randy b:

you need to know what the volume of air is needed for the gun that you want to get. you will need PSI and volume. ….do you want a gravity gun???? there is a lot more to painting a car then just getting a gun and compressor….. you might want to take a class at your local community col…… excellent luck,,

Daremo:

There isn’t a compressor over 5HP/10 Gal that can’t provide enough air volume or pressure for any paint gun on the market. No paint spary gun requires more than 45-55 psi (and some run at 30 or less). Mine runs between 30 and 50 psi and require about 5 cu ft/min of air. One reckon you WILL need, with all oil sump compressors is an inline oil and vapour extractor. This will prevent oil and moisture from entering the air hose and causing pinholes and other paint defects. I have an 80 Gal 17HP verticle industrial compressor, after the regulator, I use one vapour extractor, an oil extractor, and another (disposable) vapour extractor on the paint gun.
Use a respirator with all enamel paints as well as acrylics, the vapours are harmful. Work in a well-ventilated (but not windy) area. Temperature should be min 60 degrees (F) and humidity should be 45-65% but not more than 85% (the metal surface will cool as the paint is sprayed on it and dries, you don’t want any moisture condensing on the freshly painted surface).
Wet sand with 400 grit wet/dry sandpaper between primer coats and top coats, and with 600 grit wet/dry paper before applying the final top coat. wash and dry the car completely after sanding and use a excellent tack rag (DO NOT use a silicone based tack rag) to pick up any paint dust before starting the next coat.
I usually apply 3 primer coats and 3 top coats on my work, but you can do 2 of each as a minimum. Adjust the spray pattern to be perpendicular to your direction of painting (left to right movement – pattern should be verticle). Spray the car from top to bottom, and flat panels moving away from yourself. Overlap your spray pattern about half and keep the gun evenly spaced from the surface, this will help prevent runs, sags, and uneven layers of paint. About 12" is ok, but you can spray a "test" item to fine-tune for your particular situation. If you must take a break, try to end a whole panel (like a door or hood) before stopping, and remember, if you are mixing hardner, reducer and drying agents, you only have a limited shelf life before the paint will start to harden in your paint gun and probably ruin it.

john m:

No way. You need a 5 hp 30 gallons at least.

5 HP is compatible with nearly any air paint gun.