How to Choose a Spray Gun for Auto Paint

Painting a vehicle is not easy to do. It requires a dust-free environment, quality paint, a steady hand and the right equipment. One of the most important components of a great-looking auto paint job is a great spray gun. When you shop for a spray gun for your auto paint, you will want to make sure that it has what you need to create the paint effects you want, such as an even base coat or a flashy, multi-layered custom design.

Instructions

Choose a Spray Gun for Auto Paint

1. Look at the material that the spray gun and its parts are made from. Usually you will have a choice between plastic and lightweight metals like aluminum. The advantages of plastic spray guns are that they are generally less expensive and fairly lightweight. The disadvantage is that they are easy to break. The advantages of aluminum spray guns are that they are more durable, are generally better made and deliver better spray consistency. The disadvantage of aluminum is price.

2. Examine the nozzle size offered by the spray gun. Nozzle sizes vary between about 1 mm and 2 mm; however, different sizes are available. The nozzle size will impact which tips you can use with your gun, as well as how much paint you can move per hour.

3. Select a spray gun based on its paint delivery system. The first option is a gravity-fed paint delivery system. These spray guns have the paint reservoir sitting above the spray gun. Gravity feeds the paint to the sprayer. The second option is the siphon-feed delivery system. This system has the paint reservoir under the sprayer and uses a siphon to suck the paint from the reservoir and force it through the nozzle.

4. Understand which accessories can be used with the spray gun you are interested in. Some of the accessories that are available are special tips, interchangeable nozzles, paint cups, strainers, spray gun holders and cleaning kits.