Are you looking to apply Cerakote, the specialized firearms finish, but don’t know what size air compressor you need? Having the right size air compressor for cerakote coating is essential if you want to be efficient and maintain a high standard of quality. Whether you’re just doing cerakote coating for personal use, or are ready to upgrade an established commercial cerakote coating workshop, figuring out what size air compressor fits your unique needs isn’t always easy.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss what size air compressor for cerakote so that you can get back to work faster with better results. We’ll cover everything from cfm, psi and tank size considerations to choosing the right motor and when it pays off in terms of efficiency and productivity. Keep reading for our complete guide on choosing best air compressor for cerakote!
What Size Air Compressor For Cerakote
- What Size Air Compressor For Cerakote
- What Is Cerakote Coating?
- Types of Cerakote Coating:
- Requirements For Thin-Film Cerakote Coating:
- Requirements For Mid-Coat Cerakote Coating:
- Requirements For Full-Coverage Cerakote Coating:
- Requirements For Clear Cerakote Coating:
- 7 Important Factors to Consider When Selecting an Air Compressor for Cerakote:
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion:
For cerakote coating, you’ll need an air compressor with a CFM rating of at least 8-10 and a PSI rating around 40-60. HP should be in the 2-3 range, and the tank size should be around 20 gallons or higher.
What Is Cerakote Coating?
Cerakote is a specialized finish for firearms, knives and other metal objects. It’s highly durable and resistant to rust, scratching and abrasion. It also comes in a range of colors and patterns, allowing you to customize the look of your firearm or knife however you like. Cerakote coating is more difficult than simply painting, however, and requires the use of a specialized air compressor to apply the finish evenly and smoothly.
Types of Cerakote Coating:
Cerakote coating is available in four basic types:
1- Thin-Film Cerakote Coating
2- Mid-Coat Cerakote Coating
3- Full-Coverage Cerakote Coating
4- Clear Cerakote Coating
1- Thin-Film Cerakote Coating:
Thin-film cerakote coating is a single thin layer of ceramic particles suspended in a solvent. It’s designed to provide the most basic protection against wear and abrasion without adding any additional weight or thickness.
2- Mid-Coat Cerakote Coating:
Mid-coat cerakote coating is a thicker version of the thin-film coating. It’s designed to provide more protection against wear and abrasion, as well as a slight increase in weight and thickness.
3- Full-Coverage Cerakote Coating:
Full coverage cerakote is a very thick coat of ceramic particles that are applied over an object’s entire surface. This type of coating is designed to provide the highest level of protection against wear and abrasion, as well as a substantial increase in weight and thickness.
4- Clear Cerakote Coating:
Clear cerakote coating is a clear coat that is applied over a mid-coat or full coverage cerakote finish. It’s designed to provide a glossy finish and to further enhance the protective properties of the underlying cerakote finish.
Requirements For Thin-Film Cerakote Coating:
Thin-film cerakote coating requires a certain combination of air pressure and volume (measured in cubic feet per minute, or cfm) from your air compressor. The exact requirements depend on the type of gun being coated and the size of the parts being coated. Generally speaking, thin-film cerakote coating requires between 3cfm and 6cfm at 40-60psi. If you’re using a spray gun, the requirements can be even higher, up to 10cfm or more.
Requirements For Mid-Coat Cerakote Coating:
Mid-coat cerakote coating requires a slightly higher cfm than thin-film cerakote coating, typically between 4cfm and 8cfm at 40-60psi. If you’re using a spray gun, the requirements can be even higher, up to 10cfm or more.
Requirements For Full-Coverage Cerakote Coating:
Full-coverage cerakote coating requires the highest cfm of all, typically between 6cfm and 12cfm at 40-60psi. If you’re using a spray gun, the requirements can be even higher, up to 18cfm or more.
Requirements For Clear Cerakote Coating:
Clear cerakote coating requires the same cfm and psi requirements as mid-coat or full coverage cerakote, typically between 4cfm and 12cfm at 40-60psi. If you’re using a spray gun, the requirements can be even higher, up to 18cfm or more.
7 Important Factors to Consider When Selecting an Air Compressor for Cerakote:
When selecting an air compressor for cerakote coating, there are a few important factors to consider, such as:
1. PSI Rate:
The pressure of your air compressor, measured in pounds per square inch (PSI), should be appropriate for the type of coating you’re using. For thin-film cerakote coating, a pressure between 40 and 60 PSI is usually adequate. For mid-coat and full coverage cerakote coatings, a pressure between 50 and 70 PSI is typically best.
2. Horsepower:
The horsepower (HP) rating of an air compressor is related to its cfm rating—the higher the horsepower, the more cfm it can provide. A 1 HP air compressor can generally provide up to 4cfm at 40psi; a 2 HP air compressor can generally provide up to 8cfm at 40psi; and a 3 HP air compressor can generally provide up to 12cfm at 40psi.
3. Tank Size:
The size of the tank on your air compressor should also be taken into consideration. A large tank provides more pressurized air and lessens the frequency of your compressor kicking on and off, which helps maintain a steady cfm during use.
4. CFM Air Output:
The cubic feet per minute (CFM) rating of an air compressor determines how much compressed air it can create in one minute. This is an important factor to consider when selecting an air compressor for cerakote coating—the higher the CFM rating, the more volume of pressurized air you can produce in any given amount of time.
5. Flow Meter:
A flow meter measures the amount of compressed air being used and can be a helpful tool when selecting an air compressor for cerakote coating. A flow meter allows you to accurately measure the amount of cfm being produced by your air compressor, which helps ensure that you’re getting the most out of it and that enough air pressure is being applied to achieve full coverage cerakote coating.
6. Duty Cycle:
The duty cycle of an air compressor determines how long it can run continuously before it needs to rest. This is important because if your compressor runs out of power while you’re in the middle of a job, it could affect the quality of your coatings. Look for an air compressor with a high duty cycle, ideally one that can run continuously for at least an hour.
7. Portability:
Finally, consider how portable your air compressor needs to be. If you’ll only be using it in one location, a stationary model might be best for you. But if you need to use the compressor on site or take it with you from job to job, then a portable option might be necessary.
Selecting the right size air compressor for cerakote can make all the difference between a successful cerakote coating project and one that turns into a disaster. Following these tips will help ensure that you select the right size air compressor to get the job done quickly and efficiently!
Frequently Asked Questions
Question #1
What size air compressor do I need for cerakote coating?
The size of the air compressor you need will depend on the type of coating you’re using, as well as how much coverage you’re looking for. Generally speaking, thin-film coatings require a cfm rating between 4cfm and 8cfm at 40-60psi; mid-coat and full coverage coatings require 6cfm to 12cfm at 40-60psi; and if you’re using a spray gun, the requirements can be even higher.
Question #2
How do I know what CFM is right for my project?
The most accurate way to determine the CFM you need for your project is to use a flow meter. A flow meter measures the amount of air being used and can help ensure that you’re getting the most out of your air compressor.
Question #3
What PSI do I need for cerakote coating?
The pressure needed for cerakote coating will depend on the type of coating you’re using. For thin-film coatings, a pressure between 40 and 60 PSI is usually adequate; for mid-coat and full coverage coatings, a pressure between 50 and 70 PSI is typically best.
Question #4
How much horsepower (HP) does my air compressor need?
The horsepower (HP) rating of an air compressor is related to its cfm rating—the higher the horsepower, the more cfm it can provide. Generally speaking, a 1 HP air compressor can generally provide up to 4cfm at 40psi; a 2 HP air compressor can generally provide up to 8cfm at 40psi; and a 3 HP air compressor can generally provide up to 12cfm at 40psi.
Question #5
What size tank should I get?
The size of the tank on your air compressor should also be taken into consideration. A large tank provides more pressurized air and lessens the frequency of your compressor kicking on and off, which helps maintain a steady cfm during use. A good rule of thumb is to look for an air compressor with a tank size that’s at least two times the amount of cfm you need.
Question #6
What type of operation should I look for?
For cerakote coating, it’s best to find an air compressor with continuous runtime capability. This ensures that your compressor won’t run out of power while in the middle of a job and will provide you with consistent performance over extended periods of time.
Question #7
How do I make sure my air compressor is powerful enough?
To ensure that your air compressor is powerful enough, pay close attention to the cfm rating. The more cfm your compressor can produce, the higher performance you can expect. Additionally, try to find an air compressor with a high duty cycle—ideally one that can run continuously for at least an hour—to ensure consistent results throughout your project.
Question #8
Are there any safety features I should look for?
Yes! Safety is always a top priority when using air compressors, so make sure your model has built-in safety features such as thermal overload protection and pressure-release valves. Additionally, look for a unit that comes with a manual reset button in case of power failures or surges.
Question #9
Can I use my existing tools with my new air compressor?
Yes, your existing tools should be compatible with the new air compressor as long as the pressure rating and cfm requirements match. Be sure to double-check the specifications of both your current tools and the air compressor you’re considering before making a purchase.
Question #10
What if I need an air compressor that is portable?
If you need portability, then look for a unit that has wheels or handles so it can easily be moved from job to job. Additionally, make sure that the size and weight of the unit are appropriate for where it will be used—if you plan on using it in one location, a stationary model might be best for you.
Conclusion:
Whether you’re just getting started with cerakote coating or are looking to upgrade your existing setup, choosing the right size air compressor for cerakote is essential for achieving optimal results. When shopping for an air compressor, make sure to consider factors such as cfm rating, pressure requirements, tank size, horsepower rating, and safety features. By using these information and knowledge, you will be able to choose an air compressor that is perfect for your body shop.