In any workshop for the manufacture of solid wood furniture, there is equipment that is designed to coat products with varnish, stain or paint. This approach takes less time than manual painting, in addition, the paint consumption is much less. In the process, a spray gun is used, which can be electric or pneumatic. The former are used to perform small-volume work, for example, in everyday life.
Features of choice
Electric models belong to the professional class and are intended for applying the composition to a surface that has a large area. The pneumatic spray gun does not have an electric motor, so it does not overheat, and it can be used in dusty environments, close to flammable substances and in high humidity.
How to choose a spray gun for working pressure
The operating pressure should not be higher than the compressor is capable of delivering. For different devices, this indicator can vary from 2 to 6 bar. There are several types of spray guns that differ in pressure and can be used for different tasks. You can determine this by marking.
The pneumatic spray gun has a low pressure within 2 bar, if it is labeled LVLP. The equipment has a small volume and sprays thick compositions of the type of paints for cars. The difference between such models is the uniformity of the torch and the high quality of the application of paint. There are also disadvantages, which are expressed in a large consumption of paint, because the transfer of the mixture to the surface is approximately 45%. For narrow areas and small parts, such a tool is best not to use. It is usually used in auto repair shops and in the field of construction.
A pneumatic spray gun can have a reduced pressure of up to 2.5 bar. You can recognize such equipment by marking RP. Such devices transfer the mixture to the surface more evenly. With their help, you can apply varnish or paint without streaks. Devices are connected to compressors with low performance, so it is better to use them in small private workshops.
For reference
After reading reviews of pneumatic spray guns, you can understand that devices related to the HVLP series are also quite popular models. They are more advanced, and work with a large volume of air supplied at low pressure. This allows you to create a thick layer on the surface in one pass, if necessary. Buyers emphasize that cloud residues are minimal. These models, according to home masters, provide economical paint consumption, but require the use of a powerful compressor to provide pressure.
Additional recommendations
The pneumatic spray gun will have a low pressure of up to 2 bar if you see the HVLP mark on it. The difference from the first type is the high volume. Spraying is carried out due to the volume of air, and not due to pressure. Mist will be formed here much less than high-pressure devices. About 65% of the coloring matter will be transferred to the surface, so losses are reduced.
However, such a tool will consume a lot of air, so it requires a powerful compressor. The price here will be slightly higher than the previous varieties. It is better to get such a spray gun in a large auto repair shop or in production.
Recommendations for choosing a spray gun taking into account air flow
If you want to buy a pneumatic spray gun for painting, you should also take into account air flow - this characteristic determines performance. For a private small workshop where painting is carried out only in some cases, that is, rather rarely, it is best to purchase a spray gun that will consume air in a volume of 50 to 100 liters per minute. If you have to work using such equipment in an entire enterprise or a large paint shop, then during the shift you will have to process a fairly large number of products. For this, equipment with an air flow rate of up to 400 liters per minute is suitable.
Specialist advice
A compressor for a professional pneumatic spray gun should produce 20% more air than the tool requires. Only in this case you will achieve high-quality application of paint.
Manufacturer's Reviews
If you want to choose a pneumatic spray gun for water-based paint, you should also pay attention to the opinions of consumers about manufacturers. Among the most popular should be highlighted "Fubag". Products of this company, according to consumers, are suitable for painting in any spatial position. The models have a sealed barrel, and the gun is attached from the bottom. Buyers emphasize that thanks to this, the company's tools can be rotated and tilted, without fear of leaking paint. The container is made of metal, which simplifies washing after completion of work. Buyers, however, do not like that the rest of the paint is not visible through the tank.
Consumers note that it is better to purchase Kraton products for painting gates, walls and fences. It is suitable for home use also for the reason that it has an affordable cost and a durable aluminum alloy case. The capacity usually has a side connection and does not obstruct the view, which is optimal even for beginners.
Review of the best models
If you want to choose a pneumatic spray gun for water-based paint, you should consider several models. Among others, you need to highlight the FUBAG G600 / 1.4 HVLP model, which you can purchase for 1,600 rubles. It is used for painting work, and the tank is located on top, it is able to accommodate up to 0.6 liters of paint. This model has nozzles with a diameter of 1.4 mm. Reliability is provided by a metal construction.
This airbrush has many advantages, among which are:
- long work;
- convenient storage;
- reliability.
One cannot but mention the low weight, high quality of work performed and quick-detachable connection.
Another model that is worth highlighting is the Inforce SP 160. Its price is 1,900 rubles. With this device you can transfer up to 70% of the sprayed material to the work surface. The unit is universal, because it can be used to apply paints, water-soluble varnishes and more viscous materials such as glazes, drying oils, oils and stains. With this equipment you can work with different surfaces. The width of the torch is adjustable, and you can adjust the ink feed rate yourself.
Another outstanding model is the Metabo SPP 1000, the cost of which is 1,600 rubles. This spray gun is designed for cold cleaners, sprayable oils and detergents. The tool has a capacious tank of 1 liter, which allows less frequent interruption for refueling. Air consumption per minute is 200 liters. The unit weighs only 0.8 kg. The location of the tank is from below. A 6 mm nozzle is supplied.
Finally
When choosing a pneumatic sprayer, you should pay particular attention to the percentage of ink transfer. This indicates what percentage of the substance will reach the surface. If the transfer is quite low, then the material consumption will increase. The rest of the paint will be sprayed in the air. Its particles will settle and dry out, worsening the quality of the coating.