Top 5 Best Paint Gun for Air Compressor (Reviews & Buyer’s Guide 2022)
Using a spray gun with an air compressor can make a tremendous difference in getting the painting job done. An excellent paint gun will make painting easier and guarantee a smooth and even finish when added to surfaces.
Although a compressed air paint gun requires an air compressor to function, it is a less expensive option than other options. Plus, it can significantly cut the time it will take you to complete a painting job, regardless of how large the painting job is.
However, finding a good paint gun for air compressors is not easy due to the tons of options floating in the market. You may find a good air compressor, but it may not be compatible with the spray gun, making your painting task even more frustrating.
But, don’t too worry. We will review the best paint gun for air compressors you can find in the market and what you need to know before purchasing.
All at a Glance
What Is an Air Compressor?
An air compressor for a spray gun uses a power source to produce pressurized air in a storage tank. This pressurized air can be used for various applications, such as spray painting. Air compressors differ in pressure limits, so you need to pay close attention to the specifications when buying.
Most air compressors use a High Volume, Low-Pressure delivery system; hence it’s crucial that you purchase an air compressor spray gun that will deliver a consistent paint flow for a perfect finish.
Reviews of the Best Paint Gun for Air Compressor
1. Neiko 31215A HVLP Gravity Feed Air Spray Paint Gun – Best Overall Paint Gun
The Neiko 31215A HVLP Gravity Feed Air Spray Paint Gun possesses a high-quality design, with the right high-pressure and low volume to deliver an excellent finish. This HVLP spray gun comes with an aluminum canister, a 1.7mm nozzle, and a metal-air regulator to make your painting job easier.
In terms of durability, the spray gun is top-notch. It comes with a steel gun body, solid brass cap, and rust-free stainless steel nozzle, all of which are constructed to last for years to come.
The spray gun is suitable for applying the base coat, primer, and several automotive paints. The feed delivery system ensures that you paint precisely with ease and control so that the overall job ends up perfect. The spray gun is equipped with three-valve knobs to suit different painting jobs.
To crown it all, Neiko has an optional cleaning kit to help you take care of your spray gun the best possible way. You get to clean your spray gun perfectly after use. However, you’ll have to buy this cleaning kit separately.
The pressure is 40 PSI, and the average air consumption is 4.5 CFM. These air compressor requirements will make painting effective and super fast.
The Neiko 31215A HVLP Gravity-Feed Air Spray Gun gets the job done without stress. For us, it’s the best paint gun for air compressors because of its effortless, fluid delivery design, wide range of use, and durability. It’s also versatile and can be used with several paints.
Pros
- Versatile in applications
- Effective feed fluid delivery system
- Highly durable
- Straightforward to clean
- Simple to assemble and disassemble
- Large aluminum cup
- Reasonable price
Cons
- Not great for latex
- Some of the nuts come off during use.
2. Dynastus 33 oz Siphon-Feed Spray Gun – Best for Wide-Range of Applications
If you are looking for a quality paint gun for spraying oil-based paints, enamel, urethane, and latex, you need to consider the Dynastus 33 oz Siphon-Feed Spray Gun. This spray gun will make a great addition to your painting tools, especially for medium-sized to larger-sized painting jobs.
The Dynastus Siphon-Feed Spray gun sprays fine finish coatings. Whether you want a spray gun for automotive use, home, or furniture use, this sprayer can handle them all. With its precision-machined air caps and adjustable nozzle, the gun sprays evenly, minimizing paint waste. All you have to do is twist the nozzle horn vertical or horizontal for a desired pattern spray.
This spray gun requires a 7-12 CFM/3HP compressor for effective spray, especially if dealing with large surfaces. All the internal passages of the gun are anodized, with a mirror body, making it easy to clean the spray gun. Wire brush sets are added to aid the cleaning of the sprayer and the nozzle.
To use latex paint with this spray gun, you need to dilute it first with water. This spray gun with its air compressor works excellently. It works with several paints, makes painting quick, and gives a professional finish. Additionally, you don’t have to waste so much paint while coating, thanks to the powerful nozzle and precision machined cap.
Pros
- Sprays a wide variety of paints
- Suitable for interior and exterior use
- Suitable for medium-sized to large-sized painting jobs
- Sprays evenly and consistently
- Easy to clean
- Adjustable nozzle
- Large tank
Cons
- It doesn’t spray latex at high pressure except if diluted.
- It doesn’t provide much coverage.
3. Campbell Hausfeld General Purpose HVLP Paint Spray Gun – Best for Durability
Campbell Hausfeld General Purpose HVLP Paint Spray Gun is arguably the most durable paint gun for an air compressor we have used. This spray gun is made of high-quality components, so you should expect it to last for years to come, provided that you maintain it well.
This spray gun comes with a large-capacity 20-ounce canister for storing paint and viscous materials like lacquers, polyurethane, etc. The lever is easy to use. You should have no hassle controlling it. The Campbell Hausfeld Paint Spray Gun is a good option for working on small and medium-sized part projects involving painting furniture, equipment, automobiles, etc.
Unlike a few low-cost spray guns out there, this sprayer is easy to set up. It’s straightforward to figure out how to assemble the parts. What’s more? It’s lightweight, so carrying it for long won’t cause any fatigue. It feels comfortable in hand, which is great.
Adjusting the spray gun is straightforward. It has control knobs that you can alter to achieve the perfect spray for your project. Thanks to the nozzle, the amount of paint used is minimized while maintaining good coverage. Additionally, it’s easy to clean the paint and the spray gun after use, as it includes some cleaning tools like a brush.
To use this spray gun, you need an air compressor with 3-4 HP that can discharge 4.0 CFM paint @ 40 PSI. Apart from the issues with the control knob, the Campbell Hausfeld General Purpose HVLP Paint Spray Gun is straightforward to use. It has a low overspray and can be adjustable to suit your painting preference. It’s perfect for automotive painting, furniture, equipment and works well with viscous materials like lacquers and base coats.
Pros
- Comes at a great price
- Easy to use
- Efficient HVLP design
- Can handle a variety of small and medium-sized projects
- Large canister
- It minimizes overspray.
- Clean up is easy
Cons
- Turning the control knob is somewhat difficult.
4. Thunder Hardware High Volume Low-Pressure Gravity Feed Spray Gun – Best for Ease of Use
If you aim to get a spray gun that works with various paints, stains, primers, topcoats, and everything in between, the Thunder Hardware 4001J Gravity Feed Spray Gun will make a perfect choice.
Not only does this spray gun work well with these paints and other materials, but it’s also great to use in tight spaces. The spray gun allows you to hold it at a comfortable angle, making it simpler to paint whatever you want.
The spray gun comes with a 20-ounce canister that can fairly large quantity of paint and a 1.4mm nozzle to deliver the right amount of paint at a time. The nozzle delivers about 10 ounces of paint every minute. However, it requires about 40 PSI and 6 CFM to do that.
With the addition of a cleaning brush, it is straightforward to clean the obstructed nozzle on the Thunder Hardware each time it gets clogged. The nozzle is made of steel, so you are guaranteed long-term use. Should you want to adjust the paint spray, several knobs will help you find the perfect pattern for your project.
Overall, Thunder Hardware 4001J Gravity Feed Spray Gun is an excellent choice of a paint gun for an air compressor. It’s well-priced and constructed to last for long.
Pros
- It’s well-priced.
- Designed to last for many years
- Works well with various paints, stains, and other dense materials.
- Comfortable to hold in the hand
- Durable
- Easy to clean up
Cons
- The capacity is a little bit small. You will have to keep refilling if you aim to use it for large painting jobs.
5. Sprayit SP-352 Gravity Feed Spray Gun with Aluminum Swivel Cup – Best for Budget
If you are looking for a good-quality spray gun with a highly low-budget price, we recommend the Sprayit SP-352 Gravity Feed Spray Gun.
This spray gun includes a durable, light aluminum gun body with a large swivel cup to contain paints for various applications. Whether you want a spray gun for automotive use, marine, or wood, this sprayer got you covered.
The sprayer is lightweight and somewhat compact, making it convenient for you to reach tight places. You can rotate the gun to spray hard-to-reach areas by simply turning the aluminum swivel cup sideways.
You can adjust the spray pattern to suit your painting needs by adjusting the control knob. This controls the amount of paint flowing through the nozzle.
The spray gun operates with a maximum pressure of 60 PSI and a CFM of 6. This is a decent spray gun for the price. Although it sprays well, it has low durability and can get damaged when used heavily.
Pros
- Affordable
- Suitable for a variety of use
- Clean up is not complicated
- Works with various base coats, clear coats, and polyurethane
Cons
- Fairly durable
- Difficult to adjust the nozzle
Best Paint Gun for Air Compressor Buyers Guide
Buying a paint gun for air compressors demands that you understand certain factors. The most expensive air compressor paint sprayer might turn out not to be the best choice for your painting activities. Therefore, you need not be price-driven. Instead, it would help if you considered the following factors.
Durability
Before purchasing an air compressor paint sprayer, you need to consider its durability. Find a sprayer that will last for the long haul. It doesn’t need to be expensive.
Paint Compatibility
You’ll need to make sure that the sprayer is compatible with the paint you want to use. The sprayer will have a tremendous effect on the paint and vice versa. Small nozzles with a low pressure are best for thinner paints, while thicker paints need a bigger nozzle.
Ease of Maintenance
An air compressor paint sprayer that clogs easily will be complicated to use and clean. That can make painting pretty annoying and will make completing the job difficult. Therefore, you should choose the one that’s easy to clean, maintain, and doesn’t clog easily.
How to Set Up an Air Compressor for Spray Guns
When it comes to adding paint to the walls of your house, the garden fence, or the body’s surface, the setup of the air compressor for spray guns is necessary. A perfectly set up air compressor for a spray gun will make painting not only easier but perfect. However, setting it up is a rather big step, especially if you are not familiar with painting.
Spray painting guarantees a more controlled and smooth finish than using a roller or a brush. However, not all spray guns can guarantee optimal results because there are many substandard ones in the market. Getting an air compressor that matches the specifications of the spray paint gun will give you that incredible application.
There are three key things to consider when using an air compressor paint sprayer – the PSI, CFM, and the tank size.
Two types of spray gun use an air compressor – HVLP and LVLP spray guns. Both spray guns have low-pressure requirements. Therefore, they only need low pressure to operate. HVLP spray guns are better because they produce a high volume of air at low pressure. When painting, you need a high PSI to guarantee consistent delivery.
CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) is the most significant factor to consider. CFM measures the air volume produced by the compressor per minute and the quantity of air the compressor can produce at a given Pounds per Square Inch. The CFM rating must be higher than the CFM requirements of your air spray gun. Otherwise, pressure drop and volume loss will occur.
The tank size is also vital. Spray guns require a consistent flow of air. Therefore, your compressor needs to have an ample storage to keep up with the supply.
Below is what you need and how to set up your spray paint gun with an air compressor.
- Suitable air compressor for the spray gun
- Safety gears, such as a respirator, goggles, and gloves
- Spray gun attachments
- Hose
- Put your safety gears on.
- Attach the air spray gun to your air compressor via the hose.
- Make sure that your compressor delivers enough CFM.
- After confirming that the compressor delivers enough CFM, mix the solvent and paint to the correct ratios.
- Test the spray gun on a scrap to see that it’s producing a consistent paint flow. You can always adjust the knob on the side of the spray gun if you are not impressed with the paint flow.
- Once you are satisfied with the delivery, you can start applying paint to your chosen surface.
How to Use Spray Gun for Air Compressor
Spray guns are essential accessories for engaging the air compressors. They channel pressurized air from the tank to the target. The following step-by-step procedure will help you to use the spray gun for an air compressor better.
- Remember to wear your protective work outfit. This includes your gloves, respirators, overalls, and goggles. Wearing these is crucial to protecting your body from flying debris and other particulates.
- Prepare the surface by getting rid of any dust and excess debris.
- Next is to prepare the air compressor. Turn it on and wait for pressure to build up to the desired level. Some models allow you to set up the pressure. If you can’t do this, refer to their manuals to avoid making mistakes.
- After you are satisfied with the pressure levels, connect the air hose tightly to the sprayer. It has to be airtight to prevent air from escaping.
- Aim the nozzle at a piece of scrap or bucket and press the trigger. Keep pressing until all the specks of dust and debris are completely rid of.
- If no air is coming out of the nozzle, you might need to disassemble the parts to check the cause of the problem. You may need to refer to the manual again to check if you did things right.
- Reassemble once you have fixed the issue with the compressor and the spray gun.
- Mix the paint and the solvent at the proper ratio and test the spraying once again on a piece of scrap by pressing the trigger of the nozzle. If you are okay with the paint flow, you can direct the spraying to your desired target.
- When spraying, keep a comfortable distance between the surface and the sprayer to prevent the droplet from bouncing back and blocking the nozzle.
- After spraying, switch off the air compressor.
- Detach the parts and clear the room.
- Ensure that you clean the sprayer after use. You must do this to get rid of any dust particles or paint droplets around the nozzle.
- To clean, soak all the constituent parts individually in water and allow for some time for the dirt to loosen.
What size air compressor do I need for a paint gun?
The size of the air compressor that you need depends on the size of the spray gun. Like an HVLP spray gun, a paint gun requires low pressure and high volume for best painting efficiency. As such, an air compressor with one to two horsepower motors, PSI between 0 – 70, 6-12 CFM, and a 20-gallon tank will be perfect.
Can I use my compressor as a paint sprayer?
To execute a quick and precise painting, you need to use an air compressor with a paint sprayer. Combining these two allows for better coverage at a time and ensures that you achieve an even coat on your surface. However, if the spray gun is an airless gun, you can’t use it to spray paint.
Can I use an air compressor to paint the walls?
Yes, you can apply paint to walls with an air compressor, provided that you have a suitable hose and a paint gun.
Can you use an HVLP gun with an air compressor?
You can feed an air compressor to an HVLP spray gun via a turbine to provide high volumes of air at low pressure to the spray gun.
Can you paint a car with a 30-gallon air compressor?
Air compressors with a tank capacity of 30 gallons and upwards can handle painting a car if the paint gun’s CFM requirements match the compressor’s CFM rating.
Does tank size matter in an air compressor?
If you’ll be using your air compressor paint gun for big projects and continuously, you should consider getting a large tank. Otherwise, get a smaller tank capacity for an air compressor paint gun.
Do you need a compressor for a paint sprayer?
Not all paint sprayers need a compressor. Some require you to connect them to an air compressor to function adequately. You’ll need to check with the manual to see if your sprayer needs an air compressor.
Conclusion – Best Paint Gun for Air Compressor
If you want a perfect painting job without spending so much of your time, you need a spray gun with an air compressor. These two ensure that your painting is smooth and even. These products reviewed here are the best paint gun for air compressors available in the market so that you can choose any of them for your painting task.
While using a spray gun doesn’t require much expertise, with an air compressor in the picture, you need consistent practices to master the spraying art, especially if you are a first-timer. With the step-by-step procedures carefully explained, I’m pretty sure you won’t have any misunderstanding setting up and using your sprayer air compressor.
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