An LVLP (Low Volume Low Pressure) air compressor is perfect for anyone who wants to do some light painting or touch-ups around the house. They’re also great for spraying small items like picture frames. But what size air compressor for LVLP spray gun do you need?
The size of the air compressor you need depends on the size of the LVLP spray gun you have. A small air compressor will work for most LVLP spray guns, but if you have a larger gun, you’ll need a bigger air compressor.
What Size Air Compressor For LVLP Spray Gun
To find the best size air compressor for your LVLP spray gun, look at the CFM (cubic feet per minute) rating on the gun. This will tell you how much air the gun needs to operate. Then, find an air compressor with a CFM rating that is equal to or greater than the CFM rating on the gun.
For example, if your LVLP spray gun has a CFM rating of 3, you’ll need an air compressor with a CFM rating of 3 or more. A 4 CFM air compressor will work, but a 2 CFM air compressor will not.
- What Size Air Compressor For LVLP Spray Gun
For LVLP spray gun, you’ll need an air compressor with a CFM rating of at least 2-4 and a PSI rating around 15-20. HP should be in the 2-3 range, and the tank size should be around 6 gallons or higher.
What Is LVLP Spray Gun?
An LVLP (low volume low pressure) paint sprayer is a type of paint sprayer that uses low pressure to apply paint to a surface. This low pressure results in less paint being used, which means that the LVLP paint sprayer is more efficient than other types of paint sprayers.
The LVLP paint sprayer is also designed to work with a variety of different paint types, including latex, oil-based, and even lacquer-based paints. This makes it a versatile tool for a variety of different projects.
Types of LVLP Spray Guns:
There are several different types of LVLP spray guns available, each with their own unique features and capabilities. The most common types of LVLP spray guns are:
1- Gravity-Feed LVLP Gun
2- Suction-Feed LVLP Gun
3- Siphon-Feed LVLP Gun
1- Gravity-Feed LVLP Gun:
Gravity feed LVLP spray guns have a cup that sits on top of the gun. This design makes it easier to see the paint level and to refill the cup while you’re working. Gravity feed guns are also typically lighter and easier to maneuver than other types of LVLP guns.
2- Suction-Feed LVLP Gun:
Suction feed LVLP spray guns have a cup that sits underneath the gun. This design makes it easier to clean the gun and to see how much paint is left in the cup. Suction feed guns are typically heavier and more difficult to maneuver than gravity feed guns.
3- Siphon-Feed LVLP Gun:
Siphon feed spray guns are another popular option for LVLP spray guns. They offer a high level of control and precision, and they’re perfect for a variety of different painting projects.
7 Important Factors to Consider When Selecting an Air Compressor for LVLP Spray Gun:
When selecting an air compressor for LVLP spray gun, it is important to consider the following factors:
1. PSI Rate:
PSI (pounds per square inch) measures the amount of pressure being delivered by a compressor. The higher the PSI, the more powerful the compressor will be. Most LVLP guns require at least 8-10 PSI for proper operation.
2. Horse Power:
HP (horsepower) measures the amount of power being delivered by a compressor. Generally speaking, the higher the HP rating, the more powerful and efficient your compressor will be.
3. Tank Size:
Tank size is an important factor to consider when selecting an air compressor for LVLP spray gun. The larger the tank, the more air that can be stored and used, this means you’ll have more consistent flow while spraying. A larger tank also helps reduce noise levels created by a compressor.
4. CFM Air Output:
CFM (cubic feet per minute) measures how much air is being released from a compressor in one minute; this has a direct impact on the performance of your sprayer. Most LVLP guns require at least 2 CFM for proper operation.
5. Flow Meter:
Flow meters are used to measure the amount of air that is being released from a compressor. This helps you ensure you have adequate air flow while spraying, which will ultimately result in better finish quality.
6. Duty Cycle:
Duty cycle is an important factor when selecting an air compressor for LVLP spray gun, as it measures how long a compressor can run continuously before needing to rest and cool down. It’s generally recommended to look for a duty cycle rating of at least 70%.
7. Portability:
Portability is also an important factor when selecting an air compressor for LVLP spray gun, as it will determine how easy (or difficult) it is to move and transport the compressor. Generally speaking, smaller and lighter portable air compressors are easier to move around than larger models.
By keeping these important factors in mind when selecting an air compressor for LVLP spray gun, you can ensure that your compressor provides enough pressure and volume to help improve the quality of your work while still being within budget.
How An Air Compressor Affects the Performance Of LVLP Spray Gun?
The most obvious way that an air compressor affects the performance of a LVLP spray gun is by providing the air power needed to operate the gun. Without enough air power, the gun will not be able to function properly. The amount of air power needed for spray painting will depend on the specific gun being used, so it is important to consult the gun’s manufacturer to determine the minimum air power requirements.
In addition to providing the air power needed to operate the gun, the air compressor also affects the gun’s performance by controlling the air pressure. The air pressure is what determines the size of the droplets of paint that are sprayed from the gun. If the air pressure is too low, the droplets will be too large and will not be able to evenly cover the surface being painted. If the air pressure is too high, the droplets will be too small and will not be able to provide adequate coverage.
The air compressor must be able to provide enough air pressure to operate the gun. The amount of air pressure that is required will depend on the type of gun that you are using. LVLP spray guns typically require between 30 and 40 psi of air pressure.
10 Advantages Of Using An Air Compressor With LVLP Spray Gun:
1. Improved Finish Quality:
By using an air compressor with a LVLP spray gun, you can ensure that the atomized paint or material is sprayed onto the surface more evenly. This will ultimately lead to improved finish quality and better overall results.
2. Reduced Overspray:
An air compressor helps reduce overspray since it provides enough power for the paint or material to be evenly atomized into a fine mist. This helps prevent the paint or other materials from being spread unevenly and landing on unwanted surfaces.
3. Faster Painting:
Using an air compressor with an LVLP spray gun provides enough power for your project to be completed quickly, saving you time in the long run.
4. Cost Savings:
Using an air compressor with a LVLP spray gun eliminates the need for using aerosol cans, which can be costly in the long run.
5. Less Noise:
Air compressors generate less noise than aerosol cans when used to power a LVLP spray gun, making it ideal for indoor use or in scenarios where silence is required.
6. Easier To Control:
An air compressor provides more control over the atomization process compared to aerosol cans, allowing you to achieve better results.
7. Greater Flexibility And Range Of Motion:
With an air compressor, you can move freely around your work space since the unit does not have to be close to the spray gun.
8. Increased Accuracy:
An air compressor with a LVLP spray gun provides more precise control, allowing for greater accuracy and better results.
9. Reduced Fatigue:
Using an air compressor eliminates the need for manual spraying, which can be tiring after long hours of work.
10. More Consistent Performance:
An air compressor provides a steady supply of air pressure and volume that is required for a LVLP spray gun to perform consistently over time. This ensures that the finish quality remains consistent throughout your project and that you get the best possible results.
Conclusion:
To conclude, to know what size air compressor for LVLP spray gun you need depends on a few factors. The first factor is the size of the gun. LVLP spray guns come in a variety of sizes, so you will need to know the size of your gun in order to determine the right size air compressor. The second factor is the type of paint you will be using. If you are using a thicker paint, you will need a larger air compressor. The third factor is the pressure you need to operate the gun. LVLP spray guns typically require less pressure than other types of spray guns, so you may be able to get away with a smaller air compressor.
Overall, choosing the right size air compressor for LVLP spray guns requires careful consideration and research in order to get the best results. With a bit of knowledge and preparation, you can be sure to achieve maximum performance and get the most out of your DIY project.