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What size air compressor for applying Fluid Film

15K views 14 replies 8 participants last post by  Jasper4 
#1 ·
I am growing tired of buying Fluid Film cans for rust prevention and would like to start applying FF to the underside of my Jeep twice a year using an oilless air compressor, nozzle and hose. I hate waiting for the small compressors to constantly have to refill so what size tank should I get? I am thinking a 20-26 gallon capacity tank with 150 psi or more should do the trick. What do you think and thanks. Harbor Freight or Sears have them in the low to mid $200's.
 
#2 ·
Whichever one you get, buy hearing protection for yourself and Starbucks cards for your neighbors. Those oilless compressors are loud!

How about renting one before you buy?

Mark

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#3 ·
Cans are way cheaper then all the gear you would have to buy and I agree Compressors are loud I am around them constantly. My recomendation is if you dont want to use the cans is find a shop that applies FF and use them.

Or you could get a pump up tank we use them to spray diesel on the beds of our truck when hauling hottop you pour the FF into the tank seal the top pump up the pressure and spray. The one we use are metal but the plastic ones would also work
 
#5 ·
Noise is not the issue where I live and I will wear ear plugs. Nor do I want to farm the work out (my work is done right not so with all commercial shops). I plan to use the compressor for other uses besides FF'ing so if someone could just recommend the size of the tank they think would be the best, I would be most appreciative. There is a lot of waste in those FF cans, I have yet to deplete a whole one without the darn things getting plugged up. Since my Jeep is a 2016, I plan to be FF'ing for a long time. Using an air compressor does a better job too of getting in all the nooks and crannies and saves time. Thank you.
 
#6 ·
you want cfm, not psi. look at the rating of the spray gun you are going to use. you need a compressor that will deliver at least that much air. more would be better as that would let the compressor shut off while you are using it. those little compressors are made for tools that need pressure, not volume, like a nailer. you would burn one up trying to use it to spray. don't let the cost freak you out. they are not cheap, but they open up a whole new world of tools, as well as blast cabinets, sand blasters, paint.
ingersol-rand has a 60 gallon one that works fine for me (blast cabinet, sand blaster, various air tools....) check the farm supply stores, big box stores like lowes home depot. look at local craigslist for used ones.
 
#8 ·
Thank you. This is exactly the info I was looking for. The one I have my eye on is the Craftsman 20 gallon 1.5 hp vertical design. SCFM is 90 psi: 3.8, SCFM 40 psi: 5.1. 150 psi maximum pressure. Cost is around $230. I am sure it's not the best compressor around, certainly not an industrial model but I would think it would do the job for a variety of tasks. Your thoughts? Again, much appreciated.
 
#7 ·
I used a fairly small air compressor when I did our Jeep. It probably had a 5 gallon tank and I don't remember the CFM rating as I gave it away when I upgraded a couple months later. It worked just fine, set for 60 psi, using Kellsport's standard spray gun.
 
#10 ·
For what it's worth mine is 6.5 cfm at 40. It basically runs the whole time and does the job but gets very hot doing it (I spray a lot). If you end up with a smaller unit you'll just need to take breaks. Also keep in mind how much you'll be spraying each time. If you already have a coat on you won't be going crazy the following times, so overall spray time is less and smaller units could suffice.
 
#11 ·
FWIW, I've been using a Stanley 6 gallon 150psi with a HVLP spray gun for spraying my kitchen cabinets. It's not ideal, but I'm never out of air. Although the motor is switching on and off regularly. Next time I need a compressor, it will be in the 20 gallon range.

Another thought for your consideration, is moisture. I get enough out of mine to annoy me. I have 2 inline filters for now, which trap most of the water...but when I set my air up permanently, I will have a couple of vertical runs of pipe prior to hitting the flexible hose, to catch even more water.

What's FF anyway?
 
#12 ·
Fluid Film for rust proofing spray (comes in spray cans and in gallon containers for use with a compressor and spray gun) primarily to treat the underbody. A sticky is on the subject, more than you ever wanted to know. I apply twice a year. Here in NC, it's a never ending battle with rust because of the humidity. Up north, it's the snow and salt. I hate rust.

Does your compressor take oil? Although noisier, I prefer the oilless compressors for medium to light duty projects around the house. My understanding, correct me if I am wrong; I am no expert, is that moisture/water is more of a problem with the compressors that need oil to run. Yeah, I think a 20 gal oilless compressor should do it. They can be had for under $250. Harbor, Walmart, Sears, etc. Even Amazon. Thanks.
 
#14 ·
Thanks Jasper, good info! Whatever happened to fishoil, I wonder?

Mine is oil-less and extra noise. The moisture happens in both types; in mine the water is simply water. In my buddies, which uses oil for lube, delivers him a nice capuccino mix of oil and water. Nasty stuff.

I've been keeping an eye on those HF ones, myself.
 
#15 ·
Fish oil would probably work and give your Jeep a healthy dose of Omega B. :)

If you can survive with a smaller gallon can that is still probably ok for Fluid Filming, the California Air Tool Model 8010, 8 gal is extremely quiet. You may just have to stop and let it refill more often. I think the quietest around for it's size. Only 60 decibels. If you have neighbors close by that should keep them restrained. Under $200 on Amazon and Ebay and has an overall good rep. No ear plugs required and you won't get a hernia moving it around. I am beginning to rethink. I might just order that one for the sake of keeping the peace. Mine. And I have an $80 credit on Amazon.

http://www.californiaairtools.com/u...-compressors/1-0-hp-air-compressors/cat-8010/
 
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