I am already addressing air line moisture with 40+ feet of 3/4 copper and appropriate drains and orientation of layout. I am looking at a reasonably priced filter and regulator - possibly desiccator for end of the line. I have gone to dedicated painting forums and they all recommend expensive guns and filtration systems. This is for hobbyist, not a pro. Any recommendations for something more reasonably priced? Any thoughts on the Harbor freight filter, dessicant, regulator? Thanks.

 

Look for motor guard filter. Filter in it looks like roll of toliet paper put inline to spray gun works very well keeping water and oil out. Less that a 100 bucks.Been around for ever.

 

You don’t need fancy equipment and desiccant systems are an expensive PITA. I’ve been running production paint and body shops for 25 years and all I ever install is enough line to allow the air time to condense, running drops off the top for air use and off the bottom for water drainage. Then at each prep station I run one of these.

DeVilbiss 803643 80 CFM Air Filter Cleaner with Regulator https://a.co/d/idJvnGJ

then at the booth I run one of these motorguard toilet paper filters for extra insurance, even though it’s not necessary.

Motorguard M-26 Compressed Air Filters, 1/4" (NPT), Sub-Micronic, Plasma Machines (396-M-26) https://a.co/d/fOogvP7

Moisture is going to condense until temp and pressure match ambient. The key is getting it to go where you want to go. Trying to remove moisture from the air with refrigerated dryers and desiccant systems is overkill in my opinion when it’s so easily manageable by a properly designed system.