When getting that flawless, professional finish on your DIY projects or automotive paint jobs, an LVLP (Low Volume Low Pressure) spray gun can be a game-changer. These guns are designed to provide high-quality spray results with minimal air consumption, making them perfect for smaller compressors. But to unlock the full potential of your LVLP spray gun, you need the right air compressor.
In this guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about choosing an air compressor for your LVLP spray gun, from optimal pressure and tank size to portability and maintenance. Whether you’re tackling a home improvement project or looking to take your painting skills to the next level, finding the best air compressor is the first step to achieving smooth, even coats and a pristine finish.
The primary challenge with these tasks is always time, but you can save effort and time by using Best Air Compressor For Lvlp Spray Gun. It’s difficult to get a suitable air compressor for painting. Many people are guilty of purchasing an air compressor for a sprayer without first ensuring that it can do the job.
A decent air compressor will work with practically all paint sprayers, giving you the freedom to use whatever sprayer you wish. It might be the best buddy of a painter on the job site or a calming presence for DIYers working on their homes.
Best Air Compressor For lvlp Spray Gun
1. CRAFTSMAN CMEC6150K Lvlp Gun Air Compressor – Overall Best
Craftsman’s outstanding 6-gallon air compressor is among the company’s recently updated and extended collection. Craftsman threw almost everything at this to make it a better energy and painting source for you.
It combines performance and profitability for money making it the best air compressor for lvlp spray gun on the market. The 6-gallon pancake layout is one of the most appealing features of the craftsman cmec6150 compressor. This design aids portability, allowing you to transport it practically anywhere in your home and garage.
On the other side, 6 gallons of air storage is sufficient to ensure that your task is fully stress-free. This device will never leave you disappointed. There is no oil in the pump. This allows the pump to last longer. You should not be concerned about upkeep because the expense of maintaining the cmec6150 is nearly none. So, there’s another pillar of support for your wallet.
This compressor has more than enough energy for all your spray painting jobs. Its maximum PSI of 150 is ready to provide you with sufficient cut-in pressure. This power is sufficient for a wide range of applications. As a result, several activities will not be difficult for you.
The cmec6150 engine is unaffected by cold temperatures. It starts up in cold weather quite readily, making the model a hit and incredibly flexible. With this fantastic model, you may get 13 items of accessories package.
These kits will impress you with their excellent, hassle-free performance. Blower with OSHA safety tip, three inflation adapters, rubber tip, tire gauge, and PVC gas hose with adapter and plug built are all included in the kit. These gadgets are always available to lend a hand in your painting tasks.
- Oil-free pump
- Compact and portable
- Provides a great recovery time
- The capacity is low
You’re possibly looking for a blend of quality and performance in an air compressor to install in your house as your next compressor. The Craftsman CMEC6150 compressor is among the top tools for the job. It’s difficult not to like this little fellow because it provides reliable performance at pressures up to 150 PSI while remaining inexpensive, portable, and easy to use.
2. California Air Tools 8010 Steel Tank – Best Air Compressor For Painting
The California Air Tools 8010 is one of the greatest air compressors you can purchase if you want to acquire a very silent air compressor. It’s part of a growing wave of compressors that are both quiet and powerful.
It incorporates an oil-free dual piston pump and a Quick Start Valve system, like other modern California air tool products, to make a cold beginning at lower temperatures simpler.
A 1 HP motor spins at 1680 RPM to maintain the dual piston pump working and to increase the life span of the air compressor by reducing stress and strain. The most remarkable feature of the California Air Tools 8010 is that it is an oil-free compressor that is more silent than many of the oil-lubricated air compressors.
When the pressure decreases during use, the compressor fills up quickly in less than 5 minutes and makes a full recovery is far less than forty seconds. Because it’s an oil-free air compressor, you won’t have to bother about greasing it, which means you’ll have to do less service.
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The compressor has a pump that is specifically engineered to withstand wear for 4000 hours, which is extremely impressive when compared to standard air compressors that only last about 500 hours. This compact model is super-duper quiet and oil-free, and it arrives with a toolbox, making it easy to move.
Although it is not as mobile as other tiny pancake hot dog compressors, it is still maneuverable and can be carried from place to place if necessary. This product is also available in steel and aluminum construction, making it particularly sturdier and more long-lasting.
- The tank fills up fast
- Quiet operation
- Requires little maintenance
- The welding of the tank is not durable
If a quiet single-user working environment is important to you, the CAT 8010 model is the ideal choice. It has a much larger volume than any other product on our list, at 8 gallons and at 40 PSI, it works like a dream for all your spray painting tasks!
3. DEWALT DWFP55126 Pancake Air Compressor
The DEWALT pancake compressor will change your outlook about pancake compressors’ potential. This 32-pound infant has a robust grip and is both compact and robust. Although it has a tiny air tank, this compact pancake compressor can hit the spot thanks to its high performance, rapid rpm motor, large flow regulators, and couplers.
At a pressure of 90 PSI, it can create 2.6 SCFM of air. It can also create air at an extreme pressure of 165 PSI, which is useful if you need air at greater levels. You’ll discover that every 6-gallon compressor you come across is oil-free, and they all generate a lot of noise.
This model by Dewalt is, nonetheless, quieter than most of the others you will encounter. Even when it’s running, you can have a discussion with anyone because the volume is roughly 70 decibels. This Dewalt device is composed of robust stainless steel and can withstand a lot of pressure while spray painting, making it the best air compressor for painting and novices looking for something compact but solid.
It’s a good idea to empty the air in the tank after you’ve completed using the compressor. Dewalt supplied it with a ball drain valve at the bottom to make this as simple as possible. Though it is more expensive than other 6-gallon air compressors, you will be glad you paid the extra money for it after using it.
- Lightweight
- The tank size is huge
- Starts very quickly
- It does not have wheels
This variant may also be used securely on the roof of a house owing to its low profile. Furthermore, it provides a long run time for your painting project, which is very useful if you’re just getting started with any DIY tasks.
4. California Air Tools 10020C Ultra Quiet Oil-Free Compressor
California Air Tools has long been associated with high-quality air compressors in all areas. The 10020C Ultra Quiet & Oil-Free Air Compressor follows throughout this legacy, providing cutting-edge technology to experts and amateur DIYers alike, along with a slew of features that earn it a spot on our list!
This model, which replaces the famous CAT 10020, features a quiet 2.0 hp compressor that operates at a low 1680 RPM and emits only 70 decibels of noise. Less vibration and wear on the engine equal greater durability and longevity.
The 10-gallon capacity and 2.0 HP motor provide exceptional performance. Furthermore, the easy-start valve is included to let you start up with fewer volts. The oil-free pump is also a delight to maintain, allowing you to use the compressor in the winter and on uneven surfaces.
Despite its weight, the compressor has a handle and casters to make it much easier to transport.
The metal and strong design ensures that it will last a long time. Finally, it features overheating protection to avoid mishaps and make spray painting a pleasure.
- 10-gallon capacity
- Works quietly
- Easy start valve
- The panel is easy to use
- It weighs a bit more than other models
Look no further than CAT 10020C, which is now our most budget-friendly variant, for greater power, improved airflow, and much less maintenance cost at the work center! Your investment will not go in vain, with the impeccable customer service and warranty provided by the pioneers of power tools- California Air Tools!
5. Wolo (860-C) Air Rage Heavy-Duty Compressor
In the realm of air compressors, this is yet another heavy-duty gem. Its main function is to deliver massive amounts of compressed air at a rate of 3.5 CFM and absolute pressure of 200 PSI. Air horns, air-locking differentials, and light-duty hydraulic tools can all be powered by it.
Cooling fins on the pump’s cylinders and head enable the compressor to run at 100% duty ratio at 100 PSI: making this compressor superior to most other models.
To avoid corrosion and rust, the 5-gallon steel tank is coated black. Also attached to the tank are two heavy-duty metal anchoring brackets for the compressor.
To fill booms, rafts, and sports goods, the accessory package includes mounting hardware, a 10-foot bendable stainless-steel high-pressure hose, and a 20-foot braided filler hose with metal pieces for your ease.
- 5-gallon steel tank
- It has a stainless-steel hose
- A durable air system is provided
- Vibration free
- Takes a lot of space
If you are looking for the best air compressor for painting, in a budget-friendly price range, the Wolo 860-C is your best bet! With a stainless-steel construction and black matte color, it packs functionality and aesthetics in a single product!
Factors to Consider When Purchasing The Best Air Compressor For lvlp Spray Gun
Air compressors aren’t all created equal, and your choice will likely differ based on whether you’re embarking on a professional, big project or simply doing some DIY painting.
Choosing the best air compressor for lvlp spray gun necessitates a methodical, reasoned approach to both the pre-buy and purchase phases. Here are the most important aspects to be considered when selecting a compressor for painting.
CFM rating
It is the most crucial factor to consider when purchasing an air compressor for painting because it determines how quickly a compressor can provide air. It shows you how much the compressor will need to “catch up” as well as how much effort it will require.
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But how do you know which CFM to really get? Verify the CFM of your spray gun before increasing it. Getting a larger CFM implies the compressor will operate better and will be capable of handling many air tools, not just your spraying gun. So, when it refers to CFM, go as big as you need to.
The capacity of the Tank
The size of your tank has an impact on how much air you have available on request. The number of gallons required is determined by the type of project you’ll be using the spray gun for. The capacity required to paint a feature, for example, is not anything like the capacity required to paint an automobile.
Based on the project, the painting tank capacity might range from 1 to 60 gallons or over. It may also have an impact on the compressor’s usability.
Weight of the compressor
The product’s accessibility is determined by its weight. If you’re dealing with a large paint job and need to transfer your spray gun from place to place, you may not want anything that’s too heavy to drag along. However, you might want something larger because it will last longer. This is a more personal matter because the size will impact how convenient and easy it is to use.
The style
Examine the many styles, such as pancake, hotdog, pontoon compressors, and other alternatives, because they will influence various features of the compressors and your selections.
The most potent compressors are pontoon compressors, which have a higher CFM output and operating speed. However, they aren’t very portable, so you’ll need to plan for what you might need for your tasks.
Horsepower
This is yet another important specification to evaluate. Paint sprayers designed for 6 CPM and 30-40 PSI work brilliantly with 1 to 2 HP motors for many Amateur and non-industrial purposes. Nowadays, a two-horsepower compressor is available in the general retail market, but it must have at least eight CFM at 40 PSI.
Noise level
It is expressed in decibels (dBs). The higher the decibel, the louder the noise. Nobody likes dealing with noise, yet it’s something we all must do at a certain moment. Compressors can be silent as 40 decibels or as noisy as 90 dB.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best air compressor for lvlp spray gun?
The best air compressor for lvlp spray gun on our list is the CRAFTSMAN CMEC6150K Air Compressor. This model is everything that a spray painter may need, be it a newbie or an expert. With a 6-gallon pancake layout and 150 Db capacity, all your projects will be completed within the nick of time with this efficient model from Craftsman.
What size air compressor do I need to run a paint gun?
It’s suggested that you get a 60-gallon tank with a 5-6 horsepower compressor that can give enough CFM to your spray gun. At 90 PSI, aim for CFM in the 14-18 range.
Wrapping up Best Air Compressor For Painting
Spray painting is already a difficult task. It’s difficult to make sure you’re doing everything correctly so you can obtain the perfect finishing coat. Choosing an air compressor should be the last thing on your mind.
Everyone’s needs are met by the possibilities accessible here, so you’ll be able to select the proper air compressor before your next painting project. However, our top three recommendations are:
CRAFTSMAN CMEC6150K Air Compressor– This compressor has plenty of power to handle all your spray painting projects. Its maximum PSI of 150 can provide enough cut-in pressure. This amount of power is suitable for a wide range of tasks.
California Air Tools 8010 Steel Tank Air Compressor– made up of robust steel and a quick start valve system, this model is what every spray painter desires to have. You won’t have to worry about lubricating it because it’s an oil-free air compressor, which means you’ll do less maintenance.
DEWALT Pancake Air Compressor, 6 Gallon, 165 PSI (DWFP55126)– This Dewalt device is made of tough stainless steel and can handle a lot of pressure while spraying paint, making it the finest air compressor for painting beginners.
I’m Thomas Steven with more than 12 years of experience in woodworking. It has always been my passion to become a successful woodworker. I have completed hundreds of successful projects. This blog is a way of sharing my woodworking experiences and what tools get the best results. I write about woodworking while being an associate with Amazon and I earn a little commission from every qualifying purchase.