Air -- It's Not Just for Breathing

One tool we've learned we can't live without is an air-powered paint sprayer.  This month alone we have painted up two huge work tables, a large dining table, two small tables, a chair, a chest of drawers and several frames.  I should say, Isaac has painted up all of these things.  I just ran the kids around and made all of the dinners so he could keep at it.  For three weeks, our front driveway housed what looked like a terrorist interrogation tent, dusty tarps flapping in the wind.  Isaac called it his "hobo shanty town."  Painting this many pieces would have been misery with a paint brush and the finishes wouldn't have been so smooth and professional. 

Of course, it would have taken far less time if we weren't experimenting with some bullet-proof, professional paint Isaac tracked down.  This stuff was rough to use, but the finished work tables are hard as glass.  We used regular paint from the hardware store for all of the other projects and they were far easier to complete.

We have refinished a ton of furniture over the last 15 years.  I regret not getting an air compressor and a paint sprayer sooner. 

AIR COMPRESSOR
As far as air compressors go, for spraying paint, it's important to get a compressor that is large enough and powerful enough to keep up with you. Usually you would need, at minimum, a 20- to 30-gallon compressor for powering a paint sprayer because you are using the compressed air in a steady stream instead of in short bursts (as for a nail gun or staple gun).  However, we have found that the 15-gallon DeWalt D55168 is up to the task.  It has an extra-powerful motor and is capable of being filled to a very high pressure -- many 30-gallon compressors will only go up to 140 PSI (pounds per square inch), while this guy will go up to 200 PSI so it releases a longer flow of air than you would normally expect from a smaller tank.  And it takes up less room.  Furthermore, when we turned this machine on at the store, we found that it was also considerably more quiet than other models.  Sold!

Make sure to compare the SCFM ratings (Standard Cubic Feet per Minute) of the compressors you are considering, which measures air flow (into the tank, I think).  For spraying paint, you will want a machine with an SCFM of 5 or more.  Most air compressor tools will list what SCFM is needed to operate them, so look at the different tools you will want to use before choosing which model of air compressor to purchase.  If you plan to use an air compressor for tasks that only require small bursts of air, like for a nail gun or a staple gun, then you might be able to get away with a smaller compressor.  Read more about how to choose an air compressor here.

PAINT SPRAYER
In my opinion, the gravity-fed pneumatic paint sprayers (with the paint tank on top) work a little better than the siphon-fed ones.  I haven't used enough different models to say which brand/model is best.  Ours is a Husky Pro HVLP and we have been plenty happy with it thus far.  Make sure to get a professional-quality respirator to wear while you're working.

Comments

[Hayley]

holy moly, I've been looking into getting one of these paint sprayers, but just didn't know which to get for just around the house projects. SOLD! Did you push Latex paint through it or oil-based? Thanks!!!

[Kimberly]

Please do tell us about this professional paint you mentioned. Hard as glass work surfaces sound like a dream!

[Isaac Bailey]

At various times, I have run latex, lacquer, shellac, water-based polyurethane, and two-part polyurethane through the sprayer. Just make sure to thoroughly clean the sprayer with the appropriate solvent after each use.

The two-part polyurethane by Lorchem is by far the most difficult paint to work with, but gives the most durable finish. On the plus side, you can build up the two-part poly as thick as you want by spraying and sanding multiple coats. When it has cured, it is tough and extremely mar-resistant. It will not chip, crack or peel. On the downside, it is very expensive, drippy, finicky, and stinky. If you plan to use it, consult the professionals at the paint store where it is sold.

Isaac

[Noga from Israel]

Thank you so much for this information! I'm looking for a paint sprayer right now and this is so helpfull!

[Crissy Lodmell]

So, really? You're going to tell us all about these projects and then not show us the finished products? That's just so wrong! Must ... see ... tables!!! :)

[Al]

Wow, such an interesting post. Lots of useful information here, thanks. Love your prints too :)

[shar]

Thank you so much for this information!

[Emily]

I have my gun and compressor. I am just not sure how to hook it all up. Do you have a filter on yours? I am not sure where it goes. I have been searching for a diagram of how to hook up the whole system but can't find anything. any advice would be appreciated.
thanks!

[Lachezar]

It goes like this. Compressor - filter for air treatment - hose - gun

[toolman]

I just wanted to say that I use my 6 gal craftsman air compressor with my HVLP sprayer and it it keeps up just fine.The reason for that is you don't hold your trigger open all the time for spraying.You feather your trigger with swooping motions back and forth on the subject you are painting.The same is true if you want to spray varnish or laquer.