Spray guns are widely used for personal and professional use because they help you save a lot of time and money. They use way less paint and spread it evenly onto the surface to make the result flawless. Many paint spray guns are on the market, but choosing one as a beginner can be challenging. After trying a few painting tools, I have listed the best automotive paint guns for beginners.
These help you finish smoothly and disperse the paint equally onto the surface. The nozzles can assist in applying thin layers of paint that dry fast. You can read the article below before getting these paint spray guns. They make your life easier and help you complete all your painting tasks on time.
Comparison Table Of Automotive Paint Gun For Beginners
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall  | TCP Global 9 Piece HVLP Spray Gun
| 9.8 | Check Price Amazon |
Amazon’s Choice |
| 9.7 | Check Price Amazon |
Premium Pick  | Graco-Sharpe HVLP FX3000 Paint Spray Gun
| 9.1 | Check Price Amazon |
Editor’s Choice  |
| 9.3 | Check Price Amazon |
Best Seller  | TCP Gravity Feed HVLP Spray Gun
| 9.6 | Check Price Amazon |
Premium Pick  | Master Pro 44 Series HVLP Spray Gun
| 9.3 | Check Price Amazon |
Budget Friendly  | Campbell Hausfeld HVLP Paint Spray Gun
| 9.8 | Check Price Amazon |
Best Seller  | 3M Performance Spray Gun Starter Kit
| 9.9 | Check Price Amazon |
Editor’s Choice  | Fuji Spray Semi-PRO Spray System
| 9.7 | Check Price Amazon |
Budget Friendly  | NEIKO 31215A Air Spray Paint Gun
| 9.6 | Check Price Amazon |
10 Best Automotive Paint Gun – Reviews
1. TCP Global 9 Piece HVLP Spray Gun
Best Overall
Features
- Material Stainless Steel
- HVLP technology
- Complete 9-piece set
- Inline filter
The TCP Global 9 Piece HVLP Spray Gun is first on my list of the best automotive paint guns for beginners because it comes in a pack of three spray guns. The painting process can be efficient as you do not have to wait for the gun to get cleaned and dry to use another colour or prime the surface. You will have three paint spray guns that will help you work with different colours simultaneously.
Each spray gun in this set has a different colour, so you do not mess up while refilling the paint. The design is simple and easy to hold while you paint cars or even your drawer. These spray guns have a 1.4mm nozzle so that the paint can be applied in layers. This is a reasonable size, and you won’t face any problem working with different colours having a thick consistency.
All the spray guns in the TCP Global 9 Piece HVLP Set have a pressure of 28 to 50 PSI, so you can do most of the painting using them. These spray guns are ideal for beginners as the HVLP design has more surface to paint ratio than regular spray guns. The aftercare or the maintenance of these spray guns can be tricky, but you can use a cleaning kit manufactured by the company to get the job done.
PROS
- It comes in a pack of three
- Durable, stainless steel nozzles
- Appropriate for thick paints
CONS
- Complicated cleaning process
The spray guns by TCP Global are an excellent option for all beginners as they are convenient to use. The nozzles of these spray guns help you layer up the paint on a vehicle and prime the walls. As well have great tremendous and can be used with viscous paints too. However, the cleaning process of these spray guns is challenging.
2. Astro 4008 Spray Gun
Heavy Duty
Features
- Astro Pneumatic Tool 4008
- Spray Gun with Cup
- 1.8mm Nozzle
Red Handle
Next, I have the Astro 4008 Spray Gun with Cup on my list because it is extremely easy to clean and maintain. This has a typical design with the air valve but lacks a handle like my first pick. It weighs only 2 pounds, making it very convenient for beginners. The spray gun has an aluminium cap that prevents paint leakage when the gun is not being used.
People love using this spray gun because it is an affordable option and convenient to use. It can easily hold almost one-quarter of the paint in the cup below the nozzle. The width of the nozzle is 1.88 mm, considered the standard size in paint guns. You can get professional quality results after using this powerful paint spray gun. The pressure of this compact gun by Astro is unbelievable.
The Astro 4008 Spray Gun is an all-in-one tool that will facilitate you in your painting projects. It has an adjustable fan that can help you manage the flow and pressure of the paint. The ratio of the fluid and air can be balanced, so you get a good result. I highly recommend investing in this spray gun as a beginner because I had a great experience painting my jeep using this spray gun.
PROS
- Very easy to clean
- Extremely lightweight gun
- Two part assembly
CONS
- A clamp is not secure
The Astro 4008 Spray Gun is a good choice for beginners because of its affordability and easy-to-clean nozzle. You can work around different paints as the nozzle is 1.8mm thick. This is a highly lightweight spray gun that can be managed easily. However, the clamp connecting the gun to the cup is loose, which might spill the paint.
3. Graco-Sharpe HVLP FX3000 Paint Spray Gun
Premium Pick
Features
- HVLP technology
- 1.4 mm tip size
- Lightweight design
- Smooth finish
The Graco Sharpe HVLP FX3000 Paint Spray Gun is third on my list of the best automotive paint guns for beginners because of its smooth finish. As evident by the name, this paint spray gun has high volume and low pressure, ensuring smooth results. The paint is distributed equally on the surface, and you do not have to worry about it being messy. You can work for hours as this weighs only one pound and is ideal for beginners.
This paint spray gun comes in five nozzle sizes, and you can buy the appropriate one for performing your painting task. Three different materials, i.e. stainless steel, plastic, and aluminium, are used in the construction, making it durable and long-lasting. This gun ensures the paint is applied in thin layers, making the result flawless. People like this gun because it has a cleaning brush, which is one of the reasons why it is so popular.
Spray gun flow rate can be adjusted by the Graco Sharpe HVLP FX3000. You can work according to your comfort level without creating a mess. The design is similar to the TCP 9 Piece Spray Gun and has knobs for adjusting the paint flow. Silver and blue colours are combined to create this product. The price range of the Graco paint spray gun varies according to the size of the nozzle you want with it.
PROS
- It gives a flawless finish
- Reliable paint spray gun
- It comes in three styles
CONS
- No warranty included
The Graco Sharpe HVLP FX3000 Paint Spray Gun is ideal for beginners because it gives a flawless result. The spray gun is reliable so that you can complete all your painting tasks. There are five sizes of nozzles, and it comes with a cleaning brush. However, this spray gun has no warranty, which can disappoint some customers.
4. PNTGREEN HVLP Spray Gun
Editor’s Choice
Features
- HVLP technology
- 600cc capacity
- Gravity feed
- Professional grade
The PINT GREEN HVLP Spray Gun made it to my list because it uses the atomization principle. This paint spray gun ensures that high pressure spreads the liquid evenly. You do not have to worry about using this spray gun as a beginner because it will provide perfect results. It has a straightforward installation as the nozzle is fixed below the cup. The overall features are user-friendly, and you won’t find using this complicated.
This spray gun model is ideal for doing the base coats and priming the walls. Professionals widely use it because it helps adjust the paint’s outflow. The nozzle is 1.4mm wide, which is excellent when working with paints of different consistencies. One of the reasons for getting popular amongst painters is that this gun uses the latest technology and makes sure to give the desired outcome.
The PNTGREEN HVLP Spray Gun has a fluid control option that allows you to control the amount of paint you want to disperse on the surface. It has a typical design and comes with a handle with a decent group. Hence, an affordable paint spray gun spreads all the paint particles equally. You can invest in this gun and upgrade to the professional version with more functionalities.
PROS
- It uses the atomization principle
- It has an excellent grip
- Helps in adjusting paint outflow
CONS
- A little flimsy
The PNTGREEN HVLP Spray Gun ensures all the paint particles are spread equally onto the surface. The pressure distributes the liquid, but you can adjust the outflow. The only disadvantage of this spray gun by PNTGREEN is that it could be more flimsy, but it does the job well.
5. TCP Gravity Feed HVLP Spray Gun
Features
- HVLP Spray Gun
- 1.4mm Fluid Tip
- 1 Liter Aluminum Cup
- Air Regulator
The TCP Gravity Feed HVLP Spray Gun is fifth on my list of the best automotive paint guns for beginners because it has an air regulator. The same pattern of paint is used throughout which helps a lot. As a beginner, you should be made aware of the tricks and tips that professional painters use to get that smooth result. The air regulator ensures the paint flows out constantly and maintains the pattern.
This spray gun is made with stainless steel and is extremely easy to work with. The spray gun has a one-year warranty, so you can experiment without worrying about damage. The gravity feed spray gun by TCP has a one-litre cup that can hold the paint and ensures the same outflow rate. You can use this when attached to the pipe as the cup has enough quantity, so your efficiency is not disturbed.
The TCP Gravity Feed HVLP Spray Gun has incredible performance. You can easily paint the walls, cars, bikes, and drawers. It will have the same finish on each surface and can be used with several compressors. This comes with different knobs and buttons to control the spray gun completely. My friend is a huge fan of this spray gun and uses this for painting his bike.
PROS
- Compatible with air compressors
- It uses an air regulator
- Comes with knobs
CONS
- Complicated cleaning process
The TCP Gravity Feed HVLP Spray Gun is an ideal tool for beginners as it uses an air regulator to maintain the outflow. This has spray painting knobs so you can have complete control of the spray gun. However, this is an affordable option, but people complain that the cleaning process is too long and challenging.
6. Master Pro 44 Series HVLP Spray Gun
Top Pick
Features
- High Performance HVLP Spray Gun
- 1.3mm Tip
- Air Pressure Regulator Gauge
- Advanced Atomization Technology
This is the next spray gun on my list due to the fact that it has some great features. It comes with different sizes of cups, so you can have the option to purchase according to your work. Use a spray gun with a one-litre cup to work on something big. A 600ml cup can be used with the gun for small painting tasks such as painting your bike’s handle.
The price of this HVLP spray gun will vary according to the cup and the tip you purchase. The gauge and the air regulator are used to spread the paint at a constant flow rate, and the air particles do not disrupt. It is an ideal spray gun for doing base coats and priming the wall, as the 1.3mm nozzle allows the fluids to pass quickly. The spray gun uses the atomization principle and a fan pattern, so the particles disperse equally.
The Master Pro 44 Series HVLP Spray Gun can be used with all kinds of paints having different consistencies. The top coats can be applied with this stainless steel tool. This high volume low-pressure spray gun can be your best bet as a beginner because it lets you easily choose the cups and nozzle size. This is a great feature that every painting enthusiast will like.
PROS
- It gives you options to choose
- Uses atomization technology
- Refund within the first year
CONS
- Expensive for some people
The Master Pro 44 Series HVLP Spray Gun allows all the customers to choose between the nozzles and air cups. The atomization technology ensures that the results of a painting by this spray gun are up to the mark. This can be returned if you need help understanding the functions of this spray gun in the first year of purchase. However, people complain that this is an expensive spray gun compared to other available options.
7. Campbell Hausfeld HVLP Paint Spray Gun
Budget Friendly
Features
- HVLP technology
- Gravity feed
- 600mL canister
- General purpose
The Campbell Hausfeld HVLP Paint Spray Gun is seventh on my list of the best automotive paint guns for beginners because it is an all-rounder. Everything from performance to features and results, this HVLP paint spray gun never disappoints. It uses gravity feed delivery to make sure the paint flow is normal. The power of this paint gun is exceptional and saves a lot of your time and energy.
This resembles the first spray gun on my list and operates at a power of 40 PSI. You can rely on this lightweight gun as it gives you complete control while painting any surface. It weighs only half a pound and has a 600 ml cup fixed at the top of the nozzle. This paint spray gun is made of metal, meaning it is a durable tool that can last for years if maintained properly. The results of this gun are flawless and neat as if done by a professional painter.
The Campbell Hausfeld HVLP Paint Spray Gun comes with a one-year warranty. It has high quality that makes sure that the spray gun works fine throughout the painting task. This does not waste any of your paint and saves you money too. Hence this spray gun by Campbell Hausfeld is worth your consideration.
PROS
- Works with different paints
- A durable gun that saves paint
- High power and great results
CONS
- Plastic cup or canister
The Campbell Hausfeld HVLP Paint Spray Gun can work with different paints having thick or thin consistencies. You can rely entirely on this spray gun for various painting projects. This uses a high power of 40 PSI, and the results are no less than any other gun. However, the cup is made of plastic that might crack if the gun experiences a fall.
8. 3M Performance Spray Gun Starter Kit
Best Seller
Features
- Performance spray gun kit
- PPS 2.0 paint system
- 15 replaceable atomizing heads
- Gravity HVLP technology
As evident by the name, the 3M Performance Spray Gun Starter Kit is ideal for beginners. This has everything that one will ever want in their painting kit. This kit is more expensive than other tools, but once you own it, you will not need anything else. It has everything from buckets and nozzles to lids and air gauges; everything is included. I would highly recommend buying this set if you are a painting enthusiast.
The spray gun is lightweight and has a decent grip so you do not have to worry about getting tired. You can cover large surfaces and conceal small spots using this spray gun. It has an easy cleaning process, so beginners are eager to invest in the kit. The cleaning process can be highly tiring, so most painters quit using spray guns.
The 3M Performance Spray Gun Starter Kit has five different nozzles, making it ideal for various painting tasks. Steel makes the gun lightweight and easy to carry, so it is easy to handle. Hence you can get your hands on this kit as a beginner, but it is expensive for someone new to painting.
PROS
- Appropriate for big and small surfaces
- Has five nozzles
- Easy cleaning process
CONS
- High-priced starter kit
The 3M Performance Spray Gun Starter Kit is an excellent option for beginners as it saves your time to buy everything separately. It comes with five nozzles that can help you paint with different techniques. The only downside of this kit is that it is expensive for someone new to the painting field.
9. Fuji Spray Semi-PRO Spray System
Features
- HVLP Spray System
- Gravity Feed
- Semi-PRO
- Adjustable Fan Control
The Fuji Spray Semi-PRO Spray System is second last on my list of the best automotive paint guns for beginners because it is a complete setup. The metal turbine, along with the gravity cup and hose, is included in this spray system. You just have to adjust the tip and nozzle and fill in the paint to get started with your painting task.
This weighs 11 kg and has a hose of 25 feet, so you can easily reach different spots. The gun, hose, and turbine all come in blue. You won’t need any air compressor as this system is fully capable of spraying the paint equally on the surface that must be painted.
The Fuji Spray Semi-Pro Spray system uses high volume and low pressure, making the results smooth and flawless. Beginners can use this kit as it is assembled and ready to use. Buying everything together will save you the trouble of figuring out whether they are compatible.
PROS
- A long hose pipe
- Durable metal construction
- User-friendly functions
CONS
- It costs three times more
Beginners can use the Fuji Spray Semi-PRO System because it comes with everything that you will need for painting. The construction of the spray gun is quite good, and it will complete all the tasks easily. However, the price is almost three times more than other painting guns on the market.
10. NEIKO 31215A Air Spray Paint Gun
Features
- HVLP spray gun
- 1.7 mm nozzle size
- 600 cc capacity
- Air gauge regulator
The NEIKO 31215A Air Spray Paint Gun is last on my list because it is less durable than all the other spray guns mentioned in the article above. This spray gun comes with three knobs that give you complete control while painting any surface. It has a gravity feed design that ensures that the paint’s outflow is constant and the pattern is maintained throughout. The only downside of this air spray gun is that it could be more flimsy.
The durability of the air spray guns is very important as it is used for doing essential tasks. The paint, pattern, design, and colour are decided and planned before you begin the task, and a low-quality spray gun can ruin it all. This is made up of metal, steel, and aluminium that does not add to the weight of the paint gun.
You can comfortably paint with the NEIKO 31215A Air Spray Paint Gun with the help of a 1.7 mm nozzle. It is huge in size and has a reliable cap for the tip to avoid any leak. The air pressure can be managed as a gauge on one side of the spray gun. You can purchase the NEIKO gun without doubting it for a second because the functions and performance are up to the mark.
PROS
- Works at 40 PSI
- Appropriate for personal/professional use
- It comes with an air regulator
CONS
- Low build quality
The NEIKO 31215A Air Spray Paint Gun is appropriate for personal and professional use because it works at a pressure of 40 PSI and gives a great result. The air regulator makes sure the paint comes out in a constant flow and looks neat. However, this air spray gun’s build quality could be better, making it very disappointing for some of the NEIKO customers.
What Features To Look For Purchasing The Best Paint Gun For Automotive
Whenever you are on the hunt for good quality paint spray guns for painting your cars or any other surface, it is necessary to look for some features. These help you get the desired results and spend money on the tool that performs up to the mark. Below is a brief buying guide with all the features you should look at before investing your money in a spray gun.
Gravity Feed Spray Guns
The first important factor that you should consider when buying an automotive paint gun is to look for the ones that use gravity feed delivery. This helps the paint to reach the nozzle effortlessly, and all the air bubbles are gone. The paint travels from the hose pipe to the canister/cup and spreads through the nozzle. Nobody would want an uneven paint flow, especially when painting the front of your car. Hence you should always invest in a spray gun that has a canister fixed at the top of the spray gun.
Quality
Secondly, you should always strive for the quality of the spray gun when planning to paint your vehicles. The nozzles should be capable of passing out the paints having different consistencies. It should be lightweight but durable to bear the air pressure when the colour is spread onto the surface evenly. A good quality spray paint gun can complete all the painting tasks effortlessly. Whereas a low-quality gun will leak, the paint and the canister might crack because of the pressure.
High Volume Low Pressure (HVLP)
All the spray guns should use the HVLP because this is how you will get the desired results. The high volume of paint should spread onto the surface with low pressure so the paint is distributed evenly in thin layers. This can also be used to prime the walls or make the base coats of your vehicles.
A compatible air compressor can be used to manage air pressure with the help of a gauge. Low volume of paint when it comes out at high-pressure results in destroying the surface. Hence it is essential to consider the HVLP whenever you have plans to invest in a good quality spray paint gun for painting your vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is A Good Spray Gun For A Beginner?
A good spray gun uses the latest atomization technology, so the particles of the paint spread out evenly and give a smooth finish. This helps you save a lot of paint and reach all the spots that are difficult to paint when using a brush or a paint roller.
Do Spray Guns Need An Air Regulator?
Yes, it is best to use an air regulator with the spray guns so the pressure can help the liquid particles flow out at a constant rate. This enables you to get smooth end results as no air is released which destroys the pattern of the paint.
How Much Air Pressure Do You Need For A Spray Gun?
A pressure of at least 20 to 30 PSI should be there when using a spray gun for painting vehicles or walls. The pressure is essential as it helps spread the paint equally onto the surface in thin layers.
Final Verdict Of Best Automotive Spray Guns
A detailed article on the best automotive paint gun for beginners is discussed above for all painting enthusiasts. You can use these spray guns to paint your vehicles or prime the walls.
Adam Wilson is the plumbing products Editor for Mechanics Gear, covering everything related to plumbing. He have 15 years of experience as a plumber and written about plumbing gear for over two years and plans to continue writing for a long while to come. Since he started sharing his plumbing knowledge on Mechanics Gear, he loves nothing more than relaxing in his home and and writing his plumbing experiences. Adam Wilson likes finding new plumbing products and dive into, from manuals, forums and different plumbing groups.