7 Best Air Compressor for LVLP Spray Gun – Detailed Review & Top Picks

You cannot compare the LVLP spray gun with other typical pneumatic tools where using a more powerful air compressor means more impressive performance. The LVLP spray gun is known for its low air consumption, and you must use a special compressor that matches its demands. It means choosing the best air compressor for LVLP spray gun can be challenging and misleading for novice DIYers.

DIYers Pick: 5 Top Air Compressor for LVLP Spray Gun

Image Product Name Specification   Price
backpac DEWALT Pancake
Air Compressor
Color: Yellow
Capacity: 6 Gallons
Product weight: 32.5 Pounds
Max pressure: 150 PSI
Noise Rating: 71 Decibels
Check Price
backpac BOSTITCH (BTFP02012) Color: Orange
Dimension:
16.9” x 16.5” x 19.5”
Power Source:
Corded Electric
Capacity: 6 Gallons
Customer Rating: 4.7/5
Check Price
cordlessblower Senco PC1010 Color: Gray
Capacity: 1 Gallon
Weight: ‎20 pounds
Max pressure: 165 PSI
Noise rating: 68 dB
Check Price
cordlessblower
California Air
Tools 10020C
Color: Silver
Capacity: 10 Gallons
Weight: ‎82.5 pounds
Max Pressure: 125 PSI
Noise rating: 70 dBA
Warranty: 1 year
Check Price
cordlessblower PORTER-CABLE
Air Compressor
Color: Red
Capacity: 6 Gallons
Model Name:
‎C2002
Power Source:
Corded Electric
Dimensions:
‎17 x 17 x 18.38 inches
Voltage: 120 Volts
Check Price

That’s why, after hours of research, we picked up a few air compressors that are highly appropriate to run any LVLP spray gun as well as other air tools. We also include a few smart tips on how to buy the right air compressor for your LVLP gun and tricks to use it safely and properly.

If you’re looking for the best air compressor for spray painting, please read the related article with a detailed review.

Now let’s see each of the picks for LVLP spray gun in greater detail.

Top Air Compressor

Best Pancake Air Compressor for Lvlp

DEWALT: Best Pancake Air Compressor for Lvlp

  • This DEWALT air compressor offers a longer run time and ensures quick recovery, making it perfect for larger and professional LVLP spray gun projects.
  • This lightweight air compressor includes a 50-foot extension cord to paint over a larger area.
  • It has a ball drain valve and a high-efficiency motor for quicker draining and painting conveniently outdoors during the winter season.
  • It is equipped with two universal couplers to let the DIYers run two LVLP spray guns at a time.
  • Brand: DEWALT
  • Capacity: 6 Gallons
  • Item weight: 30 pounds
  • Sound level: 75.5 dB
  • Warranty: 1 year

If you are seeking the best air compressor for an LVLP spray gun, there is no better option than this DEWALT Pancake Air Compressor. This air compressor is more than enough to satisfy you with the LVLP spray gun operating experience. This pancake-style air compressor comes from the most reliable and toughest DIY tool manufacturing company, DEWALT.

But the most exciting fact is that this 6-gallon pancake air compressor produces 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI, making it highly capable of running any pneumatic or air tool efficiently, including spray guns.

  • This quieter and portable air compressor is highly preferable for using an LVLP spray gun on a larger painting project. It has a high flow regulator and couplers for maximizing air tool performance.

  • The pressure regulator knob can get jammed and may not turn.

Runner Up

Pancake Air Compressor for Lvlp

BOSTITCH Pancake Air Compressor for Lvlp

  • This portable air compressor has an oil-free pump for maintenance-free spray gun running opportunities.
  • Equipped with a 6-gallon tank, this compressor will offer enough compressed air to paint a long work area between quick refills.
  • This lightweight air compressor with gas rubber feet keeps you stable and reduces vibration while you are busy painting.
  • Comes with a 25ft hose, this air compressor will let the DIYer paint over a large area without changing the setting.
  • Brand: Bostitch
  • Capacity: 6 Gallons
  • Item weights: 31 pounds
  • Sound level: ‎78.5 dB
  • Warranty: 1 year

With a combination of power, speed, and reliability, this BOSTITCH Pancake Air Compressor is another preferred choice for operating an LVLP spray gun. Compared to the previous model, this Pancake Air Compressor is a slightly cheaper option while producing more noise and delivering fewer PSI.

Still, you won’t feel any disturbance operating your LVLP spray gun and other air tools for a long time and efficiently, thanks to its ability to deliver 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI. More importantly, it has an adjustable regular knob and coupler to let you get the low air pressure required for running an LVLP gun smoothly.

  • It’s a cost-efficient air compressor for LVLP spray guns that is perfect for versatile use in various applications, including painting. The compressor is durable, lightweight, and portable, making it suitable for busy DIYers.

  • The compressor is slightly loud and may need earplugs. And it won’t be the right appliance to work near sensitive places like hospitals.

Best Budget

Air Compressor for Lvlp Spray Gun

Senco Portable Hot Dog Air Compressor for Lvlp Spray Gun

  • It’s an extremely lightweight and portable air compressor that is preferable for a light-duty painting project.
  • With a 1-gallon tank and ½ HP running power, this compressor will let you handle a variety of home improvement and crafts projects.
  • Designed with an oil-free pump, this air compressor delivers a max of 136 PSI to run most of the powerful pneumatic tools.
  • This quiet air compressor has an aluminum cylinder for durable service.
  • Brand: Senco
  • Capacity: 1 Gallon
  • Item weight: ‎20 pounds
  • Sound level: 68 dB
  • Warranty: 1 year

If you need a compact air compressor for operating LVLP guns mainly for light-duty painting projects, this Senco Portable Hot Dog Air Compressor will be your way to go. This Hot Dog Air Compressor will save your banks while allowing you to complete the painting job conveniently. This compressor produces only. 7 CFM at 90 PSI. It means this unit meets the demand for low air pressure for running an LVLP spray gun.

Another obvious advantage of this Hot Dog Air Compressor is that it is portable and can be used for a variety of renovation, hobby, and craft projects.

  • This Senco Hot Dog Air Compressor is the perfect choice for seasonal DIYers for simple painting projects. This highly portable compressor is so quiet that you can talk on the phone while keeping it running.

  • This air compressor has a 1-gallon tank, so it won’t supply consistent compressed air for long.

Best Quiet

Lvlp Spray Gun Air Compressor

California Ultra Quiet Lvlp Spray Gun Air Compressor

  • This Ultra Quiet Air Compressor produces 6.40 CFM at 40 PSI, making it highly compatible with any LVLP spray gun for smooth operation.
  • Its powerful 2 HP motor creates less wear and noise, making it perfect for running in any sensitive place.
  • It has an Oil-Free Dual Piston Pump to ensure a long life span and high performance.
  • With a pressure control meter, this unit will let the DIYer adjust the airflow precisely for the perfect painting result.
  • Equipped with a 25-foot cord, this space-saving air compressor is compatible with any regular outlet.
  • Brand: California Air Tools
  • Capacity: 10 Gallons
  • Item weight: 82.5 pounds
  • Sound level: 70 dB
  • Warranty: ‎1 Year

In contrast to the previous model, this California Air Compressor will be the best air compressor for LVLP spray guns for professional and industrial projects. This premium quality air compressor has plenty of exciting features, including an up-right design, ultra-quiet operation, and thicker wheels.

Combining these features, you will have a space-saving compressor with improved portability while enjoying a calm painting project. Another exciting thing is that this compressor unit will let you operate the LVLP spray gun for up to 30 minutes continuously, thanks to its 10-gallon air tank.

  • This industrial-grade air compressor is perfect for running the LVLP spray gun for a long time. It is also portable and powerful enough to handle a large variety of applications on different terrain.

  • The compressor is slightly expensive and its welding isn’t very durable.

Best Overall

Pancake Air Compressor

PORTER-CABLE Pancake Air Compressor

  • This lightweight air compressor has two regulated air couplers to support LVLP users at a time.
  • With a high-pressure design, this compressor unit ensures quicker recovery time for continuous painting jobs.
  • The compressor has a handle, console cover, and rubber grip for easier portability, and safe placement in any terrain.
  • Brand: Porter-Cable
  • Capacity: 6 Gallons
  • Item weight: ‎31.2 pounds
  • Sound level: 80dB
  • Warranty: 1 year

If you are looking for a highly efficient air compressor to run your LVLP spray gun even in harsh weather, try this Porter-Cable Air Compressor. This pancake air compressor is designed with a low-amp 120V motor to ensure quick start-up in cold weather, while its oil-free pump makes the task even easier.

Apart from these, this portable compressor unit has all the essential features required to run a pneumatic tool smoothly, including a 6-gallon air tank, a water drain valve, and the ability to produce 2.6 SCFM at 90 psi.

  • This compact air compressor comes in a user-friendly design and offers maintenance-free service. The compressor is also durable and powerful enough to run any air tool in any season for a long time.

  • This air compressor includes only an 8-foot power cord. You’ll have to stick with a power outlet and may not have improved mobility. The unit is also a little bit loud.

Premium Pick

Air Compressor for Lvlp

Makita Big Bore Air Compressor for Lvlp

  • Constructed with an oil-lubricated, durable cast iron pump to maximize wear and increase pump life.
  • The air compressor has a big bore cylinder and piston for faster recovery time and to ensure continuous maintenance operation.
  • Design with a large automotive air filter for improved air intake and efficiency.
  • The compressor unit includes copper-finned discharge tubing for greater heat dissipation and to lower the water in the tank.
  • Brand: Makita
  • Capacity: 4.2 Gallons
  • Item weight: 80.8 pounds
  • Sound level: ‎79 dB
  • Warranty: 1 year

This Makita air compressor will be a long-lasting addition to a DIYer’s collection to run spray guns and other pneumatic tools. Constructed with a roll cage design, this air compressor ensures complete protection of its vital components, making it suitable for any extreme job site. Another exciting feature is that this compressor unit produces only 4.2 CFM at 90 PSI while including a 2.5 HP motor.

This means this unit perfectly matches the lower air pressure demand of the LVLP spray gun for painting a thinner coat on a car or other work surface. Though this air compressor is more expensive than other models, its big-bore construction and premium design makes the unit highly preferable for serious DIYers.

  • It’s a high-end air compressor that is built to last and withstand high pressure during operating a spray gun. The compressor is also extremely powerful and has a soft rubber handle for easier transportation.

  • It’s a considerably smaller air tank, so it won’t offer much runtime, and the unit is slightly noisy. The item is also heavier than other models is well.

Customer Choice

Portable Horizontal Air Compressor 

WEN Portable Horizontal Air Compressor 

  • This hot dog air compressor has two wheels and a rubber-footed leg for maximum stability and to avoid tipping over during operation.
  • Its auto-shut-down function turns off the unit if it reaches its max PSI to ensure safe operation, making it the best air compressor for novice DIYers.
  • Design with a quick-coupler air outlet for a quicker hose change.
  • The compressor includes an onboard handle for easier storage and carrying.
  • Brand: WEN
  • Capacity: 6 Gallons
  • Item weight: 51 Pounds
  • Warranty: two years

This WEN Horizontal Air Compressor is another great air compressor for getting lower air pressure to run an LVLP spray gun. However, it doesn’t mean this compressor unit won’t be able to run other pneumatic and air tools. The compressor offers 4.2 CFM at 40 PSI, making it compatible with most of the LVLP spray guns while 3.2 CFM at 90 PSI makes the machine capable of running other powerful air tools.

Despite this, this air compressor has a 6-gallon tank, a drain valve, and an onboard handle for comfortable operation.

  • This air compressor works really well with LVLP spray guns as well as other air tools and doesn’t lose much pressure during operation. The compressor is also great for the price and is perfect for starter DIYers.

  • The shipping service is horrible. Thus, it’s advisable to check all the accessories while receiving the compressor.

If you wonder how to make air compressor faster, please read a related article from DIY expert here.

Factors to pick the Best Air Compressor for LVLP Spray Gun

Air compressors have lots of variations, and you should determine the right one based on your project requirements. Then tracking down some key aspects will lead you to the best air compressor for your LVLP spray gun to get the desired performance.

best air compressor for lvlp spray gun

CFM rating

This CFM rating determines how quickly an air compressor will supply the airflow. It also shows the amount the compressor requires to catch up and the amount of effort it will require. To calculate the right CFM rating for your LVLP spray gun, check the gun’s CFM first. And then pick a compressor that offers higher CFM so you can run plenty of different air tools along with a spray gun.

The capacity of the Tank

Determine the tank size considering the type of spray gun project that you’ll handle. In general, an LVLP spray gun doesn’t require a larger air compressor as it doesn’t require higher pressure and is mainly used to paint on thinner material. Still, you can choose between a 1 to 60-gallon tanks sizes based on your usage.

Weight

If you need to cover a large work area and move the spray gun frequently, don’t choose a heavy air compressor. But don’t sacrifice the tank capacity for portability. Select an air compressor that can offer you enough airflow and mobility.

The style

The popular styles are a pancake, pontoon, and hotdog compressors, and these influence lots of features. Pontoon compressors are preferable among the options, as they produce higher CFM and ensure speedy operation. But these aren’t highly portable, so decide based on your project in hand.

Horsepower

A spray gun that is designed for 6 CFM and 30 to 40 PSI works smoothly with 1 to 2 HP motors. So, whether you need to run your spray gun for amateur or non-industrial projects, this combination is highly preferable. If you go for a 2 HP air compressor, make sure it produces a minimum of 6 CFM at 40 PSI.

Noise level

The noise level is expressed in dB, where the higher the number, the louder the compressor. to avoid sound pollution, pick a compressor with a 40 dB noise rating.

Wondering how to make an air compressor quiet? You will find hacking tips in the article here.

lvlp spray gun

Right Size Air Compressor for LVLP Spray gun

LVLP stands for Low Volume, Low Pressure. Thus, choosing the size of an air compressor is vital, especially when operating an LVLP spray gun. You can determine the size of an air compressor based on your purpose and the spray gun’s capacity. For example, you will require a 50-gallon corded air compressor instead of a 6-gallon model to paint a car.

But if you need to apply a base coat using an LVLP gun, you must use at least a 10-gallon air compressor. But it doesn’t mean the lower model won’t be effective. But this type of painting job requires hours of consistent run time.

Finally, medium-sized air compressors work brilliantly with low-pressure air tools like spray guns. Apart from it, consider your other necessities, like inflating tires, or DIY woodworking, before fixing the compressor size.

How to use an LVLP spray gun with an air compressor

Operating an LVLP spray gun through an air compressor is a straightforward process as long as you follow some key steps. Firstly, you have to connect the spray gun to the air compressor to get the required compressed air. The accessories required for this process are:

  • An air compressor for spraying fun
  • Hose
  • Safety gears such as a respirator, goggles, and gloves
  • Spray gun attachments like a regulator, filter, and quick disconnect fittings

You may not need all those attachments depending on the purpose.

Here’s the process:

  • Start by wearing all your safety gear.
  • Connect the LVLP spray gun to the compressor via a hose. You will require some clamps to ensure a tighter connection.
  • Adjust the regulator knob of the compressor to make sure it delivers the desired CFM. To know how much CFM is required for your LVLP spray gun, check its user manual.
  • Mix the paint and solvent properly based on the recommended ratio.
  • Before applying it to the workpiece, spray some paint on the cardboard. This way, you can test the sprayer pattern and make sure the air compressor is producing the right amount of airflow so you can get consistent paint flow.
  • Most LVLP spray guns also include an adjustable knob to regulate the spray pattern.
  • Apply an even coat on your work surface and let it dry for around 12 to 24 hours before applying a second.

A Few Pieces of Advice for Novice Painters

There are lots of obstacles a novice can face while operating a spray gun powered by an air compressor. The following tips will help avoid mistakes:

  • Read the specifications of the spray gun carefully and use an appropriate air compressor based on the space. Otherwise, using a weaker compressor can cause a worse experience.
  • LVLP spray guns don’t require a professional-level compressor and are compatible with the most affordable model with a minimum of 60 PSI. Conversely, most spray guns operate at 25 to 50 PSI, so you shouldn’t face any issue if the compressor can output that amount of pressure.
  • The viscosity of the material is also a vital factor. Don’t use thick materials with a spray gun that has low pressure. Thin the material to a considerable level to get the perfect result. Thinning percentages typically range from 25 to 30 percent, and even higher. Experts use a more powerful air compressor and sprat gun for thicker materials.

How to use LVLP spray gun with an air compressor

Wondering if you can use an air compressor as a pressure washer? Check the answer in the article from a professional DIY expert.

FAQs 

What size air compressor is perfect for running an LVLP spray gun?

For your small project or painting on a single panel, use an air compressor that has exactly the same CFM as your spray gun. But if you need to spray a whole car, the air compressor should have 150–200% more CFM than your spray gun. For example, if your spray gun has 10 CFM, then use a 15-20 CFM air compressor. An air compressor that delivers 6 CFM at 40 PSI is compatible with most LVLP spray guns.

Can I run an LVLP gun through an air compressor?

Of course, you don’t need a high-end air compressor to run an LVLP gun. This spray gun usually requires low air pressure, and you can operate it using a small compressor as well. A spray gun typically requires 3.5CFM to 3.9CFM at 30 psi to run smoothly.  

Is HVLP better than LVLP?

Both the HVLP guns and the LVLP spray guns have different work fields and are used for different purposes. Despite this, HVLP guns require more CFM and are suitable for base coat, while LVLP spray guns require low air pressure and are perfect for clear coat. The LVLP spray gun also sprays faster and offers a batter finish. The LVLP spray gun is preferable to the HVLP gun as it leaves few defects.

Is it possible to use an air compressor as a paint sprayer?

Obviously, you can spray paint on your whole car using an air compressor. However, you should make sure the compressor has the right size air tank and offers adequate CFM and PSI to run your sprayer.

Final Words

Picking the best air compressor for LVLP spray gun is quite a simple task, especially when you have some top-notch recommendations. Remember, choosing the air compressor for your LVLP spray gun isn’t all about choosing the most powerful and largest size item.

A typical compressor can help you run the gun efficiently if its CFM matches your gun and includes other convenient features. However, opting for any of the air compressors from the list will help you operate any LVLP spray gun properly along with other pneumatic and air tools.

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Joe H. Morgan is a professional and highly experienced DIY expert. He lives in Detroit, Michigan. He is also a part time author of ToolMirror. Joe shares his DIY experience and review different types of tools like air compressor, nail gun, wrench, saw, drill etc. From his content, he try to help DIY lover to find out best tools from the internet.

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