30 Gallon Air Compressor Enough for HVLP

[SHADOWFOX]

Folks,

Just wanted to know if a 30 gallon air compressor is enough if I am going to use it with HVLP gun for spraying finishes. Greatly appreciate any info. I currently have a pancake style compressor but has received an opportunity to purchase a 30 gallon porter cable compressor for $100.00 from my parents neighbor and wanted to know if I could use it for the purpose of spraying finishes.

Thank you,

[sparkeyjames]

Depends on the output flow rate. Most HVLP guns need an SCFM of 8.0 or more at 40psi.

[SHADOWFOX]

This compressor is rated at 5.7 SCFM AT 90 PSI. So I take it this would not work?

[sparkeyjames]

Given that it outputs 5.7 scfm at 90psi it is possible that that compressor will put out at least 8 at 40psi. Don't take my word for it however check to see if the owner has a manual with the full specs. Or at least see if you can check out that models specs on PC's website. Also check some HVLP guns to see what their rate spec is.

[footprintsinconc]

i just bought a hvlp set from hf. they are suppose to be operated at no more than 10psi, even though the box said that max was 35psi with a 9 or 11 scfm use at 35psi. so when you operate the gun at 10 to 15psi, you wont need that much scfm and hence the 30 gal compressor that puts out 5.7scfm at 90psi will work in my opinion. i guess you could use ratios to see how much scfm is going to be put at 10 to 15 psi.

i have only sprayed oil based poly on a project for about 5 times now. at 30psi, there was toooo much cloud. however, since i dropped down to 10psi, the cloud has dissapered, but i had to use a mixture thinned at 1 to 1 to get a decent spray. i am still working on getting a good finish though.

that is my limited experience. not sure if i was of any help though.

[JimD]

I think it will be at least adequate but it depends a lot on the gun. I use a Wagner conversion gun on a little Bostitch conpressor that is only 2.7 at 90 and 3.4 at 40psi. It works but not real well. I have to run the gun at low pressure, like 12psi, with the compressor regulator set at around 90 psi. I bought the wagner conversion gun because it works with little compressors. It also has changable nozzle sets so you can spray very thick and very thin material. My gun cost about $125. I got it from Gleempaint. I am thinking of upgrading to a compressor like you describe or even just a larger pancake or twin tank.

I like spraying Resisthane. It is about $35 a gallon delivered. I buy it from Hood finishing products. Resisthane if a water based pre-catalyzed lacquer that is rated for kitchen cabinets. I have used gloss clear for most of the time but I am finishing some shutters with white Resisthane currently. I've also successfully sprayed Minwax water based poly.

Jim

[Hellrazor]

This compressor is rated at 5.7 SCFM AT 90 PSI. So I take it this would not work?

You might be ok. A lot of compressors rated at 5.7 @90PSI are around 8 @40PSI