Choosing the right compressor?

What compressor do I need to paint a car. How to choose the correct air compressor for my spray gun (paint sprayer)?

Connect the compressor and wait for full working pressure. you can then adjust the pressure via a gun gauge which is connected to your spray gun.

Compressors are measured by their displacement in CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute). Spray guns are measured by the free air they use, the maths is for example a 12cfm displacement less a third equals the free air available.

The simple sum is (12cfm displacement minus 1/3 = 8cfm free air).

How to use a spray gun with an air compressor?

A spray gun that is driven by compressed air must be connected via an airline; it can be directly screwed to a threaded airline but is usually used with quick release connectors.

Low Noise / Screw Compressors >>

Standard Compressors >>

Compressor Kits >>

Portable Compressor Systems & Kits >>

Lubricant / Oil >>

Iwata 200 litre Belt Drive Air Compressor, 12.5 CFM

For a full sized gravity spray gun used for full respray and larger areas.

Sealey 50 litre Compressor, 2hp, 6.8cfm Displacement

For smaller areas, panel, alloy wheel and smart repairs.

How to set up a compressor for my spray gun (paint sprayer)? & what compressor do i need to paint a car.

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What connectors do I need to connect my spray gun to air hose and compressor?

What airline and connectors do I need for my spray gun?

Typically 3/8” (8mm) is the minimum airline internal diameter/bore. We recommend using pre-made airline that includes ¼” BSP female threaded nuts at either end.
Quick release connectors screw in to the end of the airline primarily to pair/interconnect with a tail-piece. The spray gun tail-piece would have a female thread.
View Airline & connectors >>

What are the different airline connectors?

Male and Female thread (originates from the animal kingdom).

Example: ¼” BSP male thread screws into ¼” BSP female thread and forms a seal. Spray guns and fittings supplied by us in BSP >> with NPT >>

Quick release coupling connectors tube type tails that push in to small barrel like receivers (sometimes confused or described as male and female BUT not in SprayGunsDirect language).
Euro (HVLP) high flow connectors are best practice for use with a spray gun. Traditional / old-fashioned British connectors (often misleadingly referred to as PCL style) do not suit optimal air delivery for a spray gun.

Below shows HVLP connectors used to connect the spray gun to air hose and then to the compressor. This method is quick release which is simple and very easy to use especially when changing devices using compressed air. For a full compressed air system a second air hose would be included along with a filter regulator. Air flow would typicaly follow this direction.

Compressor >> Air Hose >> Filter Regulator (1,2 or 3 stage) >> Air Hose >> Spray Gun Gauge (non-digital) >> Spray Gun

HVLP Explained

High Volume Low Pressure has no restrictions on airflow with a wider male and female connection. This is the choice for most professional paint sprayers.

PCL Explained

PCL Connectors are usually used for air tools such as sanders, polishers, drills and grinders as 100% air flow can differ. The below image shows the Prevost Flexair 10m Hose *British Style PCL Connector* with Prevost Air Blow Gun.

HVLP compressed air quick connectors for spray gun and compressor air hose 5m 10m 20m

PCL compressed air quick connectors for air tools and compressor air hose 5m 10m 20m

Above image shows (compressor connectors)

Prevost Flexair 20m Hose (Male) connecting to a Female HVLP Coupling/Receiver

Below & bottom right image shows the Prevost ESI 07 (female) HVLP quick connector with DeVilbiss MPV-5 (male) tailpiece. This is connected to the spray gun gauge and spray gun.