Many professional HVLP guns require around 13-15 cfm. But Don't worry, many Serious Hobbyists and woodworkers have small compressors. Many guns are rated to run on a 20-30 gallon/5-6HP compressor which run around $260 at Sears. We also have options for you if you only have a 1HP or 2HP Compressors or compressors rated below 6cfm@40psi.

How BIG a compressor do you need?

Most air tool manufacturers will tell you how much air each tool needs and at what pressure it needs it. The quantity of required air is usually expressed in units called "CFM", "SCFM", or "ASCFM" (Cubic Feet per Minute). Next, look at the compressor's specs. Most compressors give you two numbers the "Displacement CFM" which is the the raw pump power and also something called "free air @ some psi" or "delivered air" or "SCFM @ psi" which is the number we are interested in. It should look something like this "7.6 CFM @ 40 PSI". Paint guns usually operate at very low pressures but require a high volume of air at that lower pressure ("HVLP" means "High Volume, Low Pressure"). So if you're painting, check the compressor's actual air output ("free air" or "delivered air") at 40 PSI.

Does this mean I can't use a professional gun without a huge compressor!!!

NO! It simply means that you can't run your spray gun continuously nonstop. Most of our guns rated at 7-10 CFM can be operated with satisfaction on a 2-5HP single stage compressor rated at 6.8 @ 40. Guns rated at 9-12CFM can be operated with satisfaction on a 5-6HP single stage compressor rated at 8.6 @ 40. If you have a compressor rated below 6.8@40, we have a special selection of professional low air guns and mini guns which operate on as little as 1HP.

"8.6 @ 40 and a 20 gallon tank? Unless I were doing production work I don't feel you need an upgrade. You can spray an Astro Pneumatic Gun for example, rated at 10cfm at 40psi and it works just fine to spray four interior six panel doors one right after the other. By the time the compressor needs to catch up I need to give my arm a brake anyway. Or I need to refill the cup. Once you use a professional gun like the Astro Pneumatic, I'm sure you will like it as much as everyone else."

So why not buy a spray gun with a lower CFM rating to match my compressor?

Simply put, it is the air the breaks up your paint. Remember, professionals use about 13-15CFM to break up their paint and get the best atomization. We only sell professional guns to be used by the most particular professionals and hobbyists. An analogy: There are low CFM guns on the market but they are like 4 cylinder cars. We only sell 8 cylinder professional models. You need to have superb engineering and precise manufacturing to get paint break up power in a 4 cylinder car as compared to the breakup power in our 8 cylinder models, and that usually means you're paying more money for less performance. And by all means, do not opt for an inexpensive low CFM gun you will not get the fine atomization for a professional painter.

So am I out of luck? No, we often encourage you to get a good size compressor, but we have also created a low CFM gun selection. We have looked for high quality mostly USA made options. Our choice is limited to what we consider the finest low air guns on the market with - all with precision manufacturing. Consider them 6 cylinder models and generous 8 cylinder models.

If I am getting a compressor, what should I buy?

If you are purchasing a compressor you should always get the most CFM and the Highest PSI rating you can afford. But realistically, we recommend as a good starting point a 5-6HP compressor 8.6 CFM @ 40HP. An example is the craftsman 6HP that runs for around $260 at Sears or a similar unit at Home Depot and the like.

What can I do to get more out of my compressor?

You have several options to help get more out of your compressor.

	You can add another air tank in line. Simply add a $20.00 air tank inline to your compressor to give it more holding capacity
	You can run 2 compressors with a T. You can always add compressors together
	You can rent a compressor - You probally do not paint everyday and this is a option
	You can always do panel work on your car. You can go as low as 3CFM lower than your tank rating for panel work.
	You can do a Criss Cross Pattern on your car to "keep a wet edge" i.e. top front left, then spray back right, then back to the front, then back to the back. This way you keep 2 wet edges going around your car.