Posted on 9 May, 202426 September, 2024 by clarke david

What is a spray gun?

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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Posted on 23 April, 202428 March, 2025 by clarke david

How to choose the correct air compressor for my spray gun (paint sprayer)?

Choosing the right compressor?

What compressor do I need to paint a car. How to choose the correct air compressor for my spray gun (paint sprayer)?

Connect the compressor and wait for full working pressure. you can then adjust the pressure via a gun gauge which is connected to your spray gun.

Compressors are measured by their displacement in CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute). Spray guns are measured by the free air they use, the maths is for example a 12cfm displacement less a third equals the free air available.

The simple sum is (12cfm displacement minus 1/3 = 8cfm free air).

How to use a spray gun with an air compressor?

A spray gun that is driven by compressed air must be connected via an airline; it can be directly screwed to a threaded airline but is usually used with quick release connectors.

Low Noise / Screw Compressors >>

Standard Compressors >>

Compressor Kits >>

Portable Compressor Systems & Kits >>

Lubricant / Oil >>

Iwata 200 litre Belt Drive Air Compressor, 12.5 CFM

For a full sized gravity spray gun used for full respray and larger areas.

Sealey 50 litre Compressor, 2hp, 6.8cfm Displacement

For smaller areas, panel, alloy wheel and smart repairs.

How to set up a compressor for my spray gun (paint sprayer)? & what compressor do i need to paint a car.

Buy Online

What connectors do I need to connect my spray gun to air hose and compressor?

What airline and connectors do I need for my spray gun?

Typically 3/8” (8mm) is the minimum airline internal diameter/bore. We recommend using pre-made airline that includes ¼” BSP female threaded nuts at either end.
Quick release connectors screw in to the end of the airline primarily to pair/interconnect with a tail-piece. The spray gun tail-piece would have a female thread.
View Airline & connectors >>

What are the different airline connectors?

Male and Female thread (originates from the animal kingdom).

Example: ¼” BSP male thread screws into ¼” BSP female thread and forms a seal. Spray guns and fittings supplied by us in BSP >> with NPT >>

Quick release coupling connectors tube type tails that push in to small barrel like receivers (sometimes confused or described as male and female BUT not in SprayGunsDirect language).
Euro (HVLP) high flow connectors are best practice for use with a spray gun. Traditional / old-fashioned British connectors (often misleadingly referred to as PCL style) do not suit optimal air delivery for a spray gun.

Below shows HVLP connectors used to connect the spray gun to air hose and then to the compressor. This method is quick release which is simple and very easy to use especially when changing devices using compressed air. For a full compressed air system a second air hose would be included along with a filter regulator. Air flow would typicaly follow this direction.

Compressor >> Air Hose >> Filter Regulator (1,2 or 3 stage) >> Air Hose >> Spray Gun Gauge (non-digital) >> Spray Gun

HVLP Explained

High Volume Low Pressure has no restrictions on airflow with a wider male and female connection. This is the choice for most professional paint sprayers.

PCL Explained

PCL Connectors are usually used for air tools such as sanders, polishers, drills and grinders as 100% air flow can differ. The below image shows the Prevost Flexair 10m Hose *British Style PCL Connector* with Prevost Air Blow Gun.

HVLP compressed air quick connectors for spray gun and compressor air hose 5m 10m 20m

PCL compressed air quick connectors for air tools and compressor air hose 5m 10m 20m

Above image shows (compressor connectors)

Prevost Flexair 20m Hose (Male) connecting to a Female HVLP Coupling/Receiver

Below & bottom right image shows the Prevost ESI 07 (female) HVLP quick connector with DeVilbiss MPV-5 (male) tailpiece. This is connected to the spray gun gauge and spray gun.

Next (quick guide) – Connecting your Spray Gun to your Compressed Air System Hose

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Posted on 18 April, 20241 October, 2024 by clarke david

How to Clean a Spray Gun?

How do I clean my spray gun?

Firstly, Disconnect the Air and Remove pot lid, pour any left over paint content to a waste container whilst holding the trigger down to release any left material left in the spray gun, pour a small amount of thinners in to the cup swish around in pot, then pull the trigger to spray through spray gun to clean and remove any excess in to a paint can.

Remove the spray gun gauge and pot, clean with thinners or water depending on material.
Clean any excess from air cap whilst on the gun then remove to fully clean, Holding the trigger down to remove needle. Clean with care.
Remove the fluid tip & clean again using small amount of thinners with preferably a brush provided in the Colad Premium Cleaning Kit.
Take time to clean & wipe down the spray gun body and all components, DO NOT leave components to soak in thinners, this is commonly done which damages body seals and components.
Re-assemble using a spray gun lube on needle when re-housing for fluent smooth trigger motion.

The images below show the steps to follow (guide based on gravity spray gun) for cleaning & maintaining your spray gun.

how to clean a spray gun - spray guns direct

how to clean a spray gun leading solvents thinners - spray guns direct

how to clean a spray gun ANi Compact - spray guns direct

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Posted on 11 June, 202328 March, 2025 by Christopher James Clarke

DeVilbiss DV1 Basecoat Durbz Kustoms Limited Edition Spray Gun #welovesprayguns

DeVilbiss DV1 Durbz Spray Gun - Spray Guns Direct

DeVilbiss DV1 Durbz Kustoms – Limited Edition Spray Gun Designed by Australian Spray Artists, Rachel Durbidge otherwise known as Chick Durbz

This exclusive Limited Edition design comes with all of the control and performance you get from the DV1 Basecoat spray gun – best in class at managing your basecoat applications, providing precise color matches, seamless transitions and blends, and superlative metallic orientation and control.

RACHAEL DURBIDGE:

“I’ve been in the automotive industry for 21yrs, starting in crash repairs, then moving to restoration and finding the passion for custom graphics and design. My first spray gun was a GTi with the splatter design, which I still have; after using almost every spray gun designed, I still prefer DeVilbiss guns.”

905907 – Digital Version – DV1-B+ HVLP PLUS Air Cap, 1.2mm & 1.3mm Fluid Nozzles. Comes with DV1 Tool Kit, Digi-Pro Digital BAR Gauge.

905908 – Non Digital Version – DV1-B+ HVLP PLUS Air Cap, 1.2mm & 1.3mm Fluid Nozzles. Comes with DV1 Tool Kit.

DeVilbiss DV1 Basecoat Durbz Kustoms Limited Edition Spray Gun (905907 / 905908)

Air Caps

The DV1 is available with a choice of two advanced air caps – The DV1-B and DV1-B+. These new HVLP and HVLP ‘Plus’ air caps represent the next generation of atomisation performance.
For typical HVLP applications, the DV1-B is a perfect choice, delivering atomisation like no other DeVilbiss air cap. For high-efficiency air cap performance at low pressure, the DV1-B+ delivers performance equivalent to today’s ‘High Efficiency’ air caps.
With the introduction of DeVilbiss Air Management Kinetics™, the smooth laminar path the air travels in allows you to spray at lower air pressures providing higher transfer efficiencies, reducing material consumption and with no loss in performance.

Fluid Tips

Three fluid tips, available in 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3, complete the picture giving you total control in all climatic conditions. With the addition of DeVilbiss Laminar Flow Technology™, all three fluid tips give you a more stable fluid flow allowing for better colour reproduction. Combine this with the new high-performance air caps – air turbulence is reduced giving more even atomisation through the fan pattern, which in turn allows for better control, reducing the mottling/clouding effect.

Ergonomics

The fit and feel of DeVilbiss spray guns are legendary. The DV1 employs the latest generation ergonomics and lightweight materials for maximum comfort and minimum fatigue – you don’t have to work hard to work smart. Every part of the DV1 has been designed and engineered for maximum performance, comfort and usability and cleaning couldn’t be easier with DV1’s smooth, easy to clean lines.