Car painting is a show-quality job and you can not achieve the desired quality and efficiency without the right equipment in hand. Choosing an air compressor that is fully compatible with your spray gun is crucial to perform the car painting job in commercial environments.
Whether you are a beginner or an auto expert, you need to consider various features like pressures, CFM rating, and tank capacity while choosing the best air compressor for painting cars.
To help you make a wise decision I’ve reviewed the 6 best air compressors for painting cars. After trying out various options in multiple auto painting jobs I’ve fitted out the six best options for you.
Contents
Best Air Compressors For Painting Cars Overview
IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
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Best Overall | Best Overall
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Makita Mac5200 Air Compressor |
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Premium Pick | Premium Pick
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Campbell Hausfeld VT6271 Air Compressor |
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Editor’s Choice | Editor’s Choice
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California Air Tools 10020C Powerful Air Compressor |
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Budget Friendly | Budget Friendly
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NorthStar Single-Stage Portable Electric Air Compressor |
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Most Durable | Most Durable
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Makita MAC2400 2.5 HP* Big Bore™ Air Compressor |
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Best Seller | Best Seller
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California Air Tools CAT-4610AC Air Compressor |
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6 Best Air Compressors For Painting Cars Review

1. Makita Mac5200 Air Compressor
Specifications
- Tank Capacity: 5 Gallon
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- CFM Rating: 6.5 CFM at 90 PSI
- Voltage: 120 Volts
The Makita MAC52000 Air compressor is one of the most reliable options I’ve ever used. I’ve been looking for an air compressor that can keep up with my ultra-powerful air guns without being too loud and bulky.
This air compressor by Makita was one of the very few options offering a perfect balance between power, size, and loudness.
With A 3.0 HP motor, it produces 6.5 CFM at 90 PSI which is big enough to handle almost all my car painting jobs. I have been using this air compressor for more than 3 years and it works just as well as the day one. The cast iron pump combined with a big bore cylinder and piston promises durability and class-leading performance in the commercial environment.
Another thing that made me buy this compressor was its low operating temperature. This air compressor uses a lubricated pump that minimizes friction. Also, the copper finned discharge ensures efficient heat dissipation, and even at the maximum pressure, I didn’t face any overheating issues. The noise level of this air compressor is as low as 60 dB which is more than impressive considering its power rating.
I love this compressor for its flawless performance but the thing that bothers me is its low air tank capacity. It can hold only 5 gallons of air and requires multiple refills while working on big projects. The low profile design coupled with a foldable handle and rugged wheel makes it the best air compressor for painting cars.
What I Like?
- Big bore cylinder and piston
- Class-leading productivity
- Low noise operation
- Easy to move
What I Don’t Like?
- Limited air tank capacity
Why I Recommended Makita Mac5200 Air Compressor
Makita MAC5200 is my favorite air compressor in my auto shop for its low maintenance requirements and low operating temperature. With its patented big bore and cylinder technology, this air compressor offers flawless paint quality without limiting work speed and productivity.
2. Campbell Hausfeld VT6271 Air Compressor
Specifications
- Tank Capacity: 20 Gallon
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- CFM Rating: 10. 2 CFM at 90 PSI
- Voltage: 230 Volts
Makita MAC5200 is reliable but when it comes to high-power airguns it feels a little underpowered. So the next option on the list is Campbell VT6271 which is 3 times more powerful than Makita MAC5200.
Campbell Hausfeld VT6271 is an expensive yet ultra-power air compressor that allows you to complete a big project faster and easier.
The feature of the compressor that I admire the most is tank capacity. It can hold up to 30 gallons of air and I can paint a whole car with just one refill. Its CFM rating is 10.2 CFM for 90 PSI and there I always prefer it for my heavy-duty air guns. The air compressor delivers everything that you need for a smooth and trouble-free start.
An 18-piece accessory kit and inflation gum help you get a smooth start right out of the box. The horizontal air tank, low profile design, and handy wheel are prominent design features. With effortless handling and ease of maneuverability, it ensures quality output while working with different types of spray guns. Also read about best spray guns for painting cars.
The biggest issue with the Campbell air compressor is that it has some fitting issues. The pulley is lopsided which wobbles a lot. Also, the check valve’s performance becomes poor over time which limits the pressure to only 60 PSI. Its maintenance requirements are higher compared to Makita Mac5200 and some other single-stage air compressors that I own.
What I Like?
- Class-leading CFM rating
- Perfect for heavy-duty guns
- Big tanks capacity
- Lubricated twin-cylinder pump
- 18-piece accessory kit
What I Don’t Like?
- Fitting issues
- High maintenance requirements
Why I Recommended Campbell VT6271 Air Compressor
Campbell VT6271 is a powerful unit that can handle high-power spray guns without limiting the speed and spraying efficiency. I prefer this compressor for big painting projects for its spacious tank and patented twin-cylinder pump.
3. California Air Tools 10020C Powerful Air Compressor
Specifications
- Tank Capacity: 10 Gallon
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- CFM Rating: 5.20 CFM at 90 PSI
- Voltage: 110 Volts
Next on the list is the California 10020C power air compressor. This air compressor is a reliable tool that I prefer for my light-duty air guns to perform finishing and detailing jobs.
With a 2.0 HP motor, it can deliver 6.4 CFM at 40 PSI and 5.20 CFM at 90 PSI. It offers seamless compatibility with low-power airguns and CFM adjustment is super easy.
The air tank capacity is 10 gallons which is good since it has a low CFM rating. With an ultra-powerful 15 amp outlet and power rating of 5500 watts, I was able to get the longest run time of 60- minutes with this air compressor. The rugged-wheeled construction is another perk of this air compressor.
It comes with a 14 gauge 25-ft long cable. It is pretty easy to move around which further makes my job easier. Cast aluminum cylinder offers durability without making it too hefty. Plus the oil-free pump reduces maintenance requirements and ensures smooth operation.
The noise level under maximum pressure is only 70 dB. Rust in the tank is the biggest issue I found in this air compressor. After a few refills and drains, I noticed that the tank was full of rust water. Also, it is not a leakage-proof compressor and a little mishandling can lead to leakage issues.
What I Like?
- 14-gauge 25-ft cable
- Low noise operation
- Decent air tank capacity
- Easy to move around
- Low maintenance requirements
What I Don’t Like?
- Rust issues
- Highly prone to leakage
Why I Recommended California Air Tools 10020C Air Compressor
California 10020C is a great option for light to medium-duty air guns and tools. The pressure adjustment is super easy and with little effort it allows you to get an ultra-smooth paint finish. The high tank capacity means fewer refills and impressive speed making it the best air compressor for painting cars.
4. NorthStar Single-Stage Portable Electric Air Compressor
Specifications
- Tank Capacity: 20 Gallon
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- CFM Rating: 6.0 CFM @ 40 PSI
- Voltage: 230 Volts
Northstar Single stage air compressor with a CFM rating of 5 and 20-gallon tank capacity is another best air compressor for painting cars.
The compressor works great with the scary guns with a CFM rating between 4 to 6 and helps you get an ultra-smooth finish with a little effort. It is powered by a 2 HP, 7.5 amp motor that can deliver 5 CFM at 90 CFM and 6 CFM at 40 PSI.
The pressure adjustment is super quick and easy which improves the work speed. Its tank capacity is 20 gallons and for one car I refill it only 2 times. The premium-grade cast iron twin cylinder ensures durability and improves overall productivity. Another perk of this air compressor is its built-in cooling system. It uses copper-finned coolers to dissipate the heat.
Since it maintains low operating temperatures the wearing process of this air compressor is slow and it is working fine without any major maintenance requirements. The biggest problem with this unit is that it was delivered with severe fitting issues. The technical support is poor by Northstar and you need to contact a local technician to get all its parts perfectly tuned and ready to work.
What I Like?
- Dissipates heat really well
- Perfect power-size ratio
- Impressive speed and efficiency
- Cast iron twin cylinder
What I Don’t Like?
- Poor technical support
Why I Recommended NorthStar Portable Air Compressor
Northstar portable air compressor with a wheeled design, big cylinder, and impressive power output can handle almost all my auto painting jobs with maximum efficiency. Once you perfectly tune all its parts it offers flawless performance and ensures efficiency no matter which type of paint you work with.
If you’re a beginner in auto paint spraying, then you may also be interested to read about best automotive paint gun for beginners
5. Makita MAC2400 2.5 HP* Big Bore™ Air Compressor
Specifications
- Tank Capacity: 5 Gallon
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- CFM Rating: 4.2 CFM at 90 PSI
- Voltage: 120 Volts
Makita MAC2400 with a roll-cage design and a 4-pole powerful motor is designed to withstand the tough job site conditions and delivers impressive performance in car painting jobs.
This air compressor is a receptacle of 4.2 CFM at 90 PSI and delivers ultra-smooth power to all types of spray paint guns in this power range.
It doesn’t work with heavy-duty air guns but since its recovery time is short I loved its work speed in the big auto painting projects. The lubricated pump dissipates the system heat and maintains low operating temperatures. Where the lubricated part of the pump needs regular cleaning and maintenance for trouble-free performance.
The durable cast iron cylinder is solid and ensures smooth performance in the long run. The noise level of this air compressor is 69 dB seven at the maximum pressure. The top-mounted pressure gauges with handy pressure adjustment knobs make the pressure adjustment super easy and efficient.
It is fully compatible with a wide range of spray guns and lets you work with paint of different thicknesses. The biggest downside of this air compressor is that the oil leaks a lot from the pump. The lubrication process is messy since a big part of the oil is released from the pump. Also, its tank capacity is limited and requires frequent refills in auto painting projects.
What I Like?
- Built-in cooling system
- Ultra-quiet operation
- Faster recovery time
What I Don’t Like?
- Oil leaks from the pump
Why I Recommended Makita MAC2400 Air Compressor
Makita MAC2400 is a reliable air compressor designed with the needs of professional-grade air tools in mind. Its ability to handle a range of air guns, low operating temperatures, and durable tank construction makes it the best air compressor for painting cars.
6. California Air Tools CAT-4610AC Air Compressor
Specifications
- Tank Capacity: 4.6 Gallon
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- CFM Rating: 3.10 CFM at 40 psi
- Voltage: 110 Volts
The final option on the list is California air tools CAT-4610AC. This twin-cylinder air compressor is a lightweight and portable unit that is designed to handle light-duty air tools and spray paint guns.
It is powered by a 1 hp motor and is a receptacle of 3.10 CFM at 40 PSI. At 90 PSI you will get a CFM rating of 2.2.
This twin-cylinder air compressor packs all the power that I need to perform detailing and finishing jobs in auto painting. The air compressor uses an oil-free pump that offers smooth performance with minimum cleaning and maintenance requirements. Also, its tank construction is rust-proof and the wearing process is slower as compared to other air compressors in this class.
The pressure adjustment is easy and the productivity of the air compressor is also impressive. It works great with both HVLP and LVLP spray paint guns and also I loved its ability to handle different paint thicknesses. However, I’ve noticed some issues with the exhaust system. The air is left inside the chamber that can cause bubbling and lock the chambers. This issue can lead to serious internal damage if not handled on time.
What I Like?
- Low noise-60 dB
- Rust proof tank
- Oil-free pump
What I Don’t Like?
- Issues with the exhaust
Why I Recommended CAT-4610AC Air Compressor
California CAT-4610AC is one of the most reliable air compressors that I’ve ever used. With a leakage and rust-proof design, it offers trouble-free performance in all working environments. Also, its pressure adjustment is smooth which improves speed and productivity making it the best air compressor for painting cars.
FAQs about Car Painting Air Compressors
Can I paint a car with a single-stage air compressor?
Yes, you can paint a car with a single-stage air compressor if its CFM rating and pressure rating are enough to handle the job. You need to look for a minimum pressure rating of 40 PSI with 5+ CFM for car painting jobs.
What size air compressor is needed for painting a car?
It depends upon the type of spray gun you are using for spray painting a car. For low-volume low-pressure spray guns, you need a compressor having a CFM rating between 3-7 at 40 PSI. For heavy-duty spray guns, you need a CFM, rating of 1at least 10 at 90 PSI.
Wrapping Up Air Compressors For Painting Cars Review
I’m hopeful that this review guide will help you choose the best air compressor for painting cars. All the options reviewed above are tested for quality and performance and you will not regret it if you make a purchase. Here are my top three picks from the list:
- Makita Mac5200 Air Compressor for portable design, low noise rating, patented big bore cylinder, and higher productivity.
- Campbell Hausfeld VT6271 Air Compressor for class-leading CFM rating, big tank capacity, and ability to work with heavy-duty air guns.
- California Air Tools CAT-4610AC Air Compressor for its oil-free pump, low maintenance requirements, rust-proof tank construction, and smooth performance.
While buying an air compressor for spray painting you must consider the type of air guns you own. It is crucial to choose an air compressor that is fully compatible with the spray gun that you want to use for your painting project. Also, you should consider noise rating, tank capacity, and ease of maneuverability while making a purchase.

Hi, I am Chris Berry, founder of MachinerySurgeon. I grew up in the Greater Houston TX while painting and doing different DIY projects in and out. While pursuing my enthusiasm for painting, I graduated in Arts of painting from Rice University, Texas. From last 12 years, I have been working as a painter in Houston and my expertise helped me to win the tag of best paint contractor in Houston.
Looking at my craze for painting and DIY tools, people started calling me Machinery Surgeon and this is where the idea to start MachinerySurgeon came in to my mind. Here, I share everything related to painting which I experienced and learned in last 25 years. Feel free to ask your questions related to painting.