Air Compressor Size Question, How big is big enough? Options

[BeatNavy]

This may have been covered before, but I did not find it answered explicitly:

What size air compressor is good enough for doing a decent quality paint job on our cars and otherwise work with air tools? I don't have one now, but I am thinking of making the plunge and trying to paint my car at some point. I don't think I would really do anything bigger than a 914.

Here's a more specific question: is a 60 gallon, 3HP, 11.5 CFM at 40 psi; 10.2 CFM at 90 psi good for this? There's one on CL not far from me that could be a decent deal and serve as my post-Christmas gift to myself.

[Superhawk996]

It's like buying a boat. Whatever you buy, soon you'll be looking at the next size up.

I have 3 HP 60 gallon vertical Ingersoll compresor with similar specs and it is more than enough for anyting but extended duration sandblasting.

I painted my first car with 1.5HP 20 or 30 gallon tank affair. Spraying paint doesn't take much air. Die grinders and other tools not so much!

If you want to sandblast effectively 5HP dual stage 80 gallon tank or more but now we are taling $2k for an air compressor.

Also be aware that even cast iron piston compressors do wear out (but can be rebuilt). CL used not necessarily bad but if you can't verify it before you buy it, beware, and price accordingly.