Air Spray Guns

About Air Spray Guns

Air spray guns are precision pneumatic tools designed to deliver professional-quality finishes across automotive refinishing, furniture restoration, industrial coating, and decorating applications. By harnessing compressed air to atomise paint, varnish, lacquer, or protective coatings into a fine, controlled mist, these versatile tools provide smooth, even coverage that traditional brushes and rollers simply cannot match. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range of gravity feed, suction feed, and advanced HVLP (High Volume Low Pressure) spray guns from trusted brands including Sealey and Draper, catering to professional tradespeople and serious DIY enthusiasts alike.

Modern air spray guns feature precisely engineered nozzles with adjustable spray patterns, ergonomic composite or aluminium bodies that reduce operator fatigue, and easily accessible controls for fine-tuning performance. From compact gravity-fed units perfect for detailed automotive work to robust underbody coating guns designed for heavy-duty protection applications, our selection includes spray guns suited to every trade, application, and skill level. Understanding the differences between feed systems, nozzle sizes, and pressure requirements helps you select the most appropriate tool for achieving consistent, professional results whilst maximising material efficiency.

Applications

Air spray guns are essential equipment for numerous trades and industries:

• Automotive Refinishers: Body shop technicians and vehicle restoration specialists applying base coats, clear lacquers, and protective finishes to cars, vans, and motorcycles
• Furniture Makers and Restorers: Cabinet makers and antique restorers applying lacquers, stains, and sealers to wooden furniture and joinery
• Painters and Decorators: Professional tradesmen covering large surface areas efficiently with emulsion, gloss, and architectural coatings
• Manufacturing Facilities: Production line workers performing consistent finishing operations requiring high-quality coating application
• Agricultural and Marine Engineers: Applying protective coatings, rust prevention treatments, and specialist paints to machinery, vessels, and marine structures
• Maintenance Teams: Site workers and facilities managers applying protective coatings, line marking, and corrosion prevention treatments
• Shopfitters and Joiners: Commercial installation teams finishing bespoke joinery and fixtures to exacting standards

Choosing The Right Air Spray Guns

Identify Your Primary Application: Fine finish work such as automotive painting demands HVLP guns with smaller nozzles (1.3-1.4mm) for atomising base coats and clear lacquers, whilst heavy-bodied primers, underbody coatings, or textured finishes require larger nozzles (1.8mm+) and may benefit from conventional guns that handle viscous materials.

Select the Appropriate Feed System: Gravity feed spray guns offer excellent control and minimise material waste, making them ideal for detailed work and frequent colour changes. Suction feed models accommodate larger volumes in bottom-mounted pots, proving better suited to extended spraying sessions on bigger projects.

Match Your Air Compressor Capacity: Check your compressor's CFM output matches the gun's requirements. HVLP guns typically require 10-14 CFM at 40 PSI, necessitating a compressor rated at 15+ CFM with a 50-litre or larger tank. Always select a compressor with 25-30% more capacity than the gun's minimum specification to prevent pressure drops that compromise finish quality.

Consider Material Compatibility: Water-based paints require stainless steel or chrome-plated internal components to prevent corrosion, whilst solvent-based lacquers demand chemical-resistant seals. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks spray guns from Sealey and Draper offering serviceable components and long-term durability for both material types.

Safety Information

Respiratory Protection: Always wear appropriate respiratory protection when operating air spray guns. Many coatings contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and harmful particulates. Follow COSHH guidelines and use HSE-approved respirators with filters suited to the specific materials being sprayed.

Fire Hazards: Many spray materials are highly flammable. Ensure adequate ventilation, eliminate all ignition sources, and store materials in approved flammable storage cabinets. Never spray near open flames or electrical sparks.

Pressure Hazards: Never point a spray gun at yourself or others. Always isolate the air supply and release residual pressure before performing maintenance or changing nozzles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size air compressor do I need for a spray gun?
HVLP guns typically require 10-14 CFM at 40 PSI, necessitating a compressor rated at 15+ CFM with a 50+ litre tank for consistent performance. Conventional spray guns may operate with 6-8 CFM. Always choose a compressor with 25-30% more capacity than the minimum requirement to prevent pressure fluctuations during continuous operation.

What's the difference between HVLP and conventional spray guns?
HVLP (High Volume Low Pressure) guns deliver 65-80% transfer efficiency with minimal overspray and reduced material waste. Conventional spray guns operate at higher pressure with more overspray but potentially faster application. For most professional applications including automotive refinishing and furniture finishing, HVLP guns provide superior results with better material economy.

How do I choose the correct nozzle size?
Thin materials like automotive base coats and clear lacquers work best with 1.0-1.4mm nozzles. General purpose paints and primers suit 1.4-1.8mm nozzles. Heavy-bodied materials including high-build primers and underbody sealants require 1.8-2.5mm or larger nozzles. Most manufacturers provide nozzle size recommendations in technical data sheets.