Your car should always look sleek and clean. That’s why you should keep its body spotless and without scratches. To be spotless, you must apply a coat of paint on it occasionally. As a beginner, this can seem like a lot of work, but it shouldn’t be, thanks to paint guns. You can apply a coat of paint to your car effortlessly if you get the best automotive paint gun for beginners.
If you head to Amazon, you notice that there are so many models, and it can become overwhelming to pick the right one.
Top 10 Best Automotive Paint Guns for Beginners Reviews
Fortunately, I have done in-depth research to make your work easier. After hours of analyzing different models, I identified the top 10 best automotive gun models that beginners can use. Additionally, I have a buyer’s guide to help you pick the right one. I have also covered more about the types of auto paint guns and spray gun tips to help you get the most out of your tool. Keep reading to learn more.
What Is Considered the Best Automotive Paint Gun for Beginners?
In basic terms, an automotive paint spray gun is a tool meant to help you apply a coat of paint to your car’s body. However, in principle, this tool can be used to apply paint on different surfaces, including painting surfaces at home.
These tools resemble regular guns but are designed for applying paint. They have features that turn fluid paint into droplets, creating a fine mist from the gun through the special nozzle tips. The fog then spreads on the intended surface, leaving your surface with an even pattern if well applied.
- Paint guns come with containers and have several buttons (knobs) as well as a trigger and a nozzle tip.
- The right automotive paint gun for the money should have the following features;
- Different nozzle tips to help you choose the right one
- A regulator system connected to your gun to help you choose the right speed of spraying paint
- Durable materials to ensure durability and longevity
- Lightweight handheld to ensure you work comfortably without tiring easily
- Should be backed by a reasonable warranty
Now that you have an idea of what spray guns to go for, let’s review the 10 spray guns that stood out after the analysis.
Features:
- 5/8HP 650w Motor
- 25 feet long hose
- Built-in carry handle
- Weight:18.8 pounds
- Adjustable and convertible nozzles
The airless paint sprayer is one of the best automotive paint guns under $500 for professionals and homeowners. The Tomic Himalaya gun can work with water- and oil-based paints, making it ideal for interior and exterior jobs.
It’s among the easiest and most efficient sprayers that require minimal thinning. It is ideal for avid painters and those who need minimal spray settings. Users have also given it positive reviews. This unit belongs to the paint sprayer class thanks to its amazing features.
60-watt Motor: This device sports a powerful 5/8HP motor, which is enough for most projects. The advanced electric motor can deliver up to 3000 PSI, meaning you can work on different projects. Users can alter the pressure levels to ensure more personalized results at work.
25-foot hose: The model comes with a 25-foot hose, which will serve you well when painting a one-story house. Himalaya has minimized spills by over 55% by ensuring the hose draws straight from your paint bucket. This great feature ensures you don’t stain other areas you don’t intend to paint.
Adjustable Nozzle: The paint sprayer also allows you to use the one nozzle that fits your needs. The nozzle sizes are much more convertible for more efficiency. It is easy to control the spaying pattern, and most parts are rebuildable.
Features:
- Two nozzles: 2.8mm/3.2mm.
- Cord – 6 feet
- Portable design
- 500-watt motor
- 12-month warranty
Just because you don’t have enough budget doesn’t mean you can acquire the best HVAC spray gun for automotive paint. This inexpensive option from Thunder Hardware comes with everything you need for painting, including two valves, a handy hanger, a nozzle wrench, a viscosity cup, a cleaning needle, and a user manual.
This model can work on many surfaces, such as wooden items, car parts, steel furniture, and home appliances. It is easy to set up and ideal for many home applications. But what are some of the features of this electric spray gun that make it worth the investment?
Adjustable Valve Knobs: This model comes with two nozzles -2.8mm and 3.2mm. This allows you to adjust the coating speed and spray evenly without brush marks. For different work needs, you can use three spray patterns, vertical, horizontal, and circular jets. The sprayer has a larger 900ml paint container, so you won’t need to refill it occasionally.
Detachable Canister: This gun’s ideal choice is that all parts are removable, including the canister, to make it easier to add paint directly. Cleaning is also a bonus because you can take it apart and put it together effortlessly. The unit also has a viscosity cup to help you test the paint’s viscosity. Most customers love that it’s easy to control the smoothness of the paint.
Powerful Motor: The Thunder Hardware Spray Gun uses a 500W motor to handle different projects. The power cord measures 6 ft. to ensure a changeable working distance. However, you might need to charge the power source for larger areas.
Features:
- Smooth design
- Light in weight, with dimensions of 10×7.2×2.5 inches
- Metallic coating
Are you looking for a professional-quality, easy-to-use spray gun? Tekna 703567 is the right choice. This product works in various climate and temperature conditions, making it ideal for outdoor and indoor painting.
If you are worried about ease of use, rest at ease since Prolite TE20 is exceptionally easy to operate. Thanks to its convenient dials, you can make adjustments spontaneously and quickly, even in the middle of spraying. It comes with many outstanding features, and here are just a few.
Adjustable tip: This model offers 3 tips for different coat thicknesses. The 1.3mm tip provides the best spraying for base and clear coats. However, if you’d like to split the coats, you can use the 1.4mm for the clear and the former for the base coat. For a very thin clear coat, you can use the 1.2mm tip.
Light and ergonomic: The TE20 is easy to carry at 2.2 pounds. Additionally, the weight is well balanced from side to side, and the handle fits perfectly in the hands. Besides, the dials and knobs are conveniently placed for easier handling and to avoid changing them accidentally during use.
Non-stick Coating: This product is coated with a metal with nonstick properties to resist stains. This can be advantageous for those who leave work tired and forget to clean off the spray gun. In case of such accidents, you can still clean the metallic surface after a few hours without ruining your spray gun. Also, most of its parts are removable and easy to assemble.
Features:
- Adjustable knobs
- 3 spray patterns
- Versatile
- Lightweight design and easy to use
The Max 600W spray painter is one of the perfect automotive paint guns. This spray gun has powerful motors and turbofans and can deliver superior and smooth painting results. Here are the features that make it an excellent option for beginners;
3-spray pattern options: These electric spray guns have three different spray patterns: vertical, horizontal, and circular, and have two nozzles to allow you to paint different projects.
Adjustable knob: NEU MASTER Paint Spray Gun also comes with adjustable flow control that allows you to paint different surfaces.
User-friendly design: This easy-to-use spray gun makes painting car surfaces easier and more efficient, even for beginners.
Features:
- Weight: 1.55 pounds
- Three distinct nozzle sizes
- Airflow rate: 10 CFM
- 32 oz. aluminum cup
- Average inlet pressure of 35 PSI
Devilbiss manufactures highly rated paint sprayers that produce excellent results in professional and DIY projects. The Devilbiss GF670 has some cool features that make it ideal for base and clear coats, primers, and paints low in volatile organic compounds.
Made with aluminum: Aluminum is a low-maintenance, non-corrosive, yet lightweight material. This Devilbiss paint sprayer’s fluid cup and passage are made from aluminum, making the gun worth your money because it will serve you for a long time.
Stainless steel needle and tip: Stainless steel does not corrode and is easy to maintain. This sturdy material makes the gun durable and enables the needle and the tip to withstand pressure when spraying. The durability makes the gun worth the money.
Ample Handle: The handle is comfortable for the hand, a beneficial feature if you spray paint for long hours.
Uniquely Designed Air Cap: The specially designed 32 oz. The cup also gives this gun a better fluid flow and spray pattern than other paint guns on the market. Therefore, it saves time and gives the final product a smooth, sleek finish without much work.
Features:
- Weight: 1.5 lbs.
- Air-adjusting valve
- Atomization technology
- Tip sizes: 1.3, 1.5 & 1.8mm
- Compressor air flow rate: 13 CFM
- Inlet Pressure: 23 PSI
The Finishline 4FLG670 is what you need if you are looking for a superior paint gun on a tight budget. It is one of the best sellers of all Devilbiss paint guns because it achieves excellent paint patterns.
Atomization Tech: The Devilbiss Finishline uses enhanced technology for atomization. This new tech gives smooth finishes with slight overspray. Therefore, you have less clean-up and touch-up work.
Different Fluid Tips: This paint gun, designed for projects using automotive or industrial paints, comes with three different nozzles. The smallest nozzle, 1.3mm, is ideal for topcoats, while the medium one, 1.5mm, is best for applying base coats. You can spray primers using the largest nozzle, 1.8mm.
Anodized passages: The Devilbiss 4FLG670’s internal passages and body are anodized, making them highly resistant to wear. The process also improves this paint sprayer’s adhesion and makes the passages easy to clean.
HVLP spray gun: This Devilbiss gun is the best HVLP spray gun for automotive paint (high volume, low pressure) features. This makes it efficient in utilizing paint and thus minimizes paint wastage while increasing coverage.
Functional design: One thing that makes this paint gun a bestseller is its comfort to hold. The adjustments, paint control, and triggers are well-designed and reasonably located, making it very easy to use.
Features:
- Weights 6 lbs.
- Double regulator
- 8 Tip sizes: 0.5, 0.8, 1.0, 1.3, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5mm
- Matte-finish on Spray Head
The Apollo Combo Package is excellent for DIY enthusiasts and professional paint sprayers. It is intelligently designed and has unique features that produce excellent results.
All fluid parts are made of stainless steel: All the internal parts, not just the tip and needle, which store or pass fluid, are made from stainless steel, which makes this spray last long-lasting. The stainless steel interior and the fact that it has no O-shaped rings also make its cleaning easy.
Dual inputs: The Apollo 7700C allows dual input, top and bottom, for both air and paint materials. This makes it ideal when two paints or fluids are sprayed separately.
Eight nozzle sizes: The Apollo 2 Quart can be used with up to 8 different nozzles, making it the most versatile paint gun on the market. It comes pre-installed with a 1.0mm nozzle.
Compatible with different cups: Besides the variety of needle sizes, this spray gun can be used with three distinct spray cup feeding types and ten distinct models. They include four cups for gravity, three base cup sizes for pressure, and three for production feed.
The cups are also color-coded, making switching to a different set of needles and tips easy and fast.
Features:
- Weight: 1.05 pounds
- Gravity feed spray gun
- Adjusting the valve with a digital gauge
- Fluid tips: 1. 5mm, 1. 4mm, 1. 3mm, and 1. 2mm.
This quality spray gun by Tekna is made for both beginners and professionals. It has all the features a professional needs, but it is also simple enough for newbies. It lays out base colors, a clear coat, and primer with a professional finish look.
Thanks to its advanced fluid dynamic engineering, this gun has commendable atomization, resulting in the usage of less paint and materials.
Here are its features
Non-stick coating: The Tekna 703661 Spray Gun has a non-stick coating on all exposed metallic surfaces. Therefore, if you accidentally leave this spray gun sitting out for the night, it will not rust or corrode.
Excellent atomization: This spray gun spreads material better than other guns in its category, thanks to its innovative engineering on fluid dynamics. In addition to better coverage, this gun enables you to achieve an excellent finish.
Versatile: This spray gun is engineered and designed to work in different environments, regardless of environmental factors such as humidity, temperature, etc.
Ergonomically designed: Another commendable feature of this spray gun is its ergonomic design, which allows it to sit comfortably in your hand and give you enough control to do your job right.
Commendable warranty: Tekna customer service is known to have an excellent reputation and often exceeds their expectations to keep the customer happy. Although this may not be a feature, it is something I thought is worth a mention.
Key Features:
- Gravity feed gun with a fluid stainless steel nozzle of 1.4mm
- Operating pressure: 29-51PSI
- Comes with an air regulator with a gauge
- Patten width ranging from 5.9 to 7.1 inches
- Features with pressure and fluid knobs
This professional gravity feed gun has many great features, including a wide range of pattern widths and stainless steel components. Let’s look at its features;
Pressure knobs: This model has an operating pressure you can adjust ranging from 29psi to 51psi. The unit has a pattern width of between 5.9 inches and 7.1 inches.
Durable stainless steel: This spray gun has a stainless steel 1.44mm nozzle and needle. Its aluminum cup has a generous capacity of one liter of paint.
Control knobs: TCP Global Brand HVLP Spray Gun comes with an air regulator as well as control knobs that allow you to make adjustments to the air pressure and amount of paint that the gun produces.
High volume-low pressure gun: An HVLP spray gun is suitable for clear coats, base coats, and other fluids with varying viscosities.
Features:
- Device Weight: 7.7 pounds
- 3 Spray modes
- No-slip handle
- 1-liter paint storage
Choosing the right spray gun can be challenging for a beginner. The Goplus best electric paint sprayer is the go-to device for any beginner and DIY lover because of its easy-to-use design, among other features.
Flexible air-control feature: This paint gun is compatible with horizontal, circular, and vertical-facing jets. Thus making it great for spraying high and hard-to-reach surfaces.
61-inch long tube: It comes with a 61-inch long tube, which enables you to spray hard-to-reach areas such as corners and edge parts in your project.
Motor switch dust protector: The Goplus 650W on/off motor switch is covered with a plastic guard to prevent dust and dirt from accumulating. This is an excellent feature since dust and other contaminants are one of the major causes of electric motor failure.
Detachable parts: All parts of this paint sprayer can be easily detached. This makes the exterior and interior of this paint gun easy to clean.
Adjustable Spray Can: The can is adjustable to ensure an even application of the paint and to regulate the quantity of paint being sprayed.
Aluminum Can: Unlike other low-priced paint sprayers, this Goplus 650W can is constructed using aluminum, which makes it stable and durable.
How To Choose The Best Paint Gun for Beginners
There are several things you should look for when buying the best paint gun for beginners;
Hose length:
Although it looks simple and something many may even overlook, having the correct hose length can be the difference between comfortable and uncomfortable working conditions. Therefore, investing in a tool with a long hose will help you spray all the areas of your car, including the upper body, since you can access them without having to carry the paint container with you.
This feature is essential, especially if you want a spray gun to paint a large vehicle. Some models feature an extension cord to help you reach higher places.
Container size:
Spray guns come in different sizes of paint containers. If you have a long DIY project or are a professional, you should go for one with a large container. However, if you are looking for a paint gun to do fewer time-consuming tasks, such as touch-ups on scratched surfaces or for making spray patterns, then you can go for those with a small container.
If you are looking for a spray gun to paint the entire body of your truck or car, you will need a quality spray paint gun with a sizeable container and a cart.
Adjustable features:
Among the handiest features, look for in an automotive spray are the buttons or knobs that allow you to control the flow rate and paint patterns. The key to a smooth application and a professional finish is using the correct pressure and a uniform working pattern. This explains why individual knobs are an essential feature to look out for.
The more control you have over your paint flow rate, the better your work will be. A paint gun with a range of nozzle tips and air pressure levels will help you do a great job, even if you are a beginner.
Nozzle size:
Another crucial component you should consider is the size of the nozzle. You will want a spray paint gun that comes with different sizes of nozzle tips to allow you to do your job well. For instance, heavy coatings, as they are usually thicker, require larger nozzles. Also, applying primers and resins requires larger nozzles. If you use the wrong size of nozzles, you risk ruining your car’s surface.
Therefore, I recommend choosing a device with at least three nozzle sizes for different applications.
Filter:
You may need a filter to have different finishes and textures, like those pulled out by professional painters. Some filters are meant for light substances like varnish, while others are meant for heavy-duty automotive paintings and industrial coatings. The purpose of a nozzle is to help prevent clogging issues. The models I have reviewed here have inbuilt filters to take care of clogging problems.
Portability:
A portable kit will help you save time and energy, especially when you are working on a large project such as painting a truck. Being able to transport everything from one place to another helps to save time.
Many models are fitted with carts and wheels to help you move the paint container from one area to another.
Some small spray guns also feature shoulder straps to help keep your hands free from spraying.
Gallons per minute:
You need an efficient spray gun that sprays fast without compromising the quality of the finished results. The best spray paint gun will have a high gallons per minute rate, or GPM, which translates to the time your tool takes to transfer paint from its container onto the surface you are painting.
If you have a large project, go for one with a high GPM to paint a more extensive area quickly and still have a flawless finish.
Additional Information
I have added more information to the tips for buying the right spray gun to help you make a better choice.
Types of Paint Guns
There are different types of paint guns you can choose from.
HVLP paint guns:
These spray guns produce low pressure just enough to atomize and release the paint in high volumes. The High-Volume-Low-Pressure Spray guns run on turbine motors that generate enough power to enable you to paint your car.
Their efficiency enables you to create a high-quality finish and save more money on paint. Their speed of paint application is down to the fact that they consume more energy and compressed air than other spray paint guns, such as LVLP.
These guns are ideal for DIY and beginners looking for a dependable tool. High volume means more precision in paint application and less overspray, which leads to better results. The Environmental Protection Agency approves the HVLP due to its efficiency in utilizing paints and reducing overspray.
LVLP paint guns
Low-volume, low-pressure spray guns are energy-efficient and prevent paint usage by reducing overspray. If you are a beginner looking for a spray gun to carry out different DIY tasks, purchase this device. LVLP paint guns deliver wide coverage and an excellent finish, especially with watered-down paints.
When purchasing these guns, make sure to go with a higher volume, especially if you plan on working with high-viscosity paint.s
Airless paint sprayers
As the title says, this tool doesn’t need air to function. It does a great job, especially if you want a paint gun to create uniform patterns. You can do a great job with adequate speeds, especially for projects that need thorough paint application. On the downside, it is not helpful for projects requiring you to create intricate painting designs. They do not offer flexibility for outdoor painting.
Gravity feed spray gun
This is the perfect paint spray gun for use in different kinds of vehicles. With this spray gun, you can apply different layers of paint to your car, including thick coats, detailed coats, and thin coats. It has a bottle of paint on top, and just as the name implies, it should be oriented downwards so that the paint can trickle down due to gravity. It offers great precision and is thus also ideal for creating intricate designs.
Tips and Tricks for Getting the Most Out Of Your Spray Gun
I have put together tips on using a spray gun to help you get started and ensure you achieve great finishes.
Keep the spray gun moving.
Spray guns flush out to paint rapidly, so apply paint quickly. Otherwise, you will get uneven coats if you leave the sprayer in one spot. Therefore, keep the gun moving using straight movements all the time.
Keep distance
A distance of about 30cm from the surface you are applying paint on when using a sprayer. This will help you control the thickness of your coat. Ensure you maintain the distance consistently, as even a small change can create a big difference.
Apply it straight
You should apply your paint in straight patterns, as slightly tilting the sprayer will result in uneven coats.
Overlap
With each application, cover a part of the previous spray to prevent leaving out light spots or streaky areas.
Keep things clean
If you notice a change in the painting results, clean the guard and the nozzle tips with the provided cleaning kit. This will help remove the buildup that may be interfering with your painting.
Now that you know the basics of using a spray gun, it is time to try it.
FAQs:
What is an automotive paint gun?
Automotive paint guns, also known as HVLP (High volume low pressure), help paint all hard surfaces and are capable of painting quickly. Moreover, automotive paint guns are lightweight and easy to handle.
What is an automotive paint gun, and how does it work?
An automotive paint gun, also known as an HVLP, is used to paint a car. These paint guns work according to their type. Some operate using electricity, gravity, or air.
Do sprayers use more paint?
The amount of paint you use depends on the sprayer you use. You should buy more paint to ensure you complete your project without hitches, as double coats and touch-ups are frequent when using a spray gun.
HVLP paint guns require more paint than other painting methods, such as rollers and brushes.
Airless paint sprayers need more paint than rollers because they use high pressure to atomize the paint. The same applies to air compressor paint guns.
How do paint guns work?
The working mode generally depends on the spray gun type and its specific functionality. Some spray guns need air to operate, while others use gravity. Others use electricity to spray paint.
What can make a paint gun splatter?
In general, many paint guns create splashes. This is caused by air entering the fluid outside of the tool’s air cap. Therefore, ensure the fluid nozzle is fastened or secured to prevent splashes. Also, maintain your gun and clean it thoroughly after use to avoid damaging its parts.
Which is better- HVLP or LVLP?
This depends on the project, as these paint guns have different functionalities. For instance, the best HVLP spray gun for automotive paint is at a faster rate and thus is ideal for projects that need high working speed. Conversely, if you need a paint gun, it will create specific details, such as creating intricate designs.
Is the gravity-feed paint sprayer better?
The gravity feed sprayer is the best option when you are looking for the right spray gun for automotive projects. This tool offers great efficiency and versatility in automotive projects, as it does not need air to operate.
What size compressor do I need to paint my car?
Generally, a spray tank with a 60-gallon tank is recommended alongside a 5-6HP compressor. This will help you produce a sufficient amount of CFM.
Why Should You Invest In a Spray Gun?
A spray gun offers several benefits over traditional painting methods.
- It creates a uniform, subtle pattern. Because spray finishes are made of thin layers, you rarely notice blemishes and scratches, as would be the case with a brushed finish.
- Spraying offers a faster way of applying a coat of paint. Using a spray gun, you can apply paint on a large area faster than with a rag or brush. Besides, atomization of paint reduces the drying time; thus, you can sand and recoat projects quickly.
- It is versatile. Virtually all finishes that can be applied using a rag or brush can be replicated using a spray gun. However, not all spray finishes can be done using a brush. Some finishes, such as those that need water-based paints, should only be applied using a spray gun. A spray gun also allows you to use special painting techniques, such as toning or shading, that are harder to do by hand.
- Spraying is easy. Even if you are a beginner, you can create great finishes. Often, you can achieve excellent proficiency in creating great finishes faster than when using a brush.
- Spraying offers consistency and quality. This is without a doubt the best reason to buy a spray gun. A spray gun reduces issues like sags, trapped air bubbles, drips, and runs. When properly used, a spray gun delivers a high-quality and durable finish within a short time compared to rollers or brushes.
- Spray guns give you greater control. You can better control your paint application rate and the thickness of coats with a sprayer than with a rag or brush. It is also easier to adjust the air pressure and flow rate when using a spray gun to ensure even coats on car surfaces.
How much pressure should I use?
Most spray guns have a maximum pressure listed on their air caps that allows the gun to maintain efficiency. You should start with low pressure and gradually increase the pressure as you get used to using a spray gun.
Why does my spray gun fail to work with my coating?
Spray guns work with various coatings, including sealers, stains, enamels, topcoats, and more. Make sure that you get a coating that is made to be applied with a spray gun.
How can I improve the lifespan of my spray gun?
The best way to keep your spray gun working well for a long time is to ensure it is properly cleaned and to use the right nozzle tips with the correct pressure.
Should I lubricate my spray gun? Yes, but make sure to use appropriate non-silicone and petroleum-based lubricants.
Why do I get sags and runs? These are usually caused by too much fluid and a lack of air.
Conclusion
If you are reading this, congratulations! You have reached the end of the guide. I have reviewed the top 10 best automotive paint guns for beginners, models 2025, and also offered essential tips to pay attention to.
Nonetheless, it is essential to keep your project in mind, as that will determine the type of spray gun to choose. Different spray guns suit different projects. I hope the reviews and buyer’s guide have helped you choose the right models. Happy painting!