Spray gun for use in any premises. How to choose a spray gun for domestic and professional work. Electric spray gun which company to choose

If you are already puzzled by the choice of an airbrush, you need to give you credit. After all, despite its increasing popularity, many painting professionals still use a roller, which entails an increase in duration and a decrease in quality compared to the work done by a spray gun. However, not every professional is able to navigate the diversity provided. Without studying in detail the characteristics and capabilities of the tool, you can throw money away and not get the desired result. Before comparing spray guns, let's figure out how the device works and what are its main functions.

What is a spray gun

The spray gun is, speaking in simple terms, paint sprayer. All spray guns consist of a gun, a container for the solution and a device with which the paint is pumped from the container and pushed out of the nozzle of the gun. Thus, the sprayed paint falls in small droplets in a uniform layer on the surface. Spray guns are not only convenient to use, but also correct operation are able to provide a smooth, uniformly painted surface of large volumes in a short time. BUT high price pays for itself in tool life.

There are two main groups of spray guns according to the method of injection and ejection of paintwork materials:

• Air or pneumatic;
• Airless - electric and battery.

The design and operation of both types is significantly different.

Body painting with pneumatic sprayer

Painting with an electrospray

Pneumatic

Such an airbrush works due to compressed air pumped by a compressor. The gun is connected to a compressor with a hose, which, in turn, is connected to electricity. Pressurized air converts the paint into tiny particles and pushes it out of the gun nozzle. Such tools cope with both large surfaces and small parts. The quality of painting is much higher than the quality of other methods, so they are widely used in painting cars.

The design of the air-operated spray gun

The main disadvantages of these spray guns are fogging and a significant loss of paintwork materials at the exit (up to 55%).

Considering that you buy a gun and a compressor at once, the cost of the tool is undoubtedly higher. You also need to keep in mind that the compressor must necessarily fit the characteristics of the gun, otherwise there is a risk of damaging the equipment. This fact further complicates the choice of the buyer. But in return, the buyer receives a powerful professional device.

All commercially available pneumatic pistols are divided into main types:

• HP - technology high pressure;
• LVLP - technology low pressure, small volume;
• HVLP - low pressure, high volume technology.

They differ in the pressure in the air chamber of the gun and the air consumed from the compressor.

HP is a simplified technology. It is used in inexpensive pistols. The bottom line is that high level pressure allows relatively little air to be expended. This provides a quick painting, but not the most best quality. The disadvantages of the technology are strong particle turbulence and fogging. Accordingly, we have uneconomical consumption of paint. The percentage of its transfer to the surface is 45–50%.

A distinctive feature of LVLP technology is the highest quality atomization, low air consumption, and a significant reduction in fogging. The percentage of paint transfer from some manufacturers reaches 90%. However, the speed of operation is low due to low pressure. Such sprayers belong to the highest price category.

HVLP - upgraded HP spray gun. Air enters the gun at high pressure and the paint is atomized at low overpressure compressed air. Insignificant fogging and small losses of paintwork are typical. The paint transfer rate is 65%. The quality of the application is better. They have less air requirement than HP pistols, but higher than LVLPs. Such pistols have earned the title of "super economical". They are most often used in auto painting.

Electrical

These guns are powered by a built-in motor with a piston pump that pushes the paint into the nozzle. Of course, the quality of painting with an electric sprayer is inferior to pneumatic ones, since the paint particles are much larger due to the lack of compressed air. But you will get an inexpensive device that does not require special maintenance and additional purchases, with the exception of the material. These spray guns work from a network of 220V. Suitable for surfaces of a small area and are considered household.

The design of the airless spray gun

Electric spray guns are: floor for professionals or manual for domestic purposes. floor have large installation with tank and motor separate from gun.

It is most convenient to work at home with a sprayer with a transparent tank. This allows you to monitor the consumption of paint.

Comparison table of electric and pneumatic spray guns

How to easily decide on the choice of a successful model? Compare your goals and requirements for spray guns with the characteristics that the manufacturer offers us. To do this, let's take a closer look at the parameters of the tool, which are important to pay attention to when buying it.

The purpose of the work and purpose

In order to choose a successful tool model, first of all, determine the purpose for which you decided to buy.

For repairs in an apartment or house every 5 years, the cost of purchasing pneumatic equipment with a compressor is not comparable to the result. Even if in the future you plan to periodically tint something, it is better to purchase a standard electric spray gun.

For garage car painting, whether you are an amateur or a professional, contact the manufacturers of pneumatic sprayers. In detail painting, quality is the main indicator of a clean job. Inexpensive pneumatic devices, but always of a proven brand, cope with all stages of preparatory and finishing better than the rest. The speed of coloring will depend on many factors: the size of the torch, the outlet pressure, your skills.

Viscosity of formulations

Electric spray guns in relation to paints and varnishes are more capricious. The DIN viscosity index indicated in the passport of any spray gun must not be lower than the viscosity of your composition. Therefore, builders often resort to diluting paint with water. But it is most likely that it will not work to apply thick compositions and putty with such devices.

Pneumatic spray guns are capable of working with more viscous formulations. However, here it all depends on the type of gun, needle size and pressure. With high-pressure jet spray guns, primer, paint, varnish or other viscous materials lie on the surface in an ideal layer, without streaks, streaks and layering. As for low-pressure tools, if it is easy to pick up LVLP under thick paint, then it will not be enough pressure for putty.

Presence of adjustments

When choosing a spray gun, electric or pneumatic, be sure to check for adjustments. With their help, you can adjust your device to the surface to be painted and the specific composition by changing the pressure, limiting the stroke of the needle, which is responsible for the supply of paint, the shape and size of the torch.

Also pay attention to the equipment of the tool. It is best if the kit includes interchangeable nozzles with different diameters, a pressure gauge, hoses of different lengths.

Tank location

When choosing a sprayer, the location of the reservoir for the composition is important. It all depends on the distance and location of the surface for finishing. For example, when working with a device with a lower tank, it is recommended to hold it strictly vertically to inject paint. However, the vertical location of the tank is inconvenient for painting ceilings.

Tool mobility

Will you ever spray paint away from electricity? You decide. For this case, we suggest getting acquainted with an airless battery spray gun.

What is its advantage? Definitely mobility. But there are also a number of disadvantages:

• The weight of the tool due to the presence of the battery;
• Low power;
• Limited working hours;
• Pressure drop with a discharged battery and, as a result, poor-quality painting.

Therefore, even if you are going to perform exceptionally small household tasks, and the mobility of the tool is not in the first place, we advise you to purchase an airbrush from the household category, powered by an outlet.

Performance and Power

Finally, when choosing an atomizer, often the first thing a buyer looks at is its performance and power. And here you need a cold calculation.

When buying a pneumatic device, it is recommended to first purchase a gun, and then choose a compressor according to its characteristics. Based on the performance of the gun, that is, the air consumed, select a compressor with a "margin". If the compressor is not properly selected, the pressure drops too quickly or the motor runs at its limit, as a result of which it may overheat, shut off and early wear of the piston group.

When comparing tools, it is also worth paying attention to the fact that the company indicates the input performance in the passport. Depending on the model, losses occur due to air compression. Therefore, the actual output capacity is 65-70% of the indicated one.

The average compressor power is 1.2–1.8 kW, which is enough to operate the entire unit. The volume of the receiver for most types of work is sufficient in the range of 24-50 liters.

With airless spray guns, things are easier. The manufacturer has foreseen and balanced the characteristics of the pistol and the motor with the pump. Focusing on the price and performance, you can choose the best device for yourself. But keep in mind: the greater the power and performance, the better the device will cope with thick compositions.

Experts advise adjusting the gun for each composition and material and checking it on a separate surface. Optimal choice needles - 1.3–1.4 mm.

Summing up the choice of an airbrush, we present you the most popular proven brands of manufacturers that are in demand among professionals and amateurs.

• Bosch. Bosch produces inexpensive and compact spray guns with an electric motor for home use. Most famous models: PFS55, PFS65. The pump and motor of lower power models are designed built-in. Bosch spray guns are used for surface treatment of walls and ceilings, for painting small parts. The average productivity is 0.11 l/min. The tools are easy to use and maintain. The main disadvantage of these spray guns is the restriction on the use of certain types of coatings, such as: alkaline, latex, dispersion paints and other hard-to-spray compositions. Therefore, prices for spray guns start at 4000 rubles.
• Wagner. German Wagner air-type spray guns are a good competitor to Bosh. Models costing from 5000 r. (Wagner W550) are only suitable for liquid coatings, the productivity is 0.13 l / min. More expensive atomizers costing from 12,000 rubles. (Wagner W665) thick compositions can also be applied, including water-dispersion paints, which cannot but please the painter. Products are supplied with accessories.
• paintzoom. In Russia, the airbrush is also known under the name "SPEKTR". The cheapest and easiest to use electric sprayer. However, do not rely on its reliability. It can be used for small volume jobs that do not require high quality. Airbrush productivity is about 0.3 l / min. The cost of the spray gun is from 1000 rubles.
• Black&Decker. Air spray guns HVLP of the American company have proven themselves well in the production of painting work on medium and large surfaces, primarily at the household level, in houses, apartments, summer cottages. But with good experience, they are also suitable for automotive painting. Popular models are the HVLP200 with integrated compressor and the HVLP400. Black & Decker spray guns are equipped with a special system for regulating the configuration and size of the nozzle, which saves material. The tool can be easily disassembled and washed. Models belong to the middle price category of spray guns, and the cost starts from 4000 rubles.
• Elmos. Airless spray guns Elmos are used in domestic conditions. Good performance allows you to paint medium surfaces. The sprayer works best with paints on water based, varnishes and polishes. Thanks to the elongated bendable nozzle, it is possible to paint hard-to-reach places, horizontal and vertical surfaces, without turning the gun over. The Elmos PG-80 model has proven itself well, with a capacity of 0.3 l / min, which is equipped with a special turbine that creates the necessary amount of air to increase the staining speed. The cost of such a spray gun is from 4000 r.
• sata. The Chinese brand produces pneumatic spray guns of high and reduced pressure. Sata tools are suitable for professional painting jobs, for large and small surfaces. The maximum working pressure of 0.7 bar, a good uniform spray pattern and sufficient speed contribute to a uniform application of the composition. Material transfer is more than 60%. It should be borne in mind that it is for high-pressure spray guns that a fairly powerful compressor is required. Some models are specially designed for the application of viscous compounds, thick paints or fillers. The price of Sata spray guns is in the range of 13,000–50,000 rubles.
• walcom. Italian spray guns Walcom are designed to perform large volumes of painting work and are considered professional. Several lines of sprayers are on sale, depending on their purpose. There are both basic models for primers and thin paints costing from 7000 rubles, and sprayers for body work and aero design from 22000 rubles. Spray guns are considered the most economical and environmentally friendly, paint transfer is more than 80%.

Airbrush - a device for applying repair and coloring compositions to various surfaces. With it, you can not only paint the walls and ceiling, but also perform many other construction operations. How to choose and use a spray gun correctly will be discussed in this article.

Advantages of working with a spray gun

Unlike a paint brush and roller, the spray gun applies the coloring composition in a thin and even layer. In addition, the use of a spray gun provides the following advantages:

• the consumption of the coloring composition is reduced by 20-40 percent;
• the speed of applying paint increases, reaching, depending on the performance of the device, up to 400 m 2 per hour;
• using an airbrush, you can apply not only interior paints, but also whitewash, varnishes, antiseptics, finishing putty;
• the appearance of streaks, stripes, hairs from the brush is excluded.

The performance of the spray gun depends on its type and power. The choice of spray devices on the construction market is extremely wide, from inexpensive household to professional. When choosing a device, you need to compare your needs and the capabilities of the models you like, because this will save you money and at the same time get the most out of it.

Types of spray guns

According to the principle of paint supply, all spray guns can be divided into three groups:

• manual- in them the mixture is pumped with the help of a handle;
• electrical operating from a household network ~ 220 V;
• pneumatic connected to an external compressor.

The choice of spray gun depends on the requirements for it in terms of performance, the ability to use various coloring liquids, ease of use and price.

Hand spray guns

They are used with a small area of ​​​​finishing for spraying whitewash and water-based paint. The productivity of a manual spray gun is low - up to 250 m 2 per hour. The working pressure is also low - up to 0.6 MPa, so the devices are not designed to work with viscous compounds - varnishes, putty. Hand spray guns can be used to apply liquid antiseptic or flame retardant, as well as to treat horticultural crops from pests.

A manual spray gun is shown in the illustration. The paint in it is supplied using a plunger pump located in the housing cylindrical shape. The pump is controlled by a handle: the assistant painter moves it up and down.

In the lower part of the body there is a tank for the coloring mixture, two hoses are connected to it - suction and pressure. When the pump rod moves upwards, a vacuum is created inside the tank, due to which paint is taken from the external tank through the suction hose. To prevent clogging of the spray gun with solid particles, the end of the sleeve is equipped with a filter. A suction valve is provided in the tank to prevent paint backflow.

When the rod moves down inside the pump, overpressure, and the paint from the tank is fed through the pressure hose into the rod. At the end of the rod there is a nozzle with which you can adjust the spray angle. At its other end, a shut-off valve is installed - a trigger. The rod consists of two parts, allowing you to change its length, which is convenient when painting the ceiling.

Spray gun prices

spray gun

Advantages of manual spray guns:

• low price;
• simple design, reliability;
• no need to connect to the electrical network or compressor;
• the presence of a long fishing rod that allows you to paint the ceiling without a ladder.

The disadvantages include the fact that the device:

• has low productivity;
• require at least one assistant;
• not suitable for all types of paints and varnishes.

Note! Manual spray gun - good a budget option for single use or small jobs. It is also convenient for giving (painting facades, fences, tree trunks).

Electric spray guns

Works when connected to a household electrical outlet or battery. Thanks to the electric pump, these spray guns are much more convenient to use.

BOSCH electric spray gun prices

BOSCH electric spray gun

Depending on the model, electric spray guns can be used to apply:

• water-based paint, chalk and lime whitewash;
• acrylic and oil paints;
• varnishes;
• primers, including those based on resin;
• antiseptic compounds for wood protection.

Electric paint sprayers are divided into:

• air;
• airless or membrane.

Air models combine a mechanism that creates increased air pressure and a spray in one housing. They are usually used for applying formulations with low viscosity.

The design of inexpensive air spray guns is quite simple. They consist of a housing, a spray nozzle, a paint container and a control button.

According to the location of the glass for paint can be:

• top position;
• with bottom position.

More powerful electric air models are equipped with a pump located in a separate housing, a spray gun and a connecting hose.

Prices for electric spray gun WAGNER W 550

Electric spray gun WAGNER W 550

The main advantage of air spray guns is that a softly outlined torch allows you to distribute the paint in a thin layer over a surface with any relief, without creating sagging. The disadvantage is also associated with a low working pressure: the paint transfer coefficient of air models is low, they create a veil of coloring composition around the painter, which leads to overspending of paint.

Video - Overview of the WAGNER 565 electric spray gun

Membrane spray guns have a higher working pressure, which allows them to be used for applying viscous formulations. Structurally, they consist of a painting unit, in which high paint pressure is created due to the vibration of the diaphragm, as well as a spray gun with a nozzle. The elements are interconnected by a high pressure hose.

The hole in the nozzle of the airless spray gun is very small, and the paint spray has a clear outline. The transfer coefficient of the coloring liquid is much higher than that of an air spray gun, and the solution can be applied directionally.

This is also related to the disadvantage of membrane installations: when applying paints and varnishes on uneven surfaces, sagging and poorly painted areas can form. In addition, the painter must monitor the coverage time of different areas, otherwise the thickness of the layer and the shade of the coating will be different.

How to choose an electric spray gun and what to pay attention to when buying? The main parameters important for operation are described in Table 1.

Table 1. Main characteristics of electric spray guns.

Note! Electric spray gun - the best option for domestic use. It allows you to quickly and efficiently apply paint to walls and ceilings, and the price for most household models does not exceed 3-5 thousand rubles.

Pneumatic spray guns

They belong to a professional tool and work complete with a compressor and receiver. The pneumatic spray gun itself is a spray gun with a nozzle, a trigger and a paint tank.

Air is supplied to the gun through a fitting located at the bottom of the handle. A high-pressure hose is connected to the fitting, the second end of which is connected to the air receiver. The pressure in the receiver is maintained by an air compressor of the required power.

When you press the button or the trigger of the spray gun, compressed air enters the body and into the paint tank, an increased pressure is created there and a mixture of the coloring liquid with air is formed. This mixture is pushed out through the nozzle, forming a paint jet, the shape of which can be adjusted by changing the outlet holes of the nozzle, for which regulators are provided on the gun.

Choosing a pneumatic spray gun is a more difficult task than buying a household model. It is important not only to choose a convenient and reliable gun, but also to choose a compressor and receiver for it in such a way as to ensure their coordinated and uninterrupted operation.

Prices for pneumatic spray gun HP INTERTOOL PT-0140

Operating pressure

This parameter is indicated in the passport data for the device, usually it ranges from 1 to 6 atmospheres and depends on the spray technology. The compressor and receiver are selected after choosing the model of the spray gun, while the maximum pressure must be lower than the operating pressure of the spray gun, otherwise the body of the spray gun may not withstand overload.

The volume of the receiver depends on the area to be painted, for small rooms 20-50 liters are enough. If you have to paint a large area, it is better to buy a tank with a volume of at least 100 liters, otherwise the compressor will constantly turn on and off, as a result of which it will overheat.

Spray technology

The efficiency of the spray gun, the consumption of paint and compressed air depend on this parameter. Currently on sale you can find devices with HP spray technology, HVLP or LVLP.

Models with HVLP and LVLP technology are more expensive, but with constant use they quickly pay for themselves due to a less powerful compressor, compressed air savings and coloring compounds.

Compressed air consumption

The higher the air consumption of the spray gun, the higher the productivity and speed of painting. This parameter can vary from 50 to 400 liters per minute and depends on the spray technology and the performance of the spray gun. For household repair a value of 200-250 liters per minute is sufficient.

Note! The performance of the compressor should be 20-25% higher than the nominal flow rate of the spray gun, otherwise the paint will fall in large drops.

Gun material and reservoir location

The durability and reliability of the device depends on the materials used. The best option- metal with anti-corrosion coating, resistant to aggressive dyes. It has increased strength, is resistant to high pressure and accidental falls.

The location of the tank is important when painting horizontal surfaces - floors, ceilings, window sills. With the lower tank, poor paint intake is possible, due to which poorly painted areas may remain. Therefore, it is more convenient to use an airbrush with an upper tank location.

The volume of the paint tank for pneumatic spray guns is usually in the range of 0.7-1.0 liters. If you need to paint a large area, you should pay attention to the model that works with an external container - the paint is taken with a hose.

Nozzle design

Professional spray guns are sold, as a rule, with a replaceable set of nozzles. With the help of the latter, you can adjust the size and shape of the torch, as well as the size of the droplets of the solution.

Nozzles are distinguished by numbers indicating the diameter of the holes, into the following groups:

• from 0.2 to 0.5 - for applying fine patterns;
• from 0.5 to 1.7 - for water-based and acrylic paints;
• from 1.7 to 3 - for viscous coloring emulsions;
• from 3 to 7 - for application mortars, for example, putty.

With the interchangeable nozzle, you can give the torch a round, oval or angular shape. The nozzle material is preferred to be durable and corrosion-resistant; stainless steel is most often used in professional models. Also a sign good tool it is considered the possibility of adjusting the supply of paint and the shape of the torch using the handles on the gun.

Note! Buying a professional spray gun is a serious blow to family budget. If a repair work are one-time, it is better to rent a tool.

An interesting option is a homemade spray gun from a gel pen

The choice of a spray gun for painting walls and ceilings depends on the capabilities of your wallet and the required performance of the device. For a one-time repair, a manual or inexpensive electric spray gun is suitable; for finishing a large area, a more powerful electric or pneumatic model is suitable. In any case, it is better to give preference to proven manufacturers and durable corrosion-resistant materials.

Maintenance and care of the spray gun - step by step instructions

Video - Priming and painting walls with an airbrush

Carrying out painting work is a rather time-consuming task, especially if you need to apply a layer of paint, varnish or protective coating on an uneven surface or a large surface area. Significantly simplifies the task of the spray gun (spray gun), with which the application various coatings happens quickly, efficiently and with minimal physical costs.

The device is designed to create an aerosol, that is, small particles of a substance suspended in the air, for example, paint, varnish, whitewash solution, antiseptic, etc. More precisely, an airbrush is needed for the directed transfer of small particles of a substance to any surface in an even layer, without the formation of bubbles and streaks.

The device for spraying paint and other substances in its various modifications is used in the following areas.

Types of spray guns

The family of paint sprayers is usually divided into types, and their device determines the principle of applying paint and varnish and protective coatings. The following types of spray guns are presented on the market for painting equipment:

• electrical;
• pneumatic;
• rechargeable;
• airless;
• high and low pressure;
• with top and bottom tank.

Let's see what is the difference between them.

Electric spray guns

An electric paint sprayer is a device without a compressor, but which has a built-in piston pump driven by an electromagnet with an oscillating bar. Also, some paint sprayers are with integrated compressor, which creates an air flow due to the rotation of the turbine by an electric motor.

Turbine spray gun just like the piston one, it works from a 220 V network. And since for of this type devices do not need to specifically purchase a compressor with a receiver, they are often chosen for domestic use.

In addition, there are electric paint sprayers with external compressor. The latter can be large and designed to be placed on the floor. Basically, these are devices for professional use.

Household appliances are compact in size, and during operation they are hung on the shoulder with the help of a strap that is included in the set for the devices.

Pneumatic spray guns

Pneumatic spray gun works only from compressed air.

For the production of the last a compressor is required. To stabilize the air flow and maintain the air pressure at the same level, a receiver is installed between the compressor and the spray gun.

As a rule, the pneumatic type of device is a professional spray gun, thanks to which they achieve the ideal quality of applying paint and varnish coatings. The tool has a standard nozzle diameter of 1.4 mm. If you install a nozzle with a diameter of 1.8 mm or more, the device will turn into a primer spray gun.

Among the professional models you can see and electronic spray gun , i.e. with a digital manometer. The presence of an electronic pressure gauge allows you to fine-tune the device, which is very important if you want to achieve the same dye spray intensity.

Pneumatic devices also include automatic paint sprayer which is mainly used in production as part of automatic installations for applying various decorative and protective coatings.

Advice! To understand which spray gun is better - electric or pneumatic (air), you need to know for what purposes the device will be used. For domestic needs, if there are no high requirements for the quality of the coating, an electric spray gun is well suited. But for painting cars, it is better to use a pneumatic tool.

Cordless Sprayers

Battery powered spray guns are analogous to conventional electrical appliances. The only advantage of cordless spray guns is mobility, which makes it possible to work in places where there is no electrical network.

But it should be borne in mind that this manual spray gun will not be able to work for a long time due to battery discharge. On average, such a device works for 20-30 minutes, after which the battery needs to be replaced. Therefore, a cordless spray gun is usually used to perform small volume work.

Airless Spray Guns

As the name suggests, paint is sprayed without the use of compressed air. In airless spray (plunger) spray guns, paint is fed into the nozzle under high pressure. To ensure the supply of paint to the plunger spray gun, a piston pump driven by an electric motor is used.

To decide which spray gun is better - air or airless, you need to understand for what purposes the devices will be used.

Air ink transfer method implies the formation of a soft torch of the coloring matter, which is applied to the treated surface in a thin layer. Thanks to this, a high quality coating is achieved, including in hard-to-reach or relief places. But due to low viscosity paintwork material and low air pressure, not all small particles of the substance reach the surface to be painted. A considerable part of them remains in the air and surrounds the painter.

Airless spray gun, as mentioned above, operates at high pressure, which makes it possible to use a more viscous dye. Consequently, its particles have a greater mass than with air spraying, and all reach the surface to be painted, without swirling. In this case, the paint is consumed more economically. Although the airless method can achieve high quality paintwork, but this type of spray gun is not suitable for painting embossed parts. This is explained by the greater density of paint, which will be applied unevenly on the product. complex design and form "swells".

High and low pressure paint sprayers

High pressure units(up to 56 atmospheres) are designed for spraying viscous paints and varnishes. In addition, these spray guns can apply bitumen-based mastics, primers and compounds with anti-corrosion properties.

The low pressure spray gun is the most popular machine among car painters. The paint sprayer can operate at a system pressure of 2 atm. and allows you to save up to 30% of paint and varnish compositions.

Important! The operation of the device requires a compressor with a receiver and, preferably, with a gearbox that allows you to adjust the air pressure at the gun inlet.

Appliances with upper and lower tank

If the spray gun has tank at the top, then the supply of paint to the tool occurs due to the force of attraction. The spray gun with the upper tank is used for applying various coatings on small areas. Devices with a top tank are more economical, since the paint is completely consumed in them, which cannot be said about the tool, where the tank for the spray gun is installed at the bottom.

At lower position of the tank liquid is supplied to the device due to the rarefaction created by the compressed air flow. An airbrush with a lower tank is usually used for coating large areas, since the volume of the container of such a device significantly exceeds the volume of the upper tank.

Powder machines

A powder spray gun is a device that works with dry dyes. The main element of the device is an electrostatic converter.

But still, the operation of the device is impossible without compressed air. The latter, passing through the paint sprayer, transfers the powder towards the electrostatic converter, where it is ionized. Next, the ionized powder particles are blown through the nozzle onto the surface to be painted, which has the opposite charge, and stick to it.

Important! Powder paint sprayers allow you to apply a uniform layer of paint not only on flat surfaces, but also on embossed ones.

There are also powder spray guns that do not use electricity to ionize the powder particles. Such devices are called tribostatic.

Powder dye particles in the gun are ionized due to friction against the inner walls of the tribostatic barrel and collision with each other, after which they are blown onto the treated surface with an air stream.

Pistol type

All types of paint sprayers also differ in the type of gun.

The choice of spray gun for domestic and professional use

To choose the right airbrush for home or professional use, it is necessary to take into account such characteristics of the tool as:

• class (type) of paint sprayer;
• tank material and its location;
• dimensions and weight;
• nozzle size;
• power (for electric devices).

Spray gun class

Since an HVLP class paint sprayer can operate at low pressure and provide an acceptable quality of staining, it is better to buy just such a gun model for your home. Of course, for the professional sector, you will need to purchase an industrial LVLP class tool.

Tank material and location

The tank for paint and other compounds is made either of plastic or metal. plastic cisterns convenient in that they are translucent and allow you to visually determine the level of the paintwork material poured into it. In favor metal containers for spray guns, it says that they can be washed with aggressive solvents that can damage the plastic tank.

Advice! For home use a device with a plastic tank will suffice, since sparingly soluble coloring compositions are almost never used in everyday life.

Also, when choosing an airbrush, you should consider cistern location, on which it depends whether the painter will be able to perform this or that work. The top location of the container is considered universal and allows the application of compositions both on the ceiling and on the walls. In some appliances, the upper tank can be connected with a flexible hose, allowing you to set the tank in the desired position.

When the tank is lowered, the device will work only in horizontal position. If the tool is raised vertically, for example, for whitewashing the ceiling, then the solution will stop flowing into the tool. The only thing that the lower tank is convenient for is its increased volume, which allows you to pour a large amount of paint or other composition into it.

Dimensions and weight

To a large extent, these parameters are for electric paint sprayers. The larger the size of the compressor or pump, the higher the performance of the device for spraying formulations. Therefore, professional craftsmen prefer to use electric spray guns with an external compressor (floor).

Household electric paint sprayers are small in size, have a pump built into the gun and are convenient for small painting jobs around the house. In addition, this mini tool can be produced with small external compressor. Due to its low weight, it can be carried on the shoulder while spraying.

Nozzle size

The nozzle from the spray gun, or rather the diameter of its outlet (nozzle), directly affects the size of the drop of paint material that is sprayed. When choosing a paint sprayer, you need to know what types of work will be carried out with its help. For spraying various materials, it is required to select the appropriate nozzle diameter:

• for spraying water-based paints, as well as applying base and varnish, a nozzle diameter of 1.2-1.6 mm is required;
• for paints and varnishes acrylic base a nozzle with a diameter of 1.4-1.7 mm is required;
• primers work well with devices having a nozzle with a diameter of 1.5-2.2 mm;
• for thick compositions, for example, liquid putties, a nozzle diameter of 2.5-3 mm is required.

Advice! For professional use, you should buy a device whose nozzle heads are made of stainless steel. These elements will last longer than their plastic counterparts, which do not withstand frequent washing in solvents.

Power of electric spray guns

Devices that have power up to 500 W, are considered household, have a low cost and are more suitable for beginner painters. They do not work well with thick compositions, apply the dye unevenly, which affects the quality of the coating.

For professional use, you should choose devices power over 500 W, which can cope with compositions of any viscosity and evenly spray them onto the treated surface.

Useful extras

Since paint sprayers are used to perform a large number various kinds works, then in some cases for more effective use devices, additional elements are connected to them.

Also, this filter is able to work as a moisture-oil separator.

An airbrush or spray gun is one of the most important tools that is needed for painting a car. Its peculiarity is the spraying of the dye in an airborne way by means of compressed air pressure. On the modern market there is a wide variety of such tools, and many find it difficult to decide on the choice suitable option. How to choose an airbrush for painting a car among the models presented in stores, and what characteristics should you pay attention to?

Spray guns for paint, such as they are known, were invented at the very beginning of the last century. But now there are many designs of these devices. Different types spray guns for paint due to different methods of working with them. With external resemblance to pneumatic sprayers, spray guns are seriously different - they have a different structure of air heads, as well as various designs channels for air supply.

The features of each particular type of sprayer significantly affect the comfort during operation, as well as during painting work.

How often will the spray gun be used? If you need it to paint one car or several, then for such volumes there is no need to purchase an expensive professional device. But at the same time, you still need a painting gun that can do its job well. For such purposes, inexpensive HVLP devices with the necessary characteristics are suitable.

To choose a tool, you should also determine the tasks that will have to be solved. There are dispensers different systems spraying. To make the right choice, you should get acquainted with the theory and understand the whole variety of tools and their characteristics. This is the only way to make the right and competent choice.

Any device is suitable for painting a car, but the higher the quality of the device, the better the final result of the coating will be. For beginners, experts recommend purchasing the most budgetary, but high-quality solution, and then, when experience is gained, you can buy a more professional spray gun.

How many atomizers should you have?

Experts recommend having several atomizers for different tasks and for working with different materials. There are models designed only for varnish or only for paint, for primer. If funds allow, it is worth purchasing an airbrush for each material and for each task. In this case, you do not have to solve problems with getting paint into the varnish, which was sprayed shortly before it.

Naturally, you should not buy three devices - there are specialists who use one gun, the nozzle is 1.6, and any materials are applied with this tool. However, it will take a long time to clean the spray gun.

Compressor

It is recommended to choose a spray gun according to the characteristics of the compressor. It is possible in another way - after acquiring a gun, choose a compressor for it. The compressor must deliver the required volume under pressure at all times while using the spray gun.

The main rule that affects the choice of a spray gun for painting a car is that the compressor must produce a volume 1.5 times more than is required for the normal operation of the gun at pressure.

If the compressor capacity is insufficient, good atomization will not work. The compressor is required to produce characteristics higher required pressure, but the amount of air must be sufficient.

No less important for a quality result are hoses and fittings. If a ¼ inch hose is used, then the air passage will be abnormal. Find a hose that has a 3/8 inch ID.

The hose must be equipped with fittings and couplings capable of passing a fast air flow.

How to choose a nozzle

The spray nozzle has a certain size. Paint flows through this hole, and a needle is inserted into this hole, which allows you to regulate the flow of paint. The needle moves back and forth through the trigger. When the trigger is fully lowered, the needle is pressed against the spring and the nozzle opening is hermetically sealed. Different nozzles are used for materials with different viscosities:

• 1.2 - the ideal size for local painting work;
• 1.3-1.6 - suitable for applying a base or varnish (also suitable for working with water-soluble paints);
• 1.4-1.7 - the ideal size for varnish and acrylic;
• 1.6-2.2 - for priming;
• 2.5-3.0 - for working with liquid putty.

These are some general recommendations, which, in principle, can be ignored. Professional painters choose one size and use it well with different materials. Needed for priming larger size, otherwise you will have to dilute the primer more liquid.

When using acrylic primer, its filling property is very important. If diluted to a more liquid consistency, then this ability will drop.

Working with water-based paints

When working with water-soluble coatings, it is best to use a separate tool. Replacing water-based paints with solvent-based materials may cause the colorant to flake due to cured paint. It is also important that the spray guns do not corrode.

Spray systems

To understand what is the difference between different types pistols, you need to consider the device and principle of operation. So, compressed air enters the device, dye is supplied from the barrel through another channel. As the paint passes through the air cap, the air will split the paint and form a flame. The pressure determines the type of paint sprayer.

There are several types of atomizers:

• HP - for high pressure;
• HVLP - high volume at low pressure;
• LVPL - low volume at low pressure;
• HTE - high efficiency.

On the video: which gun to choose - HP. HVLP. LVPL.

HP System

This system is now considered obsolete. Pistols of this type have long been used for painting cars in workshops. For their operation, a pressure of 3-4 atm is required. At the time of spraying, the pressure should be about the same.

These sprayers also require a small volume of air. Choose a compressor for them of medium or low productivity. The torch is wide, allowing you to evenly apply paintwork materials. The main disadvantage is the low coefficient of transfer of paintwork materials to the surface to be painted.

Such tools in the process of spraying create a mist that does not fall on the surface. So, only 30-45% of the paint sprayed with this sprayer hits the surface, the rest will settle in other places.

HVPL system

These tools are widely used today and are used by most professional painters. The HVPL spray gun requires a large volume of air and the spraying process is carried out at low pressures. For the operation of the gun, it is necessary from 2.5 to 3 atm. The spraying process is carried out at a pressure not higher than 1 atm. Due to the low pressure when spraying paint, almost all of it will settle on the surface to be treated.

Such spray guns proved to be excellent when working with metallic and mother-of-pearl paints. Among the disadvantages are the need for a productive compressor and a hose with an increased diameter, as well as the need to work at a distance.

LVLP system

With a spray gun of this kind, the shortcomings of the sprayers discussed above are removed. Different manufacturers use different designations for this system. The task of these devices is to combine low air consumption with a high percentage transfer of coatings to the surface.

Pistols of this system operate at a pressure of 1.6 to 2 atm. Spray paint is carried out at a pressure of 0.7-1.2 atm. The device consumes less air compared to HVLP models. This makes it possible to significantly reduce the power and performance of the compressor. The percentage of transfer of coatings to the surface is more than 70%.

Electric spray guns

Along with pneumatic equipment, there is also an electric spray gun. Its advantage is that for this system there is no need for a compressor. Instead, a turbine is used. Professional car painters do not use an electric spray gun due to its shortcomings.

It is stated that during operation there is a large consumption of paint. The nozzles that come with the kit are too big to paint a car. Even if you know how to paint correctly, you will not be able to get a high-quality result. It is difficult to adjust the right pressure, so the paint comes out in different ways. The result is shagreen and other defects.

An electric spray gun is applicable if you need to paint a car when the quality of painting is not important. If you need quality, then you must have a pneumatic tool.

Which spray gun is better depends on many factors. For masters with experience - professional Italian, for beginners - also Italian, but simpler. However, when painting with pneumatic equipment, the result will be many times better.

Conclusion

If painting is frequent, then it is important to purchase a premium segment device. So, they recommend models from Ivata. You can also purchase HVLP models with a nozzle of 1..4 mm. It is well suited for applying any coatings.

The second option is to buy something inexpensive, but of high quality and at the same time universal. It is suitable for training, and then with the accumulated experience, you can purchase a more serious model. And don't forget the compressor.