Car painting is a process where the devil is in the details. Using “any” tool lying around in the garage often leads to orange peel, runs, or uneven color, which is especially noticeable on metallic finishes. A properly chosen spray gun for car painting determines not only the aesthetics of the final coat but also the consumption of expensive materials.
You can find professional equipment or reliable household solutions for car repair in the Rozetka catalog: https://rozetka.com.ua/kraskopulty/c154981/. When choosing, it’s important to consider everything: from the spray type to the nozzle diameter, because working with thick primer and liquid clear coat requires a completely different approach to air delivery.
Pneumatic vs Electric Spray Gun
It is traditionally believed that only pneumatic spray guns powered by a compressor are suitable for cars. This is true if your goal is a complete body repaint to a “mirror” finish. Pneumatic guns provide the finest atomization and a stable spray pattern, which is critical for the final clear coat.
However, the modern electric spray gun (or cordless spray gun) has evolved significantly. Electric models with an external compressor (turbine) are an excellent option for painting individual parts, the frame, wheels, or applying anti-corrosion compounds. They are mobile, do not require purchasing an expensive compressor with an air filtration system, and are perfect for DIY garage repairs.
HVLP and LVLP — What’s the Difference and What to Choose for the Garage
These acronyms denote the spraying technology, and the choice between them depends on your equipment’s performance:
- HVLP (High Volume Low Pressure) — high air volume at low pressure. This system provides a paint transfer efficiency of up to 70%, minimizing “overspray.” But it requires a powerful compressor with a large tank.
- LVLP (Low Volume Low Pressure) spray gun — operates on low volume and low pressure. This is the ideal choice for weak compressors. It consumes less air, provides a quality spray pattern, and forgives many beginner mistakes.
For a home craftsman with a standard 24–50 liter compressor, LVLP technology will be the most reasonable investment.
What Nozzle is Needed for Car Painting
The nozzle (fluid tip) diameter is selected based on the material’s viscosity. Using too small a nozzle for thick primer will cause “spitting,” and too large for base coat will cause runs.
The basic selection logic is as follows:
- 1.2–1.3 mm — for basecoat enamels and liquid clear coats;
- 1.4–1.5 mm — a universal size suitable for most acrylic paints;
- 1.6–1.8 mm — for applying acrylic primers;
- 2.0–2.5 mm — for thick liquid putties and anti-gravel coatings.
What to Look for When Buying
Before buying a spray gun for car painting, go through the list of critically important parameters:
- Needle and nozzle material — only stainless steel (especially for water-based paints).
- Paint cup location — top-mounted is more convenient for most tasks, bottom-mounted is for larger volumes.
- Adjustments — the presence of air pressure, spray pattern width, and needle stroke settings is mandatory.
- Package — the ability to change nozzles significantly expands the tool’s functionality.
Typical Beginner Mistakes
Even if you decide to buy a premium-class spray gun, the result may disappoint due to a violation of the technology. Most often, beginners mix the paint incorrectly (too thick causes bumps), hold the spray gun too close to the body, or ignore filtering the air from oil and water vapor from the compressor. Always do a test spray on cardboard to set up an even spray pattern before starting work.
If you plan to engage in painting professionally, your choice is pneumatic LVLP system spray guns with a set of interchangeable nozzles. For one-time touch-ups and garage work, a quality electric spray gun is quite sufficient. Remember that the condition of the body is just as important as the technical health of the car. Also read https://topgir.com.ua/ru/kogda-stoit-obratit-vnimanie-na-sostoyanie-vyhlopa-vashego-avtomobilya/ to ensure your vehicle is impeccable in every way.