Central Pneumatic HVLP Spray Gun Review

Central Pneumatic

N/A
I receive commissions from links in this post.
  • Best for stains, base, or primer
  • Budget Friendly
  • 1.4mm
  • Requires 9.5 CFM
  • Adjustable Fan Pattern and Fluid Control

The Central Pneumatic HVLP Gravity Feed Spray Gun is a solid solution for those who have hobby projects to complete or automotive work that needs to get done.

Sometimes you don’t need a spray gun that can spray only paint effectively. Lacquers, enamels, or urethanes need to have a delivery method that is safe and reliable as well.

Pros
Great Price
Adjustable Fan and Fluid Controls
Good for stains

Cons
20 Oz cup a bit small
1.4mm Tip may clog
No Wrench included for disassembly

Central Pneumatic: Best Materials to Spray

Central Pneumatic Spray Guns can handle several different materials.

From our experience, this Central Pneumatic spray gun really shines when you’re applying stains, base coats, or primers.

Just keep in mind, it’s not really built for straight-up latex paint unless you thin it way down—like, really thin. It comes with a 1.4mm tip, so the paint needs to be about the consistency of pancake syrup to flow properly.

Even then, using latex can be a bit tricky and might not always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

If you are going to be using primarily latex, then you’ll want to check out our best latex paint sprayer reviews for the best results possible.

It will even spray metallics with great ease – not many other spray guns can say the same thing.  This is due to its adjustable fan patterns and its volume control. 

What Compressor do I Need?

This HVLP spray gun does require a minimum 1 HP compressor with at least 50 PSI and 6 CFM to operate in a continuous manner.  

If you’re working with a small portable or pancake compressor, don’t be surprised if you need to take a breather now and then while it catches up.

At around $20, this spray gun feels like a “use it and maybe replace it” kind of deal, but if you treat it right, it can definitely stick around and get the job done.

One thing we liked was the metal nut where the cup connects. It’s a small detail, but it helps prevent leaks that sometimes pop up with those plastic connections on other models.

Join our Email List for more Tips and Info!

What is an HVLP Gravity Feed Spray Gun?

These guns have the paint cup sitting right on top, so gravity does the work of feeding the paint into the gun. HVLP means high volume, low pressure — basically, the paint comes out at a gentle 10 PSI or so at the tip.

A lot of pros swear by HVLP gravity feed guns because they deliver smooth, consistent results with a nice soft finish every time.

The Best Features of Gravity Feed Spray Guns 

Depending on the size of the paint cup, you may have more or less downtime. Upgrade to a bigger cup if you have larger jobs to handle.

These cups can be of virtually any size, but we find that 600cc cups tend to provide the best combination of productivity and downtime when it comes to filling them.

Some cups may be as small as 120cc.

Gun Control Button Placement

Look for controls on the rear of your gun, instead of on the front. This allows you to make adjustments with one hand, allowing for better ambidextrous use of the device.

Many spray guns that feature adjustment knobs for spray or volume at the front tend to be positioned for right-handed users.

With rear placement, everyone has comfortable use of the spray gun.

Filter and Strain before Painting

Filtering and straining your paint is an important part of the gravity feed application process. Adequate filtering will lead to a smoother finish with less effort.

PSI and the Central Pneumatic

You’ll also want to look at the operating PSI for certain types of gravity feed spray guns.

If it is anything above 10 PSI, then you’ll need to have an adequate compressor that can consistently meet your pressure requirements.

Remember that indoor paint tends to be thicker than outdoor paint, so the end results require different settings.

Unboxing the Central Pneumatic Spray Gun Kit

Should you order a Central Pneumatic Spray Gun, it is important to recognize that all you’re going to receive is the spray gun and the cup.

You will need a threaded adapter, an air hose, and a compressor for this tool to work properly.

We would also go the extra step to include an oil/water separator with the setup to make sure the integrity of the finish is not altered. 

central pneumatic hvlp spray gun review

It’s also important to note that you can’t use this spray gun straight from the box. Several public reviews mention the gun clogging on the first time they used it.

Our trial model came packed in a silicon coating to protect the product.

Cleaning it with standard mineral spirits prepared the gun for use. Without that cleaning, the silicon coating would most definitely cause clogging or sputtering.   

Tips for Cleaning Your Pneumatic Paint Sprayer

We found that you must be very careful about how you clean out this particular spray gun thanks to its internal components. If you let it air dry, then you run the risk of corrosion occurring.

You must completely dry the unit after cleaning it to avoid this issue.

Make sure that you really clean out your tips because they tend to clog.

If you already have the compressor setup or you’re planning to purchase one, then we highly recommend this affordable sprayer today.

Conclusion

The Central Pneumatic HVLP Gravity Feed Spray Gun is perfect for those chores at home that you’ve been putting off. Give it a closer look today.

FAQs

What is the best gravity fed paint gun on the market?

Check out our detailed reviews of the best gravity feed paint sprayers on the market.

3 thoughts on “Central Pneumatic HVLP Spray Gun Review”

    • Hi Ken,

      Depending on what you are spraying, the 1.5mm tip it comes with may be too small. Especially for spraying primers or thicker materials. Harbor Freight may carry tips for this gun. Give their customer service a call at 1-800-423-2567 and they can steer you in the right direction. Thank you, John

  1. HVLP Sprayer. I have the upgraded version that is stainless components and I purchased a stainless cup, in line water/ oil separator and a digital regulator for about $100. This set up is perfect for professional every day use or fine tune projects. All parts were purchaced at Harbor Freight.

Comments are closed.