Need help selecting the right hose

M

MWC

I am putting together a home brew DIY paint setup and the last component I need to get is a good hose.

I would like to get a 50' hose but if that's too long I may be able to get away with a 25'. My question is regarding sizing. Is a 3/8" hose with 1/4 NPT ends large enough for painting when paired with high flow fittings?

I am running a 2 stage, 60 gallon compressor that puts out 15.8 cfm at 90 psi connected to ~40 ft of copper 3/4" line, and paired with a water separator, regulator, and motorguard filter all of which are 1/2 NPT rated for 100 cfm.
 
I've used 50 foot, 3/8" with 1/4" ends for years. Will work fine especially if you have hi-flow couplers.
 
3/8" X 38', 1/4" NPT ends hooked direct to the last filter just past the regulator and hi-flow on the business end. All my guns have hi-flow fittings.
Works great. Never had problems using regular couplers and fittings before the hi-flows either. My hose is similar to the Flexilla, just another brand. The Flexilla hose is nice, I use them elsewhere in the shop.
 
i use a flexzilla 50' 1/2" hose with 1/2" npt ends
That 1/2" pretty much guarantees no pressure drop and full volume. I considered switching to it in the shop but I had so many tools and couplers with 1/4" fittings I just stayed with the 3/8" hoses.
 
Thank you all for the advice. I'm going to go with a 3/8" 1/4 NPT hose with high flow fittings.

How about the small "regulator" at the gun? I've read conflicting things about using one. Some say it's too restrictive and that the pressure should be regulated at the wall, but others seem to have no issues. The DeVilbiss FLG-4 I got for this project came with one so I have the option. I have never used a paint gun before and so I think it may be a helpful tool for a total novice. Thoughts?
 
That 1/2" pretty much guarantees no pressure drop and full volume. I considered switching to it in the shop but I had so many tools and couplers with 1/4" fittings I just stayed with the 3/8" hoses.
Its still the extra volume the 1/2 gives you to the fittings. All spray guns are 1/4 inch so the ends on the half inch are still 1/4. Best investment you will ever make, well, as long as your compressor can keep up.
 
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