How to Use an Air Spray Gun

Air spray guns are most commonly used to paint car parts and surfaces and are a favorite choice for putting decals on automobiles. Using an air spray gun involves proper knowledge of both the type of paint fluid you are using, as well as properly setting the air spray gun nozzle setting, pressure setting and fluid flow. Generally you should set the spray paint gun pressure to the lowest possible setting that will work with the gun nozzle you have chosen to use. Representatives at a paint and hardware store can help you set up your air spray gun correctly.

Things You'll Need

• Air spray gun
• Spray paint cartridge (must be compatible with metal if you are spraying a car)

Instructions

1. Load the paint cartridge into the spray gun, and double check to make sure all your pressure and nozzle settings are set accordingly. Settings will vary based on the paint fluid and nozzle you have chosen to use, so always ask an experienced painter or car detailer if you do not know how to properly set up the air spray gun.

2. Pull the trigger to begin spraying the surface. Spray at a 90-degree angle to the surface, keeping a constant distance and speed the whole way across. Keep watch over the surface as you are spraying to make sure it is "wetting," which simply means the paint is sticking to the surface evenly and makes the surface appear wet or moist.

3. Spray the entire surface, starting from the top left hand corner and working your way down right to left. Each row of paint spray should overlap the one above it roughly 50 percent.

4. Allow the paint to dry, look over your work and apply more coats if necessary. Not applying enough coats can make a paint job end up looking dry or can produce peeling.

Tips & Warnings

• Clean your spray gun in a gun washer after each use. Change the solvent in the spray gun washer routinely.

References

• Auto Body Pro: How to Use an Air Spray Gun