Best Automotive Paint Gun – Overview of Spray Gun for Painting Cars

This post may contain affiliate links. We may earn a small commission from purchases made through them, at no additional cost to you.

When it comes to automotive painting, it is something that requires a firm hand and precision. The best way to accomplish a professional job is to have access to the proper equipment. In many cases, the final results will indicate whether you have used the best auto paint gun or not. Those that deal with car painting every day should invest in a quality automobile paint sprayer. The following are some ideas on the best paint gun for cars.

Types of Automotive Paint Sprayers

There are many different automotive paint sprayers available. Some are more standard where the cup is on the bottom or there is also the airless system. On the other hand, there are other automotive paint sprayers, which are easier to clean and provide more control using a gravity feed method.

Automotive HVLP Spray Gun

We think the HVLP spray gun is the best spray gun for painting cars. This spray gun well-liked and, in many cases, preferred to the more standard systems. Sometimes, there are countries that do not approve the use of standard spray methods. This is where the HVLP spray system comes in handy. The one main disadvantage of the system is that it does not perform as well as a gravity feed gun when it comes to a total car paint job. However, it is the best paint gun for cars for smaller areas and provides an excellent finish. The paints required for an automobile paint sprayer are often quite costly. You do not want to waste money, so using a High Transfer Efficiency (TE) spray gun is your best option. Again, this is where the HVLP system is the best auto paint gun that provides what you need.

A few more reasons why we recommend the HVLP spray gun:

• Offers minimum bounce-back and overspray
• The spray gun equipment is easily regulated or can be replaced
• Any waste is minimal
• The quality of the paint finish is not affected in any way

Standard Siphon Feed Spray Gun

These systems utilize the traditional way of a cup at the bottom of the spray gun, which then mixes the paint and air (comes from an airbrush compressor) by the nozzle. This system has been the only choice for many years. Gravity guns only arrived in the middle of the 1980s.

Gravity Feed Paint Guns

Here your cup is located on the top of the spray gun, which is the obvious indicator that it is a gravity feed system. The cup on top of the sprayer holds the paint, which is then released into the spray gun chamber below. Here the pressurized air blends with the paint and is released and atomized. This type of sprayer system does not require as much air pressure. They are also much easier to handle, the sprayers are an excellent choice for those who are into vehicle restoration.

Best Spray Gun for Painting Cars

Auto Paint Gun Kit Review #1: Fuji 2202 Semi-PRO 2

The Fuji is a forerunner in the turbine spray method and the 2202 Semi-PRO 2 is particularly sought-after. The complete spray system means you do not need a compressor and it works great on cars, wood, motorcycles as well as trucks. This system is a perfect all-round sprayer and is not only meant for car painting. When it comes to spraying cars and other vehicles, it is considered to be quite well-priced.

FUJI Semi-PRO 2, Gravity HVLP Spray System, Blue

• Professional non-bleed spray gun with adjustable pattern fan control
• 1.3mm air cap set installed, 400cc gravity cup, lightweight and portable
• Metal turbine case with handy gun holder, quick connect coupling and air control valve

View on Amazon

The Fuji is the perfect professional choice and comes with adjustable controls and a two-stage spray system. Apply at your own pace. The only thing you want to change is the mode, you will have to change modes depending on if you are painting a car or spraying an outside wall. The spray system comes with a 1400-watt motor, this is housed in a metal turbine cover. You also have a convenient holder for your spray gun, so you have everything you need on the spot. The power produced should be able to apply any kind of coating, so it is quite versatile in its applications. We highly recommend this system as one of the best spray guns for painting cars, it provides power and can be applied to many different kinds of surfaces. To get at most surfaces easily, it has a 25ft hose. Walk around with ease without worrying about not being able to reach an area. There is also an air control valve, so any overspray will be kept low. You will have more control, as the bounce-back has been lessened.

More features of the Fuji 2202 Semi-PRO 2:

• 3mm air cap
• 1qt bottom feed cup
• Adjustable fan control knob, which matches the width of spray to the job at hand
• Non-bleed technology
• Perfect for professional auto painters

Auto Paint Gun System Review #2: Fuji 2903-T70 Mini-Mite 3 PLATINUM

This professional system has everything you need and is conveniently portable. Perfect for spraying your truck or car without being encumbered, as it is light in weight and can easily be carried around. The system has a Platinum turbine, which provides 6psi and can be used with different paints. Sometimes, you might need a water-based coat, or you will need to thin paint. In either case, the sprayer can handle the job.

FUJI 2903-T70 Mini-Mite 3 PLATINUM

• Professional Spray Gun features convenient side Pattern Control Knob to adjust size of fan pattern from small to large
• PLATINUM Turbine featuring The Heat Dissipation Box
• Portable and easy to transport

View on Amazon

The casing is designed to channel excess heat towards a special heat-dissipation box, so you will not have to be concerned with overheating. The 25ft flexible hose provides plenty of length and manageability when working. So, if you are spraying in your driveway, the hose will allow you to move around objects without catching. This system is specifically a good fit for the do-it-yourself sprayer, as it offers a professional finish and is affordable. The non-bleed spray gun will give you an even spray on all surfaces from your car to your furniture.

You will be able to change your setting easily, which is great for moving from a bigger area to areas that require more accuracy. Another convenient feature is the handle which is designed to prevent your hands and wrists from getting too tired while working. When you buy this spray system, you also get an instruction booklet, detailing everything you need to know. The sprayer is easy to use, so is a great choice for both the more seasoned paint sprayer and the beginner. It is also a better value for money when compared to the Semi-Pro 2, offering improved performance.

More features of the Fuji 2903-T70 Mini-Mite 3 PLATINUM:

• T-70 non-bleed sprayer
• Standard fan-pattern control knob, helping you manage the coverage
• 33 air cap
• 1qt bottom-feed cup
• Stay-Cool Handle
• Cleaning brush for easy maintenance

What to Look out for when Buying your Paint Sprayer

There are a few things you need to think through before buying a paint sprayer. This is true if you want to simply do a home project and especially if you are looking for an automobile paint sprayer. You can begin by searching for automotive paint gun reviews. Other expert opinions are always welcome. But you might need to go a bit further than an auto paint gun review, for one, you will need to know what type of paint you need. For example, when using thicker paints or primer, your spray gun will need a bigger nozzle and the system itself might require a bigger gun with more power.

When using thinner paints, you need less pressure to provide the best spray and smaller nozzles. There are automotive paint sprayers that can adjust to what you need, so you can use it on whatever project you are busy with. How much you want to spend is another factor to take into account. If you are not going to use the spray gun often and you just want a few things done, you do not want to buy the most expensive equipment out there. However, if you are an avid painter, maybe a professional, you will need spray equipment that is good quality, and which will cost more.

Continue reading to find out the top things you need to look out for when it comes to buying a paint sprayer.

The Type of Paint Gun

When looking for the best paint gun for cars, you must realize this type of job has specific requirements. In principle, you can take any type of paint gun, but to get the best finish you will need a specialized system. For example, to reduce overspray, the HVLP spray guns and Gravity feed guns are the best choices, as they utilize reduced air pressure.

What is the Hose Length?

When it comes to an automobile paint sprayer, you need to be able to access your car or truck easily. You do not want to have to carry heavy equipment around with you, so a suitable length hose will help you out with this. And if the one you have is not long enough, you can buy a longer hose. The best way to make sure you have the right length is to check to see if the model sprayer you are buying already has the length of hose you need.

Paint Containers

To spray a car or truck, you need a lot of paint, so you need a paint container that can hold enough paint for the job. The paint cup needs to be big enough for the paint, but not too big that it is overly heavy. The right size will help you use the sprayer more efficiently. When it comes to finding the correct fit, for most it is something you will need to discover for yourself.

Are there Adjustable Elements

When it comes to spray painting cars, you need a spray gun that can adjust to what you need. Automotive paint sprayers will need to provide different air pressure, nozzle positions or sizes, speeds and more. Look for a spray gun system that has all the adjustments you need, otherwise, you will be paying more for added equipment to complete your project. You will save in the long run if you buy a system that meets all your requirements.

Size of the Nozzle

Most spray guns come with tips and nozzles that can be removed. When it comes to the size of a spray gun nozzle, it determines the amount and type of paint it can spray. Also, the size will determine the paint fan width and distance you can spray. Broader paint fans are great for applying to the body, while narrower fans are more for detailed work. The best thing to do is to get a spray gun that can manage a variety of sizes.

Quality Finish

The paints required for automotive paint sprayers are specialized. The final finish depends on how evenly the paint is applied and how much paint you use. Even and thicker applications of paint are what you want, so you need something that has a high gallon per minute (GPM) value. This allows you to apply more paint each time you pull the trigger.

Cost and Warranty

Do you only want to paint a single vehicle? There is then no need to go for the best auto paint gun. On the other hand, if you are a professional and you paint cars often, you will want to choose a system that is of high quality and more expensive.

Extras: Compressor

You need an air compressor that is compatible with your spray gun, it must provide the air pressure you require. The two most important things to look at include:

• Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM)
• Pounds per square inch (PSI)

A spray gun is graded according to the quantity of CFM needed at a particular PSI. Look for a compressor that can produce one and a half times the CFM the sprayer needs at a certain pressure. This will help to prevent the risk of having to wait for the compressor to reestablish pressure, which could lead to the paint drying while you are busy.

A few of the HVLP spray guns come in a paint sprayer system that has a motor which produces the air pressure. The complete system is great if you do not have your own air compressor, otherwise, you will have to purchase it separately.

Simple Guidelines for Spraying your Car

Do you want to spray paint your car at home? Have a look at these tips, which could help you through the process.

Consider the Temperature

The best temperature to paint in is below 75°F and above 45°F. When the temperature is too low the paint can get thick, which might become problematic when spraying. Higher temperatures will dry the paint faster, which could leave streaks as you spray.

Look out for Wind

When there is too much wind blowing, it could cause a few problems. The paint particles being sprayed into the air should go directly onto your surface, but the wind can carry it and it could land on other surfaces. Also, you will be using more paint in the wind.

The wind may also carry dirt and sand, which could ruin your paint job. So, decide on a day with no wind. If you are worried about the paint that is drying, you can set up a few plastic sheet barriers to protect your paint job.

Taping Surfaces

Any areas of the car you do not want to paint, you will need to cover, or tape closed. Areas such as handles, locks, and windows. In some older models, you will also have an antenna.

Quality Control

Test your spray gun and paint before applying to your surface. You want to make sure the flow rate and paint pattern is correct. Simply spray onto some cardboard to test things out. Also, test to see how far you can hold the spray gun when doing this.

How to Spray a Car Yourself

Once you have set up your spray gun equipment, the first thing you need to do is to test it out. Take an old piece of cardboard, spray onto it and change settings if you need to. Before you spray, make sure you have your protective gear on, eye goggles, overalls, a respirator, and something to cover your ears. Painting, when done inside, produces a paint mist which can hang around because of the enclosed space.

Begin painting by making even and steady back and forth strokes. Make sure to apply the paint in the same direction, and paint lines that are even. This painting method helps to prevent the paint from running and from adding too much paint. In the case of your paint running, you will then need to wait for it to dry before sanding and starting over. Follow these steps:

• Clean your car and use a hose to clear the area of any dust and dirt
• Strip old paint off your car using a sander. Apply circular movements to produce a smooth surface
• Apply primer, begin on the roof, and move down
• To get the correct primer coating, you may have to apply it two or even three times. It should only take about 10 minutes a coat in ideal conditions and it should dry in about 20 minutes
• Once dry, using 2000-grit sandpaper level the surface and then you can start painting
• Remember to clean the dust from the sandpaper with a dry cloth
• Before you begin spraying, make sure your spray gun is thoroughly clean
• Apply several coats of paint, you might also get away with only three or four coats. Wait for each coat to dry before applying the next one
• When spraying, hold the gun about 8-inches away from the surface
• Apply several thin layers of lacquer, the more layers, the more shine, and depth you will get

Keeping your Spray Gun Clean

Your automobile paint sprayer needs to be kept clean, this is important if you want it to function properly and last longer. The gun styles which have the gravity feed or the cups on top are much easier to clean. The spray gun does not need to be taken apart to get rid of the excess paint. Simply empty the paint cup, put in some cleaning solution and spray. Whatever spray gun type you have, always check up on your hoses, seals, tips, tubes, nozzles, and all the equipment. By checking you be able to notice if you need to replace something.

Sometimes, you need to follow certain instructions when it comes to storage. Some use a winterizing solution and others need to be taken apart before storage, so check in your manufacturer’s guide for instructions.

Questions and Answers

Which one is best the LVLP or HVLP?

When it comes to your hobbyists or do-it-yourself person, the HVLP system is best. Professional paint sprayers should go for the LVLP system. The HVLP guns offer slower but easier to use than the LVLP guns. While the LVLP guns will give an excellent smooth finish and are great for high volume painting jobs.

Can you use an HVLP spray gun for automobiles?

Yes, they do an excellent job of painting cars. They also avoid excess paint spray and are extremely efficient.

Best value for money paint gun for cars?

Some auto paint guns reviews and many experts approve of the Devilbiss Finish Line HVLP paint gun. This spray gun offers excellent results and a professional finish.

Some great features include:

• Durability
• Comes with a variety of tips, get the spray pattern you want
• Effortless to use

What is the least expensive spray gun?

According to many auto paint guns reviews, the best budget-friendly spray gun goes to the Krause & Becker 5 GPH Electric Spray Gun. Not only is it cost-effective, but it is also simple to use and offers a quality finish.

Charlene Lewis( Content Writer for Painting and Crafting )

In 2005, Charlene completed her wellness degrees in therapeutic aromatherapy and reflexology at the International School of Reflexology and Meridian Therapy. She worked for a company offering corporate wellness programs for several years before opening her own therapy practice. In 2015, she was asked by a digital marketer friend to join her company as a content creator, and it was here that she discovered her enthusiasm for writing. Since entering the world of content creation, she has gained a lot of experience over the years writing about various topics such as beauty, health, wellness, travel, crafting, and much more. Due to various circumstances, she had to give up her therapy practice and now works as a freelance writer. Since she is a very creative person and as a balance to writing likes to be active in various areas of art and crafts, the activity at acrylgiessen.com is perfect for her to contribute their knowledge and experience in various creative topics.

Learn more about Charlene Lewis and about us.