There are two ways to paint the body of a car, the walls of a house, or whitewash the ceiling: time-consuming and poor quality - by hand, or quickly and beautifully, but using a spray gun. But today's models have little in common with the plastic vacuum cleaner attachments that our parents used. Modern spray guns have become much more convenient, more productive and more diverse. Let's figure out how to choose the right equipment that will cope with home repairs or work in a car repair shop.
TOP 8 spray guns for painting a car
Below we have collected the most popular devices that have won the trust of users and are distinguished by good characteristics.
Photo | Name | Rating | Price | |||
The best premium spray guns | ||||||
#1 | Walcom Genesi Top Line SP HVLP 1.3 mm (945013) | ⭐ 5 / 5 14 — votes | Find out the price | |||
#2 | JONNESWAY JA-LVLP-25G | ⭐ 4.95 / 5 9 — votes | Find out the price | |||
The best models in the mid-price segment | ||||||
#1 | DeVilbiss FLG-5 | ⭐ 5 / 5 19 — votes | Find out the price | |||
#2 | JONNESWAY JA-6111 | ⭐ 4.95 / 5 15 — votes | Find out the price | |||
#3 | HUBERTH LVLP R500 (1.4) | ⭐ 4.9 / 5 38 — votes | Find out the price | |||
#4 | Wester FPG-30 pro | ⭐ 4.85 / 5 10 — votes | Find out the price | |||
The best budget models | ||||||
#1 | VOYLET H-827 | ⭐ 5 / 5 21 - voice | Find out the price | |||
#2 | PATRIOT LV 162B | ⭐ 4.95 / 5 6 — votes | Find out the price |
Which spray gun would you choose or recommend for painting a car?
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The best budget models
Among sprayers costing up to 2,000 rubles, you can find quite successful models for working with various types of materials.
PATRIOT LV 162B
A spray gun with a bottom supply of material will delight you with a low price and high build quality. A large paint tank will allow you to carry out work for a long time without the need to replace the material, which is important when painting large areas. It is rightfully considered the best low-pressure spray gun in this segment.
PATRIOT LV 162B
Specifications:
- spray type - LVLP;
- nozzle diameter - 1.5 mm;
- tank volume - 1 l;
- where the paint comes from - from below;
- tank material - aluminum;
- what the body is made of - aluminum;
- air flow - about 400 l/min;
- device weight - 1.2 kg.
pros
- low price;
- spacious durable tank;
- smooth, continuous painting;
- light and comfortable.
Minuses
- despite the LVLP technology declared by the manufacturer, this device is characterized by high air consumption;
- Doesn't pick up paint residue well from the bottom.
The average cost of the device is 900 rubles.
Spray gun PATRIOT LV 162B
VOYLET H-827
With this spray gun you can easily work with thick paint materials such as acrylic. A distinctive feature of the device is the ability to replace the nozzle. For example, you can install a nozzle with a diameter of 1.4 mm for more delicate work or spraying liquid paints.
VOYLET H-827
Specifications:
- spray type - HVLP;
- nozzle diameter - 1.7 mm;
- tank volume - 0.6 l;
- where the paint comes from - from above;
- tank material - plastic;
- what the body is made of - aluminum;
- air consumption - about 218 l/min;
- device weight - 1.4 kg.
pros
- easy to adjust;
- inexpensive;
- high-quality assembly;
- tightness.
Minuses
- a little heavy.
The average cost of a product is 1900 rubles.
Spray gun VOYLET H-827
Differences between pneumatics and electricity
To choose the right spray gun, you need to take into account various points. Since all existing and most popular devices are divided into “pneumatics” and “electricity”, let’s try to make a comparison:
- The quality of the work performed. Pneumatic spray guns are much more powerful than their electric counterparts, and they spray paint into much smaller particles. As a result, “pneumatics” covers any surface with a thinner and more uniform layer of dye.
- "Fog" from paint. In this matter, electrical appliances take the lead. Moreover, in plunger models the formation of “fog” is generally significantly reduced. The only unpleasant addition will be the low level of painting. If you need an ideal option, then only pneumatic devices.
- Use of viscous substances. Substances with high viscosity will not be a problem for electric paint sprayers. The main thing is not to install nozzles with a diameter that is not suitable for working with the specified materials.
- Replacement components. Basically, household electrical devices cannot boast of the ability to replace the nozzle. To work with different compositions, the latter will have to be brought to the desired consistency, otherwise most of the working time will be spent on cleaning a clogged nozzle or eliminating any leaks that have appeared. At the same time, when working with pneumatic spray guns, it is better to use nozzles of different diameters for different materials. Therefore, the right solution is to purchase a set of elements with different parameters and use them as needed on one device.
- Fire safety. Regarding safety precautions, it is important to know that using electrical equipment in a paint booth or in closed paint shops and other similar areas is prohibited.
The best premium spray guns
Despite the high cost, these models pay for themselves with active professional use. Here we have listed devices with a price tag of 10,000 rubles.
JONNESWAY JA-LVLP-25G
This spray gun from the expensive segment, made of forged aluminum alloy, is distinguished by high build quality and durability of parts.
JONNESWAY JA-LVLP-25G
Specifications:
- spray type - LVLP;
- nozzle diameter - 1.8 mm;
- tank volume - 0.6 l;
- where the paint comes from - from above;
- tank material - nylon;
- what the body is made of - aluminum;
- air consumption - about 283 l/min;
- device weight - 0.53 kg.
pros
- low air consumption;
- low material consumption;
- convenient design;
- easy.
Minuses
- price.
The average cost of a product is 14,200 rubles.
Spray gun JONNESWAY JA-LVLP-25G
Walcom Genesi Top Line SP HVLP 1.3 mm (945013)
This sprayer is the best industrial pneumatic spray gun that can be used not only for body painting, but also in woodworking. It ensures high quality of the final coloring and allows you to work with any type of material. It is resistant to both water-based paints and solvent paints.
Walcom Genesi Top Line SP HVLP 1.3 mm (945013)
Specifications:
- spray type - HVLP;
- nozzle diameter - 1.3 mm;
- where the paint is supplied from below using a paint pump or low pressure pump;
- what the body is made of - aluminum coated with nickel and chrome;
- air consumption - about 350 l/min;
- device weight - 0.61 kg.
pros
- easy to serve;
- self-sealing Teflon pads;
- resistant to aggressive chemical environments;
- versatility.
Minuses
- expensive.
The average cost of a spray gun is about 40,000 rubles.
Spray gun Walcom Genesi Top Line SP HVLP 1.3 mm (945013)
Device weight and cord length
If it takes a considerable amount of time to paint the necessary surfaces and the working unit is not a painting station on a stand, then the weight of the structure will also influence its choice. As a rule, the mass of small compact devices is no more than 2 kg. But those who decide to purchase something like the “Bosch PFS 5000E” should take into account that this is quite heavy equipment (up to 5 kg) with a portable pump. But even a woman can easily handle household appliances like the Wagner W100.
You also need to decide on the length of the hose. To do this, you need to take two points into account:
- The hose length is the distance you can move away from the external compressor or station.
- Is the device powerful enough to “push” the mixture to the “outlet” with a long hose length?
Professional craftsmen prefer electric floor-standing devices (Campbell Hausfeld, Earlex, Wagner).
Comparison table of pneumatic spray guns
Model | Spray type | Nozzle diameter, mm | Paint supply | Air consumption, l/min | Price, rub |
PATRIOT LV 162B | LVLP | 1,5 | Lower | 400 | 900 |
VOYLET H-827 | HVLP | 1,7 | Upper | 218 | 1 900 |
Wester FPG-30 pro | LVLP | 1,5 | Upper | 100 | 2 700 |
HUBERTH LVLP R500 (1.4) | LVLP | 1,4 | Upper | 85-110 | 3 400 |
JONNESWAY JA-6111 | HVLP | 3 | Upper | 396 | 5 800 |
DeVilbiss FLG-5 | R.P. | 1,4 | Upper | 277 | 9 000 |
JONNESWAY JA-LVLP-25G | LVLP | 1,8 | Upper | 283 | 14 200 |
Walcom Genesi Top Line SP HVLP 1.3 mm (945013) | HVLP | 1,3 | Lower | 350 | 40 000 |
Recommendations for choosing spray guns for car painting
A spray gun is a device that sprays paint and varnish materials. It is convenient to use when painting a car body, since it allows you to distribute liquid materials in an even layer. In particular, with the help of such an aerosol gun you can spray primer, paints and varnishes, and liquid rubber.
Spray gun - a device that sprays paint and varnish materials
Painting devices are divided into two types:
- electrical;
- pneumatic.
The former are also called airless. This is their main difference from pneumatic models. Such spray guns are well suited for treating small areas on the surface of the car. For example, if it is necessary to paint over damaged areas, where it is not so important to obtain an ideal surface of the paint layer. Another advantage is their quick preparation for painting and compact size.
If you want to completely renew the paint on your car body, choose only pneumatic devices. Despite their higher cost compared to electric sprayers, simpler and budget models powered by a compressor can be found on the market. For this reason, professionals recommend that even beginners purchase pneumatic devices.
Let's consider the main criteria for choosing compressor spray guns.
- Device performance. In accompanying documents it is usually indicated as the volume of air consumed. Keep in mind that at the outlet, due to air compression, the productivity will be approximately 1.5 times lower.
- Where is the container with liquid located - top or bottom. In the first case, the paint flows down under its own weight, is picked up by the air flow and then sprayed. From the tank below, the composition is sucked in due to the pressure difference formed inside the device body. In machines with a single spray system, performance is independent of the location of the paint container.
- What is the tank made of? Typically metal or plastic is used. Plastic containers are often made transparent, which allows you to control the volume of remaining material. However, unlike metal tanks, they are more difficult to clean from paint residues.
- Tank volume. If the part is located on top, its capacity is usually about 1 liter. For this, a lightweight plastic container is used. Bottom suction spray guns use a larger metal tank.
- What compounds can the gun be used with? Depending on the density of the material and its viscosity, different device models will be required. Some models, in addition to paintwork materials, can spray primer and liquid putty.
Pneumatic spray gun
We will pay special attention to three particularly important parameters.
Compressor
It is important that the device can maintain a constant volume and pressure of air. The compressor also needs to produce more air mass than specified in the recommendations for the spray gun. This will compensate for losses from air compression in the gun. If the compressor is not efficient enough, the quality of the material atomization will suffer.
What other parameters are important when choosing a compressor?
- receiver volume. An air output of about 50 liters per minute is enough for domestic use. For industrial use, it would be optimal to take a receiver with a capacity of 100 to 500 l/min.
- power. On average, this figure ranges from 1.1 to 1.3 kW.
- type of power supply - from the mains or from a battery. The first one is suitable if you need to carry out large-scale work, when the battery may be discharged.
Note! It is advisable to first buy a spraying apparatus, and then select a compressor for it.
Compressor for spray gun
Nozzle diameter
This part is also called a nozzle. An air-color mixture passes through it. The amount of liquid is regulated by a needle inserted into the nozzle. The needle moves by moving the trigger back and forth, and when it is completely released, the nozzle opening is hermetically sealed. The needle is held in place by a special spring.
The diameter of the nozzle directly determines what materials can be sprayed. Common nozzle sizes are:
- 1.2 mm - for processing small areas, fine work;
- 1.3-1.6 mm - for water-based coatings;
- 1.4-1.7 mm - for spraying varnish or acrylic;
- 1.6-2.2 mm - for priming;
- 2.5-3 mm - for spraying liquid putty.
Some experienced painters, instead of several devices, use one universal one - usually with a nozzle diameter of 1.6 mm - to carry out all types of work.
Video - How to choose a nozzle (nozzle) depending on the material being applied
Comparison table of pneumatic spray guns.
Model | Spray type | Nozzle diameter, mm | Paint supply | Air consumption, l/min | Price, rub |
PATRIOT LV 162B | LVLP | 1,5 | Lower | 400 | 900 |
VOYLET H-827 | HVLP | 1,7 | Upper | 218 | 1 900 |
Wester FPG-30 pro | LVLP | 1,5 | Upper | 100 | 2 700 |
HUBERTH LVLP R500 (1.4) | LVLP | 1,4 | Upper | 85-110 | 3 400 |
JONNESWAY JA-6111 | HVLP | 3 | Upper | 396 | 5 800 |
DeVilbiss FLG-5 | R.P. | 1,4 | Upper | 277 | 9 000 |
JONNESWAY JA-LVLP-25G | LVLP | 1,8 | Upper | 283 | 14 200 |
Walcom Genesi Top Line SP HVLP 1.3 mm (945013) | HVLP | 1,3 | Lower | 350 | 40 000 |
Types and markings of spray guns for cars - choosing the best
When searching for the right nebulizer, you will come across three groups of devices. They differ in markings that reflect the main methods of creating an aerosol effect.
HP
Formation of a torch under high pressure (High Pressure). To ensure their operation, you do not need to use a powerful compressor, since not too much air flow is supplied to the gun. An inlet pressure of 3-4 bar will be required. Under the same pressure, the liquid composition will be sprayed at the outlet. Using this device, you can quickly paint and obtain a uniform application of the composition. The disadvantage of such a device is the small percentage of transfer of the coloring liquid to the surface.
HVLP
This marking indicates that the spray gun uses an increased volume of air and creates an air-paint mixture under low pressure (High Volume Low Pressure). At the moment they are in greatest demand among professionals. The transfer coefficient in such pistols is much higher. The input air supply is at a pressure of approximately 2.5-3 atmospheres, the output value is reduced to 1 atmosphere. Due to the quality of paintwork application, these spray guns are suitable for painting the body in colors with metallic or pearlescent shades.
LVLP
Stands for Low Volume High Pressure. These spray guns are supplied with small volumes of air, and paint is sprayed under reduced pressure. According to professionals, these devices combine the main advantages of HP and HVLP systems. A distinctive feature of the guns is low air consumption and a high coefficient of liquid transfer to the surface being painted. With their help, you can effectively apply almost all types of paintwork materials.
Video - How to choose an HP, HVLP, LVLP barrel
In the table below we have compared the production capabilities of all spray systems. You can rely on these indicators when choosing the best device.
Characteristic | HP | HVLP | LVLP |
How much paint gets on the surface of the body | 30-45% | 75% | 70% |
Compressor requirements | Low, air consumption less than 300 l/min. | High, air flow from 360 l/min | Average, air consumption about 270 l/min |
Inlet pressure, atmospheres | 3-4 | 2,5-3 | 1,6-2 |
Output pressure, atmospheres | 3-4 | Less than 1 | 0,7-1,2 |
Fogging | High | Low | Low |
Does dust kick up | Yes, due to the strong air flow, turbulence is formed. Raised dust settles on the applied paintwork | No. Low pressure air flow does not raise dust in the painting area | No. Low pressure air flow does not raise dust in the painting area |
Easy to use | Yes. A wide torch is formed at the exit, the paintwork is applied easily and quickly | No. Skills and experience are required to obtain a uniform layer of paintwork without drips | Yes. The composition is applied evenly, but the size of the spray torch is smaller than in HVLP |
Performance | Low | High | High |
Important! Instead of the LVLP marking, some manufacturers use other abbreviations - GTI PRO for DeVILBISS, RP for SATA, HTE or GEO for Walcom.
Compressor
It is recommended to select a spray gun according to the characteristics of the compressor. There is another way - after purchasing a gun, choose a compressor for it. The compressor must produce the required volume under pressure constantly while working with the spray gun.
The basic rule that influences the choice of a spray gun for painting a car is that the compressor must produce a volume 1.5 times greater than that required for normal operation of the gun at pressure.
If the compressor capacity is insufficient, good atomization will not be achieved. The compressor must produce characteristics above the required pressure, but the amount of air must be sufficient.
Hoses and fittings are no less important for quality results. If a ¼ inch hose is used, then the air flow will be abnormal. You should find a hose that has an internal diameter of 3/8 inch.
The hose must be equipped with fittings and couplings capable of allowing rapid air flow.
Choosing a spray gun for painting a car in a garage
If you do not plan to make professional body painting a source of income, you will not need high-quality equipment. When purchasing a paint spray gun for your garage, pay attention to the following features:
- how much paint the sprayer transfers to the surface being painted - the lower the indicator, the more material you will waste;
- how convenient it will be for you to use the chosen design;
- If a compressor is available, the spray gun is selected based on the capabilities of the existing device.
HP spray guns, which supply paint under high pressure, are less demanding on compressors.
Video - How to choose a spray gun for painting and a little about nozzles for spray guns
Useful additional elements
Basically, spray guns are purchased for frequent use and large volumes of work. To increase the efficiency of devices, they can be supplemented with useful elements:
- Moisture separator. If there are high requirements for painting quality, it is imperative to install this part between the paint gun and the compressor. It will prevent moisture from the air from entering the spray gun, which has become condensation in the compressor and hose.
- Paint injection tank. This is an additionally installed, hermetically sealed container, which makes it possible to significantly increase the area of the surface to be painted.
- Air filter. The device purifies the air from small solid particles.
Voting for the best spray gun for painting cars
Which spray gun would you choose or recommend for painting a car?
Walcom Genesi Top Line SP HVLP 1.3 mm (945013)
10.61 % ( 14 )
JONNESWAY JA-LVLP-25G
6.82 % ( 9 )
DeVilbiss FLG-5
14.39 % ( 19 )
JONNESWAY JA-6111
11.36 % ( 15 )
HUBERTH LVLP R500 (1.4)
28.79 % ( 38 )
Wester FPG-30 pro
7.58 % ( 10 )
VOYLET H-827
15.91 % ( 21 )