Best Air Compressor For Painting (Reviewed 2024)

When purchasing an air compressor for painting, the most common inquiry is whether all air compressors are ideal for painting or efficient enough to run air spray guns. The answer is a big NO. That’s why you need to know the best air compressor for painting.

All types of air compressors are not suitable for painting. For instance – an oil-lubricated compressor may affect the paint viscosity. Again a stationary one will limit your painting range. That is why studying the situation before getting a suitable air compressor for painting is essential.

So, if you plan to purchase an air compressor for painting, you are just at the right place. In this article, I have listed the top 8 air compressors for painting, including industrial and domestic options. Besides, I’ve added some tips and guidelines too for your convenience. So, let set go- 

Top Air Compressor For Painting – Overall #1 Rated Pick

1. Campbell Hausfeld (VT6290) Air Compressor

For professional painting usage, you require better air capacity; in this case, Campbell Hausfeld VT6290 is a fantastic option. It is a 20-gallon air compressor that has enough capacity to support painting needs from small to medium size workshops. 

• The Campbell Hausfeld VT6290 produces an airflow capacity of 5.5 CFM @ 90 PSI and 135 PSI max. This rating allows the device to support versatile operation rather than just painting. 
• It is an electric-powered air compressor. So, you need not take the hassle of frequent gas-filling. You can do the painting task anywhere. All you have to do is plug the device into an electrical outlet.
• Usually, oil-less air compressors make loud noises while operating. But the Campbell Hausfeld VT6290 is an oil-lubricated air compressor and produces less noise. It creates only 68 dB of sound, which is very low compared to most oil-free models. 
• Campbell Hausfeld VT6290 offers you dual voltage motors- 120V and 240V. Using a 120V motor, you can do regular household tasks or small DIY paintings. If you are doing heavy painting tasks like air spraying a car or truck, switch it to 240V. Thus, it ensures versatile operation. 
• When painting, movement is an essential factor to consider. You need to move the painting nozzle to different corners to cover up gaps and create a seamless painting effect. The semi-pneumatic wheels in the back of Campbell Hausfeld VT6290 will help you in this case. 
• It has a cast iron pump and ASME tank that ensures durability. It can support a run time of 5000 hours which is a worth-mentioning feature. 

Pros	Cons
DurableQuiet operation dual motor voltageVersatile operationLightweight Has wheels for easy movement Electric corded Ideal for DIYHas a metal belt guardPortable	Oil-lubricated; so require oil replacement

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2. California Air Tools 8010 Steel Tank Air Compressor

If you are looking for a quiet air compressor for painting, nothing can beat the features of California Air Tools 8010 Steel Tank air compressor. An 8-gallon air compressor operates at just 60 dB, ensuring a soundless working environment. So, you can use them at your house for painting tasks without the tension of irritating the neighborhood. Other features that this compressor includes are as follows- 

• It has a decent 3-horsepower motor to support air painting or spray painting. Besides, it operates at a very low RPM of 1680, providing a longer run time. 
• California Air Tools 8010 Steel Tank air compressor has an oil-free pump, so you need not worry about oil mixing with your paints, eventually hampering its viscosity.
• The horizontal hot dog style of this air compressor aids in perfect balancing. It also has two back wheels to support easy transportation. So you can move the device easily while meeting your painting tasks. 
• This air compressor is durable enough, offering a 3000 hours run time. 
• With California Air Tools 8010, you need to worry about cool weather operations. It has a CAT easy start valve feature that can start the device even in extremely cold weather. 
• Besides painting, you can use this device for other tasks also. For example- drilling, nailing, airbrushing, and more.

Pros	Cons
Enough PSI for painting DurableOil-free air compressor quiet operation Little maintenance energy efficient Corded electric Has wheels for easy portability	The location of the wheels may cause trouble in balancing the deviceBit expensive

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3. DEWALT (DWFP55126) Pancake Air Compressor 

Dewalt DWFP55126 is a pancake air compressor excellent for painting tasks. You can use these devices for painting your automobiles, or furniture, or doing DIY tasks. It is a 6-gallon air compressor with a compact design to aid portability. The worth mentioning features of this air compressor include-

• The stainless steel body of Dewalt DWFP55126 supports enough durability. It has a console cover that shields the gadget from external harm. Besides, it is removable to allow quick repair. 
• Dewalt DWFP55126 is an oil-free air compressor, so unlike an oil-lubricated one, you need not worry about operating it in cold weather. Besides, It has a highly efficient motor that provides the device enough power to start in a cold environment. 
• It has a compact and handy design. You will find a handle in the upper portion of this device to carry it in your hand. In addition, the lightweight feature of the device supports portability. It weighs only 30 pounds; so you can carry it anywhere any time to meet your painting requirements. 
• Maintenance of this air compressor is very easy. It doesn’t require oil refilling or other hassle.  Besides, there is no moving part that requires frequent repairs and the pricing is also very affordable. So, if you are a beginner and want an air compressor for your DIY task, this can be a brilliant option. 

Pros	Cons
Highly effectivePortableAffordable LightweightEasy storage Oil-freeEffective cooling system Can start in cold weather	A bit noisy Has no wheels

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4. Makita MAC2400 2.5 HP Big Bore Air Compressor

If you are looking for an air compressor for DIY painting activities, Makita MAC2400 is an excellent choice. It is a compact compressor with a powerful motor of 2.5 horsepower that can effortlessly power multiple air tools. 

• Makita MAC2400 is one of the powerful models by Makita that can handle two air tools running at a time. So, you can paint and blow it for drying simultaneously using this device.
• It is an oil-lubricated device that will require frequent oil checking and replacing. However, this feature of the device keeps the operating temperature low. Besides, oil also aids in smooth operation. 
• Another impressive feature of this air compressor is its thermal overload protector. When the MAC2400 Big Bore senses high heat, the motor will shut off and go into overload mode.
• This enormous Bore air compressor features a massive piston and cylinder far larger than other options. This feature gives it more power and a quicker recovery time. It also has heavy-duty crankshafts. Besides, it has a large industrial air filter to intake air, and with the increased air-flowing capacity, the device’s performance improves. 
• This air tool has couplers that make it quick and easy to connect and detach from the air hoses, making your painting much more convenient.  
• It has a durable construction thanks to the metal roll cage that covers the main parts of the device. So, while painting, if any heavy object like paint can fall into the compressor, it will stay protected. Besides, the cast-iron pump is removable, which aids in easy repair. 

Pros	Cons
Large industrial designFaster recovery time Roll-cage for better protection Quality cast iron cylinderDurableHigh power outputLarge air filter	A bit noisy Has no wheels

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5. PORTER-CABLE C2002 Air Compressor

If you are looking for a mini air compressor for DIY painting activities, Porter-cable C2002 is an excellent choice. It is a 6-gallon air compressor with a bright red air tank that looks absolutely amazing.

• It has an oil-free air pump that can supply continuous airflow without any oil or gas refill. It is electrically powered, so you only need to plug the device into a suitable electric port. 
• The 150 max PSI and 2.6 SCFM @ 90PSI offer Porter-cable C2002 a quick recovery time. So, you can do your painting task with relaxation. 
• It has a console covering that ensures its robustness. Moreover, the air compressor’s rubber feet keep the device firm on the floor. So it doesn’t vibrate much during operation.
• The size of the Porter-cable C2002 is very handy. It has a dimension of just ‎17 x 1 x 18.38 inches and weighs only 31.2 pounds. It further has a handle for easy hold. With these features, you can easily move the device while painting. 
•  Porter-cable C2002 has two factory-installed air couplers that will allow you to connect the spray gun and blow gun simultaneously. It will make your painting task much easier. Besides, you can share the device with others for multi-tasking also. 
• This small air compressor produces only little noise, so you can easily paint inside your house without irritating anyone. Besides, the mini size of the device allows you to store it anywhere, under the bed, garage, or store room. 

Pros	Cons
Fast recovery-free pump electric cordedRobustLightweightPortableEasy storages vibration Has rubber fit for stability	Minimal motor powerNot suitable for heavy-duty painting activities

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6. Rolair FC2002 2 HP Twin Stack Compressor

Rolair FC2002 is another small-size air compressor ideal for painting. It is a 4.3-gallon air compressor and is a better option compared to Porter-cable C2002 for its effective motor power. But comparing the capacity and lightweight features, I have placed Rolair FC2002 below Porter-cable C2002. 

• Rolair FC2002 is extremely lightweight for its small tank size. It has a dimension of only ‎20 x 15 x 17 inches and weighs 62 pounds; light enough to carry by hand. 
• It comes with a rubber grip handle. So you can quickly move the device while painting. Besides, it has four rubber fits that ensure the devices stick firmly to the ground. It further aids in less vibration while functioning.
• Besides painting tasks, Rolair FC2002 supports other air tools for drilling, nailing, airbrushing, blowing, etc. So, if you are looking for a small air compressor for DIY tasks, this air compressor is ideal.
• Despite its small sizing, Rolair FC2002 has a remarkable motor power of 2 horsepower. This ensures better efficiency of the device while offering painting services. Besides, the 3400 RPM of the motor provides quick recovery. 
• The 4.1 CFM at 90 PSI ensures sufficient airflow during painting. So, using this device, you can do a wide range of tasks in your day-to-day life. 
• Rolair FC2002 operates at a low sound level, thus making the device suitable for households. Besides, it comes with a one-year warranty; at this time, you can request free service if any defect is found. 

Pros	Cons
LightweightQuick recovery Electric cordedCompact designPortableEasy storageHigh motor efficiencyMulti-tasking 1-year warranty	Low air tank capacity

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7. Craftsman Pancake, Oil-Free (CMEC6150K)

Craftsman is a renowned brand in the air compressor industry. It has many models to support small to heavy-duty workloads. I have chosen the model CMEC150K as an ideal pick for your painting activities. This is a 6-gallon air compressor with the impressive feature that includes-

• Craftsman CMEC150K is an oil-free air compressor that requires no hassle of frequent oil checking or refilling. It is powered by electric cor. So, all you need is a stable electricity supply to run the operation. Thus, it makes usage easier and also saves your maintenance cost.
• The iron-cast body of the air compressor makes it durable. Besides, it offers an airflow rate of 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI, suitable for air painting. It further aids in quick recovery. 
• The pancake formation of the Craftsman CMEC150K supports easy storage. Besides, the lightweight features of the divides aid in portability. It weighs only 32 pounds; you can easily carry it in your hand while doing painting tasks. 
• Besides painting, you can also use this device for nailing, spraying, drilling, and other activities. Thus it offers you a compact package for small-duty activities. 
• Maintenance of Craftsman CMEC150K is very easy; all you need to do is keep the leakage factor in check. Otherwise, there is nothing more to take care of. The device also has fewer moving parts, so it doesn’t require frequent repair. 

Pros	Cons
Quick recovery multi-functionalLightweightEasy storage-free pump ideal for DIY activity	Bit noisy May not support heavy-duty painting tasks

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8. DEWALT (D55149) Air Compressor 

I have kept the cutest air compressor for the last, introducing Dewalt D55149, a small one-gallon air compressor. It is the most handy device on my list, and the main reason for keeping this is to give you a smaller air compressor option for painting. You may often require creative artwork for fun; in this case, going for a bulky air compressor of 10 or 20 gallons is just a waste of money and space. In these circumstances, this mini one-gallon air compressor is your go-to option. 

• Don’t let the size of the Dewalt D55149 misguide you. This tiny air compressor of just one gallon can produce an airflow of 0.75 SCFM at 135 PSI max. With these ratings, you can easily do light painting works for DIY projects. It further supports light constructional projects. 
• The motor of Dewalt D55149 is a 2.6 amp motor. It is enough to power versatile air tools like drillers, nailers, spray guns, airbrushing, etc. Besides you can also use the device to inflate balls, inflatable swimming pools or cycle tires, mattresses, and more. 
• The construction of this air compressor is made of heavy-duty cast iron. It also has a roll cage with a full-protection frame to protect it from harm. In addition, a wrap-around control panel protects the unit’s vital components.
• It is an oil-free air compressor; powered by electricity. With this gadget, you won’t have to bother about oil refills. It will make your maintenance procedure much easier and save your cost too. 
• Although strong, the DEWALT Air Compressor D55140 is not heavy. The device is quite portable as it measures nine inches in length and weighs only 24 pounds. Connecting is simple, allowing you to attach and detach the painting guns quickly. 
• The DEWALT Air Compressor D55140 offers a high-flow regulator that delivers maximum air pressure and improves the machine’s performance. And more shockingly, this tiny beast operates just at 68 dB, so no worries about sound pollution. 

Pros	Cons
No hose is attached small tank capacity not is ideal for large projects	No hose is attached small tank capacityNot is ideal for large projects

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Types Of Air Compressor For Painting 

Most air compressors for paintings are available in stationary format. They can be found in garages, workshops, and manufacturing companies. But for household or personal usage, portable ones suit you best. They can be either horizontal or vertical. Here I bought you three most common air compressors suitable for DIY painting. They are available in different sizes. So let’s explore- 

1. Hot Dog Air Compressors

Hot dog air compressor is named after its cylindrical shape that looks like a hotdog. These types of air compressors are available in different sizes that suit small to heavy painting tasks. 

In the portable ones, you will find two tires on one side of the device for convenient moveability. Some devices may also have three wheels. However, these variants are less stable than the pancake ones. But most of them offer better PSI ratings and longer run times. 

2. Pancake Air Compressors

When it comes to stability, nothing can beat pancake air compressors. They have a circular pancake shape that stands firmly on the ground. Most of the pancake-shaped air compressors are small, making them suitable for painting, spraying, and airbrushing. They come with rubber feet that reduce vibration during operation. 

Pancake air compressors are popular for their lightweight feature. As a result, you may effortlessly transport them from one location to another while painting. And all these criteria make a pancake air compressor ideal for DIY activities. 

The most renowned brands for pancake-style air compressors are- Dewalt and Craftsman. These compressors’ popping yellow and red color body has gained much popularity in the pancake air compressor category. However, they are available in hotdog and pontoon format also.

3. Pontoon Air Compressors

Pontoon air compressors are similar to hotdog ones. But here, multiple hotdog compressors are arranged in series, having the pressure gauge and motor at the middle or top having a boat-like arrangement. 

These compressors are excellent for providing higher PSI and CFM ratings. Due to multiple cylinders, they are highly efficient in providing continuous airflow. If you are looking for a heavy-duty air compressor for professional paintwork, this category of air compressors is an ideal choice. 

Guideline To Choose The Best  Air Compressor For Painting 

To help you choose the best air compressor, here I am sharing a guideline. Follow all these points to pick the ideal one for your painting project- 

• One-stage compressor is enough for painting: Single-stage air compressors are enough for painting. You need not pay more to get a double-stage compressor. A single-stage air compressor with a 1.5 HP to 6 HP motor and a capacity of 10-30 gallons will easily meet your maintenance requirements. But if you want industrial-scale applications, go for higher capacity. 

• Look for oil-free ones: Oil-free air compressors are the most popular category for painting tasks. With these devices, you have no worries about oil contaminating the paint. Besides, you need not take oil refilling or replacing hassle. This will thus save your maintenance cost and time. 

• HP or motor power: The motor power of an air compressor is crucial to consider to know the efficiency of the compressor. Here is a horsepower (HP) recommendation chart for different painting tasks-

Horsepower	Level Of Painting
1 HP to 2HP	Light to medium works or DIY project
3 HP to 5HP	Industrial scale projects

• Portability matters for painting: Purchase compressors with wheels for better portability. However, there are some lightweight air compressors with handles for easy carriage; these are also good choices. Using a portable air compressor for painting will help you move smoothly and reach every [arts of your painting area with ease. 

• HVLP (High Volume Low Pressure) Compressor: HVLP paint sprayers are excellent for painting automobiles, furniture, or DIY projects. They offer you consistent airflow at low pressure providing a smooth painting experience. 

• Choose a compressor with a moisture separator: Moisture content in the air compressor affects the paint texture. Using a compressor with a moisture separator will help you to remove the excess moisture and provide dry airflow for painting. 

• CFM & PSI: The airflow capacity or CFM rating for air compressors range from 3 CFM to 15 CFM based on the workload and paint finishing. However, the requirement of PSI rating or air pressure of the air compressor varies with the type of painting. Check the below chart to know your painting PSI requirements –

Painting Task	Recommended PSI
Airbrushing, shading, finishing and touch up	15 PSI to 20 PSI
Soft coverage with lacquers	20 PSI to 25 PSI
Topcoating and full coverage	35 PSI to 45 PSI
Water based lacquer painting	50 PSI

How To Use an Air Compressor For Painting?

After purchasing the ideal air compressor, you will go for your desired painting task. But how do you paint using an air compressor? If you are a new user, this will surely come to mind. So, here I am sharing a quick guide about the using procedure of an air compressor for painting-

• Step-1: Safety Measures

Paints contain poisonous compounds that are hazardous to your health. It can cause respiratory issues and can also harm your eyes and skin. So, for safety measures, wear proper clothing, safety goggles, gloves, and a mask. This will save you from accidental color splash. Besides, spread polythene around the painting element. It will prevent the surrounding areas from unplanned getting paint coatings.

• Step-2: Mix The Paint

Paints come in thicker consistency; you need to mix thinner to bring a perfect viscosity to apply. In this case, you can go for a 3:1 or 4:1 ratio of paint to thinner, anyone that fits your requirements. Sometimes the paints may clog at a portion while applying. This occurs due to inappropriate thickness or the inclusion of impurities in the paint mixture. To avoid such situations, satire the paint mixture in a fine antistatic cloth to smooth the paint mix. 

• Step-3: Select Spray Gun For Painting

Choose the desired air spray gun and check its CFM ratings. Usually, an air painting sprayer has an airflow requirement of 3 CFM to 15 CFM. It is a crucial fact to consider because if the air compressor has a lower CFM rating than the requirement, it won’t perform well. In contrast, if the CFM is too high, it can damage the sprayer. 

• Step-4: Connect The Spray Gun To The Air Compressor 

Once you have chosen the correct air sprayer, it’s time to set the spray gun to your air compressor. Use a hose or other attachment for this purpose. In this case, consider the hose length and diameter. You must go through the manual to choose the correct hose size. Remember, the air pressure reduces with increasing hose length. So, be wise in choosing the hose length. I have discussed hose lengths in the below section of this article, so continue reading to know more. 

• Step-5: Start Painting 

Once all the setting is done, start painting. Turn on the air compressor, and set the CFM and PSI ratings. Before applying the paints directly to the object, test the pressure. You can do the testing on some cardboard or other similar matter to ensure everything is perfect. Then, you are ready to paint using the air compressor. 

Tips for Using An Air Compressor For Painting

You have learned how to use an air compressor for painting from the above section. Now I’m sharing with you some tips and tricks to do your painting skills like a pro- 

• Choose the perfect hose size: Considering the hose size is crucial to use an air compressor for painting. It is the part that connects the air spray tool to the air compressor. And if the hose is too long, the requirement will cause a pressure drop resulting in poor performance. That is why you should read the manual and find the hose length recommendation for air spray. Go through this article to learn about hose size-  Air Compressor Hose Size Chart. 

• Ensure proper hose connection: If the connection between the air compressor, air spray tool, and the hose is not perfect, there are chances of air leakage. This will eventually drop the pressure, and the tool will not have sufficient airflow. To ensure proper sealing, you can tape the connecting point. Check this to get a complete guide on hose connection-  How To Connect Hose To Air Compressor?

• Use an air compressor with a filter to keep the viscosity of the painting on point: If the air compressor has moisture content inside, it will hamper the viscosity of the paint. To avoid this, drain your air compressor before connecting the air spray and ensure it is dry. Besides, oil particles can also ruin the paint’s consistency. So, ensure the device and the surrounding area are clean. 

• Keep your eyes on air pressure: If the pressure of the air compressor is too high, it will spray the paints at high speed, clogging at a specific place. Again if the pressure is too low, the painting will not spread evenly, and it will take longer to complete. So, make sure the air pressure is perfect. However, if the pressure drops while painting, wait a while to give the device time to recover. And once it gets back to the desired pressure, you can restart painting. 

How To Maintain Air Compressors For Painting?

Proper maintenance of air compressors is essential to ensure fluent painting. Here are some ways in which you can maintain the air compressor in the best way possible- 

1. Check the components before using: The attached parts of the air compressor often tend to break. It includes the hose, belt, or other moving parts. So, before starting the device, ensure these parts are fitted properly. 

2. Always follow the manual for troubleshooting: If you face any issues with the air compressor while painting, always go for the manual. In this case, the air spray tool and air compressor manual are both essential. If you can’t find the proper solution, consult a mechanic, but don’t do unnecessary experiments that will eventually ruin the device. However, if you find any issues with the pressure switch, you can check this article for the solution- Troubleshooting Air Compressor Pressure Switch. 

3. Replace the oil and air filter regularly: If your air compressor is oil-lubricated, it is essential to keep the oil level and leakage in check. Leaking oil from the compressor can affect the consistency of the paint. So make sure to keep the compressor clean. Besides, it would be best to clean the air filters regularly; any dirt particles in the flowing air can clog the air spray and hamper painting activities. 

4. Inspect leakage: Leakage is a common issue for air compressors. It can be air leakage or oil leakage. Such a problem doesn’t let the compressor reach the decided pressure level. It eventually wastes energy and makes the device overheat. That is why you must keep the leaking in check and take steps immediately if any issue is found. 

5. Regular draining: Draining is a crucial part of its regular maintenance procedure. As the temperature drops, the compressed air in the air tank distills into water. And using the device in such a condition will pass moisture inside the air spray, making the paint consistency lighter. That is why you should drain the device regularly. Besides, it will aid in increasing the air compressor’s durability because longer water accommodation can rust the air tank and ultimately damage it. To get a proper guideline to drain your air compressor, check out How To Drain Air Compressor?

The Bottom Line 

To sum up, consider the CFM and PSI ratings for choosing the best air compressor for painting. Usually, painting tools have an airflow requirement of 3 to 12 CFM. This will depend on the type of painting you do. For medium to heavy painting tasks, I suggest Campbell Hausfeld VT6290. It is a 20-gallon air compressor ideal for all kinds of painting activities.

If you want a small air compressor for DIY painting, Porter-cable C2002, Dewalt Dewalt D55149, and Rolair FC2002 are excellent choices. They are small in size but have strong 

motors to support painting. 

However, I suggest you go for Dewalt DWFP55126 for a budget-friendly choice. It has amazing features at an affordable price. So, analyze your requirements and make your purchase worthwhile. 

Lastly, remember to consider the air tank size. If you are purchasing the compressor just for experimental painting and not for professional causes, don’t waste your money purchasing the bulky ones. Instead, go for a small, portable, and affordable one. 

FAQs On Air Compressor For Painting 

What type of air compressor is best for painting?

The air compressors with high volume and low pressure are ideal for painting. This type of air compressor supplies consistent airflow at low pressure, which is suitable for automobile and furniture painting. Besides, the oil-free feature is crucial in choosing an air compressor for painting. If you get an oil-lubricated one, it will hamper the consistency of the paint and negatively affect your painting task. Portable air compressors are your best choice to go for painting. They offer you a smooth movement ability to do different painting tasks. 

What size air compressor do you need for painting?

The size of the air compressor for painting depends on your usage. If you are looking for one for professional use, 20 to 40 gallons will work. However, for DIY painting for a house or domestic usage, 5 to 10 gallons is enough. You can also choose smaller ones based on your requirement and workload. 

How much PSI does a paint gun need?

The PSI of the paint gun depends on your painting purpose, the viscosity of the paint, and the application technique. If you are shading or sun brushing, an air pressure of 15 PSI to 20 PSI is enough. But 40 PSI to 50 PSI is essential for top coating to bring full coverage. So, in general, you will require 15 to 50 PSI for implementing all types of painting activities with an air compressor. 

What HP compressor do I need for spray painting?

The HP or horsepower requirement for spray painting depends on the type of activity. For regular painting tasks like touch-ups or small-scale projects using small spray guns, a 1 to 2-horsepower motor is enough. But for large painting projects in industrial scale applications, you may need 3 to 5 HP or more depending on the air demand. 

What is the price of an air compressor for painting?

The price of air compressors for painting varies from brand to brand depending on the tank capacity, motor power, CFM, PSI ratings, and other additional features. Compressors with higher capacity and better features cost more. However, the average cost for an air compressor for fainting ranges from $100-$300. But to get the best deal, you should evaluate the market price, compare different brands, and make a purchasing decision.