15 Best Air Compressor For Painting 2020 [REVIEWS & Guide]

When it comes to painting the walls or furniture around your home, you want to make sure that the job is done right. Do you know what is the best air compressor for painting? The painting house is not an easy task, If it is not done properly, it would make your place look bad, along with costing you a lot of time and money. So, you need the right tools that make the paint job go as smooth as possible.

For Spray Painting, you can either use paint sprayers that doesn’t use air for the pressure and flow of paint, or you can use professional grade best air compressor for painting along with your paint sprayers to deliver an excellent airflow and pressure when doing the paint job.

What is the best air compressor for painting?

Rolair VT25BIG Air Compressor is the best air compressor that you can buy. It is the highest rated products in our list and comes with an 80 Gallons tank size.

What is the best air compressor for painting cars?

Powermate Vx Electric Air Compressor is the best air compressor for painting cars. It is a heavy-duty compressor that comes with a bigger gallon size and offers impressive durability.

Can I use my air compressor for painting?

Air compressors that are made to be used in combination with paint sprayers can be used for painting. You can paint walls, furniture, all sorts of plan surfaces as well as vehicles with air compressors.  

5 Best Budget Air Compressor For Painting [2020 DEALs]

Buying Advice: 7 Things To Look Before Buying the Best Air Compressor for Painting

When looking for the best air compressor for painting, you need to make sure you buy the best product that you can get in your price range. You want to buy a product that is powerful enough to deliver the job that you need and is affordable enough that it falls in your price range.

There are certain things that could help you in making the best decision. You need to keep in mind these factors when shopping for the best air compressors for painting jobs at home or at work 

1. Air Compress Design/Orientation

When you look at the commercial level, you’d most probably find air compressors that have an upright design. These air compressors are used by professionals for huge painting jobs. These compressors have a huge footprint and they weigh a lot so, it is quite hard to carry them around. But, if you are looking to do a professional job, these air compressors are the way to go.

Now, if you just have a DIY painting project that you need done, then you can use lightweight air compressors. These would not be as powerful as the upright ones, but you’d be able to move them around easily. Smaller designs come in shapes such as Hotdog, pancake etc.    

2. Motor Power

The power and pressure that the motor of the compressor generates would determine how reliable the painting job is. So, you’d need to buy an air compressor that generates enough power to make the paint stick to the surface of the material that it is subjected to.

If you are doing a small scale, home-based job, then a motor that generates 1-2HP would be good for you. Going above that would probably be unnecessary for you. You can guy with higher horsepower motors if you are planning to use the paint sprayer for professional grade use.

3. Tank Size

Air compressors for painting jobs come in all kinds of shapes and sizes. You can get as low as 10-15 gallons to as much as 50-80 gallons tank sizes. What size you need, would depend on the painting job at hand. You’d need to buy bigger tank sizes when you are doing some industrial painting job or when repainting vehicles. Smaller tank sizes would be more portable so, if it is DIY use that you are looking for, a smaller tank size would be enough for your needs.  

4. CFM and PSI

PSI and CFM, both are units for measuring the air pressure that the compressor provides to paint sprayer. Most beginners feel at loss when they hear these terms for the first time, but these are not as complicated as they seem.

PSI stands for pounds per square and CFM stands for cubic feet per inch. If you buy an air compressor with higher value of PSI and CFM, these air compressors would do a much better job at air compression. But there is a catch with that, your paint sprayer CFM needs to match the CFM of your air compressor. Although some people argue that it is not totally necessary, still it is also quite true that an air compressor and paint sprayer with close to similar CFM values deliver a much better and accurate performance.

5. Oil-Free vs Oiled Air Compressors

When it comes to air compressors for painting jobs, you can buy either the oiled or oil-less air compressors. Both these products have their place in the market and the products that you buy, would depend on your preference.

Oiled air compressors require a lot of maintenance on your part. They are heavier, more expensive and are quite durable as well. You’d buy these products when you are looking for a professional grade use. Oil-Free Ai Compressors are easier to maintain and require very little effort on your part. They are portable and perfect for small-scale use.  

6. Noise

Noise is a major issue when purchasing an air compressor. Mots mainstream air compressors make a lot of noise. These air compressors are not feasible when working in small and closed areas. So, what you need to do is, buy air compressors that have low decibel ratings. There are also many additional accessories that you can buy with certain air compressors like Expansion Chamber mufflers and Intake silencer filters that help further reduce the noise coming from air compressors.

You can also buy noise-free air compressors from the market, but these products would be quite expensive and probably not suited for small-scale use.    

7. Your Budget

You’d also need to consider the amount of money that you are planning on spending when buying an air compressor. It is true that the more money you are willing to spend, the better would be the product but still, if you just have some little DIY project to do then you don’t have to spend a lot of money on buying air compressor. You can make do with cheaper products that don’t pack as much power.

But, if you are a professional, then you’d need to make a big investment because you just can’t afford to buy new air compressor every other day.

If you are looking for the best air compressors for painting, then you are at the right place. We have gathered together a comprehensive list of the top-rated air compressors in the market. Our list includes products from affordable price range to full-fledged professional use. Whether you are a professional painter or just looking to pass some time at home, you can most certainly find an air compressor that suits your painting needs.

So, let’s dive in and review the top 15 Best Air Compressors for Painting for home and commercial use.

15 Best Air Compressor For Painting [Home & Furniture]

Best Air Compressor	Rating	Best Features	Price
1. Powermate Vx Electric	5/5	Powerful Motor, Excellent Pressure, 80 Gallons Capacity	Check Price
2. Rolair JC10 Plus	4.6/5	Oil-Less Compressor, Aluminum Cylinder, Heavy-Duty Design	Check Price
3. DEWALT Pancake Air Compressor	4.5/5	6 Gallons Capacity, Small Size, Efficient Motor,	Check Price
4. Thomas Air Compressor T-2820ST	4.5/5	Lightweight, 4 Gallons Capacity, Durable Iron Build	Check Price
5. California Air Tools 2010A	4.5/5	Doesn’t create much noise, Oil-Free Air Compressor, 2 Gallons Capacity	Check Price
6. Rolair VT25BIG(Editor Choice)	4.5/5	Easily Portable, 5.3 Gallons Capacity, Made with Cast iron	Check Price
7. PORTER-CABLE Oil-Free Air Compressor	4.5/5	Pancake Style Design, Includes Additional Accessories, Efficient Pressure	Check Price
8. BOSTITCH Pancake Air Compressor	4.5/5	Powerful Motor, Includes Flow regulators, Oil-Free Design	Check Price
9. California Air Tools Air Compressor	4.5/5	Oil-Free Design, Powerful Motor, Comes with Accessories Kit	Check Price
10. Industrial Air IL1682066 Air Compressor	4.5/5	Tires for easy mobility, Made with Cast iron, 20 gallons Capacity	Check Price
11. Makita MAC700 Electric Air Compressor	4.5/5	Includes a Cast Iron Pump, doesn’t create much noise, Comes with a 1 Year Warranty	Check Price
12. California Air Tools 10020C Oil-Free Air Compressor	4.0/5	Ultra-Quiet Air Compressor, Oil-Free Design, Easy maintenance	Check Price
13. NorthStar Gas Powered Air Compressor	4.0/5	Includes a V Style cylinder, comes with a Cast Iron Pump, Easy to maneuver	Check Price
14. Industrial Air ILA1883054 Air Compressor	4.0/5	Comes with a Dual Voltage Motor, 30 Gallons Capacity, Includes a Quick Set Regulator	Check Price
15. Campbell Hausfeld Air Compressor	3.5/5	Includes an 80 Gallons Tank, Comes with a cast iron pump, best suited for professional use	Check Price

1. Powermate Vx Electric Air Compressor 80 Gallon (Best For Painting Cars)

Overview: When researching the best air compressor for professional grade use, this product stood out in every possible way. From performance to durability as well as the portability, Powermate VX Electric all you need for doing a large-scale painting job.

Powermate Vx Electric Air Compressor 80 Gallon Review

This air compressor comes with a powerful motor that can generate as much as about 4.7HP. The motor works at 240 volts and can be plugged into any standard electricity outlet. It offers 14 CFM rating which is pretty great for an industrial air compressor. The best thing about this product is its gallon size. It can hold as much as 80 gallons which makes it perfect for painting cars and bigger vehicles. This product is a must if you are looking for the best air compressor for painting.   

2. Rolair JC10 Plus Oil-Less Compressor (Small Air Compressor For Painting)

Overview: When it comes to the best air compressor for painting that you can use for DIY projects, you have got to check out the Rolair JC10 plus. It is a mini air compressor that would make your small-scale painting jobs go as smooth as possible.

Rolair JC10 Plus Oil-Less Compressor Review

This air compressor has an oil-less design. Meaning, you won’t have to maintain its oil every other day. Although the tank size is just 2.5 gallons, it is perfect for DIY painting projects. It comes in Hotdog shaped design and the tank is made with cast aluminum material. This product is one of the most durable ones that you can get from the market. It is easy to set up and use and you don’t require any kind of technical knowledge to handle this product. 

3. DEWALT Pancake Air Compressor – 6 Gallons (BEST CHEAP AIR COMPRESSOR)

Overview: This pancake shaped air compressor is perfect for taking care of minor DIY paint jobs at home. You can easily set this air compressor up with any kind of paint sprayer that you have, and it would work just find.

DEWALT Pancake Air Compressor – 6 Gallons Review (165PSI)

Talking about its specifications, it includes a 6 gallons tank and an efficient motor that provides excellent air pressure and air flow accuracy. It offers PSI rating as high as 165PSI. You can use this product for small as well as medium scale painting jobs. It comes with powerful flow regulators and couplers that enhance the accuracy of this product. All these features make this product a viable choice for the best air compressor for painting.  

4. Thomas Air Compressor T-2820ST – 4 Gallons (BEST Affordable)

Overview: This particular air compressor by Thomas is one of the highest rates products on Amazon as well as on our list. If you are looking for an air compressor that is available in an affordable price range and that delivers excellent performance for small-scale painting jobs, then this is the product for you.

Thomas Air Compressor T-2820ST – 4 Gallons Review

This product contains a reasonably powerful motor that deliver about 2HP. Although this power might not be efficient for commercial use, but then again, this product is not meant for commercial use any way. Occasional hobbyists looking to do minor painting jobs around their place, this product would be great for them. It includes a 4 gallons capacity for the tank. The tank is hotdog shaped and has a compact yet durable design. It is a highly recommended product for DIYers.          

5. California Air Tools 2010A Air Compressor (BEST FOR HOME USE)

Overview: California Air tools is a well-known name in the market of air compressors and all the other kinds of air tools. This particular oil-free air compressor would be perfect for taking care of minor paint jobs at home.

California Air Tools 2010A Air Compressor Review

This product has an oil-free design so it would require very little maintenance. The gallon capacity is just 2 gallons and the motor power are about 1 Horsepower. These 2 features might feel like a letdown, but it is quite reasonable for the price that it comes in. This hotdog shaped air compressor is ultra-quiet and would be perfect for indoor use. We recommend this product if you are looking for an affordable choice for the best air compressor for painting.   

6. Rolair VT25BIG Air Compressor (Editor Choice)

Overview: This oiled air compressor is a decent choice for home-based painting jobs. It has a hotdog shaped design and it comes with a handle that you can use to carry it around. It has a durable build that would make it last a long time.

Rolair VT25BIG Air Compressor Review

The motor of this air compressor works at 115Volts and generates a horsepower of about 2.5HP. If you are looking for a product that doesn’t create much noise and can be used at home or indoor spaces, then this product would be your best choice. Although you should look for other options if you have to do large scale painting jobs. Make sure to check this product out when shopping for air compressor for home use.

7. PORTER-CABLE Oil-Free Air Compressor (Best For Painting Furniture)

Overview: This pancake shaped oil compressor is made to provide their users with excellent stability and easy portability when doing a small-scale painting job. It comes with a long air tools for providing maximum work efficiency.

PORTER-CABLE Oil-Free Air Compressor Review

This product has a 6 gallons tank size and the best part is, it comes with a 13 pieces accessory kit that you can attach with the air compressor to enhance its performance. This is one of the very few products in the market that doesn’t create much noise when in operation. It produces air pressure of 2.6SCFM and would be a perfect choice for painting home walls and furniture. All these features make this product a reasonable choice for the best air compressor for painting.      

8. BOSTITCH Pancake Air Compressor (Best Oil Free Air Compressor)

Overview: BOSTICTH is quite similar to Porter Cable for the apparent features but the thing that sets it apart is its build quality. Although the package does not include a hose or a gun kit, but still it is one of the best and the highest rated products that you can find on Amazon, in this price range.

BOSTITCH Pancake Air Compressor Review

This oil-free compressor is perfect for beginners as it doesn’t require much maintenance. You can easily set it up and use in a matter of seconds. This product might product noise more than average products on our list, still, it is bearable when you consider its other features. It is a durable air compressor that would last a long time.  

9. California Air Tools Air Compressor (Super Quiet Air Compressor)

Overview: Another amazing product by California Air Tools, 8010 is a super quiet air compressor that is perfect to be used at home. It has a durable exterior build and it doesn’t create much noise which makes it perfect for use in compact spaces.

California Air Tools Air Compressor Review

Since it has an oi-free design, you won’t need to make special efforts for maintaining its performance. You can start using at as and when needed, without making any prior adjustments. It comes in classic sliver color. The tank capacity is about 8 gallons and the motor generates 1HP which would be great for small scale use. This air compressor has everything that you would need to do small-scale home-based painting jobs.        

10. Industrial Air IL1682066 Air Compressor (Powerful Air Compressor With 2HP)

Overview: If you are looking for a powerful air compressor that you can use for professional painting jobs, then you should check out Industrial Air IL1682088. This is a high-end air compressor that would make painting jobs easier for you.

Industrial Air IL1682066 Air Compressor Review

This air compressor comes with a dual voltage motor that delivers about 1.6HP. The gallon capacity is 20 gallons which is good enough for medium to large scale painting jobs. The tank is made with cast iron material, so it won’t wear off or breakdown easily. It is an oil based air compressor and would require a lot of maintenance. It would also be quite noisy, so you might want to consider this factor as well when buying this air compressor.

11. Makita MAC700 Electric Air Compressor (Best Oil Based Air Compressor)

Overview: Makita MAC700 is a great choice for the best air compressor for painting when your job doesn’t require much power and accuracy. It is an affordable choice for air compressors that delivers excellent results for minor painting jobs.

Makita MAC700 Electric Air Compressor Review

It is a hotdog shaped air compressor that comes with a pump made of cast iron. Makita MAC700 is one of the highest rated products on Amazon thanks to its efficient motor and low noise levels. It can work on 115 volts so; you can plug it in any standard electricity outlet. The best thing about this product is, it comes with a 1-year warranty. With all the features that it has to offer, it is one of the best low-end air compressors that you can find out there in this price range.

12. California Air Tools 10020C Oil-Free Air Compressor (Best Low Noise Air Compressor)

Overview: California Air Tools 10020C is another amazing air compressor product by company with the same name. This product is kind of an upgrade to the previous California Air Tools product that we mentioned on our list.

California Air Tools 10020C Oil-Free Air Compressor Review

California Air Tools is known for their quality, low-noise ratings air compressors and this product is nor exception. It produces very little noise. The best thing about this product is its bigger tank size and string motor (2HP) which makes it perfect for medium to large scale painting jobs. It has an oil-free design so you can use it on the go. Just connect it with an appropriate air sprayer and you’d be good to go. It is a highly recommended product that you should definitely check out.      

13. NorthStar Gas Powered Air Compressor (Best For Small Scale)

Overview: NorthStar Gas Powered air compressor has set up a new standard for home as well as industrial air compressors that you see in the market. It has a 20 Gallons capacity and the design approach being used is quite impressive as well.

NorthStar Gas Powered Air Compressor Review

It offers an excellent service life thanks to its cast iron pump. It comes with wheels and a handle on one side that you can use to carry this compressor around. It is a mid-ranged air compressor that is great for home as well as professional use. You’d just need to attach a compatible paint sprayer with this air compressor, and you’d be able to use it with ease.       

14. Industrial Air ILA1883054 Air Compressor (Best 120v Air Compressor For Painting)

Overview: This product is an upgrade to the previous version of Industrial air and provides much better operational efficiency. It is also a bit expansive, but the price seems reasonable thanks to the features that it has to offer.

Industrial Air ILA1883054 Air Compressor Review

It is an oil-based air compressor that comes with a cast iron pump. It has a 30 Gallons capacity which makes this device perfect for doing vehicle paints or any other kind of massive paint jobs. It comes with a dual voltage motor, so you can use it for home painting needs as well as for commercial painting jobs. This product is highly rated, and you should check it out when shopping for the best air compressor for painting.    

15. Campbell Hausfeld Air Compressor (Best For Commercial Use)

Overview: For people looking for a truly high-end product for commercial use, Campbell Hausfeld Air Compressor is the product for you. It contains a staggering 80 Gallons tank size which is sufficient for most large-scale painting jobs.

Campbell Hausfeld Air Compressor Review

It is a vertical air compressor that comes with a powerful motor. The motor can generate as much as 5HP. The best thing about this product is air pressure that it generates. It allows the air to flow at 16CFM. It comes with a strong, cast iron pump that offers it excellent operational efficiency. This product is a must have if you are looking for the best air compressor for commercial painting jobs. 

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Words:

When doing a painting job, you need to use equipment that is state of the art and is just right for the job. You can’t hope to do a great job with low-quality products. Keeping that in mind, we have come with the above list of the best air compressors that you can buy in 2020. There is also a buyer’s guide that you can consult when making your decision. So, go through this review and buyer’s guide when shopping for the best air compressor for painting.

For more exciting product reviews, visit Technomono.   

Last update on 2021-01-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API