by Kathryn
(Ohio)

I have a 6 gallon 2.5 HP air compressor purchased about a year ago and previously used with a brad nailer without any trouble.

I’ve recently tried to use it with a paint spray gun that requires 1 HP minimum. Both tools were manufactured by Tool Shop.

When using the paint spray gun, the compressor loses pressure in 5 seconds, and I can’t get an even spray.

When no additional tools are attached or used with the air compressor, it loses pressure in 10 to 15 minutes.

Since I’ve never used an air compressor before, I don’t know if this is normal.

I consulted with the employees where I purchased both items, and they’ve opined that I should be able to spray for a longer period of time.

Am I fooling myself into believing that I can actually use a paint spray gun with that small of a compressor or do I have a problem with the equipment itself?

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2.5 HP compressor loses pressure
by: Bill

Kathryn, a difficult question to answer as I have no hard data to consider. What is the make and model of your compressor, please?

Your air compressor should be able to deliver 5-8 CFM of compressed air at 90 PSI, based on the 2.5 HP motor.

What does the spray gun use in terms of flow and and pressure? Without that info you cannot know for sure if your air compressor is big enough for the spray painting equipment.

As to ” it loses pressure in 10 to 15 minutes “, if you are saying that after the compressor cuts out at full tank pressure, and if you don’t use the compressed air, the tank pressure drops to zero over 10-15 minutes, then likely you either have a system leak or a tank check valve that’s leaking.