What is the Best Air Compressor for Painting?
We have picked the Master Airbrush Kit with Air Compressor as the best air compressor for painting as it comes in a great starter kit that includes a training book. It has a gravity feed, dual action compressor that provides a clean and consistent spray. It makes little noise and is a great price.
Air compressors can be useful for many activities including pneumatic tools, pumping tires and other inflatables, and even airbrushing. Beginners, DIYers, hobbyists, and expert artists alike can use an air compressor to help create their beautiful work and crafts.
The key comes in finding the right one for your projects and your needs.
There are many models and variations available on the market, so finding the right one can be a bit challenging. It does not have to be impossible, though.
Here we have gathered some foundational information about them and provided reviews to help you choose the best air compressor for painting for your needs.
Quick Navigation
Top 8 Best Air Compressors: Our Picks & Recommendations
- Best Overall: Master Airbrush Multipurpose Gravity Feed Airbrush Kit With Air Compressor
- Best Budget: Master Airbrush Multipurpose Mini Air Compressor
- Best Oil-Free Air Compressor for Painting: California Air Tools 8010 Air Compressor
- Best Oil-Lubricated Air Compressor for Painting: Craftsman 3 Gallon Oil-Lube 135 PSI Portable Air Compressor
- Best Electric Air Compressor for Painting: Dewalt DWFP55126 6 Gallon Pancake Compressor
- Best Wheeled Air Compressor for Painting: Rolair VT25BIG 2.5 HP Wheeled Compressor
- Best Trim Air Compressor for Painting: Dewalt D55140 1 Gallon Trim Compressor
- Best Portable Air Compressor for Painting: Master Airbrush Compressor With Water Trap And Regulator
How to Choose the Best Air Compressor for Painting?
Below are the factors that we consider the most important when shopping for your air compressor for painting.
Know Your Air Requirements
Before you spend any money, check the CFM draw on your spray gun to the CFM rating on the air compressor. This will ensure accuracy.
Air Compressor (Tank) Type
There are two main tank types:
Portable: Portable air compressors are compact and come in a variety of styles, such as pancake, hotdog, and wheelbarrow shape. They are lightweight compared to stationary ones.
Stationery: Stationery compressors are the larger and heavier models that are often used in factories, body shops, and other such buildings. These are more powerful than portable options.
PSI and CFM
Two main measurements that you should know are PSI and CFM. PSI stands for pounds per square inch. Though higher PSIs are good, you also want to check out the CFM, or cubic feet per minute.
A higher CFM means that it provides faster air compression. Considering the PSI and CFM together will give you a good snapshot of performance.
Horsepower
Horsepower plays a role too. For paint sprayers and smaller projects, an air compressor with 1.5 HP.
Operating Considerations
Air compressors produce so much friction and heat that it could interfere with your safety and the quality of your work. Be sure that you work in an open or otherwise well-ventilated area.
Oiled versus Oil-less Air Compressors
Oiled was once the only option, but designers decided to put less work on the owner by selling them pre-oiled. What’s the difference?
Oiled compressors tend to weigh more and cost more, but they are often more durable. Oil-less options are more lightweight and require low to no maintenance, but they may not last as long as the oiled models.
Noise and Noise Reduction
We have probably all heard how loud some machinery can be. Be kind to yourself and your neighbors by choosing the compressor with the lowest decibel (dB) rating you can find.
Some option even has accessories you can purchase to reduce the noise even further. At the very least, insulate and possibly pad your walls so that others are not bothered by it.
Versatility
The great thing about air compressors that are good for spray painting is that they are good for other things as well. Art project, pneumatic tools, inflatable items, and more can use an air compressor.
This means that if you were feeling guilty for buying an air compressor for painting only, don’t. Put it to use on other projects and it will pay for itself in no time.
Power Source
You can choose between an electric-powered and a gas-powered air compressor. The gas-powered ones provide more mobility, but you have to continue to fill the gas-powered ones with gas.
8 Best Air Compressor for Painting Reviews
Here’s a list of the best air compressor for painting we found:
Best Air Compressor for Painting Overall
1. Master Airbrush Multipurpose Gravity Feed Airbrush Kit with Air Compressor
What You Will Love: This is more than just a compressor- it is a full airbrushing kit that is great for beginners and hobbyists.
The Master Airbrush Kit comes with just about everything you need to get started, including a guide to help you get started. The cleaning kit is sold separately, which is kind of a bummer, but it offers a lot to make up for that.
The gravity feed, dual-action airbrush provides a clean and consistent flow for your project. Though it is quiet compared to some air compressors, it still makes some noise that might aggravate. Overall, it is a great kit at a great price.
What We Liked:
- Comes in a bundle
- Great price
- Great for beginners, hobbyists, and more advanced artists as well
- Gravity feed, dual-action brush
- 1/5 HP with a pressure regulator
What We Did Not:
- Kind of noisy
- Cleaning kit sold separately
Best Air Compressor for Painting on a Budget
2. Master Airbrush Multipurpose Mini Air Compressor
What You Will Love: If you love the idea of the previous kit but it is just a little out of your financial reach, this is a similar set from the same company with a smaller air compressor.
The Master Airbrush Mini Air Compressor is a valuable kit. It is very similar to the previous kit- the biggest difference being that this air compressor is a mini. On the upside, that makes it more portable. Unfortunately, this also means it will not hold as much so it will need to refill more often.
This might be okay if you are putting on small layers at a time, but not for anything substantial- not surprising with the great price. Also, the instructions are not very clear, so you may need to find some videos on the Internet.
What We Liked:
- Affordable
- Great kit
- Great for cakes, crafts, tattoos
- 6 ft hose
- Gravity feed dual action motor
- Air on demand
What We Did Not:
- Not much power
Best Oil-Free Air Compressor for Painting
3. California Air Tools 8010 Air Compressor
What You Will Love: This air compression is large, powerful, and ultra-quiet all rolled into one.
The California Air Tools 8010 Air Compressor is great for heavy-duty painting. It has an 8-gallon tank that provides up to 120 PSI.
With it so large and powerful, one would assume that it is really loud. It actually only produces 60 dB. It also comes with a handle and wheels to make it easier to move around.
It is also an oil-free compressor, so there is less maintenance to worry with. The only downside is really the price, as it is over $200.
However, with such a large tank, you can get a lot of work done, so in some ways, it may be worth the higher price.
What We Liked:
- 8 gallon
- ultra quiet- 60 dB
- oil-free
- up to 120 PSI
- wheel kit and air filter included
- handle and wheels for easy portability
What We Did Not:
- expensive
Best Oil-Lubricated Air Compressor for Painting
4. Craftsman 3 Gallon Oil-Lube 135 PSI Portable Air Compressor
What You Will Love: This air compressor has a one-hand quick connect system that makes it much easier to switch between tools and jobs when you need to.
This Craftsman 3 Gallon air compressor is very small, making it easy to move around with. At the same time, it is pretty powerful for its size, providing up to 135 PSI. The 1.0 HP motor recharges the unit quick in between uses.
The oil sight makes it easy to see when you need to add more, and the quick one hand connect system makes it simple to switch between tools.
At over $200, the price is a bit high for some budgets. Also, it is a bit noisy. Overall, though, it is a great machine.
What We Liked:
- 135 MAX PSI
- One hand quick connect
- Oil sight
- 1.0 HP motor gives quick recharges
- Lightweight and portable
What We Did Not:
- The price
- Noisy
Best Electric Air Compressor for Painting
5. Dewalt DWFP55126 6 Gallon Pancake Compressor
What You Will Love: With double couplers, more than one tool can be attached at once.
The Dewalt 6 Gallon Pancake Compressor provides up to 165 PSI in a lightweight container. It produces only 75.5 dB, so it is pretty quiet.
With the two couplers, you and another artist could work at the same time, which is a great way to bond with loved ones.
Some have found the fittings to leak a little, and others have noticed that the gauge is off on their unit.
Additionally, it costs more than $100 making it a little expensive, but not the most expensive option on this list.
What We Liked:
- Pretty quiet- 75.5 dB
- 165 Max PSI
- Easily starts- even in cold weather
- Pretty lightweight
- Double couplers for double users
What We Did Not:
- Price is kind of high
- Gauge may be off a bit
Best Wheeled Air Compressor for Painting
6. Rolair VT25BIG 2.5 HP Wheeled Compressor
What You Will Love: It has a splash lubrication system and a durable cast iron cylinder for a longer-lasting machine.
This Rolair wheeled compressor is a pretty impressive workhorse. It stands up to professional use from multiple people.
It comes with overload protection, so you do not have to focus on that. It does go over 80 dB, so it is kind of noisy.
In a factory and similar places, that might not be an issue. Those purchasing for personal use might need to reconsider.
It is on wheels, making it much easier to move around. The only downside I could locate is the price, as this one is nearly $600 on a regular day.
What We Liked:
- 5.3 gallon
- 3400 RPM motor
- Overload protection
- Manual reset
- Splash lubrication for longer pump life
- Durable cast iron cylinder
What We Did Not:
- very high price
Best Trim Air Compressor for Painting
7. Dewalt D55140 1 Gallon Trim Compressor
What You Will Love: At only 9 inches wide and 24 pounds, this is very easy to transport the air compressor.
The Dewalt D55140 Trim Air Compressor reaches up to 135 PSI, and it can fill up in about a minute and a half. It is oil-free, so you have less work to do, and it is quiet at only 71 dB.
Additionally, it comes with a one year warranty. Sadly, the hose is not included, which means you have to get it separately.
This unit is just over $120, but when you have to purchase the hose separately, it cancels out some of the savings. It does come with a protective roll cage, so that makes up for it somewhat.
What We Liked:
- Small and lightweight
- Fills quickly
- Oil-free
- Pretty quiet
- Warranty
What We Did Not:
- Hose not included
- Mid-level pricing
Best Portable Air Compressor for Painting
8. Master Airbrush Compressor with Water Trap and Regulator
What You Will Love: This bundle includes a water trap, regulator, 6 ft airbrush hose, and a training book at a great price.
This Master Airbrush Compressor provides a great spray paint compressor and airbrush kit for either beginners or hobbyists, though a more advanced artist might find it useful as a good basic set.
It is tankless, compact, and very lightweight, making it simple to transport. There is an automatic shutoff that helps prevent overheating. As a whole, this is a great bundle for around $70.
However, some customers have reported that it is actually noisier than described and that the pressure adjustment is slightly inaccurate. Many buyers, though, are very pleased with their purchase.
What We Liked:
- Compact
- Carrying handle
- Auto on/off
- Tank-less
- 1.5 HP
- Includes 6 ft cord
- Good price
What We Did Not:
- A little loud
- Air pressure adjustment might be slightly inaccurate
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What size air compressor do I need for painting?
The size you need really depends on a few things, such as the needs of your airbrush, the size of your project or job, and how often you can stop and allow it to recharge. The smaller the air compressor, the less capacity which equals more stops along the way.
Can I use an air compressor to paint?
Yes. In fact, airbrushing and some forms or spray painting require a pressurized air source to work. You simply need to match your spraying equipment to the air compressor- air requirements should be clearly stated.
Do paint sprayers need an air compressor?
Yes, without one, the paint cannot spray. The movement and force of air onto the paint is what pushes it out of the equipment and spreads it over your surface.
What paint sprayer should you use in an air compressor for body painting?
With any form of spray paint, the type of sprayer and air compressor should depend on the surface that will be painted. More delicate surface, such as skin or clothing, need a sprayer and air compressor with less force. An air compressor for spray painting cars or an air compressor for paint houses could use more force.
Where can I buy an air compressor for automotive painting?
Buying an air compressor for any task can be easier online. However, hardware stores such as Lowe’s and Home Depot carry them or can order them if they are out of stock. The upside to that is you can get expert advice from the salespeople.
Choosing the best air compressor can be tricky as there are so many different factors to consider. We have looked at some characteristics to take note of and eight options for you to consider in order to help you through this process.
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