Air hose size for painting

[chrismoore701]

Title says it all. What size are hose are you guys using for painting? I have 20' of 1/2" black pipe with 2 blow offs and then 50' of 3/8" dia hose with inside diameter of 17/64". Thoughts

Chris

[dfwright]

I am using 3/8 hose as well, with the "high flow" quick connects from home depot, which some on this forum had recommended.

[Foot Stomper]

The 3/8' hose is fine. The length can be a problem. For a dramatic example, imagine a 500' foot 3/8 hose and trying to push or pull air out of it compared to a 2 foot 3/8 hose. The change is dramatic. And as dfwright mentions above, use high flow fittings for all your tools.

To this end, try to use as short a hose a possible for three reasons; 1) more air volume to use at your discretion 2) more air pressure to use at your discretion 3) less hose is far easier to manage while spraying. Coils in excess hose like to uncoil into freshly painted doors, kink up against the back side of a tire and cut off supply plus restrict your air supply.

Background:
While in the warehouse distribution business of body shop supplies in Canada, I learned dealing with USA suppliers/manufacturers that nobody offered a 35' "booth hose" that are almost exclusivity used in Canada. Nobody in Canada uses a 50' air hose in the booth if given the choice to use a 35'. We even went so far as request (from new super flexible hose manufactures) 35' custom hoses from USA suppliers and were asked "Why 35?!?'".... Now you know why too! 25's are too short and 50's are too long. We only sold 35' air hoses for the booth unless it was a truck shop or other large booth requirement. This particular manufacturer found it to be such a good seller, they now list it in their regular catalogue and offer it in the USA. I don't want to advertise for them, but PM me if you really need to know who I am talking about.

[chrismoore701]

I have 50' hose. Will put on the high flow fittings. Are these both the male connectors and quick disconnect?

Thanks
Chris

[dfwright]

The ones I got from Home Depot are a set.

High Flow Aluminum Female Quick Coupler and Plug Set

[chrismoore701]

Thanks. I think this run will have to be strictly for painting. I do not want to change all my air tools over.

[chrismoore701]

Just picked them up. Will see what happens. Thanks.

chris