Conventional Spray Painting - Compressor, Filters & Hose
Conventional Pressure Fed Spray Painting is the traditional system of Spray Painting and involves having an air compressor supplying compressed air to a paint source. When the trigger on the gun is pulled, the air and paint mix and the paint is released from the gun in a mist form. Compressed Air spray painting allows for the widest choice of spray guns. These choices include the style - suction, gravity or pressure fed, the spray pattern, the nozzle size and the overall gun size.
This system can give some of the most amazing results whether using a small air brush or a fully automated gun. However there are some things to consider when choosing this set up.
1/ The Air Compressor
The air compressor is the most crucial component in a conventional spray system. It is often the main reason for poor results. Spray guns are air hungry, every gun will have an ideal Air Rating - CFM (cubic feet / minute). This air needs to be supplied by the compressor, if not met, you will have poor atomization, excessive paint build up and less than desirable results.
When choosing a compressor for spray painting, look for the highest CFM you can get for your budget, however at a bare minimum it needs to be bigger than your guns requirements.
Most single phase compressors struggle to meet the requirements. If 3 phase is not an option, have a look at petrol compressors, as these provide great performance to cost ratio.
Do not compromise on the air compressor!
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2/ The Filters - Keep the moisture out!
Water condensation is a by-product of compressing air, the amount of water created will vary depending on a range of factors including temperature, humidity, air pressure and the size of the compressor. Water in the air supply will mix with the paint and can create a multitude of different issues. The water needs to be removed. Inline filters are a cost effective and convenient way to remove moisture from the air supply.
When using a conventional spray set up, although not essential, they are well worth the investment, especially if you are doing a lot of spraying.
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3/ The Air Hose - It's more important than you think!
When choosing an air hose you need to consider 3 factors - Length, Diameter and Material.
Length: the pressure will drop over the length of the hose, go as long as you need not as long as you can.
Diameter: the bigger the hose, the more air it can carry, match the biggest ID hose you can with your compressor.
Material: When spraying, you will have to hold the weight of the hose, this is the outright weight as well as the coil effect.
PVC - Light although tends to kink and coil - (approx 1/4 the weight of rubber)
Rubber - Heavy, durable and lies flat - No coil fight
View Our Range Of Air Hoses Here
If you do not know what you need, get in touch and I will ensure you get the best product for your application.