Quick Summary: 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 compressor is one versatile device and has high utility for carrying out various activities. Painting and decorating seem overwhelming for everyone, but air compressors have simplified these activities and given us the freedom to enjoy a more robust lifestyle.
Having the best air compressor for Painting has become necessary for every household. The ability of air compressors to be used for airbrushing is one thing that has made it a favorite of expert artists and professionals.
Almost all air compressors come with maximum horsepower that makes it an effective tool for pumping tires, spray painting, inflatable items, and much more. Another benefit of using air compressors for spray painting is that they are equipped with either a noise-free or noise reduction feature and thus they ensure that you work in the most relaxed environment.
This complicated-looking device is not only specific for professional use; rather it has proven to be a helpful device for beginners and people who have taken up painting as a hobby.
Finding the best air compressors for Painting is a must if you want to finish up that pending painting chore, therefore buy the most suitable air compressor today and add new colors to your life and surroundings.
Quick Navigation
- 10 Best Air Compressors For Painting Comparison
- Reviews of Top 10 Air Compressors For Painting
- How to Choose the Right Air Compressor for Painting
- FAQs
10 Best Air Compressors for Painting Comparison
 | 1. Master Gravity Feed Dual action Airbrush Kit (Best overall)With an extra high air volume of 0.7 cfm and supporting airflow of 25 liters per minute, this airbrush kit delivers amazing results while painting. Its portable, lightweight structure makes it ideal for any painting job. | Read Our Review |
 | 2. Master Airbrushing System Kit (Best Budget)Whether you a beginner or an expert-this airbrush kit will let you excel in the art of airbrush painting. One of its many perks is that it allows you to easily manage the airflow for controlled movement through its airflow control knob. | Read Our Review |
 | 3. California Steel Tank Air CompressorThis solid steel tank functions with an oil-free pump will ease its overall maintenance for you. Moreover, this machine weighs only 48lbs and is lightweight. It is easy to move around because of its sturdy wheel kit. | Read Our Review |
 | 4. Craftsman 3 Gallon Oil Lube 135psi Portable Air CompressorEquipped with a 1.0 HP direct-drive motor, these air compressors function quickly through an operating pressure of 135psi. You will be saved from assembling procedures, as this compressor comes with a ready to go design structure. | Read Our Review |
 | 5. DEWALT Pancake 6 Gallon Air CompressorThis highly advanced air compressor consists of a durable pump that works without adding lubricants. You can enjoy work in a calmer and quieter surrounding through its 75.5db noise level feature. | Read Our Review |
 | 6. RolairVT25BIG 2.5 HP Wheeled CompressorMade from cast iron, this compressor houses a 3400 RPM motor. Its cylinder has a capacity of 5.3 gallons. With splash lubrication, the pump of this compressor works long which makes it reliable for every painting job. | Read Our Review |
 | 7. DEWALT 135-PSI Max 1 Gallon Air CompressorThese compact air compressors are designed with the finest quality of cast iron. To ensure the protection of this device, a full protection frame has been added to it and is thus one of the most reliable product to have for a heavy-duty paint job. | Read Our Review |
 | 8. Master Airbrush 1/5 HP Air CompressorThis versatile air compressor is super- efficient to use for multiple purposes. Its highly advanced motor is meant to assist you at every step and will shut off automatically once its air pressure reaches 57psi. | Read Our Review |
 | 9. Master Airbrush Cool RunnerThese air compressors create perfect results and are convenient to use as it functions with a 1/5hm single-piston. The 2 added cooling fans let it run for a long duration and thus saves it from burning and overheating. | Read Our Review |
 | 10. PointZero 1/5 HP Airbrush Compressor with Air TankThis air compressor consists of a 3-liter tank that operates without creating noise with a motor of 55db. The supporting carry handle and rubber feet will allow you to move this device smoothly without any hassle. | Read Our Review |
Reviews of Top 10 Air Compressors for Painting
Here’s a list of the best air compressor for spray painting we found:
Best 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, Master Airbrush is a great kit at a great price.
Pros:
- 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
Cons:
- Kind of noisy
- Cleaning kit sold separately
Best Budget
2. Master Airbrush Multi-Purpose Airbrushing System Kit with Portable 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.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Great kit
- Great for cakes, crafts, tattoos
- 6 ft hose
- Gravity feed dual action motor
- Air on demand
Cons:
- Not much power
Best Oil Free Air Compressor
3. California Air Tools 8010 Steel Tank Ultra Quiet & Oil-Free Air Compressor
What You Will Love: This California Air Tools 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. California Air Tools actually only produces 60 dB. It also comes with a handle and wheels to make it easier to move around.
California Air Tools Steel Tank Compressor 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.
Pros:
- 8 gallon
- Ultra quiet- 60 dB
- Oil-free
- Up to 120 PSI
- Wheel kit and air filter included
- Handle and wheels for easy portability
Cons:
- Expensive
Best Oil-Lubricated Air Compressor
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, Craftsman 3 Gallon is a bit noisy. Overall, though, it is a great machine.
Pros:
- 135 MAX PSI
- One hand quick connect
- Oil sight
- 1.0 HP motor gives quick recharges
- Lightweight and portable
Cons:
- The price
- Noisy
Best Electric Air Compressor
5. Dewalt DWFP55126 6 Gallon Pancake Compressor For Painting
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.
Pros:
- Pretty quiet- 75.5 dB
- 165 Max PSI
- Easily starts- even in cold weather
- Pretty lightweight
- Double couplers for double users
Cons:
- Price is kind of high
- Gauge may be off a bit
Best Wheeled Air Compressor
6. Rolair VT25BIG 2.5 HP Wheeled Compressor For Painting
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.
Rolair Wheeled Compressor 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.
Pros:
- 5.3 gallon
- 3400 RPM motor
- Overload protection
- Manual reset
- Splash lubrication for longer pump life
- Durable cast iron cylinder
Cons:
- Very high price
Best Trim Air Compressor
7. Dewalt D55140 1 Gallon Trim Compressor For Painting
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, this small air compressor 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. Dewalt does come with a protective roll cage, so that makes up for it somewhat.
Pros:
- Small and lightweight
- Fills quickly
- Oil-free
- Pretty quiet
- Warranty
Cons:
- Hose not included
- Mid-level pricing
Best Portable Air Compressor
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.
Master Airbrush Compressor 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.
Pros:
- Compact
- Carrying handle
- Auto on/off
- Tank-less
- 1.5 HP
- Includes 6 ft cord
- Good price
Cons:
- A little loud
- Air pressure adjustment might be slightly inaccurate
Best Air Compressor with 3 Types of Master Airbrushes
9. Master Airbrush Cool Runner II Dual Fan Air Compressor Airbrushing System Kit
What You Will Love: This multifaceted airbrush will let your creativity flow and develop through its one of a kind features. This kit includes 3 different models of the airbrush that are integrated with a strong and sturdy needle and nozzle. Similarly, the air compressor will assist you in performing heavy-duty and professional airbrushing.
Be it cake decorating, nail art, crafts, or any other artsy project, now you can do it all using Master’s sophisticated airbrushing kit.
These air compressors for spray painting is a full-fledged professional airbrushing tool. It comes with a dual airbrush holder and thus you have the ease to work with more than one airbrush.
Moreover, it works smoothly through the in-built cooling fans that support its rigorous function without letting it burn up.
This version of the air compressor is meant to facilitate your creative process and add to your creative growth. Even if you choose to use it for an intense airbrushing technique, its motor will work quietly and slowly at a rate of 47db so that users are not bothered by it.
Looking at this heavy-duty kit and compressor, you might wonder that it is not convenient to move and carry. Master Airbrush Cool Runner is not true as it weighs only 11 pounds and also comes with a carry handle that will let you lift it up quickly, making it portable and user friendly in every way.
Pros:
- Designed with automatic on/off feature
- Does not overheat with 2 cooler fans
- Functions quietly
Cons:
- The instruction guide does not explain the assembling procedure
Best Quiet Air Compressor
10. PointZero 1/5 HP Airbrush Compressor For Spray Painting
What You Will Love: Point Zero Airbrush compressor will fulfill all your creative dreams with its promising features and long-lasting structure. Compared to other compressors, this one runs without oil or any other lubricant thus, you can maintain it easily. This CE certified compressor delivers exceptional results and is ideal to use for food decoration and body art.
Whether you are a professional artist or a novice in this field, Point Zero’s airbrush compressor will help you perfect the skill of airbrushing and enhance your ability with precise and controlled movements.
The major factor of convenience with this air compressor is that it does not overheat. An automatic on and off feature has been added to it which lets it run till 58 psi and turns off so that the pressure reduces to 40 psi.
Due to this feature, the compressor machine never gets damaged even after extensive and prolonged use. Which makes it one of the best tank air compressor for spray guns and paint guns.
These compressors come with sturdy rubber feet that provide it stability while you use it on any work surface. Furthermore, you can transport and move this compressor around with its easy carry handle.
PointZero air compressor is intended to let experts build upon their airbrushing talent. It also lets newbies work their way up for this challenging skill through the given airbrush lettering guide, cake decorating guide, 10 essential airbrushing tips, and other similar educating material.
Pros:
- Works with an automatic on/off feature
- Ideal for cake and body art
- Suitable to use on any work surface
Cons:
- It does not come with a warranty
- Complicated assembling procedure
Related: Best Quiet Air Compressor
How to Choose the Right Air Compressor for Painting
Below are the factors that we consider the most important when shopping for your painting air compressor.
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 spray 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.
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. Online stores such as Amazon carry them or can order them if they are out of stock.
Choosing the best air compressors for painting 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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