Portable ones aren't good for paint, period. The tank is way too small and discharges too quickly, and they generate too much water vapour. They're fine for light air tool work like impact guns or drills or what have you, but for die grinders, bead blasters, and sanders, a big tank with lots of CFM from the compressor is a must.
Also remember when you're shopping to check the pressure that the compressor's CFM rating is taken at. It's much easier to make 10 CFM @ 50 psi than at 100 psi, and that's pretty much what dictates how quickly your compressor will refill the tank, or keep up with your tools.
I've got a 60 gallon, 18.5 CFM @ 100 psi House of Tools unit, and sometimes it's not enough. I can drain it down pretty easily while bead blasting.
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