The Texas BBQ Forum

Hey Bill, I need to pick up an electric air compressor that I can use for a light duty paint sprayer (gonna paint my shop building this year), maybe a light duty impact grinder/cutter, maybe a nail gun (one day, and I like the idea of being able to shoot nails into and maybe even at things like squirrels and field rats), and assorted tires and toys. Even toying with the thought of making a potato mortar (scared neighbors make good neighbors).

Looking at a Harbor Freight rig of 17 Gal, 1.8 HP, and an alleged 150 PSI. Would something like this be suitable as kind of a light duty all around compressor? Oil-less or Oil-reservoir preferable? I don't want to get something that cycles up the pump every 20 seconds when I am spray painting.

BONUS ROUND: My shop walls are old galvanized corrugated siding (used to be a cow barn before somebody poured a concrete floor in it). Can I paint over galvanized reliably or do I have to prime or acid wash it, and if so whaddya think I oughtta use?

Inquiring Minds want to know. Willing to barter homemade rubs, mother-in-law, etc. for a bit of expert knowledge.

What type of spray gun will you be using? What is the cfm rating on the compressor and is it single or 2 stage pump?


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Check the compressor CFM rating and compare that to the tools you intend to use. That information is more important than PSI or gallons.

Oiless has lower maintenance but more noise when compared to oil filled. Much like a smoker get as big as your budget will allow.

We used to paint over galvanized metal on offshore platforms.

Giggled painting galvanized metal and found the following: Painting galvanized metal

Stuff you will need:
Ammonia
Heavy duty sandpaper, 240 girt
Metal primer
Metal paint, preferably the same brand as the primer
Tack cloths [source: Do It Yourself]


Here's how to paint galvanized metal:
Wash the metal thoroughly with hot soapy water.
Rinse the metal and let it dry completely for several hours.
Rinse the metal with a weak solution of water and ammonia and allow it to dry.
Remove any handles or other attachments from the metal.
Sand the entire metal surface thoroughly, including crevices and dents.
Wipe the entire surface with the tack cloths.
Apply the primer as directed, covering the entire surface of the metal. It's best to start at the top and work down, section by section.
Wipe off any drips that appear as soon as possible.
Let the primer dry according to the directions.
Inspect the surface carefully to make sure it's completely coated with primer.
Read the directions on the container of metal paint.
Apply the metal paint -- which should be the same brand as the primer -- according to the product directions.
Let the paint dry according to the directions.
Inspect the surface carefully to make sure it's completely coated with the paint

Buena suerte Amigo

Looks like the gangs got ya covered Boots. All good suggestions.
CFMs are the important thing on a compressor for spraying.

I had a 2 hp compressor that couldn't keep with air tools more or less a spray gun.
When we restored my sons GTO at home I installed a 5hp 60 gallon compressor. For what your going be doing that's the size you'd want. You need 220 in you shop tho.
For home use you don't need a high end one. I bought a Atlas for bout 900 bucks. You'd be amazed at how much you use it once you have one.
I was in our Tractor Supply store the other day and they had 5hp compressors for less then that.

If you have a Autobody supply store locally they could tell you what products are needed to paint Galvinized steel. You could either buy the products thru them or go online to Autobodytoolmart website and order from them cheaper then you can get it over the counter.
Egg is right...the steel needs to be washed good, acid ecthed, allowed to dry then primed before painting. There maybe a paint available where primer is not needed.

Bill

I'm engineering background kinda guy, if it's weathered galvanised then I would just give it a clean with soapy water, then when dry spray with an etch primer, then leave for a day and then spray top coat. 150 psi is plenty for 1 spray gun. Might need a second coat?

Russ

Just got back to this, fire drills at the office and I am the only guy w the right hose

Egggcelent advise from a number of quarters and pros and really appreciated. Think I will wait until spring and warm weather tho

Btw Russ, the wife found us quite a good Kiwi wine... reasonably priced too.

Boots, I highly recommend oyster bay sav. Highly!!!

Russ