Sizing
What size air compressor for spray painting
For spray painting (a paint spray gun and a blow gun) plan on 11.2 CFM at 90 PSI after a 30 percent margin: a 60 to 80 gallon, 240V compressor. That means a 25 A, 240V circuit with 10 AWG copper for a motor in the 3 to 5 HP class.
The air budget for this work
| Tool | CFM | Duty | Average CFM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blow gun | 2.5 | 25 percent | 0.6 |
| Paint spray gun | 8 | 100 percent | 8.0 |
Average draw is 8.6 CFM and peak is 10.5 CFM. Because one of these tools runs continuously (8 CFM), the requirement is set by that tool rather than by the average, then increased 30 percent for wear and cold-day losses. The figures are typical published values: use the CFM printed on your own tool, and compare it with the compressor's CFM at 90 PSI, never its peak horsepower or tank size.
This is too much air for a 15 A household circuit, so the compressor wants 240V and a circuit your electrician confirms before you buy. Quiet, oil-free models are worth their price in an attached garage.
Shop for this size
Matched to the result above.
Prices change often; the button shows today's price on Amazon.
Amazon and Grizzly, side by side
Each card shows an Amazon pick and a Grizzly Industrial pick for the same job.
20-gallon quiet compressor
Both are oil-free, quiet-series 20-gallon compressors, so they are tolerable in an attached garage. Pick on the sale, the warranty path and the noise rating you can live with.
Prices change often and Grizzly runs sales, so the buttons show current prices.
Get the garage shop planning checklist
One printable page: measure the bay, count the circuits, list the machines, check the floor. Plus a few short emails, then a couple a month at most.
Unsubscribe anytime. You can also just read the checklist on this site.Compressor by kind of work: the other answers
- What size air compressor for wrenching on cars
- What size air compressor for trim carpentry with nailers
- What size air compressor for sanding and grinding
- What size air compressor for tires and blow-off only
- What size air compressor for a full auto shop
Frequently asked questions
Is a 6 gallon pancake compressor enough for spray painting?
A 6 gallon pancake compressor delivers a few CFM at 90 PSI. For spray painting the requirement here is 11.2 CFM, so a pancake unit is undersized.
This page is researched guidance, not professional electrical, engineering or safety advice. Circuits, loads and clearances depend on your house, your service and your town: have a licensed electrician confirm any wiring, and check local code and each manufacturer's manual before you act.
