If you’re looking to complete a big coating project, from a full truck bed lining or rocker panel treatment to smaller touch-ups and repairs, the first decision you need to make is which air size compressor for bed liner will fit your needs. We’ve created this comprehensive guide for air compressor users who want to get the most out of their bed liners.
Whether you’re an experienced pro or just starting out with DIY projects, we’ll help narrow down what type of air compressor size and power output will best suit your specific application, so you can achieve professional results without breaking the bank. Keep reading below for our complete breakdown into choosing the ideal setup for tackling any job.
What Size Air Compressor For Bed Liner
For a bed liner, you’ll need an air compressor with HP should be in the 1-3 range, and the tank size should be around 10-15 gallons or higher, CFM should be at least 5 or higher, and PSI should be at least 90-100.
What Is A Bed Liner?
Before we dive into best size air compressor, it’s important to understand what a bed liner is. A bed liner, also called a spray-in truck bed liner or drop-in bed liner, is an additional protective layer of material applied to the interior of the pickup truck’s body and cargo area. It helps protect the metal from wear and tear, as well as from environmental elements like rain, snow, and dirt. Additionally, it improves the look of a vehicle’s interior, preventing rust and corrosion while also making cleanup easier.
What Size Air Compressor for Bed Liner?
When selecting an air compressor size for your coating project, it’s important to consider the various types of compressors available and their individual power output. Air compressors come in different shapes and sizes and can range from small portable models to large industrial-grade machines. They also vary in terms of horsepower, capacity, pressure settings, tank size, and weight.
For smaller projects like touch-ups and repairs, a portable air compressor is an ideal choice. These compact models are lightweight and easy to handle, making them perfect for DIYers on the go. They generally range from 1 to 3 horsepower and have tank capacities between 2 and 15 gallons.
If you’re looking for more power or are tackling larger projects like truck bed lining or rocker panel treatment, then it might be worth considering a stationary air compressor. Stationary models offer more horsepower (2 to 10) with bigger tanks (up to 80 gallons). They are heavier and bulkier, so they’re not ideal for portability. But the increased power means you’ll be able to complete larger projects quickly and efficiently.
Finally, if you’re looking for even more power, an industrial-grade air compressor might be the way to go. These powerful air compressors typically range from 5 to 50 horsepower and their tanks can reach up to 200 gallons in capacity. With an industrial-grade air compressor on your side, you can tackle heavy-duty coating projects with ease.
7 Important Factors to Consider When Selecting an Air Compressor for Bed Liner:
When selecting an air compressor for bed liner, there are a few important factors to consider, such as:
1. PSI Rate:
This is the measure of air pressure that an air compressor can generate, and it’s one of the most important factors to consider when selecting an air compressor for bed liners. Make sure you choose a model with enough PSI to effectively spray your chosen coating material.
2. Horsepower:
As mentioned, air compressors come in different sizes and power outputs. For bed liner applications, you’ll want a compressor with at least 1 to 2 horsepower for smaller projects and up to 10 or more horsepower for larger projects.
3. Tank Size:
The size of the air tank will determine how long you can use your air compressor before it needs to be refilled with air or turned off due to overheating. Smaller tanks are great for lightweight jobs, while larger tanks are necessary for bigger coating projects like truck bed lining and rocker panel treatment.
4. CFM Air Output:
This is the measure of airflow output from your compressor. The higher the CFM, the more air you’ll be able to produce for a given project. Make sure your CFM is high enough to support your desired spraying task.
5. Flow Meter:
This is an important feature that measures the airflow output from your compressor and helps ensure consistent performance throughout the job. If you plan on tackling large coating projects, then it’s essential to have a flow meter installed in order to accurately regulate air pressure levels.
6. Duty Cycle:
This describes how long you can operate your compressor before it needs to rest or cool down in order to prevent overheating and damage. A longer duty cycle means you will be able to work for longer stretches of time without stopping.
7. Portability:
Depending on the size of your project, you might need an air compressor that is portable. Smaller compressors are usually lightweight and easy to maneuver around a workspace, while larger models may be difficult to move from one place to another.
Selecting the right size air compressor for bed liner can make all the difference between a successful painting project and one that turns into a disaster. By taking all these factors into consideration, you’ll be able to find an air compressor that works perfectly for your bed liner application.
Can I Use Small Air Compressor For Bed Liner?
The answer is yes, small air compressors can be used for bed liner applications. However, due to their limited power and tank size, they are best suited for smaller projects like spot repairs or touch-ups. For larger projects like truck bed lining or rocker panel treatment, you’ll need more horsepower and a larger tank capacity. So if you’re looking for an air compressor that can handle bigger jobs with ease, then it might be worth considering a stationary model or industrial-grade air compressor.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, an air compressor is a great tool for tackling bed liner applications. When selecting an air compressor for bed liner, you should take into account factors such as PSI (pounds per square inch), HP (horsepower), tank size, CFM (cubic feet per minute), flow meter, duty cycle and portability. By considering all these factors and getting the right size air compressor for your bed lining needs, you’ll be able to successfully complete any bed liner project with ease and confidence. With a good air compressor in hand, you can tackle any coating job with minimal effort and get professional-looking results.