We've got all the information you need right here about what type of compressor is best for your needs and how to choose one. We'll also cover some common questions related to buying compressed air equipment. Plus we've included tips from our experts on how to get the most out of your purchase so it lasts as long as possible! So keep reading if you want advice.
 What is an air compressor for a paint sprayer?
An air compressor is the power source for many air tools including paint sprayers. Not all paint sprayers require an air compressor, but it's common to use one in order to achieve the best results. A compressor will provide a consistent volume of pressurized air that can then be used for painting.
Most compressors are driven by electric motors and they're designed for transferring mechanical energy into compressed gas energy- just like a car engine works to produce centrifugal force on the pistons which turns a shaft and provides speed. A motor will turn a crankshaft at high speeds which compresses incoming outside air and pushes it through an outlet valve where it's released as compressed gas. This compressed gas absorbs heat from inside the unit so your air stays cool.
A paint sprayer works by spraying a fluid such as paint or water through an opening in the tool and onto your work surface. It's powered by compressed air and uses this air to atomize the solution and spray it out of a tube like a water hose. The stiff plastic nozzle will flex under pressure and then push against your object in order to distribute the solution onto it. The end result is either a covered surface or one that is cleaner than before.
What makes compressed air so special?
Compressed air is unique because it can be stored in high pressure tanks, transferred via hoses, and used for different applications all at the same time without losing any power along the way! This means you can store millions of PSI in a tank and then unload it very quickly into another tool that's equally powerful.
Compressed air is also responsible for creating airflow to clean your surfaces, powering other power tools or painting tools, helping you attach items together with clamps, and more. Because of this versatility- people often choose compressed air over electricity when they know they'll be working on multiple projects at the same time.
What safety precautions should I take when using an air compressor?
1) Be aware of humidity - Dry climates are very common in Arizona which means there isn't much humidity around! That doesn't mean it won't rain though- clouds will form every once in awhile and water will get condensed somewhere like on your floor or clothes or even inside your air compressor. If you use compressed air- there's a chance it will hold this water inside and when you turn on the unit, it might burst. This is why you see all of those warning labels about avoiding moisture inside your equipment!
2) Protect your electrical equipment - Most people are familiar with shorting out electrical components after they get wet! Water is great at conducting electricity which means if your metal hose or wand touches an outlet or circuit box while you're using your tool, you could cause some serious damage. The best way to protect yourself from these issues is by making sure that components touch only water while in operation- not each other or anything else. If one piece comes into contact with liquid, make sure it doesn't touch another until it dries completely.
3) Wear safety equipment - There are a few different kinds of air compressors and they all produce slightly different levels of pressure. For example, some models will be able to produce more than 2,000 PSI which is great for most purposes but can become dangerous if you're not paying attention! To protect yourself from these issues- wear eye protection and gloves while using your machine. You should also keep children away from the area while it's in use or risk injury.
4) Never shut off a running compressor - If you turn off a running motor while it creates pressurized gas- you might get shocked when turning back on! Instead of turning off a unit while someone else uses it, turn the machine off at the tank before you leave.
What should I look for when buying an air compressor?
If you're looking for a tool to use around the house- it's best to stick with a model that has less than 4 HP (.25 kW) because anything larger can quickly become too powerful to use without risking injury. If you plan on using your machine in multiple areas, make sure it has low noise output because working next to 70 dBA of noise is no way to work! Anything over 80 dBa might require ear protection which could cause safety issues if not used correctly. Finally, look for models that are easy to maintain and clean so you don't spend more time worrying about upkeep than actually building something!
Why do I need an air compressor for a paint sprayer?
You need an air compressor for a paint sprayer to create pressurized airflow. Without compressed air, your unit would work the same as an aerosol can which means it's not very useful! Compressed air is inside of metal or plastic pipes and then transferred into the unit in either gallons per minute (gpm) or pounds per square inch (psi). These liquids are then forced out through nozzle tips and used with painting tools to complete any job you want- no matter how big or small!
How to use an air compressor with a paint sprayer?
Most paint sprayers will come with a hose or wand and nozzle tips to complete your project. The only other tool you'll need is an air compressor to push this fuel around and give you great results! To use these tools- connect the hose or wand to the output port on your tool then attach the other end into one of the input ports on your compressor. Turn everything on and begin painting whenever you're ready!
Comparing prices on different brands of compressors?
Not sure where to look for the best price on an air compressor? Most people start looking online but there are also great options available in-store. We've created a list of places you can buy any kind of tool or piece of equipment to make sure you get exactly what you need!
Local hardware stores will often carry pro-grade equipment like compressors because they know that these tools are used to complete jobs around the house and beyond. This means you'll be able to purchase your own models without having to wait or pay for shipping! Just be aware that different stores carry different brands which might mean offering similar features at varying prices. Online retailers specialize in selling products like air compressors which means they're more likely to have multiple models in stock and ready to ship in a few days! This means you'll be able to find what you need without having to visit multiple stores AND pay for shipping.
How much does an air compressor pump cost?
The amount that it costs you to buy an air compressor will vary based on the model itself and where you look for one. If you're looking online, prices can range from $100-1000 depending on size and features while local stores might carry lower priced models but charge more per unit due to convenience and service fees.
Most compressors come with similar features like: power (hp/watts), pressure output, tank size, nozzles, gallons per minute (gpm) output, operating hours per day and couplers. The only thing that can raise/lower the cost is extras like a warranty, maintenance kit and combination tools so keep an eye out for these especially if your budget is tight!
Can you use an air compressor on a car?
Yes, it's possible to use an air compressor on a car but there are specific precautions you should take before doing this. A regular large cylinder will work on most vehicles but be careful with higher end models because some may not have any output ports at all! In general- using compressed air to inflate tires or other objects isn't dangerous as long as everything is done correctly. Just make sure that you're at least 10 feet away from the vehicle when the pressure begins building up and don't overfill the tires!
How to use an air compressor for a paint sprayer?
If you've ever used a paint brush or roller, you should be able to figure out how to use a paint sprayer on your own. The process is really easy- connect your nozzle of choice and turn everything on. After the tank fills up with fuel, begin spraying over whatever surface you want! For details about specific models, be sure to check out our buyer's guide at the end of this article.
How much does it cost to buy and operate an air compressor for my paint sprayer?
The price for an air compressor will vary depending on the size, features and model that you choose. A small unit is likely to cost around $100 while a larger one can go up to several hundred dollars so think about what you'll need before making your purchase. The only additional costs of buying an air compressor are delivery fees if requested by the company or sales tax if purchasing locally.
Operating costs of the equipment are usually very low and depend on how often you use it and how fast it turns itself off when not in use. It's best to let your unit cool down after each session so pay attention to these indicators as this can help maximize efficiency and reduce fuel consumption over time!
Can I paint my house with an electric paint sprayer?
In our opinion, an electric paint sprayer isn't the best choice when it comes to painting a house. The main reason for this is that you're likely to need somewhere between 3-5 gallons of fuel each time you paint! This means installing multiple tanks AND paying for extra refueling which can get really expensive over time. You might even have trouble finding fuel near your home or be forced to pay high delivery fees which means purchasing at the store! This just doesn't make sense in comparison to using an air compressor/paint sprayer combo because the range of tools makes them more versatile and affordable in the long run.
If you want something that will save money & increase efficiency, go with compressed air technology instead.
Conclusion
Air compressors are the perfect companion to any painting project! For less than $100, you're likely to find a model that will work for years without needing serious maintenance or repairs. Compressed air technology is much easier on your pocket AND your time (compared to electric paint sprayers) so don't hesitate to try it out sometime soon!