How to choose an electric spray gun: tips for choosing and using

Recommendation points

• Powerplant – How to Identify a Good Air Pump
• Choosing a form factor for usability
• Atomizer device – which ones will last longer
• Other little things: tank, hose, nozzles
• Refueling, setting and care

A spray gun in the household is a very useful thing: it minimizes efforts during painting work, it is universal both in the shape of the painted products and the type of material. In this article, we will talk about paint spray devices and the features of their selection, use and maintenance..

The device of portable spray guns is simple and it will not be difficult for an average person to understand the principle of operation. This is very important, because this is the only way to confidently navigate in the variety of devices and provide the spray gun with proper care..

Pneumatic atomizers need a compressor with a receiver, therefore they are not always convenient. Portable electric devices are more suitable for household purposes..

Powerplant – How to Identify a Good Air Pump

An air blower is often referred to as a compressor, although technically this is not entirely true. In electric spray guns, air is pumped by an air pump. Due to the lack of a receiver, the engine operates in a constant mode, excess air is emitted through the holes in the atomizer.

The first thing to pay attention to is the type of engine. A distinction is made between solenoid and turbine engines. In the first case, the paint is supplied not by a pump, but by a small pump, like hand-held spray guns for spraying flowers. This option is only suitable for spraying liquids with very low viscosity, for example, antiseptics and fertilizer solutions in greenhouses. They do not spray paint, the reliability of the device is very low.

Turbine blowers are similar in design to a vacuum cleaner motor. The issue of power is very relative: inexpensive Chinese-made spray guns with a capacity below 0.6 kW are definitely not worth buying, but options are possible from large well-known manufacturers. In expensive and high-quality models, performance is maintained even with a power of 0.3-0.4 kW due to the design features.

Choosing a form factor for usability

There are two main types of blower arrangement. The freestanding blower is connected to the atomizer with a corrugated hose, the pump is worn on the shoulder. Such spray guns are characterized by high power, but there is always a potential risk of leakage in the joints..

In another type of spray gun, the blower is located directly on the sprayer. This is partly convenient: the hose does not interfere with the work, the engine hanging on the shoulder does not hinder movements, it is very comfortable to work at height. The location of the motor on the handle promotes rapid heating, therefore, after 25-30 minutes of operation, such spray guns should be allowed to cool.

There is also one peculiarity in balancing the device. In most spray guns, the paint tank is very far forward, towards the spray nozzle (ELMOS PG-80), so the spray gun is well balanced against the handle when filled. However, as paint is consumed, the center of gravity shifts back. This loads the brush, makes it difficult to work and the spray gun becomes inconvenient to hold..

The front location of the tank may not be quite convenient even for spray guns with a remote blower. This is not a general rule, some models can be well balanced. For example, the Miol 1.3mm and Intertool HVLP 1.8mm spray guns are a good example of spray balancing. Due to the heavy metal spray gun and the tank, the influence of the weight of the filled paint in them is minimal.

Atomizer device – which ones will last longer

The durability of the device is largely determined by the material of the case and the mechanism. The case of the blower is almost always plastic, but with it no special problems are expected if you do not drop the device.

Regarding the material of the spray gun itself, it is worth giving unequivocal preference to metal ones. At least the parts of the sprayer must be uniquely brass or duralumin. In the plastic mechanism, over time, leaks will begin due to poor fit of parts. In addition, the guaranteed absence of chemical attack will only be when using water-soluble paints, and no one knows what effect nitro enamel or other chemistry will have on plastic..

It may appear that the material of the sprayer body does not significantly affect durability. Moreover, spray guns with a plastic body and tank seem more attractive due to their low weight. However, as practice shows, it is quite convenient to use a device weighing up to 3 kg with one hand. As mentioned above, the brush does not load a lot of weight, but poor balancing, so do not be afraid to buy all-metal spray guns (Miol 1.8mm, Forte SG750B), the reliable body material will justify itself many times over.

Other little things: tank, hose, nozzles

It is better to choose a spray tank from stainless steel, so the possibility of an accidental puncture during cleaning or abrasion of the bottom is completely excluded. Plastic tanks can react with paint components, so if you want to reduce the weight of the remote control, only inert nylon containers can become an alternative.

The paint supply tube should reach the very bottom with a gap of no more than 2–3 mm. It is better when the tube is slightly bent towards the handle and takes paint from the corner of the tank. So it is more convenient to work out all the paint without residue, it becomes possible to paint with the vertical position of the nozzle.

This possibility is also implemented in spray guns with a replaceable nozzle for painting ceilings. In addition to it, the kit can also include flexible nozzles and other devices.

The hose must be corrugated with a wall thickness of at least 0.5 mm. In good models, the hose is screwed into the connecting sleeve, and not sealed into it, this will greatly facilitate replacement. Seals should be rubber or silicone stuffing boxes. Try to disconnect and connect the hose: the connection should be tight, but not too tight so that the gland does not bite.

Refueling, setting and care

The spray gun is filled with liquids with a limited maximum viscosity index. For control in the kit of any spray gun there is a viscometer watering can. Having filled it up to the control mark, you need to open the duct and note the time during which the paint will drain. If the viscosity is too high, thin the paint with a solvent.

The other side of the issue is the presence of large solid fractions that can clog the spray mechanism or nozzle. Since in electric spray guns the size of the passage is rarely less than 0.4 mm, the paint can be quickly filtered through a double-folded nylon stocking.

After refueling, the paint supply must be adjusted on the spray gun. The test is carried out with short inclusions in a clean area for painting. Large drops should not form on the surface, only a small rash. On the other hand, the feed should not be too small to avoid excessive fogging..

After each use, the spray gun must be thoroughly washed and blown out. If the sprayer is clogged, use the special needle from the cleaning kit. Most spray guns are easy to disassemble, so it is recommended to do a thorough cleaning from time to time.