Paint Spray Guns

About Paint Spray Guns

Paint spray guns have revolutionised the way both professionals and DIY enthusiasts approach painting projects, offering a faster, more efficient alternative to traditional brushes and rollers. Whether you're refinishing furniture, redecorating interior walls, painting fences and garden furniture, or tackling automotive work, a quality spray gun delivers a smooth, professional finish in a fraction of the time. Modern paint sprayers range from compact handheld units perfect for smaller jobs to powerful airless systems capable of handling large-scale commercial projects.

Today's paint spray guns come in various configurations to suit different applications and budgets. HVLP (High Volume Low Pressure) models like the Black and Decker HVLP200 are ideal for achieving fine finishes with minimal overspray, whilst airless systems such as the Draper Storm Force offer the power needed for heavy-bodied paints and larger surface areas. Cordless options like the Einhell TC-SY 18/60 Li provide ultimate flexibility for working in locations without mains power, and universal sprayers such as the Wagner Spraytech W590 offer versatility across multiple paint types and viscosities.

Whether you're a professional decorator working on site, a furniture restorer, or a homeowner looking to upgrade from brush and roller, investing in the right paint spray gun can dramatically improve both the quality of your finish and your productivity. With trusted brands including Wagner, Einhell, Draper, and Black and Decker available at TooledUp.com, you'll find equipment to suit every application and skill level.

Jargon Buster

• HVLP (High Volume Low Pressure): A spray technology that uses a high volume of air at low pressure to atomise paint, resulting in excellent transfer efficiency and minimal overspray. Ideal for achieving fine, professional finishes on furniture, cabinetry, and automotive work.
• Airless Spray: A system that pumps paint at extremely high pressure through a small nozzle tip, breaking it into fine particles without using compressed air. Perfect for covering large areas quickly with thicker paints and coatings.
• Nozzle Size: The diameter of the spray tip opening, typically measured in millimetres. Smaller nozzles (1.0-1.5mm) suit thin materials like stains and lacquers, whilst larger nozzles (2.0-3.0mm) handle thicker paints and primers.
• Viscosity: The thickness or flow resistance of paint. Most spray guns include a viscosity cup to help you determine whether paint needs thinning before spraying for optimal results.
• Spray Pattern: The shape of paint distribution, adjustable on most models between horizontal, vertical, and circular patterns to suit different surfaces and applications.
• Flow Rate: The volume of paint delivered per minute, typically measured in ml/min. Higher flow rates enable faster coverage of large areas but require more careful control to avoid runs and sags.

Who Uses Paint Spray Guns?

• Professional Decorators: For completing interior and exterior painting projects efficiently whilst maintaining high finish quality
• Furniture Restorers and Upholsterers: Applying smooth, even coats of paint, lacquer, or varnish to furniture pieces
• Kitchen and Bedroom Fitters: Spraying cabinets, doors, and fitted furniture for factory-finish results
• Automotive Refinishers: Touch-up work, custom painting, and full vehicle resprays
• Fencing Contractors: Treating and painting fences, decking, and outdoor structures quickly
• Maintenance Teams: Regular repainting of commercial and industrial premises
• Property Developers and Landlords: Refreshing rental properties and preparing homes for sale
• DIY Enthusiasts: Home improvement projects from feature walls to garden furniture restoration
• Model Makers and Hobbyists: Precision painting and finishing of scale models and craft projects

How to Choose the Right Paint Spray Guns

Selecting the appropriate paint spray gun depends on your specific applications, the types of materials you'll be spraying, and the scale of your projects. Consider these key factors when making your decision:

Type of Spray Technology: HVLP systems excel at producing fine finishes with minimal waste, making them ideal for furniture, cabinetry, and automotive work. Airless sprayers deliver high output for large surface areas like walls, ceilings, and exterior cladding. Universal sprayers offer versatility across different paint types and project scales, perfect for those tackling varied work.

Power Source: Mains-powered models like the Wagner W590 and Einhell TC-SY 400 P provide consistent power for extended use and are suitable for workshop environments. Cordless options such as the Einhell TC-SY 18/60 Li offer exceptional portability for working on site, in gardens, or in locations without convenient mains access, though battery life may limit continuous operation time.

Paint Compatibility: Ensure your chosen spray gun can handle the materials you'll be using most frequently. Thinner products like wood stains, varnishes, and lacquers require less power, whilst emulsions, masonry paint, and primers need more robust systems with appropriate nozzle sizes. Check the manufacturer's viscosity specifications and whether paint thinning is required.

Adjustability and Control: Look for models offering adjustable spray patterns, flow rate control, and interchangeable nozzles. These features provide flexibility across different projects and surfaces, from fine detail work to broad coverage. Variable pressure settings help achieve optimal results with different paint types.

Container Capacity: Smaller 600-800ml containers suit detailed work and reduce fatigue during overhead application, whilst larger 1000-1500ml tanks minimise refilling interruptions on bigger projects. Consider whether top-mounted or bottom-mounted containers better suit your typical working positions.

Budget and Build Quality: Entry-level models from Black and Decker and Einhell offer excellent value for occasional DIY use and light professional work. Mid-range options from Draper and Wagner provide enhanced durability and performance for regular professional use. Consider the long-term cost of ownership, including replacement parts and maintenance requirements.

Popular Accessories

• Additional Nozzles and Spray Tips: Different sizes for various paint viscosities and applications, enabling one spray gun to handle everything from fine lacquers to thick emulsions
• Spare Paint Containers: Allow quick switching between colours without cleaning, improving efficiency on multi-colour projects
• Viscosity Cups: Measure paint thickness to determine whether thinning is needed for optimal spray performance
• Cleaning Kits: Specialist brushes and cleaning solutions to maintain spray guns and prevent paint build-up that affects performance
• Air Filters and Regulators: For HVLP systems using compressors, these ensure clean, consistent air pressure for superior finish quality
• Masking Film and Tape: Protect surfaces from overspray whilst creating clean, sharp paint lines
• Paint Strainers: Remove lumps and impurities before spraying, preventing nozzle blockages and finish defects
• Extension Lances: Reach high walls and ceilings without ladders, improving both safety and comfort

Safety Information

Paint spraying creates fine airborne particles and vapours that require appropriate safety precautions. Always work in well-ventilated areas or outdoors when possible, and consider using extraction equipment for prolonged indoor use. Never spray in enclosed spaces without adequate ventilation.

Essential PPE includes: respiratory protection rated for paint mists and vapours (minimum FFP2 masks, though powered respirators offer superior protection for extensive work), safety goggles or a full face shield to prevent eye contact with paint particles, disposable coveralls or dedicated spray clothing, and chemical-resistant gloves suitable for the solvents in your chosen paint system.

Follow COSHH regulations when handling paints, thinners, and cleaning solvents, ensuring proper storage and disposal. Check product safety data sheets for specific hazards and precautions. Keep spray equipment clean and properly maintained to prevent dangerous malfunctions. Ensure electrical equipment meets UK safety standards and use RCD protection when working outdoors or in damp conditions. Never point spray guns at yourself or others, and always release pressure before removing containers or performing maintenance. Keep flammable materials away from spray areas and avoid creating ignition sources when using solvent-based products.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to thin paint before using a spray gun?

This depends on both the paint type and your spray gun specifications. Many modern spray guns can handle unthinned emulsions and latex paints, whilst others require thinning for optimal atomisation. Always consult your spray gun's manual for viscosity recommendations and use the supplied viscosity cup to test. Thinner materials like stains, varnishes, and lacquers typically spray without thinning, whilst thicker primers and masonry paints often need diluting according to manufacturer guidelines.

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

HVLP (High Volume Low Pressure) systems use compressed air to atomise paint at low pressure, producing minimal overspray and excellent finish quality, making them ideal for furniture, cabinetry, and automotive work. Airless sprayers pump paint at extremely high pressure without using air, offering faster coverage of large areas and the ability to handle thicker materials, perfect for walls, ceilings, and exterior surfaces. HVLP suits precision work whilst airless excels at productivity on bigger projects.

How do I clean my paint spray gun properly?

Thorough cleaning immediately after use is essential for spray gun longevity. For water-based paints, flush with warm water until it runs clear, then disassemble the nozzle and needle for detailed cleaning. For solvent-based products, use appropriate thinners or cleaning solutions. Pay particular attention to the nozzle, needle, and fluid passages where dried paint causes blockages. Most manufacturers provide specific cleaning instructions and recommend particular solvents for their equipment.

Can I use a paint spray gun indoors?

Yes, but with important precautions. Ensure excellent ventilation by opening windows and doors, and consider using extraction fans. Protect surrounding areas thoroughly with dust sheets and masking film, as spray mist travels further than you might expect. Wear appropriate respiratory protection rated for paint mists. HVLP systems produce less overspray than airless models, making them more suitable for interior work. Some water-based paints create less hazardous vapours than solvent-based alternatives.

Are cordless paint spray guns as powerful as mains-powered models?

Modern cordless spray guns like the Einhell TC-SY 18/60 Li offer impressive performance for most common applications, particularly with thinner materials and smaller to medium-sized projects. However, mains-powered models generally provide more consistent pressure and unlimited runtime for extensive or heavy-duty work. Cordless options excel where portability matters—outdoor furniture, fencing, site work without power access—whilst corded models suit workshop environments and large-scale projects requiring continuous operation.