Spray finishing - suitable compressor?

[hilton]

Hi guys

Having read some articles on finishing, it seems that quite a few guys spray finish their work. Am I correct in assuming this?

If so then what would a suitable compressor be for the job? I'm looking at one here in that has these specs;

50l tank with direct drive, 900p, 1.5kw motor & 110l per/min.

Would this suffice or do I need a bigger more powerful one?

Your comments are appreciated.

[echnidna]

I've got one that size and while I do spray quite successfully with it , its a trifle too small.

[Matt ITD]

Hi Hilton,

I do a lot of spraying. I spray stain and polyurethane mostly. The compressor I run at home is a 13cfm 60lt tank 190lt free air delivery. It was the largest compressor that I could fine that had a 10amp plug (incase I need to transport my compressor to do some work). I find it excellent for the work I do with it. It sprays well and runs all my pneumatic nailers. I don't run pneumatic sanders or drills and I would suspect that it would just meet the requirements if I chose to. Look for a belt driven compressor as they are much quieter than direct drive. The quality needs to be in the pump. Tanks won't ware out and the motor is just an electric motor that turns the pulley but the pump puts the air in the tank and if it wares out they are expensive to fix. The good ones run either a stainless or cast iron sleeve inside the bore so when the piston is traveling up and down it won't ware out in a hurry.

Spraying is a lot of fun, it helps keep the stain an even color and is sure quick.

Kind Regards

Matt

[hilton]

Thanks guys. Looks like I'll need to stretch my budget and get a bigger one then.

Appreciate the feedback.

[bpj1968]

As a bit of a side question, do you find your use more stain and poly by spraying?

[echnidna]

use less of each.
goes on far more evenly too