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INFO: Air spray guns use compressed air to externally atomize (break up) the paint at the air cap. Paint is measured by its viscosity (thickness). The tip and needle size varies depending on the viscosity of the paint. This is a necessary consideration that should be based on the paint manufacturers recommendation when deciding on what spray tip / needle to use. Air spray guns are available in different styles depending on the project and how the paint gets to the gun. A suction feed gun has a one quart cup below the spray gun. The spray gun creates a vacuum at the aircap which provides pressure in the cup and forces it up into the gun. A suction or siphon gun is used for small jobs or for frequent color changes. A gravity feed gun has a cup on top of the spray gun allowing for the paint to flow down freely. Gravity guns require less air than a suction fed gun, usually create less overspray than a suction gun, are ideal for frequent color changes and are best for spraying metallics. A pressure feed gun has two hoses connected to the gun. The hose to the bottom of the gun provides the air and the hose to the head of the gun provides the material / paint. The paint is pressurized in either a cup, tank or from a pump and forced through the tip and air cap. Pressure fed guns are normally used for large jobs, high volume production where gallons rather than quarts of paint will be used. HVLP means high volume of air at low pressure. This function can come on any of the above styles of guns. Although gravity HVLP guns are more common than suction fed HVLP or pressure fed HVLP guns, HVLP has to do with the air delivery. In many cases the space available to maneuver the gun can determine which gun style to choose. A professional painter will have an air regulator with guage at the gun and an air filter for the air that comes out of the compressor. A fine finish can be achieved with the right gun, clean air from a compressor, good preparation, dust free enviroment and correct paint preparation according to the paint manufacturer. At Ace Spray we repair air spray equipment since 1980.
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