Air Spray Guns

Air Spray Gun FAQ

What to look for when buying an air spray gun?

When you’re looking to gear up with a paint spray gun, there’s a few things to ponder first. Have a think about the size of the job, what sort of paint you’ll be using, and how much you can spend. They each have their own strong points, so it’s just a matter of knowing what you want. Gravity fed spray guns are great for smaller projects and finer detail work, while a suction feed spray gun is better suited for larger areas, and a HVLP gun (that’s High Volume Low Pressure) is ideal for achieving a high professional finish with minimal overspray. Tool Kit Depot has you covered with a wide range of choices to suit every budget, and from brands with a reputation for quality such as Wagner and Star spray guns.

What is the difference between airless and air spray guns?

The difference between airless and air spray guns lies in the way the paint is atomised—air spray guns use compressed air to turn paint into a fine mist, and airless ones use a hydraulic pump to force paint through a small aperture under pressure to achieve the same. An air paint sprayer delivers a bit less volume of paint than its airless counterparts, but while this means jobs may take a smidge longer it also delivers a smoother and less grainy paint result, making it the bees knees for decorative finishes.

Can you paint upside down with a gravity feed spray gun?

When you need to paint topsy-turvy then a HVLP gravity feed spray gun with the paint cup on top is probably not going to cut the mustard. Gravity is hard to beat, but there are a couple of workarounds—either get a gravity fed spray gun that’s designed so the paint cup can be pivoted to the position you need it, or use a bag system with the cup, or a remote pressure pot attachment.

Do I have to thin paint for air sprayer?

Whether you have to thin paint to use in an air paint spray gun depends on the type of gun and nozzle you’re packing and the viscosity of the paint you’re loading it with. If the viscosity is too stodgy and thick the sprayer can struggle to atomise effectively, clogging the gun or leaving your surface splattered with large uneven droplets. Too thin, and not only will you not get enough coverage but you’re likely to end up with a drippy mess.

Different types of nozzles and guns will have specific viscosity requirements (e.g. an airless sprayer can usually handle unthinned varnish and paints, but a pneumatic spray gun generally can’t), so it’s always best to double check the manufacturer's recommendations to get that goldilocks ‘just right’ feel. Or even better, come and have a chat with our experts at Tool Kit Depot, we’re always happy to help!