2hp 4 gallon compressor for spraying?

[pontoon]

I know, I know, something like 60 gallons is the way to go for most spray guns

I’m looking at using the Iwata LPH80 mini spray gun which only needs 1.8cfm.

I think my main issue using it with my compressor is the moisture in the air.

If I get a filter and put it right at the end of my 50 foot hose will that be enough? Or do I need to do more?

What’s the best, easiest option I can do? I’d rather avoid using dozens of feet of copper piping if possible.

 

[Glemon]

I have had good luck with the disposable water traps (kind of looks like a tomato) that go inline right before the gun. If you small compressor has a drain/pressure relief valve on the bottom drain that frequently too.

 

[glentre]

Use water based paint & don't worry about moisture in the air lines.

Glen

 

[CraigStu]

What are you going to spray?

 

[niget2002]

I have the larger water separator at the air compressor and then I use one of these inline right at the spray gun.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08HWBJVZY/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I also use a smaller air regulator right on the end of the spray gun. If you watch 'pros' spraying cars on youtube, you'll see a lot of them have similar setups at the gun.

 

[niget2002]

Use water based paint & don't worry about moisture in the air lines.

Glen

My issues is that the water in the air line tends to bring other contaminants with it.

 

[38Chevy454]

The main issue is the 4 gallon tank will cause the compressor to cycle very often. Depending on what you are spraying, it could limit you waiting for the air pressure to catch up. I use those small desiccant dryers when I am spraying anything, seem to work just fine and stop water droplets out the spray gun. If you can add a second dryer up the line closer to compressor it might be a good idea, kind of double water filter potential.

 

[strutaeng]

1.8 CFM? That's not a lot by any means. Get a unit that has at least 1.5X or 2.0X what your requirements are and that has the larger, induction motor and spray away. They are heavier than the one with universal motors, but will last longer. Something like this:
https://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/tools/2-hp-4-gallon-compressors.html

I've got this "quiet" compressor, but don't feel like they are up to the task for continuous duty like spraying. I use mine only for nailing and filling tires.
https://bethepro.com/forums/topic/husky-4610a-twin-tank-silent-compressor-review/

I know the roofers use the ones on the first link, and those guys run them literally for 6-9 hours a day almost non-stop. Should probably last you 20 years+ on a DIY use.

 

[nadogail]

IMHO, The requirement for compressed air determines the size of the compressor you will need. An Air Brush or brad nailer requires only a minimal capacity compressor, but if you want to run a large impact wrench or pneumatic grinder, you need something capable of feeding an "Air Hog".

I have found that once you start using pneumatic tools, your compressor capacity will become insufficient. Overkill is Underrated, go big or go home.

 

[CN Spots]

Ditto on the tomato filter and the regulator at the gun. I have a 5 gal compressor that I've had for 25 years and I've used it for painting tons of small projects. Even painted a 14' Jon boat inside and out. I just let it cool down between sections. This was using an old school gravity feed DeVilbiss, not a HVLP.

Could it paint a full sized car/truck in a day without melting? Probably not.

 

[pontoon]

Can someone link me a product to filter near the compressor? I have the California Air tools 4620-AC CALIFORNIA AIR TOOLS CAT-4620AC 4GAL 2HP Twn Compressor https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005SOD08M/?tag=atomicindus08-20

My compressor does 6.4 CFM @40 psi and I might be painting below that even. That’s about 3x what I need.

I got the Iwata LPH80-124g. I’m painting a Honda CR-V single stage Taffeta White. It has a few bumper (front and rear one corner each) scrapes with scrapes showing primer. Tire cover took an impact and cracked (fixed with bondo and adhesive). One door scrape also showing primer. I might paint front and rear bumper and one door and the tire cover. Not sure if I want to block repair the whole bumper/door or spot repair. Each damage has intermittent scrape marks in maybe a 6” to 12” square.

 

[niget2002]

I added this one last week. I don't have any long term experience, but it's worked well so far. I like that it auto-empties when the pressure drops low.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07Z5Q52DN/?tag=atomicindus08-20