Air Spray Guns

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About Air Spray Guns

Air spray guns are essential tools for achieving professional-quality finishes across a wide range of applications, from automotive refinishing and furniture restoration to industrial coating and home decoration. These pneumatic tools harness compressed air to atomise paint, varnish, lacquer, or other liquid coatings into a fine mist, delivering smooth, even coverage that's difficult to match with brushes or rollers. Whether you're a professional vehicle sprayer, a furniture manufacturer, or a DIY enthusiast tackling home improvements, the right air spray gun can dramatically improve both the quality and efficiency of your work.

Our comprehensive range includes gravity feed spray guns, suction feed models, and specialised HVLP (High Volume Low Pressure) systems from trusted brands including Sealey and Draper. Modern air spray guns feature precisely engineered nozzles, adjustable spray patterns, and ergonomic designs that reduce operator fatigue during extended use. From compact gravity-fed units perfect for detailed work to heavy-duty underbody coating guns designed for automotive protection, we stock spray guns suited to every application and skill level.

The choice between different air spray gun types depends on your specific requirements, including the materials you'll be spraying, the size of your projects, and your available air compressor capacity. Understanding the key features and specifications will help you select the most appropriate tool for achieving professional results consistently.

Jargon Buster

HVLP (High Volume Low Pressure)

A spray gun technology that uses higher air volume at lower pressure (typically under 10 PSI at the air cap) to deliver superior transfer efficiency with reduced overspray and material waste. HVLP guns are increasingly popular due to environmental regulations and cost savings.

Gravity Feed

A design where the paint cup sits on top of the spray gun, allowing gravity to assist material flow into the gun. This configuration works efficiently at lower air pressures and is ideal for smaller projects and detailed work.

Suction Feed

A system where the paint container sits below the gun body, with air pressure creating a vacuum that draws material upward. Suction feed guns typically handle larger paint volumes and are suited to bigger projects.

Nozzle Size (mm)

The diameter of the fluid tip opening, measured in millimetres. Smaller nozzles (1.0-1.4mm) suit thin materials like base coats and lacquers, whilst larger nozzles (1.8-2.5mm) handle thicker materials like primers and underbody coatings.

CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute)

The volume of air consumed by the spray gun during operation. Understanding your gun's CFM requirement ensures your air compressor can deliver adequate air supply for consistent performance.

Spray Pattern

The shape of the material distribution, typically adjustable between horizontal fan, vertical fan, and round patterns to suit different surfaces and applications.

Who Uses Air Spray Guns?

Air spray guns are indispensable tools across numerous trades and industries:

• Automotive Refinishers - Body shops and vehicle restoration specialists for painting cars, vans, and motorcycles
• Furniture Makers and Restorers - Applying lacquers, stains, and protective finishes to wooden furniture and cabinetry
• Decorators and Painters - Professional tradesmen covering large surface areas efficiently with emulsion, gloss, and specialist coatings
• Manufacturing and Industrial Facilities - Production line finishing operations requiring consistent, high-quality coating application
• Agricultural and Plant Engineers - Applying protective coatings and rust prevention treatments to machinery and equipment
• Marine Engineers - Coating boats, yachts, and marine structures with specialised paints and anti-fouling treatments
• Maintenance Teams - Site workers and facilities managers applying protective coatings and corrosion prevention treatments
• DIY Enthusiasts - Home improvers seeking professional-quality finishes on furniture, garden items, and home decoration projects

How to Choose the Right Air Spray Guns

Selecting the appropriate air spray gun involves considering several important factors:

Application Type: Identify your primary use. Fine finish work like automotive painting requires HVLP guns with smaller nozzles (1.3-1.4mm), whilst heavy-bodied materials like primers or underbody coatings need larger nozzles (1.8mm+) and higher pressure conventional guns.

Feed System: Gravity feed guns offer excellent control and work efficiently with smaller paint quantities, making them ideal for detailed work and frequent colour changes. Suction feed models handle larger volumes and are better suited to extended spraying sessions on bigger projects.

Air Compressor Compatibility: Check your compressor's CFM output matches the gun's requirements. HVLP guns typically require 10-14 CFM, whilst conventional spray guns may need less. An underpowered compressor will cause pressure drops and inconsistent finish quality.

Material Compatibility: Ensure the spray gun can handle your chosen coatings. Water-based paints, solvent-based lacquers, and thick underbody sealants all have different viscosity requirements affecting nozzle size and setup.

Transfer Efficiency: HVLP systems offer 65-80% transfer efficiency compared to 25-35% for conventional guns, reducing material waste and meeting environmental regulations. Consider long-term material savings when evaluating initial equipment costs.

Adjustability: Look for guns with easily accessible controls for fluid flow, air pressure, and spray pattern. These adjustments allow fine-tuning for different materials and applications without changing equipment.

Build Quality and Materials: Professional-grade guns feature stainless steel needles and nozzles for durability and chemical resistance. Composite body designs reduce weight for extended use without compromising strength.

Popular Accessories

• Air Line Filters and Regulators - Essential for removing moisture and contaminants whilst maintaining consistent pressure
• Quick-Release Couplings - Enable fast gun changes and improved workshop efficiency
• Viscosity Cups - Measure paint thickness to ensure optimal consistency for spraying
• Cleaning Kits and Brushes - Maintain spray gun performance and extend equipment lifespan
• Spare Nozzles and Needles - Allow quick changes between different material types and applications
• Paint Strainers and Filters - Prevent blockages and ensure smooth material flow
• Respirators and Face Protection - Crucial PPE for safe operation in accordance with COSHH regulations
• Spray Gun Stands and Holders - Keep guns secure and prevent damage between uses
• Air Hoses - Quality reinforced hoses maintain pressure and flexibility on site

Safety Information

Operating air spray guns safely requires proper precautions and awareness of potential hazards:

Respiratory Protection: Always wear appropriate respiratory protection when spraying. Many coatings contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and harmful particulates. Follow COSHH guidelines and use HSE-approved respirators suited to the materials being sprayed. Ensure adequate ventilation in your workspace.

Eye and Skin Protection: Wear safety goggles or a full-face respirator to protect eyes from overspray. Use protective gloves resistant to the chemicals you're handling, and wear coveralls to prevent skin contact with paints and solvents.

Fire and Explosion Risks: Many spray materials are flammable. Ensure your workspace has adequate ventilation, eliminate ignition sources, and store materials according to manufacturer guidelines. Never spray near open flames or sparks.

Pressure Hazards: Air spray guns operate under pressure and can inject material into skin if mishandled. Never point a spray gun at yourself or others, and always disconnect the air supply before performing maintenance or changing nozzles.

Equipment Maintenance: Regular cleaning prevents material build-up that can affect performance and safety. Follow manufacturer instructions for disassembly and use appropriate cleaning solvents in well-ventilated areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size air compressor do I need for a spray gun?

This depends on your spray gun type. HVLP guns typically require 10-14 CFM at 40 PSI, so a compressor rated at 15+ CFM with adequate tank capacity (50+ litres) ensures consistent performance. Conventional spray guns may work with smaller compressors around 6-8 CFM. Always check your specific gun's requirements and choose a compressor with 25-30% more capacity than the minimum specification to account for pressure drops and continuous operation.

What's the difference between HVLP and conventional spray guns?

HVLP (High Volume Low Pressure) guns use more air volume at lower pressure, delivering 65-80% transfer efficiency with minimal overspray. Conventional guns operate at higher pressure (30-50 PSI) with less air volume, resulting in more overspray but faster application over large areas. HVLP guns are more economical for material usage and meet environmental regulations, whilst conventional guns may suit certain industrial applications where speed is prioritised.

How do I choose the correct nozzle size?

Nozzle size depends on material viscosity. Thin materials like base coats and clear lacquers work best with 1.0-1.4mm nozzles. General purpose paints and primers suit 1.4-1.8mm nozzles. Heavy-bodied materials like high-build primers, underbody coatings, and thick textured finishes require 1.8-2.5mm or larger nozzles. Most spray gun manufacturers provide nozzle size recommendations for different coating types.

Can I spray water-based paints with any air spray gun?

Most modern air spray guns handle water-based paints, but check material compatibility. Water-based coatings require stainless steel or chrome-plated internal components to prevent corrosion. You may need a slightly larger nozzle size compared to solvent-based equivalents due to different viscosity characteristics. Always clean the gun thoroughly with water immediately after use to prevent paint drying in passages.

How often should I clean my spray gun?

Clean your spray gun thoroughly after every use, regardless of duration. Paint left in passages and on the needle can dry and cause blockages, affecting spray pattern and material flow. For extended projects with the same colour, you can rinse between sessions, but perform a complete disassembly and cleaning at project completion. Regular maintenance extends gun life and ensures consistent finish quality.