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.

Sagola 4600 Spray Gun - Spray Guns Direct

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 >>.

What is a sprayer gun Anest Iwata LPH 80 Luxury gold

ANi Compact Spray gun for smart repairs and full resprays spray guns direct

what is a spraygun, ANi COMPACT 1.3mm for smart repairs and full re-spray

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).

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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What spray gun brand is best?

European made spray guns are the best and Iwata from Japan.

The gun brands that are used by most body shop professionals are ANi (Italian) DeVilbiss (UK except the SLG), SATA (German), Iwata, Sagola (Spain).

Arguments over which is best are common; SprayGunsDirect offer all the main brand contenders. There are characteristics that suit specific requirements that may make direction a no-brainer, but a similar question would be: which is best? BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Jaguar or Lexus?

If you have evolved your style around one and it has worked for you then avoid switching brands unless you have the budget to experiment, we do encourage variety if you want to test drive scenarios, you can always sell on via an online preloved sales platform.

All gun manufacturers have multiple options that go way beyond simplification but if we are going to be forth right and opinionated then here it is. All robust challenges with feedback are welcomed.

ANi – exceptional value for money, the Volkswagen option at Dacia prices. Perfect for beginners and the price conscious. Flagship guns now stand up with the top tier priced options.

DeVilbiss – straightforward and predictable, easy to get started with.

Iwata – often a little slower so patience is its nature and your requirement.

Sagola – the new contender at the upper end. Adapting and evolving existing technology. Fast and full. For the professional in a rush.

SATA – considered precision engineering with dedicated loyalist users. Many bespoke options.

Employees of SprayGunsDirect have been at one time or other users of all five and cannot be shifted from their favourite spray gun brand. We have career sprayers, ex-employees of spray gun manufacturers and ex-managers of body shops resident. We have 3 spray rooms for trials. We test everything. For fully independent guru level testing, reviews and engagement, we recommend the videos section of The Gunman on YouTube.