Discover the secret to effortless and flawless painting with the perfect combination of a paint sprayer and an air compressor. Achieve exceptional results in no time as we guide you through the simple steps of attaching and using these powerful tools.
While paint sprayers alone offer ease and convenience, incorporating an air compressor ensures better coverage and efficiency.
We understand that this pairing might seem intimidating, especially for beginners, but fear not! Our informative and friendly post will walk you through the process, making your painting project a delightful experience. Let’s dive in and unleash your painting potential!
How To Attach And Use The Paint Sprayer With An Air Compressor?
It’s pretty obvious that to get flawless results you first need to have the right paint sprayer attached to the compatible air compressor. To paint breathtakingly well you would need;
- A paint sprayer
- An air compressor
- Regulator
- Female plug
- Mask, goggles, and gloves
- Hose
- Filter
#1. Paint Sprayer
It’s important to note here that the paint sprayer comes in a variety of sizes and types. You have to find the one that suits your needs better to get done with the painting job effectively. The most commonly used paint sprayers are;
- Siphon gun
- Gravity gun
- Feed gun
The siphon guns can be recognized easily as their paint container hangs under the gun body.
The siphon guns do not cover a large area and demand higher pressure than most paint sprayers available out there.
So, if you want to get done with the painting job quickly and have more area to cover, siphon guns may not be the right choice.
Gravity guns, just like the siphon guns, store paint in containers but their paint container is usually not hanging under the gun body but at the top. As the name suggests, gravity guns operate using gravity, as a result, less pressure is required.
Gravity guns offer small coverage so this option is only useful for small painting projects. If you are low on budget and need something for a small painting have the siphon gun instead as the gravity guns require a special stand for paint refilling.
Here comes the last popular option called a “feed gun”. The feed gun neither resembles the siphon gun nor the gravity gun as the pressure pot is attached to the guns using hoses.
The feed guns are more reliable and forgiving than siphon and gravity guns. The said option covers more area and produces even results.
#2. Air Compressor
Air compressor is forgiving equipment that is often demanded for several purposes including spray painting. The air compressors when attached to the paint sprayers produce even results in no time.
There are two types of air compressors; the simplest air compressor and the airbrush compressor. Both of these air compressors are easier to attach and use.
#3. Regulator, Hose, Filter, And Female Plug
The regulator, hose, filter, and female plug are a few small yet important accessories.
All these accessories are needed to attach the air compressor with the paint sprayer and bring it to workable condition.
#4. Mask, Goggles, And Gloves
Mask, goggles, and gloves are required to minimize contact. Painting with a paint sprayer would be breathtakingly messy if the paint can get on furniture and objects, it can cause skin irritation and some respiratory issues as well. So, do not begin painting without equipping yourself with a mask, goggles, and gloves.
Now that you have got all the needed accessories, it’s time to move ahead with the plan.
Note that the whole paint sprayer and the air compressor connecting procedure may seem to people who are new to the paint world.
Just take a deep breath and read and follow the below-mentioned instructions carefully. You would end up attaching the paint sprayer and the air compressor correctly.
To get maximum coverage and good results here’s how you have to attach the paint sprayer to the air compressor;
- Step #1: Observe the paint sprayer and the air compressor closely and thoroughly. You need to figure out where the air compressor is supposed to be attached. Most paint sprayers require it to be attached to the bottom, the paint sprayer you are going to use can be the same or different so you have to inspect the paint sprayer thoroughly.
- Step #2: Once you have found where the air compressor is supposed to be connected it’s time to attach the regulator. By attaching the regulator you would be able to see the PSI.
- Step #3: It’s now the need of the hour to attach the hose and the regulator. So, take a female plug and screw it to the regulator.
- Step #4: Turn on the air compressor to set the PSI on the regulator by pulling the trigger and letting the air come out. Wait for the arrows on the regulator to drop, the number the arrow will land on would be the PSI you will be working on.
- Step #5: There, your job of attaching the paint sprayer and the air compressor is done. You can now start filling colors immediately.
Wait, you have just attached the paint sprayer and an air compressor. There is still a lot you need to be careful with especially when you are working with a paint sprayer and an air compressor.
To get flawless results with a paint sprayer and air compressor here is how you are supposed to be painting the surface with the said devices;
#5. Have The Right Paint
Remember! The paint sprayer and air compressor can not process and handle thicker paints.
You would probably be preferring the paint sprayer over the roller because it produces supernatural results, so having the right kind of paint is super important.
Water-based paints(also known as latex paints) are usually preferred as such paints are not thick and can be brought to the desired consistency cheaply and effectively.
However, now some paint sprayers available in the market are meant to work with oil-based paints only.
Read the manual first before deciding and investing in the paint. If the manual does not specify any particular paint, use water-based paint but if it does, you have to get that kind of paint.
#6. Bring The Paint To A Workable Consistency
The paint sprayer and the air compressor would only be able to produce flawless results. When the paint is of the right consistency.
So, try thinning the paint and allow it to run through the fennel first. If you are using water-based paints as suggested, for paint thinning you simply have to add ½ cup of water to a gallon to paint.
#7. Prime Or Prepare The Painting Surface
Remember! It doesn’t matter whether you are working with a paint sprayer and an air compressor or not, you would still be required to prime or prepare the area.
Even before attaching and filling the paint sprayer with paint, we suggest you go prime and prepare the painting surface.
To bring the area to a workable condition, prime the surface and tape off the areas that need not be painted at all. Painting with a paint sprayer can be messy. You are advised to cover the floor, furniture, and all other objects nearby.
#8. Fill Up The Paint Sprayer
As you are now done priming the surface and covering the floor, furniture, and objects nearby, it’s time for the action.
Double-check the consistency and fill up the paint sprayer by reading the user manual. As soon as the paint sprayer is done, you can begin painting immediately.
#9. Put On Rough Clothes, Gloves, And A Mask
There is no need to inform you that painting with a paint sprayer would not be as romantic and fun as it is in the movies. It would rather be super tiring and messy. So, you do not end up ruining your favorite pajama suit.
We advise you to put on some rough clothes, gloves to reduce clean-up time and minimize contact, and a mask to prevent temporary respiratory issues. Moreover, the experts and doctors also suggest so.
#10. Start Painting
Now that you and the paint sprayer are fully equipped, you are allowed to start painting. If you are too afraid to start with the “actual” object, give the paint sprayer a try somewhere else.
#11. Clean Up
As the whole surface is evenly painted, the newly painted area now needs a little touch-up to look funky and fresh. Clean the painting mess and allow the surface to dry. Congratulations! You are done.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Use An Air Compressor With A Paint Sprayer?
Yes, you can use an air compressor for a variety of purposes including painting. In fact, paint sprayers and air compressors are often used together to get even results cheaply and incredibly fast.
Can You Use A Paint Sprayer Without An Air Compressor?
Yes, you can use a paint sprayer without an air compressor if the budget or the painting project is small. Painting with a paint sprayer and air compressor is however recommended as you get more coverage and even results fast.
Is It Worth Getting An Air Compressor?
Yes, it’s worth getting an air compressor for a paint sprayer for a variety of reasons.
The air compressors are known and admired for their breathtakingly even results and excellent coverage. So, why would equipment that is improving performance not be worth it?
Paint Rollers Or Paint Sprayers With Air Compressors?
Both painting equipment holds a prominent place in the painting world. Some experienced painters prefer paint rollers whereas a huge number of professionals and one-timers enjoy painting with paint sprayers and air compressors.
Is The Paint Sprayer Safe To Use?
Yes, the paint sprayers are quite safe to use if the painter is wearing a mask, gloves, and goggles. If the user is fully equipped, painting with paint sprayers would be rewarding in all senses.
What Kind Of Paints Are Used With A Paint Sprayer?
Paints, these days, have several types. The paints that work best with a paint sprayer are lacquers, varnishes, and latex paints.