Compressor for car painting: how to choose and TOP 5 best models
Content
The characteristics of the desired model depend on many factors. For example, on whether the compressor will be used for other purposes than painting a car. Or even from the brand of the car - to work with the planes of the van, you need a model with a time of continuous work higher than for painting a passenger car. But in any category you can find a package for your pocket.
The market for compressors for painting cars offers so many models with different technical characteristics that it can be difficult to make a choice. To accurately determine, you must first understand what you generally have to choose from.
Types of Compressors
Models differ in drive, receiver size, type of lubricant - there are many classifications. But first of all, they are divided into piston and rotary.
Rotary screw
The principle of operation of this compressor is clear from its name - air is pumped with the help of two screws. In operation, such models almost do not cause complaints - they are durable, silent, have a reduced level of vibration, high performance and do not need interruptions in work.
Piston
The piston compressor works like this: inside the cylinder there is a piston (like in a car), which is driven by an electric drive. Such models are much more popular than rotary ones.
Which compressor is better to buy for painting a car in a garage
Owners advise - for painting a car, it is better to buy a piston-type compressor. Compared to the difference in cost, all the advantages of a rotary model in a garage environment become quite insignificant. There is much less wear and tear on an autocompressor than in commercial use, making the durability advantage pointless. Continuous work throughout the day can also be considered a plus only for car services.
What characteristics should a compressor for painting a car have?
Automobile pumps have many purposes, and models with different characteristics have been created to perform different functions.
Consider the main ones by which you need to choose a compressor for painting a car.
Performance
For non-professional use, productivity from 120-150 to 300 l / min will be optimal. There is no need for a higher one. If you take a model with a capacity of more than 350 l / min, you will also have to pay extra for the size of the receiver - high power with a small volume will lead to frequent overheating and shorten the life of the device.
Pressure
The compressor for painting a car must have a pressure of at least 6-7 atmospheres. The upper threshold is not so important - on all models this parameter can be adjusted.
type of drive
Air compressors for painting a car come with two types of drive - belt and direct. They differ in that in the direct drive model, the torque is transmitted directly to the crankshaft; with a belt - the belt acts as an intermediary.
However, direct drive will be a good budget choice for personal use. The price of these compressors is lower, they are more compact, more convenient and weigh less, and the advantages in the form of durability and uptime in home use are not at all fundamental.
With or without oil
Here opinions differ. Some people say that you need a compressor with oil to paint a car, others say that it is not necessary at all. Here it is also important to consider how often and intensively this tool will be used.
Oil compressors require constant relubrication, but performance, power and uptime can be written into their advantages.
Oil-free ones are suitable for occasional use, they are light and inexpensive, but they get hotter and therefore need more breaks.
Receiver size
The choice of the size of the receiver depends on the expected time of continuous operation. The larger the volume, the longer the pump can run. Also, do not forget that a high power compressor does not go well with a small receiver, it will constantly heat up. The resource of such a model will be limited.
When choosing a compressor for painting a car, it is worth stopping at a receiver of 20-30 liters - it will provide enough time for painting large surfaces.
Top best compressors for car painting
This rating presents five of the best models with the best value for money.
Oil compressor ELITECH KPM 200/50, 50 l, 1.5 kW
With this model, you can not only paint the car, it is also suitable for working with pneumatic tools, including sandblasting. The compressor is equipped with two analogue pressure gauges for constant pressure monitoring.
Technical specifications | |
Performance | 198 l / min |
Receiver volume | 50 l |
Drive unit | Straight |
A type | Piston |
Grease type | Oil |
Operating pressure | 8 бар |
Food | From the outlet |
The weight | 35 kg |
Power | 1,5 кВт |
A special pressure relief valve makes the operation of the compressor more comfortable. Rubber wheels not only help to transport it, but also dampen vibrations during operation, reducing the noise level. Also on the case there is a metal handle with a heat-resistant non-slip pad.
Oil compressor Eco AE-502-3, 50 l, 2.2 kW
According to customer reviews, this is the most inexpensive model with similar characteristics. It is worth stopping at it if you need a compressor for painting a car at the lowest price for its performance. This pump is not just powerful - it has two pistons, which makes it the most productive in this top.
Technical specifications | |
Performance | 440 l / min |
Receiver volume | 50 l |
Drive unit | Straight |
A type | Piston |
Grease type | Oil |
Operating pressure | 8 бар |
Food | From the outlet |
The weight | 40 kg |
Power | 2,2 кВт |
Just like the previous one, this compressor has a pressure relief valve, a comfortable handle, wheels and rubber pads that dampen vibration on the floor. As a measure against overheating, it is equipped with an air heat sink.
Oil compressor Garage ST 24.F220/1.3, 24 l, 1.3 kW
Another 220 volt compressor for car painting is distinguished by a small receiver volume, but at the same time it has high performance with low weight and size.
Technical specifications | |
Performance | 220 l / min |
Receiver volume | 24 l |
Drive unit | Straight |
A type | Piston |
Grease type | Oil |
Operating pressure | 8 бар |
Food | From the outlet |
The weight | 24 kg |
Power | 1,3 кВт |
The drive of this model is covered with a plastic casing for safety - this also reduces the noise level. The compressor has two analog pressure gauges for pressure control, its power can be adjusted. For easy movement, the pump has a metal handle and rubber wheels.
Oil compressor Fubag Air Master Kit, 24 l, 1.5 kW
The same light and compact model as the previous position in the top - the volume of the receiver is only 24 liters, but just like in the case of the Garage ST, its diminutiveness does not harm performance.
Due to the design features that remove heat from the engine, the pump is less prone to overheating. But even in this case, the compressor has a thermal relay that will turn off the engine when a dangerous temperature is reached.
Technical specifications | |
Performance | 222 l / min |
Receiver volume | 24 l |
Drive unit | Straight |
A type | Piston |
Grease type | Oil |
Operating pressure | 8 бар |
Food | From the outlet |
The weight | 26 kg |
Power | 1,5 кВт |
The metal handle and two wheels ensure easy transportation and dampen vibration. Complete with this model, the owner receives two blow guns, a tire gun, an airbrush and a set of different fittings.
Oil-free compressor Metabo Basic 250-50 W OF, 50 l, 1.5 kW
The only oil-free compressor in the top - and for a model of this type, it has decent performance. The volume receiver provides high power and long time of continuous work. Overloads are prevented by an additional protection system, and a special anti-corrosion treatment of the case prolongs the service life of the product. This model is suitable for both personal and professional use.
Technical specifications | |
Performance | 220 l / min |
Receiver volume | 50 l |
Drive unit | Straight |
A type | Piston |
Grease type | Oil free |
Operating pressure | 8 бар |
Food | From the outlet |
The weight | 29 kg |
Power | 1,5 кВт |
This compressor also has two pressure gauges: one to control the working pressure, the second to control the pressure in the receiver. Like the rest of the models in the top, this one has a metal handle and rubber wheels.
Conclusion
The characteristics of the desired model depend on many factors. For example, on whether the compressor will be used for other purposes than painting a car. Or even from the brand of the car - to work with the planes of the van, you need a model with a time of continuous work higher than for painting a passenger car. But in any category you can find a package for your pocket.