Air Compressor Guide: Selecting the Right CFM and PSI for Your Blasting Needs
When it comes to abrasive blasting, your air compressor isn’t just a power source—it’s the heartbeat of your operation. Undersized or mismatched compressors lead to downtime, poor surface prep, and wasted abrasive.
Understanding CFM and PSI
CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) is the volume of air your compressor can deliver. This must match or exceed the demand of your blast nozzle and blast pot.
PSI (Pounds per Square Inch) determines how forcefully that air is delivered. Most blast pots require 90–120 PSI.
The Nozzle Factor
Nozzles require different CFM depending on orifice size and design. A #6 nozzle (3/8”) can demand around 250 CFM at 100 PSI, while a #8 nozzle (1/2”) may need over 400 CFM. Always use a nozzle chart to match the compressor’s output with the nozzle size.
Don’t Undersize
A common mistake: renting a 185 CFM compressor for a setup that needs 375. This leads to pressure drops, slow work, and excessive moisture buildup.
Sizing Rule of Thumb
- Determine your nozzle size
- Multiply its CFM demand by the number of operators
- Add 20–25% buffer for system losses or long hose runs
Need Help?
We help contractors every day choose the right compressor size for their setup. Whether you’re prepping steel tanks, concrete, or pipelines, we can match the air to the job.