If you want to start painting with a spray gun, it is good to realize that it is a craft requiring good preparation, precise setup, and proper painting techniques. Without these basic steps, it would be difficult to achieve perfect results and beautifully smooth surfaces. That is why we have a comprehensive guide for you on how to dive into it correctly and how to choose the best equipment.
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Choosing the Right Spray Gun and Nozzle
For high-quality painting, HVLP or LVLP spray guns are currently the most commonly used. You can find both types of guns in our e-shop, and they all work on the same proven principle, supplying paint from a cup. The paint enters the gun mostly by gravity from above, flows directly to the nozzle, and is then finely atomized onto the painted object, which ensures professional leveling and significant material savings.
Besides them, there are also APS guns (a compromise between HVLP and conventional systems for medium-demanding applications) and classic conventional guns (better suited for rough coatings of facades or fences, where more overspray does not matter).
It sounds easy, but realize that for perfect painting, other key attributes play a role, such as paint viscosity, air pressure from the compressor, and spraying distance. So how do you keep everything under control?
Choosing the Right Nozzle Diameter for Your Project
| Nozzle Diameter | Suitable for |
|---|---|
| 1.2 – 1.3 mm | Base paints (primer, epoxy) |
| 1.3 – 1.4 mm | Topcoats, bases, clear coat |
| 1.4 – 1.6 mm | Fillers, putties |
| 1.6 – 2.0 mm | Acrylic paints, anti-corrosion coatings |
What Compressor Do You Need for a Spray Gun?
The compressor is just as important as the gun itself. If it lacks sufficient power, the gun will not deliver consistent results. An important rule is: the compressor should have a higher output flow than the gun's consumption (ideally with a 30–50% reserve). This prevents pressure fluctuations and ensures smooth work without unwanted interruptions.
- 🔹 HVLP guns: Require a minimum flow of 250–400 l/min and a 50–100 l air tank.
- 🔹 LVLP guns: Need a flow of 150–250 l/min and a minimum 24 l air tank (ideally 50 l).
Air Treatment – Condition Number 1 for a Flawless Surface
The air from the compressor contains moisture and traces of oil. If they get into the gun, they cause paint defects (bubbles, fish eyes). By installing the right air treatment units, you protect your paint from degradation and save hours of repair work:
- ✔️ Air filter: Removes solid particles and condensate.
- ✔️ Pressure regulator: Maintains stable working pressure right under the gun.
- ✔️ Water separator: Catches moisture before it can contaminate the sprayed paint.
Surface Preparation: The Foundation of Success
Everything starts with the preparation itself. Regardless of what exactly you are painting, it is absolutely essential that the surface is clean, smooth, and completely dust-free. Only then will the coating adhere perfectly and reward you with a long lifespan without peeling.
- ✅ Lightly roughen the surface and ensure it is not greasy under any circumstances.
- ✅ Use a quality degreaser. Secret industry tip: get an anti-static cloth to catch fine dust and neutralize static charge.
- ✅ Carefully protect surrounding parts you do not want to paint (masking tape, cover foil, or old newspapers in holes will help).
Proper Surface Sanding
Always sand wet or use an abrasive paste to prevent the paper from clogging. With the right grit, you will achieve a mirror-smooth base without visible scratches:
- 🔹 P80–P120: Removing coarse rust.
- 🔹 P180–P240: Leveling putties.
- 🔹 P320–P400: Fine base for a filler.
- 🔹 P800–P1000 (wet): Final preparation before the topcoat.
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Careful Inspection and Maintenance of the Spray Gun
Before starting work, check that the gun is in good technical condition, properly adjusted, and perfectly clean. Proper care extends its lifespan and ensures a perfectly clean spray every time without the gun "spitting" paint.
Old paint loves to clog the nozzle. If you do not know how well the gun was cleaned last time, disassemble it. Unscrew the nozzle and wash it with a suitable solvent (use thinner for synthetic and 2K paints, alcohol or soapy water is enough for acrylic water-based paints).
Do not forget maintenance: Regularly lubricate seals and O-rings with silicone grease or pneumatic tool oil. This prevents the rubber from cracking and air leaks.
How to Properly Prepare Paint and Its Viscosity
Shake the paint can thoroughly before use and use original thinners. Precise thinning guarantees a uniform surface without the orange peel effect or runs.
Observe how the paint flows off the mixing tool. If it is too thin, it will not cover the surface evenly and will run. If it is too thick, it will create lumps. The ideal paint viscosity is such that it flows smoothly, does not disappear from the surface immediately, and levels out beautifully on the painted part.
Compressor Setup and Gun Distance from the Surface
The combination of correct pressure and distance minimizes material waste and reduces harmful overspray mist.
- ✅ Air pressure setup: Low pressure will not atomize the paint (droplets form), high pressure creates huge overspray. Low-pressure guns (HVLP) operate at a pressure of 2 – 3.5 bar. A compressor pushing more bars must be precisely regulated using a regulator under the gun.
- ✅ Spraying distance: The further away you are, the more paint flies into the air and the surface becomes rough. The correct distance is 15-25 cm from the part. Keep this distance absolutely constant!
- ✅ Fan shape and width: For flat painting (e.g., car body), set the fan to a flat shape (15–25 cm width). Keep the round pattern only for edges and details.
Mastering the Painting Technique is Crucial
Proper spraying motor skills will save you the hassle of sanding drips. Always move in even strokes from one end to the other, overlapping the previous stroke by about 50%.
Apply 2–3 thin coats with a 10–15 minute flash-off time between them. For large areas, try cross-spraying (first layer horizontally, second vertically). Move at a smooth speed of 30–45 cm/s.
The angle of the gun must be strictly 90° to the painted surface. Avoid twisting and flicking your wrist at the edges – this changes the distance and angle of impact. Professionals rotate their whole body during strokes instead of just "waving" their hand. Be meticulous and your work will soon be masterful!
Common Painting Mistakes and How to Solve Them Quickly
- ❌ Orange peel effect: The paint is too thick, or the pressure is too low. Solution: Check the viscosity (thin the paint), increase the pressure to 2.0–2.5 bar, and move the gun slightly closer.
- ❌ Paint running (tears): Coat is too thick or hand movement is too slow. Solution: Apply 2–3 thinner coats instead, speed up your hand movement, and reduce the fluid flow on the gun.
- ❌ Dry spray: Gun is too far, the workshop is warm and drafty (paint dries mid-air). Solution: Get closer to 15–20 cm and optionally use a slower thinner.
- ❌ Fish eyes and bubbles: Water or oil contamination from the piping. Solution: Add quality filters and water separators to the compressor, drain condensate regularly, and degrease the surface perfectly.
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You Must Not Underestimate Safety When Painting
Paints and thinners contain volatile organic compounds that are highly flammable and harmful to health. Protective equipment protects your health from irreversible respiratory and eye damage:
- ✔️ Respiratory protection: Always use a respirator with an A2 carbon filter (against organic vapors). A standard surgical mask will not save you!
- ✔️ Eye and skin protection: Wear sealed safety goggles, nitrile gloves (solvent resistant), and long-sleeved clothing or a coverall.
- ✔️ Ventilation: Continuously ventilate the workshop. An absolute ban on open flames and sparking applies in the premises.
Conclusion and Complete Equipment in One Place
With honest preparation, you can quickly master spray gun painting and achieve fabulous results. In our e-shop, you will find a complete range – from top HVLP and LVLP spray guns, stable compressors, to filters, degreasers, and cleaning kits. You can get everything you need smartly and safely from one place.
