Using an air compressor for spray painting

Jimmy_Boy

Hi,

I want to paint the interior of my property (walls, ceilings & skirting board)

I have seen products available that do not require an air compressor that are designed for interior painting (Wagner products mainly) which appear to be relatively decent.

However, thinking ahead, I would also like the ability to spray some other parts such as car interior trim (plastic) some metal parts and possibly the bumper and alloy wheels.

With that in mind it got me to thinking if I could use an air compressor, which would also allow me to use other air tools such as an air gun for other projects.

From my limited knowledge, the CFM of an air compressor will essentially determine how much continuous spraying you can do.

I was looking at this air compressor https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07TKVSQBR/ref=emc_b_5_i

It has a CFM of 5.2 which I believe is quite low, the higher CFM model start to get a lot more expensive.

Could anyone with more knowledge than myself advise if what im suggesting is feasible ?

Would I require a mixture of HVLP and LVLP guns to paint the interior of my house, and to also spray metal, plastic, primer, clear coat etc...

Thanks in advance.

FreeBear

Spraying household paint is not very practical - The vast majority is way too thick for your average DIY paint sprayer and needs thinning down a lot. You'll also need to mask everything and cover anything else up in the house. The overspray gets everywhere. There are airless spray guns available that will handle thick paints, but a good quality one is darned expensive (I used to use one to spray coal tar paints, 500l or more a day).

A small gravity spray gun is good for smaller jobs where you are using a thin paint. i.e. Body panels or fence/sheds with a tin wood preserver.

As for compressors - I have 25l 5CFM, and it doesn't really cope too well with even small air tools. I get a minute or two usage, and then the compressor kicks in and I have to wait for pressure to build up again. It is worth spending a bit more for a larger model IF you are doing a lot of work.

Jimmy_Boy

Thanks for the reply.

I appreciate there is a lot of masking involved, this shouldnt be a massive issue for me as the rooms are relatively small and empty. It wont be used regularly, but it would be nice to to know ive got something available for any future paint projects.

The more ive looked into this, im leaning towards not using a compressor and purchasing the Wagner 690 FLEXiO (https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01F1UY086/).

From what I read, it would allow me to spray the walls, ceiling, skirting board etc... and with the Wood & Metal attachment (https://www.wagner-group.com/uk/do-it-yourself/products-and-accessories/accessory-group/spray-attachment-woodmetal-extra-brilliant/) I believe (?) this would allow me to tackle some small / infrequent jobs such as interior trim parts, and spraying my alloy wheels.

OilyByker

PSI= pressure, about the same for all compressors
CFM= the volume of air the pump produces, simply the larger the CFM the more tools and higher capacity tools like sprayers , grinders, ratchets can be used. 
FAD= the free air delivered at the outlet. Higher the better.
Spraygun 10-15 cfm needed.   Stapler and brad nailer (very handy) 5cfm 
Max domestic 240v electric compressor = 3 HP being the largest 240v motor, Tank..... bigger the better.
Domestic paints. Most state not to be sprayed, PPE, proper paint application mask required. See trade suppliers not B&Q
Options:
HVLP (high volume low pressure) Apollo, Wagner, or cheap eBay ones. use a lot in furniture making, cars, small areas. I use Apollo , 

Hire an Airless sprayer..... see Decor-8 in Bury. 

Hope this helps