a small 5 gallon 110v compressor that can run air ratchets and impact wrenches like a champ, but cant do more than 10 seconds with a DA.

Any suggestion on a compressor and paint gun that, like I said won't be used likely for any huge jobs, but won't kill the bank either?

kabuki mono kid · 05-10-2007, 12:53 PM

u need a compressor capable of w.e cfms the da needs. i know my da takes cfms of about 7.2 so u need a compressor that will do that much or real close

**Sneakin Deacon** · 05-12-2007, 08:26 AM

I use a 33 gallon craftsman 6hp/2hp. I have had no real problems with it as far as usuing my DA sander, it takes about 2-3 straight minutes of using it for it to empty the tank down to 30-40psi. the only problem i have had with the compressor though is if i shut it off at anything above 40psi and then try to kick it back on, it'll blow the breaker, so i have to continuously let it run

COPPERTOP5150 · 05-12-2007, 09:54 PM

a D/A takes alot of air...
I would suggest with your 5lbs compressor. buying a hvlp gun..
do the sanding by hand.Block sanding the area if its not huge..

believe it or not i have shot a entire front bumper with a 5gallon tank ...
using ahvlp gun blowing at 12lbs...

Its real quick and light then after each coat its totally empty does not matter becuase I let each coat dry 10-15 minutes so its full by the time the next coat goes on...

I would say you can prob do stripes... maybe a hood ... then the top of the car,, then later the trunk.Break it up into seperate jobs...

But the d/a is totally out of the question..unless you running 25lbs minumuim even then its only for a minute or so..
Most shops have a huge 120 gallon to 200 gallon compressor to run the tools on.

but painting with the 5gallon tank your gonna have to be sure to have your regulator at the gun set for 25lbs closed 12 lbs open.. and keep watching it if it falls to low your gonna get splotty paint.. have it to high your gonna blow the paint so dry it will mist it..

i really suggest going to home depot and renting a 60lb gallon tank for a day..

but if 5gallon is all you have you can make it work its just gonna be a bitch and lot more work...

**TampaMCS** · 05-14-2007, 03:10 PM

thanks for the advice guys, if I had a bigger compressor (more gallons and power) is HVLP the way to go?

05-08-2007, 11:02 AM	#1 (permalink)
TampaMCS TR Balla Donor Supreme Car: 07' IS250 My TRGarage Tampa Bay area : 538	Question about tools/compressor etc Ok, I am new to painting, but have some of the concepts down. I am not planning on painting whole cars, but would like to paint fiberglass enclosures and do some small jobs like bonnet stripes and repair a door ding on my MINI. Right now I have a small 5 gallon 110v compressor that can run air ratchets and impact wrenches like a champ, but cant do more than 10 seconds with a DA. Any suggestion on a compressor and paint gun that, like I said won't be used likely for any huge jobs, but won't kill the bank either?

05-10-2007, 12:53 PM	#2 (permalink)
kabuki mono kid Registered User Car: 89 crx si ls, 92 integra ls My TRGarage carrollwood : 68532377	u need a compressor capable of w.e cfms the da needs. i know my da takes cfms of about 7.2 so u need a compressor that will do that much or real close

05-12-2007, 08:26 AM	#3 (permalink)
Sneakin Deacon PSSHHH x2 Car: ????? My TRGarage The Burg : 195054630	I use a 33 gallon craftsman 6hp/2hp. I have had no real problems with it as far as usuing my DA sander, it takes about 2-3 straight minutes of using it for it to empty the tank down to 30-40psi. the only problem i have had with the compressor though is if i shut it off at anything above 40psi and then try to kick it back on, it'll blow the breaker, so i have to continuously let it run

05-12-2007, 09:54 PM	#4 (permalink)
COPPERTOP5150 Registered User Car: My TRGarage : 1393	a D/A takes alot of air... I would suggest with your 5lbs compressor. buying a hvlp gun.. do the sanding by hand.Block sanding the area if its not huge.. believe it or not i have shot a entire front bumper with a 5gallon tank ... using ahvlp gun blowing at 12lbs... Its real quick and light then after each coat its totally empty does not matter becuase I let each coat dry 10-15 minutes so its full by the time the next coat goes on... I would say you can prob do stripes... maybe a hood ... then the top of the car,, then later the trunk.Break it up into seperate jobs... But the d/a is totally out of the question..unless you running 25lbs minumuim even then its only for a minute or so.. Most shops have a huge 120 gallon to 200 gallon compressor to run the tools on. but painting with the 5gallon tank your gonna have to be sure to have your regulator at the gun set for 25lbs closed 12 lbs open.. and keep watching it if it falls to low your gonna get splotty paint.. have it to high your gonna blow the paint so dry it will mist it.. i really suggest going to home depot and renting a 60lb gallon tank for a day.. but if 5gallon is all you have you can make it work its just gonna be a bitch and lot more work...

05-14-2007, 03:10 PM	#5 (permalink)
TampaMCS TR Balla Donor Supreme Car: 07' IS250 My TRGarage Tampa Bay area : 538	thanks for the advice guys, if I had a bigger compressor (more gallons and power) is HVLP the way to go?