Hose Diameter and Pressure

by Greg Moore
(Aiken, South Carolina)

I'm sorry, I looked online everywhere for this. I think the answer is obvious, but I need to confirm.

My grandfather has a new air compressor and paint sprayer, he is not getting the best results. He asked me if increasing the diameter of the hose would increase the pressure - I said no, it would decrease the pressure but increase the volume of air delivered, which isn't what he needs for his brand new paint sprayer and will make the spraying go even worse, correct?

If someone could explain this so I can print this out for him, or correct me if I'm wrong.

Thank you,
Greg

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Bill says...

Your comment is correct, Greg, if the air compressor hasn't the capacity to keep the larger air line at a pressure level higher than that required by the sprayer.

A larger compressor would deliver more air at a higher pressure through a larger line, and may solve the problem.

I don't know the demand of the sprayer, nor the size of your compressor, so can't comment further.

Have a look at the Sizing page on this site to better understand the issues.

Cheers,

Bill