Which spray gun to choose for painting a car

Types of spray guns for painting a car

Depending on the principle of operation, pistols come in several types:

1. Manual (mechanical). To operate the device, press the handle, after which air will be mechanically pumped. Productivity indicators reach 200 sq.m/h.
2. Electric. Such devices use household electricity or a removable battery as an energy source. The former are in demand during frequent and intensive use, when many surfaces have to be painted in a short period of time. Battery outlets are self-contained, economical in paint consumption, and have a compact body. Productivity ranges from 200 to 260 sq.m/h.
3. Pneumatic. This type of sprayer involves supplying compressed air from a compressor. This category includes professional devices with a capacity of up to 400 sq. m/h.

What is a spray gun

This equipment is designed for automatic painting of various (metal, wood, plastic, stone) surfaces and has universal characteristics. It is possible to adjust the operation of the tool, depending on the task. The device allows you to “evenly” apply a paint coating, forming a smooth layer, without fluff, pellets, or bristles, which are possible when working with a roller. The device consists of three main technical components:

• spray gun;
• paint storage tank;
• power supply systems for supplying the mixture.

Today, several types of equipment are produced for carrying out paint and varnish activities. The operating principle of all these units is approximately the same. In addition, using this automatic device, it is possible to apply paintwork not only to vehicle bodies. It is also used for:

• applying a decorative protective coating to a metal surface;
• spraying trees, shrubs, flowers in the country;
• treating premises against insects;
• surface priming during repair and construction operations;
• sanitary disinfection (from fungi) of rooms, workshops, apartments, private houses;
• processing of road infrastructure objects.

A pneumatic spray gun sprays any type of solution. The main thing is that individual fractions of liquid pass through the hole without problems. In this case, the viscosity of the mixture must correspond to the required technical parameters.

Diagram of the spray gun device

How many spray guns should you have?

There are units designed for applying paint, primer, and varnish. The best option would be to have three spray guns at hand. Each of the devices will perform its own “role”, spraying one or another type of liquid. This eliminates the risk of mixing varnish with primer or paint when using one device. It is possible to use one device for all types of solutions. But then you will have to additionally carry out the procedure of washing the equipment before pouring different mixtures. Next, we will tell you how to choose a spray gun for painting a car.

Please note: Painting the ceiling with a spray gun

Device Specifications

Car spray guns are characterized by:

1. Power. Models with ratings up to 500 W are suitable only for simple work in small volumes.
2. Pressure. The normal value for applying most types of paints and varnishes is 4-5 atm. Liquid putties are applied using a large nozzle, because... the gun may not be able to handle the load and will fail. Pressure allows you to change the speed of paint distribution over the surface and the volume of its loss in the form of dispersed mist. If the key criterion is the efficiency of the equipment, you should focus on models with a pressure of 0.6 bar.
3. Features and components. The basic equipment includes a paint tank, a gun and a power supply device. Also sold with the spray gun are various tanks, sealant for sealing joints and a set of needles that allow you to clean the air ducts or nozzle.

What requirements must the spray gun meet?

When looking for a spray paint console to use at home, you need to find out how often this will happen. If you need to treat the surface of 1 or more vehicles, it is not advisable to buy premium professional equipment. But even for simple tasks you will need a high-quality gun, for example a budget HVLP-type device.

To choose the best automotive spray gun, it is worth considering the tasks that it will solve.

The models available on the market differ in different technologies for spraying the composition.

Any device is suitable for painting the body, but the higher quality it is, the better the final result will be. Beginners should choose budget devices with simple controls.

The optimal number of spray guns for painting a car

The number of spray guns is determined by the areas of their operation and the type of coatings. On sale you can find models that are designed for applying paint, varnish or primer exclusively. In the absence of financial restrictions, choose a device for each type of coating.

In other cases, it is better to buy 1 gun, the nozzle of which is 1.6. With its help, it will be possible to distribute any materials, but the process of cleaning the sprayer will be accompanied by some difficulties.

Nozzle size selection

The nozzle for paint exit (nozzle) also has a certain size. The paint material flows through a nozzle into which a needle is inserted to regulate the flow of paint. With the help of a needle that moves forward/backward, the pressure is adjusted: when the needle is completely lowered, the nozzle is hermetically closed by a pressed spring. Depending on the viscosity of the materials, the size of the nozzle diameter will change. Based on the nozzle diameter and settings, spray guns are divided into the following groups:

• 1.1 — Regular painting;
• 1.2 - 1.5 - Application of varnish or base, and also used for painting with water-soluble varnishes;
• 1.3 - 1.7 - Application of acrylic or varnish;
• 1.5−2.1 - priming;
• 2.6−3.1 - applying liquid putty.

These are approximate general rules that must be followed. Many painters choose one size for the nozzle and are quite capable of painting with any materials.

It is also useful to read: Where do craters come from on a car body during painting?

There are some limitations, for example, applying primer requires a large nozzle size, otherwise the primer will need to be diluted very thinly. Acrylic varnish is important for its filling ability, so it is not advisable to dilute it, and in its undiluted form you will need a nozzle with a cross-section of 3.0 units.

These are general rules that do not have to be strictly followed. Some painters choose one nozzle size and apply any materials perfectly. To use water-soluble paints, use a separate gun.

Important! When replacing water-soluble paint with enamel, the material may curl and spray will occur with flakes. And also, after using water-soluble paint, you need to be sure that the spray gun is clean and dry after use, this will save it from rust.

Spray gun spray systems

The compressed air flow is directed to the device, and paint from the reservoir is supplied through an additional compartment. When the composition is in the air cap, it splits through it, resulting in a torch.

Depending on the pressure, the following types of sprayers are distinguished:

1. HP - designed for high pressure with minimal air volume.
2. HVLP - designed for high volumes at low pressure.
3. LVPL - suitable for low volumes at low pressures.
4. THE - are characterized by maximum efficiency.

HP

This class is considered obsolete, but has long been used in auto repair shops around the world. The equipment operates at an operating pressure of 3-4 atm.

The devices require small volumes of air and operate on the basis of a medium or low performance compressor. A large torch allows you to evenly distribute paintwork materials. The key disadvantage of the equipment is the minimum coefficient of transfer of the ink base to the surface.

In practice, only 30-45% of the composition ends up in the right place. The rest evaporates as mist.

HVLP

The devices are popular among professional painters. HVLP-type guns require increased volumes of air, while paint is sprayed at low pressure within 1 atm. Equipment operation is possible at 2.5-3 atm.

The spraying system ensures uniform distribution of paintwork materials with a maximum degree of settling on the structures being treated.

LVLP

The device allows you to get rid of errors and shortcomings made when using the previous 2. Depending on the manufacturer, the marking of the system may vary, but the principle of operation and distinctive features remain identical.

Models with the LVLP system combine low air consumption with high efficiency of paint distribution over the surface.

Working pressure varies from 1.6 to 2 atm, and paintwork is applied at a value of 0.7-1.2 atm.

Electric guns

There is no need to connect a compressor to electric guns. It is replaced by a highly efficient turbine. But experts in the painting industry do not resort to using such devices: during operation, the equipment consumes a lot of paint, and the supplied nozzles are large enough to paint a car.

Compressor selection

When selecting this technical unit, you should take into account what type of spray gun it is. We remind you that there are electric and pneumatic. The second model is considered preferable in terms of performance indicators. Each type of equipment (HP, HVLP, LVLP) has its own characteristics. Based on them, the compressor is selected. HP units require 4 atm for manipulation, while the spray gun incurs noticeable losses during operation (which is why they are gradually going out of use). A compressor is required that is not very productive (100-300 l/min.) with an indicator of 6 atm. AURORA BREEZE-8, KOLNER KAC 24 L are suitable. Devices designed according to the HVLP type require 2-3 atmospheres for spraying. When choosing a compressor for this type of device, we pay attention to technical products with a capacity of 360 l/min, and from 1.5 to 4 atm. The following types of equipment have proven excellent: QUATTRO ELEMENTI 248-504 KM 50-380, FUBAG VDC 400/50 CM3, GARAGE PK 50.MKV370/2.2. LVLP is a technologically advanced instrument, operating in the range from 0.7 to 1.5 atm. A compressor with a capacity of 150-300 l/min is required. The output indicators must be at least 2 atm. We recommend purchasing: QUATTRO ELEMENTI SENZA-24, ZUBR ZKP-190-24-1.5.

Compressor AURORA BREEZE-8

Compressor QUATTRO ELEMENTI KM 50-380

ZUBR compressor ZKP-190-24-1.5 Pay attention to: How and how to degrease a car before painting: choosing a composition and do-it-yourself instructions for degreasing

Which is better: electric or pneumatic

Spray guns that run on compressed air are called pneumatic. They only function if there is a compressor. A correctly selected set of a gun and a pumping device is quite expensive, so this type is in demand for professionals.

Electric models do not require compressed air, since the paint is distributed through a built-in pump that generates operating pressure.

But due to the lack of air flow, the quality of paint application is reduced.

The best manufacturing companies

The top best suppliers of guns for painting cars include the following brands:

1. GAV produces budget devices suitable for beginners who are mastering all the intricacies of painting. They allow you to apply base coat and acrylic.
2. Walcom - presents elite spray guns for auto repair shops. Various models of guns for dispensing a wide range of coatings have been produced since 1945.
3. SATA produces wear-resistant equipment with a long service life.

Rating of the best automotive spray guns

To make choosing a painting tool easier, you should consider the rating of the best models available for sale. It includes both inexpensive devices and premium models.

Wester FPG-20 pro

The device is designed for applying water-based paint. Its nozzle has an optimal diameter (1.5 mm) for the formation of a spray torch. The product is made of stainless steel, and the body is protected with a special anti-corrosion impregnation.

The device belongs to the LVPL category, is equipped with a 0.6 liter tank and consumes about 100 liters of air per minute.

The main advantages include:

1. Low cost.
2. Minimum compressor power requirements.
3. Ease of operation.
4. Functionality.
5. High quality spray system.

Some users speak negatively about the rapid wear of the rubber gasket.

Walcom Genesi Top Line SP HVLP 1.3 mm

This HVLP model is considered the best industrial pneumatic type device, which is suitable for both body painting and woodworking.

With its help you can achieve high quality paint application and work with different types of paintwork materials.

The nozzle size is 1.3 mm, and the air flow per minute reaches 350 liters. Owners note the ease of maintenance, the presence of self-sealing Teflon linings and the versatility of the system. The only drawback is the high cost.

RedVerg RD-PS18V

The gun is cheap and equipped with a “wheel” to adjust the power. The shape of the 1.8 mm nozzle can be adjusted using the spray cap. The built-in tank holds 0.6 liters of ink base.

The model itself is compatible with a variety of materials, including primer, varnish, fire and biological retardants, and paint.

The inexpensive RedVerg RD-PS18V pistol is not particularly popular due to its limited feature set and low performance.

Jonnesway JA-LVLP-25G

Jonnesway's atomizer is a premium type, so it is made of forged aluminum alloy for increased strength and durability. Spraying is carried out according to the LVLP standard, and the nozzle diameter is 1.8 mm. The tank holds 0.6 liters of paintwork materials, and the air flow is 283 l/min.

Its disadvantage is its high cost.

Voylet H-827 1.7 mm

Using an HVLP-type device, you can spray thick paints, including acrylic paints. The model features a replaceable nozzle, so the user can independently choose the diameter of the product to perform delicate work or distribute liquid products.

The standard diameter is 1.7 mm, and the tank volume is 0.6 l. The device consumes 218 liters of air per minute of operation.

Owners of the model appreciate the quality of its assembly and maximum tightness, but note that it is quite heavy.

DeVilbiss FLG-5

According to the developers, this device is universal, since it allows you to apply both base paints and primers. The kit does not include a tank, and the model cannot be used for distributing water-based compositions.

The device operates on the basis of RP technology - a special medium-pressure spray system (analogous to LVLP). The nozzle diameter is 1.4 mm and the air flow is 277 l/min.

The positive aspects of the model include:

1. High-quality assembly of the metal case.
2. Low cost.

However, the device is not suitable for applying water-soluble products.

Stels AG 970 LVLP 57369

This air gun can be purchased for use in the garage, because... it copes with its task and belongs to the budget class. The presence of a compressor facilitates efficient processing. Operating the Stels AG 970 spray gun is much easier than other models with an LVLP system.

Disadvantages: non-standard plug thread and tank volume is only 0.12 liters.

Jonnesway JA-6111

In terms of its functions, the device belongs to the professional segment. It can be used to accurately apply primer and liquid rubber. Metal spraying is carried out under low pressure, which allows you to obtain a thin layer of 70-80 microns. The design includes a large nozzle with a diameter of 3 mm, which reduces the likelihood of clogging.

The standard tank holds 0.6 liters of paintwork, and the air consumption per minute of operation reaches 396 liters.

The device is suitable for beginner car painters, but may frustrate them due to the fragility of the body and high material consumption.

Patriot LV 162B

The model has a bottom supply of material, is characterized by low cost and high-quality assembly. A large tank for storing paints and varnishes will allow you to paint large surfaces without frequent replacement of the composition. The nozzle diameter is 1.5 mm and the air flow is 400 l/minute.

The disadvantage is poor quality of raising the mixture from the bottom of the tank.

Huberth LVLP R500

This LVLP gun has earned positive reviews due to its effective paint distribution and the ability to operate from a car compressor.

The standard nozzle diameter is 1.4 mm, and the paint tank volume is 0.6 liters. A minute of work is accompanied by the consumption of 85-110 liters of air.

Some owners speak negatively about the gradual slippage of paintwork applied to the body.

Choosing a paint gun

How to choose a spray gun for painting a car? For a successful purchase, you need to pay attention to the following characteristics:

• compressor performance - the amount of air it produces should be exactly twice as much as the paint sprayer consumes;
• spray gun performance - this parameter must meet the needs of the user. If car painting is supposed to be done only occasionally, then there is no point in spending money on an expensive tool. In this case, it will be cheaper to use the services of a car service, or purchase a cheap Chinese model;
• receiver capacity. For periodic self-painting, 1 liter will be enough. The selected spray gun with a large tank volume is very inconvenient to use;
• nozzle diameter. The choice of this parameter depends on the purpose of the application. So a device with a nozzle of 1.7-2 mm is suitable for applying liquid putty, 1.5-1.7 mm - for acrylic primer, 1.4-1.5 mm - for acrylic paint and varnish, 1.2-1. 3 mm – for coloring compositions with a metallic effect. Included with some models you can find a set of replacement nozzles;
• power source required for operation - if there is a choice between battery-powered devices and devices that are powered from the mains, then it is better to choose models of the second option, since the battery charge may not be enough to paint the entire vehicle;
• tightness - ensures a normal level of pressure in the middle of the spray gun, which is very important for uniform and high-quality spraying. Therefore, you need to ask the seller what material the gaskets are made of (it’s best if they are Teflon);
• location of the tank. This parameter does not affect the operation of the device in any way, but in the case when the receiver is located below, some inconvenience may arise, since during the painting procedure it should be held strictly vertically;
• the material from which the receiver is made. Metal tanks are good because they do not create difficulties when washing, but it is impossible to control the level of the paint and varnish substance. Plastic ones, on the contrary, are very difficult to clean, but make it possible to monitor the level of the coloring composition. Therefore, you should select a spray gun based on this parameter based only on personal preferences;
• the material from which the body of the spray gun is made. Here the opinions of experts also differ. Some advise purchasing plastic models, because in addition to durability, such models are also lightweight. Others recommend giving preference to stainless steel, as this material is more reliable and durable.

If the purpose of purchasing a spray gun is to professionally paint a car, then it is better to spend money and buy an expensive model that will reliably serve for a long time. If your financial condition does not allow you to make such a purchase, then it is better to opt for a universal gun, the size of the nozzle of which allows you to spray primer, paint and varnish.

Criterias of choice

The main criteria for choosing a spray gun include:

1. Build quality.
2. The capacity of the paint tank and its position.
3. Performance.

Receiver material quality

The receiver is used to equalize the outgoing air flow, which is supplied in impulses. The better the quality of the part and the larger its volume, the more efficient the equipment will work.

In common models, tanks are made of metal or plastic. The former are resistant to aggressive solvents, while the latter are translucent and allow you to visually assess the level of paintwork.

Tank volume and location

Tank volume is measured in liters. Compact and efficient models with a 25-50 liter tank are suitable for home use.

The placement of the tank directly affects the comfort of using the gun.

With the container in the upper position, you can distribute the compositions on any surface, and with the lower position, you can use the unit exclusively in a horizontal position.

Device power and performance

Devices with a power of up to 500 W are suitable for domestic purposes. They are inexpensive and allow you to distribute a minimum volume of paintwork materials. Professional-level models have a rating of 500 W. With their help, it is possible to work with compounds of any viscosity without worrying about the uniformity of distribution.

By performance we mean the volume of air that the device pumps into the receiver and blows out of it through the gun. With low efficiency, the spray gun will not be able to organize stable spraying.

Nozzle diameter size

Depending on the types of paints and varnishes used, the nozzle diameter differs:

1. 1.2 mm - suitable for local application.
2. 1.3 mm - used for applying base, varnish, and water-soluble compounds.
3. 1.4-1.7 mm is the standard diameter for varnish and acrylic.
4. 1.6-2.2 - suitable for applying primer.
5. 2.5-3.0 - designed for distributing liquid putty.

The design and manufacturer of the spray gun are important selection criteria

To make the right choice of spray gun for painting a car, it is also important to read reviews about the set of devices being purchased. Forums and professional websites will help you choose good painting solutions. You should not base your choice of device for your car only on reviews under the product in the online store. It is better to collect important information from different sources and make the right choice. To buy a good device, consider the following factors:

1. Design. It should not be a plastic tool. Only high-quality metal will help paint a car with the desired characteristics. If you buy plastic or any other option, the durability will be poor.
2. Brand. Pay special attention to offers from SATA, Iwata and other brands in this price category. Remember that it is extremely difficult to buy a confident and reliable spray gun from an unknown manufacturer.
3. Price. It is best to buy a device from a high price range, which includes the best manufacturers. It is simply impossible to buy a good device for 1000 rubles. The price of a good solution is 20-25 thousand rubles.
4. Equipment. For non-professional painting, you can often choose parts that have several interchangeable nozzles with pre-setting for a specific type of paint.
5. Specialization. Read the description carefully, as you may not choose the most suitable tool for your car. If the gun is made to apply only primer, it will not help you paint your car properly.

It must be said that today even many specialists with experience in painting work sometimes cannot tell you how to choose a spray gun for painting a car. Selecting equipment may be difficult for you, since it is almost impossible to select universal spray guns. If you want to purchase just one device for all tasks at the same time, you will not be able to do this. Universal products often turn out to be not functional at all. With Chinese tools for all occasions, painting your car is unlikely to be optimal.

Accessories and materials for spray guns – which ones to buy?

To select the optimal set of equipment and paint any car, it is not enough to choose only one paint remote control. It is advisable to choose the optimal accessories to connect the device to the compressor. This will help transfer pressure and significantly increase the reliability of the device. The spray gun can let you down if the hoses are chosen without reinforcement and the equipment does not have the normal endurance.

If you are going to provide services for car owners or perform professional painting, the quality of the equipment should be much higher. A device marked HP and a compressor with a capacity of less than 330-350 l/min are not suitable here. You will also need a whole set of spray guns, which will be quite difficult to choose today. No car can be painted professionally with a bad spray bottle.

Tips and tricks from experts

When choosing a spray gun, it is important to follow the advice of experts. They recommend taking into account the purpose, material of manufacture and volume of the tank. An equally important criterion is the ergonomics of the device. If the device is difficult to operate, it will be difficult to hold it in your hands for a long time. In addition, the mechanism must be selected taking into account the diameter of the nozzles.

Which spray gun model did you like? Share your review.

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