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Spray painting has become a much easier task, thanks to air compressors. With the right air compressor, you can spray paint large fences, pavements, and even walls within a few hours.
Because spray paint using air compressors has become a common thing now, there are multiple options for you to choose from. But how will you know which air compressor is the right one for your task at hand?
The best air compressor for spray painting is one that will work with most kinds of pint and sprayers.

In this post we'll cover:
- How Do Air Compressors for Spray Painting Work?
- 7 Best Air Compressor for Spray Painting
- 1. BOSTITCH BTFP02012 Pancake Air Compressor
- 2. PORTER-CABLE C2002 Air Compressor
- 3. DeWalt DWFP55126 Pancake Air Compressor
- 4. California Air Tools 8010 Steel Tank Air Compressor
- 5. Master Airbrush Multi-purpose Gravity Feed Dual-action Airbrush
- 6. Makita MAC2400 2.5 HP Big Bore Air Compressor
- 7. California Air Tools 2010A Ultra Quiet and Oil-Free 1.0 HP 2.0-Gallon Aluminum Tank Air Compressor
- Different Types of Air Compressors
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final words
How Do Air Compressors for Spray Painting Work?
Nowadays, most spray painting work requires you to use air compressors. An air compressor is an essential tool for spray painting quickly. But what exactly is an air compressor. It is a tool that compresses air and then releases the air with speed. This helps to generate power. It has a motor which works to fill the tank with a lot of air. When air is put into the tank, it gets compressed and pressurized. As the tank is filled with more and more air, the pressure generated can be used to power a spray gun.7 Best Air Compressor for Spray Painting
Finding an air compressor perfect for your painting job can be tough with all these options available. If you want to know about the products worth your money, you can check out this list below.1. BOSTITCH BTFP02012 Pancake Air Compressor

- An oil-free pump does not create any mess
- Works on a low 78.5 dBA
- Large 6.0-gallon tank
- 150 PSI pressure for efficient spraying
- Requires little to no maintenance
- Some users found that the motor sparks
2. PORTER-CABLE C2002 Air Compressor

- Two users can use the air compressor at the same time
- Low 120V amp for easy staring even in winter
- Pancake style compressor is stable
- Comes with rubber feet and a water drain valve
- Faster compressor recovery with 90 PSI and 2.6 SCFM
- Not the quietest compressor on the list
3. DeWalt DWFP55126 Pancake Air Compressor

- Added high flow regulators and couplers
- Console cover keeps the controls protected
- Working pressure of 165PSI
- A high efficient motor that can be used for extension cord application
- Pancake style compressor stays firm on the ground
- Air might leak on some models
4. California Air Tools 8010 Steel Tank Air Compressor

- Large 8-gallon tank
- Can be used at 1.0 and 2.0 HP
- Continuous running of 30-60 minutes with no overheating
- Very low 60 dB noise level
- Added wheel kit for ease of portability
- Does not include hose
5. Master Airbrush Multi-purpose Gravity Feed Dual-action Airbrush

- High performance ½ HP model
- Had a holder for two airbrushes
- Can be used for anything starting from auto graphics to nail art
- 0.3 mm fluid tip and 1/3 oz. gravity fluid cup added with the purchase
- Great starter tool for beginners
- Not ideal for large space paints jobs
6. Makita MAC2400 2.5 HP Big Bore Air Compressor

- One of the most durable air compressors on the list
- Added roll cage and cast iron pump gives the tool protection in job sites
- Lower amp for eliminating tripped breakers during startup
- Four poll motor produces 4.2 CFM at 90PSI
- Big bore cylinder and piston gives speedy recovery
- Expensive
7. California Air Tools 2010A Ultra Quiet and Oil-Free 1.0 HP 2.0-Gallon Aluminum Tank Air Compressor

- Gives out cleaner air thanks to the oil-free pump
- Ultra-quiet 60-decibel operation
- 2.0-gallon small sized tank for at-home use
- Portable structure, no wheels required
- Available at a reasonable price
- Plug wire is quite short
Different Types of Air Compressors
There are lots of different types of air compressors in the market. However, there are mainly four types that professionals mostly use. These include:Axial Compressor
The axial compressor falls under a dynamic compressor. This type of compressor is usually used for industrial or commercial use. They are designed for heavy-duty work. If you need to use a compressor for a long period, and on top of that, you also need the performance to be better than the average rate, then this is exactly the type of compressor you should go for. This type of compressor uses large fan-like blades to compress the air. There are several blades in the system, and they mostly have two functions. Some blades rotate, and some blades are fixed. The rotating blades move the liquid, and the fixed ones direct the directions of the liquid.Centrifugal Compressor
It is one of the most commonly used compressors in the market. This type of air compressor also falls under the dynamic type. This means the functions are very similar to axial compressors. The model also has fans like a rotary system which helps to move the air or gas to the desired area. However, unlike the axial compressor, it is not gigantic.Reciprocating Air Compressor
This type of compressor has two points: one entry point and one exit point. From the entry point or the suction valve, the air is sucked into the tank, and then it is compressed using a piston. When it has been compressed, then it can be used to generate power. This air compressor is very easy to maintain and has very good performance.Rotary Screw Compressor
This air compressor, as the name suggests, uses a rotor to compress air. The air is sucked at first. Then the air rotor starts rotating at high speed, which compresses the air. Most professionals prefer this type of air compressor because they are very easy to maintain. It has the least vibration compared to all the other types. Rotary compressors are small in size, efficient, and durable.Frequently Asked Questions
- What’s the difference in air compressors?
- What is a good CFM for an air compressor?
- Can you convert CFM to PSI?
- Which type of air compressor is used for spray painting?
- What is the best pressure for spray painting?
Final words
When looking for an air compressor, look for a feature that meets your job type, in this case, spray painting. Features such as PSI and CFM rating, and the tank capacity are vital when selecting an air compressor. You need to keep these features in mind before making your purchase. Only then will the product you buy be the best air compressor for spray painting for you.I'm Joost Nusselder, the founder of Tools Doctor, content marketer, and dad. I love trying out new equipment, and together with my team I've been creating in-depth blog articles since 2016 to help loyal readers with tools & crafting tips.