Advice on Paint Sprayer(s) for existing compressor

[pdalton]

I have a Craftsman 5HP/25 gallon air compressor (Model #919.15294 - so it's far from new) that -- for many years -- I've mostly used to air up tires & run a few air tools when working on vehicles, etc..

I've never tried using this (or any other) compressor to paint anything, but now I have several projects that require me to paint beyond what I think can be accomplished well (and efficiently) with just a brush or roller.

So far, the only thing I've changed on my compressor (about 10 years ago) has been to replace the original "winged" drain valve with a lever-operated ball valve to make it easier to blow out moisture after use. (I did this hoping to minimize tank rust). And I've recently purchased (and will soon install) an inline water separator.

What I would appreciate now are recommendations/suggestions in two areas:

A. Anything else I need to (or should) do at/on/for the compressor itself; and

B. Identify the reasonably-priced attachments / spray guns, etc. I need (or should have) to do the planned work [recognizing that these won't be for "pro" use, but that - like everyone - I hope for great looking results, but that, after these specific projects, I don't expect I'll be using them again very often].

[One important thing I'd like to know is whether HVLP is or should be a consideration for all or any of these projects and, if so, can I do that with my air compressor or must I buy a standalone HVLP-only unit, such as those from Earlex, Fuji, etc.?]

Here are my project "assignments":

1. Painting ~10-12 sheets (4'x8', some partial) of new outdoor 3/4" plywood siding that will replace deteriorated pieces of the original (1984) siding on the house [at the same time I'll also be repainting the remaining old siding on that side of the house so it all matches]. **
   
   
2. Sandblasting, then repainting several pieces of cast aluminum outdoor furniture (All were originally powder coated, but that's now peeling off in many places).
   
   
3. Applying a finish (maybe stain, maybe paint) and then sealing (poly) ~4-5 freestanding cabinets I'm building.

**[Before painting all that siding, I want to first apply some sort of primer or waterproofer to the new siding pieces to help prevent them from getting water damaged over time, particularly along the bottom edges where it's obvious that "swelling" occurred in the past. So suggestions for products to use for this purpose would be appreciated, too.]

Thanks very much for any thoughts and suggestions.

Paul

 

[dogdog]

I don't think that compressor is going to cut it in any of the tasks... 5HP is that misleading number from them (craftsman) all those compressors... look at the air delivery of the compressor CFM at certain psi. Pretty sure sand blasting is out of your league on that compressor.

Painting dependents on the gun used.... but definitely not the one design for professional HVLP

I have the 33 Gallon of that Craftsman oilless, don't remember what was the claimed HP on that but no way I could run a professional HVLP off it... it gets spotty and crappy result... with a lower CFM hobby Gun I was able to paint some what decent. that is after I tandem two tanks and adjusted the cut in pressure from 90 to 120PSI... means normally the compressor cuts out at 150, and cuts in when pressure drops below 90... Now it's 120PSI....

SO YMMV, that was my experiences with painting the top of my car... with 2 stage automotive paint.

 

[dogdog]

If it is a water base paint, there are other airless sprayers for rent or buy....

 

[Farrier]

Paint sprayers make a lot of mess. A lot more prep time is required not to make a huge mess. I have a commercial sprayer and I loan it out more than I use it which is about once a year. And even when I use it to spray my properties, I still back roll the paint afterwards, so I mostly roll on paint or stains; less clean up and mess.

Also, if you invest in a sprayer, clean, clean, clean, clean, clean after painting or staining. Make sure all hoses, ports, screens etc are spotless.

 

[gorilla]

Your compressor won't do any of the tasks you need to do not enough CFM. A airless sprayer is what you want for siding and staining. IMHO they pay for themselves painting under the eves. You still need to back roll and mask off the windows so its a wash on time spent. Sandblasting powder coat off is a ***** I'd sand the loose stuff off and paint over the powdercoat.

 

[csp]

Just sold a similar Craftsman "5" HP yesterday as it was not up to task for media blasting even at 40psi. IIRC it was around 4-5 SCFM at 50 psi.

 

[pdalton]

Well RATS!

But I don't doubt the correctness of your thoughts.

So if I need to get an airless paint sprayer, what should I be looking for?

Sent from my SM-N950U1 using Tapatalk