What is a spray gun? How to get started?

A spray gun (paint sprayer) is a tool used to spray liquid coatings – paint, varnish and lacquer in particular. The spray gun uses air pressure from a compressor which forces the paint to become a mist (known as atomize), this can be adjusted using the air regulator and material flow control.  A spray gun achieves a smooth consistent finish of paint when applied to surface, preparation is very important when wanting to achieve a professional and smooth finish. The better you prep the better the finish.

Used by professionals & commercial spray painters for automotive, industrial & commercial use. For re-spraying cars, commercial vehicles, agricultural machinery and equipment, boats, woods, decorating & upvc. Colour is everywhere and in most cases a paint sprayer (spray gun) would be used with compressed air for application.

What are the benefits to a spray gun?

Using a spray gun with your compressor >> will cover an area much faster with a more consistant finish, though you need to mask >> to protect the surrounding area from overspray. You also need a mask to protect your lungs >>.

Spray Gun Parts and Accessories

When purchasing a spray gun its longevity is usually reflected in the price. Spray gun parts are unlikely to be available with budget models (under £100.00), high end professional finish spray guns usually have all parts and spares available giving future life to your spray gun. The most common parts and in particular atomise the finish required are the Air Cap, Nozzle, Fluid Tip & Needle.

Air Caps explained

The air cap (spray gun head) is paired to the size of the fluid tip & needle and range in sizes (see Fluid Tips & Needle below). The fluid nozzle and needle direct paint to the air cap, paint & airflow creates atomization which can be adjusted according to right application needed.

Fluid Tips & Needle

Spray guns come in different set-ups for different paint types and application.

For small detail and repair fluid tips start from 0.5mm – 1.2mm
For panel & respray 1.3mm – 1.4mm / 1.5mm
Primer & High Build paint 1.8mm – 2.2mm
Thicker Industrial paints & primers 2.2mm – 3.5mm

These are general spraying guides, sprayers do have their own preference. Always consult your paint supplier or technical data sheet for fluid tip application.
(Always test set up and application on small test area before applying to main surface area).

A spray gun when paint spraying can be adjusted and set up to achieve the desired application finish.

Adjusting your spray gun will change atomization and fan pattern, from spot (small application i.e small detail) to – full fan (large application i.e. full re-spray).

Read more about What type of spray gun do I need to paint with? >>

The below image shows the  ANi Skull parts breakdown where all parts and spares are available to order. This is an example of the huge stock of spray gun parts we have available here in our Derby warehouse including all current and some discontinued spray guns. ANI, DeVilbiss, Iwata, SATA and Sagola. We also stock disposable 3M PPS 2 Paint Cups, Colad Snap Lid, DeVilbiss DeKups, Iwata, Mirka Paint Cup Systems, Sagola Paint Cup Systems and SATA RPS Cup / Lid Systems.
All spray gun/disposable cup adaptors are available “please contact us to select the correct adaptor”. or view spray gun adapters here >>

Videos posted on the gunman YouTube channel giving an independent review on many of our best selling spray guns so be sure to give them a view before committing to buying online.

Best selling Spray Guns

3M, Anest Iwata, ANi, Binks, DeVilbiss, Sagola & SATA brands offer a wide range of spray guns, all designed for different liquid coatings & applications.

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