Can I Spray A Car Well With Aldi Air Compressor?

SquirrelMadness · 17 Sep 2017 at 09:59

Hi guys. Wanna get into spraying. Last time I used rattle cans but now wanna get serious and buy a proper set up.

Aldi will be selling their air compressors soon in store. Link:

https://www.aldi.co.uk/workzone-2-5hp-air-compressor/p/078920165026500

Would this be GOOD for a spray gun setup? I'm not asking if it will suffice - but whether it will provide optimum results when used with a high quality spray gun for years to come.

I will also buy their cheap accessories kit but within a matter of days plan to jump to a high quality DeVilbiss or similar gun (still researching). The air compressor will remain though.

So would it be a good idea to buy it or should I forget and find something else?

Thanks!

rodenal · 17 Sep 2017 at 10:09

Probably not, from memory to need a particularly high volumetric flow for spraying cars - that one works out around 8cfm. Would do for hobby painting but you're probably looking for 12+ for a car plus suitable guns

I would have thought (keep in mind I really don't know much about this) the likes of this

https://www.sgs-engineering.com/air-compressors/sc100v-100-litre-high-flow-air-compressor-tool-kit

Would be closer to what you need for a reasonable finish, gun dependent

InvaderGIR · 17 Sep 2017 at 10:40

rodenal said:
Probably not, from memory to need a particularly high volumetric flow for spraying cars - that one works out around 8cfm. Would do for hobby painting but you're probably looking for 12+ for a car plus suitable guns

I would have thought (keep in mind I really don't know much about this) the likes of this

https://www.sgs-engineering.com/air-compressors/sc100v-100-litre-high-flow-air-compressor-tool-kit

Would be closer to what you need for a reasonable finish, gun dependent

Pretty much this really.

You need higher available airflow (ideally with adjustable pressure from the compressor too) and a large reservoir. The little ones from the likes of Lidl and Aldi are fine for pumping up your tyres and doing small paint areas or ones that aren't important but doing a car or full panels will need a much better compressor. You'll also need to invest in water traps (multiple capture levels) as otherwise the compressor will fire moisture from the air through your paint which is understandably not desirable.

Whilst you can use a Lidl/Aldi compressor and their attachments for painting a car, you really won't be getting all that good a result, certainly not for years to come.

chaparral · 17 Sep 2017 at 12:16

InvaderGIR said:
You'll also need to invest in water traps (multiple capture levels) as otherwise the compressor will fire moisture from the air through your paint which is understandably not desirable.

Buying a screw compressor for paint spraying would be far better..

InvaderGIR · 17 Sep 2017 at 12:41

chaparral said:
Buying a screw compressor for paint spraying would be far better..

Not quite so affordable for home use though and buying traps is advisable anyway...all booths I've been in have run 3 water traps (don't know what type of compressors they've used).
With them starting at £15 you have no real reason to not get one if you're serious about spraying given air has moisture in it, especially in the UK.

chaparral · 17 Sep 2017 at 14:06

InvaderGIR said:
Not quite so affordable for home use though

Have to agree there
Plus they weight a ton and most need a 3 phase electric supply

Puzzled · 17 Sep 2017 at 14:26

I was having a look at that compressor myself but the air output isn't great, might try some of the air tools though.

I use a Wolf Dakota 90l belt driven compressor for most things which might be acceptable for painting. Belt driven so bit easier to work with as the noise isn't so piercing.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wolf-Dakota-14cfm-Cylinder-Compressor/dp/B00HU4ZN10/ref=redir_mobile_desktop/262-5924419-9098636?_encoding=UTF8&*Version*=1&*entries*=0

I haven't tried painting with mine yet so can't offer much advice but you won't want to be waiting for the tank to refill while spraying and you don't want the compressor running continuously as it will kill it.

But yeah moisture is the enemy with paint so get a decent moisture trap, I tend to have one at the connection with the compressor and one at the connection with the tool but for paint you might need a better setup, especially if the compressor is working hard as the air will be warm.

Orionaut · 17 Sep 2017 at 18:18

MonkeyMan said:
Belt driven so bit easier to work with as the noise isn't so piercing.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wolf-Dakota-14cfm-Cylinder-Compressor/dp/B00HU4ZN10/ref=redir_mobile_desktop/262-5924419-9098636?_encoding=UTF8&*Version*=1&*entries*=0

.

Also easier to repair if the motor fails Which it probably will eventually if you give it heavy use, A 300 quid product is unlikely to have a top grade motor.

(I bought a similar "Clarke" unit nearly 40 years ago. The "First" motor lasted about three years, the "Second" is still running)

Hater · 17 Sep 2017 at 18:23

You can kind of do it if you hook up a huge auxiliary tank, but it'll take forever to refill even if you hook up 2 or 3 compressors in parallel

norm · 17 Sep 2017 at 21:38

I don't think you can get a particularly good finish without spending shed loads. You need a dust-free, temperature/moisture controlled environment, with good lighting. That's before you get to the issue of using 2K paint which is a huge health hazard without proper protection.

xldeane · 24 Sep 2017 at 15:42

Kerbside Autos...There great for minor touch-ups. I have sprayed a couple of work Transits outside with Cellulose and they came out ok.. the secret is in the preperation..

xl....out