Bike paint is a great way to customize your bike. But to get a professional-looking paint job, you need a good air compressor.
The best air compressor for bike painting should have enough power to operate a paint gun and be portable so you can take it to the job site.
Ideally, the recommended size of an air compressor for painting a bike is 6 – 20 gallons. But the most crucial factor is not the size; it’s the power.
The air compressor should have at least one horsepower (HP), and it should be able to deliver at least 2.6 – 5 CFM at 90 PSI.
We know finding a quality air compressor of this size is not an easy task. So, after hours of research and testing the products in our garage, we have compiled a list of the 5 best air compressors for motorcycle painting to help you choose the perfect one for your needs.
Our Top 3 Picks : Best Air Compressors for Motorcycle Painting
Design
Product
Specifications
Price
Stealth – Best 20-gallon air compressor for motorcycle painting
Stealth 20 gallon is one of the most powerful compressor, with a 1.8 horsepower (HP) motor that can deliver up to 5 CFM at 90 PSI. As we mentioned above, you need an air compressor that can deliver at least 2.6 – 5 CFM for painting bikes. So, this one definitely meets that criteria.
But what makes this air compressor really special is its noise level. It’s one of the quietest air compressor you can buy, with a noise level of only 68 decibels.
It has an oil-free dual-piston pump, which requires less maintenance and is easier to use. It also has a large 20 gallon tank capacity, perfect for painting larger or multiple bikes at once.
This 20 gallon air compressor also comes with many other handy features, such as a pressure gauge, a pressure release valve, and an automatic shut-off feature.
What Are Other People Saying about this air compressor?
People who have purchased and used this air compressor are generally happy. Many people have said it’s a great air compressor for the price and that it’s very powerful and quiet.
Some people have said that it’s a bit difficult to move around because it’s heavy, but overall, people are happy with the performance of this air compressor.
Why You Should Buy This?
We think the above features are good reasons to buy this air compressor. In order to give you a better idea, we have listed some of the main reasons below.
High quality motor
This Stealth air compressor has a high-quality induction motor designed for long-term use.
The motor is enclosed and has thermal overload protection that prevents it from overheating. It also has a low amp draw that ensures that it starts easily, even in cold weather.
Quick fill up the tank
It has a high flow rate that can fill the tank from empty to full in only 70 seconds. This is much faster than other portable compressors, So you don’t have to wait around for the air compressor to fill up before you start painting your bike.
It is an excellent choice for that person who needs to do a lot of painting in a short time.
Rubber reinforced handle and wheels.
The air compressor has a durable handle and wheels that make it easy to move around the garage or workshop. It also has an integrated control panel that keeps all the controls within easy reach.
Pros
Cons
California 8010 – Quietest Bike Painting Air Compressor
The California 8010 is a new and improved air compressor that is designed to be one of the quietest air compressor in the industry. This unit is perfect for various applications, including spray painting, staining, and inflating.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly compressor for painting bike, then California 8010 is the perfect choice. It’s a low-maintenance, oil-free air compressor that’s quite simple to operate.
If you look at the performance, it’s pretty good for a budget air compressor. It has a 1-horsepower (HP) motor that can deliver up to 3.10 CFM at 40 PSI and 2.20 CFM at 90 PSI.
It has 8-gallon air tank that is made of durable steel and is portable enough to carry around by one persona. However, tank size is not as large as the 20-gallon tank on the Stealth air compressor, but it’s still large enough to power most air tools.
Coming to the noise level, it produces just 60 decibels, which is 30% lower than other air compressors in its class. This makes it perfect for painting your motorcycle in the garage without disturbing the neighbors.
It also has useful features, such as fast-connect couplings and two pressure control gauges.
What Are Other People Saying about California 8010?
Most DIYers and homeowners who have purchased the California 8010 air compressor are happy with its performance. They find it to be an immensely powerful and efficient air compressor.
A few reviewers have also pointed out that it’s one of the quietest air compressor they’ve ever used. The only complaint about this unit is that it doesn’t come with an air hose. Besides that, it’s a great budget-friendly air compressor that does the job without any significant issues.
Why You Should Buy This?
The above features are some of the main reasons why we think California 8010 is a perfect choice for painting your motorcycle. To help you better understand, we’ve included some of the most significant reasons below.
Running Time
The running time of an air compressor is quite essential when you’re painting your motorcycle. California 8010 has a running time of 30-60 minutes, which is quite good for its size. This means that you can paint your bike without any interruptions.
Performance
Its fast recovery and filling time are one of the main reasons it’s a good choice for painting your motorcycle. It can quickly fill up the tank from empty to full in just 130 seconds.
Furthermore, it has a fast recovery time of 30 seconds from 90 PSI to 120 PSI. This implies that you can paint your motorcycle without interruption.
Pros
Cons
CRAFTSMAN 20 Gallon – Best portable air compressor for bike painting
This is a great air compressor for those looking for a portable unit that can do some serious work.
The CRAFTSMAN 20 Gallon air compressor is perfect for those who need to do a lot of painting or other projects that require a lot of air power. This unit is very powerful and can easily handle most air tools. It also has an outstanding reputation for being reliable and durable.
It has a high-pressure pump that can deliver up to 175 PSI of pressure, which is more than enough to get the job done. It also has a large tank that can hold up to 20 gallons of air, so you won’t have to worry about running out of air while you’re working.
Thanks to the quick coupler, it is easy to connect the air hose to this air compressor. It is a helpful feature if you need to do some urgent work on your bike. You can easily disconnect the air hose with the quick coupler.
It’s also worth noting that this unit has an auto shut-off feature. This will prevent the air compressor for overloading.. Not many air compressors have this safety feature.
What Are Other People Saying About CRAFTSMAN 20 Gallon?
CRAFTSMAN 20 Gallon air compressor has received many positive reviews from users. Many people have praised it for being a mighty and durable unit. Some people have also said that it has excellent running time and is very easy to use.
Some users have complained that the compressor is a bit noisy, which is expected with powerful compressors. Most users are delighted with this unit and would recommend it to others.
Why you should buy this?
It has all the premium features you would expect from a high-quality air compressor. To provide you with a better perspective, we have summarized the essential features of the CRAFTSMAN 20-Gallon below:
Stainless steel
This CRAFTSMAN compressor is made with a high-quality stainless steel finish. It protects the unit from corrosion and makes cleaning very easy. It also has a stylish design that looks great in any garage or workshop.
300 hours continuously
If we look at the average usage, most people use their air compressors for around 3-5 hours per week. This means that this unit will last you for up to 300 hours of continuous use, which is very impressive.
Two Sensitive Gauge
It is imperative to have an accurate gauge when using an air compressor. The CRAFTSMAN 20-Gallon has two sensitive gauges that will give you a precise reading of the pressure in the unit.
Pros
Cons
CRAFTSMAN with 13 Piece Accessory Kit | Best pancake Bike Painting Compressor
Craftsman is one of the most trusted names in an air compressor. This unit is a perfect example of why that is the case. It’s manufactured in the United States and has a high-quality, long-lasting design.
This pancake air compressor has a 6-gallon tank capacity, which is not large enough for some bigger jobs. However, it is more than enough to do bike painting.
Do you know what the recovery time for this unit is?
It is 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI. It will take less than 3 minutes to recover from a full tank. This is very impressive, and it means you can work continuously without worrying about the unit running out of air.
One of the best features of this unit is the oil-free pump. You won’t have to worry about the pump getting damaged by oil contamination. It also means that the unit is straightforward to maintain.
This Craftsman air compressor also has excellent safety features, such as a pressure relief valve and a safety shut-off switch. These features will prevent the unit from being damaged by overpressure.
What Are Other People Saying about this pancake compressor?
Most people who have purchased and used this unit have been pleased. They love the fact that it is made in the USA and appreciate the high-quality construction. The only problem that a small minority of users have reported is that the unit is noisy and has a small tank capacity.
Otherwise, this is an excellent unit that will serve you well for bike painting and other light-duty applications.
We’re happy to share some reviews from customers who have used this unit to paint their bikes.
Ryan: “I’ve been using this air compressor for the last five months for my bike. It was challenging to paint my bike by hand. After using this air compressor became very easy for me, and the results are also amazing.”
Michael: “I was looking for good quality and durable air compressor for my bike painting project. After doing some research, I decided to buy this one. I’m happy I did because it’s been working great.”
Carter: “I must say that this is a perfect air compressor. It’s compelling, and it has a lot of features that are very useful for me. The only problem is that it’s a bit noisy, but other than that, it’s a great unit.”
Alexander: “I was a little worried about the size, but it’s plenty big enough for what I need.”
Why you should buy this?
If you’re still confused and thinking about whether you should buy this unit or not, then let us help you out. Here are some reasons why we feel this is the best air compressor for painting motorcycles:
Comes with 13 Piece Accessory Kit
The CRAFTSMAN air compressor comes with a 13-piece accessory kit. It is a comprehensive kit that includes everything you need to start. It has a 25-foot air hose, blow gun, and other accessories. The kit also includes a how-to guide to help you begin your project.
High-Quality Construction
As we mentioned, this unit is made in the USA with high-quality materials. The construction is very solid, and the unit is very durable.
Pros
Cons
Buying Guide for Best Air Compressor for Bike Painting
When your car or bike paint starts to fade, it’s time for a new paint job. But before you can begin painting, you need to prep the surface of your vehicle. This includes sanding down the old paint, primer, and painting.
And to do all of this, you’ll need an air compressor. But with so many different air compressors on the market, which one should you buy?
Deciding to buy an air compressor is a process that you should not take lightly. After all, there are a lot of factors that go into determining which one is right for you. But don’t worry, we’re here to help.
In this buying guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to consider when purchasing an air compressor for your painting jobs, from the types of compressors available to the features you should look for.
Here is a buying guide to help you choose the best air compressor for painting a motorcycle:
Durable construction
Painting a bike is not a small job; it requires a lot of time, effort, and patience. That’s why durability is vital when choosing an air compressor for this task. You want an air compressor that is durable and can withstand constant use.
Look for an air compressor made with high-quality materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, or cast iron. These materials are known for their durability, so always look the air compressor which is made up of these materials.
very durable and will last you for many years.
Safety features
Did you know that air compressors can be very dangerous if not properly used? That’s why choosing an air compressor with safety features such as an automatic shut-off feature, pressure release valves, and thermal overload protection is important.
These safety features will prevent the air compressor from overloading and causing an accident.
Recently we have seen an increase in air compressor accidents in many autobody shops, so make sure to choose an air compressor with these safety features.
Portability
Do you plan to paint your bike at home or take it to a professional shop? If you plan to paint your motorcycle at home, portability is not a big concern. But if you plan to take your bike to a professional shop, portability is key because you don’t want to lug around a heavy air compressor.
There are mainly two types of air compressors used, portable compressor or stationary. Stationary air compressors are typically very heavy and not designed to move around. As opposed to stationary air compressors, portable air compressors are lighter and can easily transport.
So, if you plan on painting your bike at a professional shop, we recommend choosing a portable air compressor.
Powerful motor
Nothing is worse than an air compressor that doesn’t have enough power to get the job done. When painting a bike, you need an air compressor with a powerful motor.
Look for an air compressor that has a minimum of 1 horsepower. It will ensure that the air compressor can provide enough power to operate the air tools you will be using.
Good running time
How much air do you need to paint your bike? How long do you need to paint your bike? This is an important question to ask yourself because it will determine the size of the air compressor that you need to buy.
If you only need to paint for a few minutes, then a small air compressor will be enough. But if you need to paint for hours, you will need a larger air compressor.
To save time, we recommend that you select an air compressor with a big tank capacity. You won’t have to shut your work down to refill the
High-pressure rating
It doesn’t matter what type of air tools you’re using; you need an air compressor that can produce a high-pressure rating. However, different air tools require different pressure ratings.
For example, For using using an air impact wrench with a compressor, you will need an air compressor that can produce 100 psi.
But when painting bikes, you need an air compressor that can produce 90 – 150 psi. It will ensure that the paint job is smooth and even.
Must have a fast recovery time
Can your air compressor keep up with the demand for your air tools? This is an important question because you don’t want to wait around for your air compressor to recover.
When the compressor refills the tank after it has been emptied, the amount of time it takes is called the fill-up time.
The best way to avoid this problem is to choose an air compressor with a good recovery time.
A fast recovery time is essential for avoiding interruption in your work. It means that the air compressor can quickly replenish the tank’s air so you can continue working without interruption.
Should be Less Noisy
Nobody likes a loud air compressor. That’s why it’s essential to choose a relatively quiet air compressor. Look for an air compressor with a noise rating of 60 decibels or less.
It will prevent interruptions in your work because the air compressor won’t be too loud.
Low price with premium features (If you’re on a tight budget)
Many people think they must spend a lot of money to get a good air compressor. But this is not the case. You can find a cheap air compressor with all the features you need.
Here are a few things to look for when choosing a cheap air compressor:
A good warranty: A good air compressor should have a warranty of at least two years. It will ensure that you’re covered if anything goes wrong with the compressor.
A good brand: A good air compressor should be from a reputable brand. This way, you know that you’re getting a quality product.
Oil-free pump: An air compressor with an oil-free pump is a good choice because the feature will save you money because you won’t have to buy oil to lubricate the compressor.
High-quality materials: It should be made from high-quality materials.
What are the benefits of using an air compressor for bike painting
There are many benefits of using an air compressor for painting bikes. Some of the top benefits are listed below:
Work at a faster pace
One of the main benefits of using an air compressor is that it allows you to work much faster. Using an air compressor, you can quickly apply paint to the bike frame and wheels. This is because the air compressor provides consistent airflow to the painting gun.
If you use a regular paint gun, We’re damn sure you would have to stop and pump the handle every few minutes to maintain a consistent paint flow. It is very time-consuming and frustrating if you’re trying to work at a fast pace.
However, you can work for long periods without stopping with an air compressor. It is beneficial if you are working on a large project or if you need to apply multiple coats of paint.
In addition, an air compressor can help evenly distribute the paint, resulting in a more professional-looking finish. When used correctly, an air compressor can help you achieve excellent results when painting a bike.
Eliminate brush strokes
How often have you tried to paint a bike frame with a regular paintbrush and ended up with brush strokes? The answer is probably too many times.
This is a widespread problem that many people face when painting a motorcycle.
Brush strokes are harsh to avoid when painting with a regular paintbrush. Brush strokes are usually caused by using too much paint or not using a high-quality paintbrush. Because the brush’s bristles tend to leave behind paint streaks, however, they can also be caused by not using an air compressor.
An air compressor for painting motorcycles helps eliminate brush strokes by providing a consistent airflow. It will help to evenly distribute the paint and prevent the formation of brush strokes.
Air compressor prevents dripping
Another significant benefit of using an air compressor is that it prevents dripping.
Regular paint guns tend to drip paint very quickly from their nozzles. The process can be messy, and many colors may be wasted.
If you use an air compressor, however, you won’t have to worry about dripping paint. Air pressure forces the paint out of the nozzle in a steady stream. It means dripping paint will no longer be an issue, saving time and money.
FAQS
How do I set up my air compressor for bike painting?
You will need an air compressor, an airbrush, and a hose. You will also need paint, thinner, and masking tape.
- Assemble your equipment. Ensure you have an air compressor, an airbrush, and a hose. You will also need paint, thinner, and masking tape.
- Prepare your work area. Cover surfaces you don’t want paint on with newspapers or a drop cloth.
- Set up your air compressor. Follow the instructions that came with your compressor to set it up properly.
- Attach the airbrush to the compressor. Make sure the connection is secure.
- Prime the airbrush. Turn on the compressor and hold the airbrush close to your surface. Press the trigger to release some paint.
- Begin painting. Hold the airbrush about 6 inches from the surface and move it smoothly, with even strokes. Apply paint evenly to avoid drips and runs.
- Let the paint dry. Once you’re finished painting, turn off the compressor and detach the airbrush. Let the paint dry completely before adding a second coat or reassembly.
Are there any safety concerns I should be aware of when using a compressor for bike painting?
Yes, there are some safety concerns you should be aware of when using an air compressor for painting bikes.
- Always wear safety glasses or goggles when using an air compressor. It will protect your eyes from flying debris or paint.
- Use a dust mask to avoid inhaling fumes from the color or thinner.
- Never point the airbrush at someone else. The paint or thinner can cause serious injury if it comes into contact with the skin.
- Never leave the airbrush unattended while the compressor is running. Turn off the compressor and disconnect the airbrush when you’re finished painting.
What are some of the best air compressors for bike painting?
Some of the best air compressors for bike painting include:
- Stealth 20 Gallon Air Compressor
- California Air Tools 8010 Ultra Quiet Oil-Free Air Compressor
- CRAFTSMAN 1.8 hp, 20 gallon Air Compressor