Best Paint Sprayers for Cars

Best Paint Sprayers For Cars Comparison Chart

Some car paint sprayers just work better than others when it comes to car paint. We’ve put the best automotive paint guns together for your review.

Picture	Name
	IWATA LPH400 Best For Clearcoats 1.4mm Requires 9.5 CFM
	Tekna ProLite 2lbs CFM is 10.9-12 Good for multiple applications
	DeVilbiss FinishLine FLG670 Comes w/1.3, 1.5, 1.8mm Requires 13 CFM @ 23 PSI Good for multiple applications
	DeVilbiss Painting/Prime Kit Good for base, clear, top coat 30 PSI delivers 10 PSI to cap 12-13 CFM Required
	DeVilbiss StartingLine Good for base, clear, top coat 1, 1.3, 1.5mm tips included 8-13 CFMs Required
	Wagner MotoCoat Good For undercoats 39 ft hose Turbine
	Astro 2 Quart Pot Best For large jobs 2 quarts 6 foot hose
	Graco Sharpe FX3000 Best For small/med jobs 600cc cup Comes in 1 - 1.8mm
	TCP Global Gun Set Good for base, clear, single stage etc. Comes w/1, 1.4, 1.8mm Fully adjustable
	TCP Global 2.0mm Best primer,thick enamels, etc. 2.0mm 30oz cup
	Astro Spray Gun 1.8mm w/Cup Best For spraying flake 1.8mm 50-60 PSI operating

Best Paint Sprayers for Cars: Automotive Paint Gun Reviews

Quick Best Paint Sprayers for Cars List

1. Editors’ Choice: IWATA LPH400 144LV
2. Runner Up Best Paint Sprayers for Cars: Tekna Tek-905044
3. Runner up Best HVLP Paint Sprayer for Cars: DeVilbiss FinishLine
4. Car Paint Sprayer Kit: DeVilbiss Auto Painting/Priming Kit
5. Car Paint Sprayer Kit: DeVilbiss StartingLine
6. Best Turbine Sprayer for Cars: Wagner MotoCoat Complete
7. Great for Budgets: Astro 2 Quart Pressure Pot
8. Great for Budgets: Graco Sharpe FX3000
9. Car Paint Sprayer Kit: TCP Global Spray Gun Set
10. Great for Budgets: TCP Global Auto Paint Primer
11. Great for Budgets: Astro Spray Gun 1.8mm

Editors Choice: Premium Automotive Paint Gun

Iwata LPH400

This LVLP spray gun from Iwata is top of the line.  If you want those premium results, you invest in this unit. 

This spray gun comes equipped with a 1.4mm tip, ideal for applying a flawless layer of base coat, clearcoat, or enamel. However, it truly excels when laying down clear coats—no pun intended!

The fluid and fan control knobs are conveniently located on the back of the gun for easy adjustments. Weighing just 0.86 lbs, it’s one of the lightest models in its class and is designed to minimize wrist and arm fatigue during extended use.

You’ll be impressed by how quiet it operates—almost like a whisper. The only downside is that it requires a powerful compressor to run efficiently, as the HVLP LV4 air caps consume a significant amount of air.

With an atomizing PSI of 16, this LVLP gun uses more air than most (which typically atomize around 10 PSI). Make sure your compressor can keep pace, but the outstanding results make it well worth the effort.

Built to last, many owners have enjoyed up to 12 years of reliable use with this workhorse. Its lightweight design ensures you won’t experience wrist fatigue, no matter how long your projects take.

When we tested it, we loved how ergonomically it fit in our hand. You will have to purchase the 1 quart cup separately. This is standard for a pro level gun. This way you can pick and choose a larger or smaller cup depending on the jobs you have to complete.  

Smaller paint cups work well for detailed work and for painting smaller vehicles like bikes, motorcycles, or scooters. However, if you’re tackling larger surfaces such as full panels or cars, it’s wise to invest in a larger cup to minimize refills.

Many professionals prefer to dedicate an Iwata LVLP spray gun exclusively for clear coat application. This helps avoid any risk of leftover paint contaminating the clear coat, ensuring a flawless finish every time.

Overall, we have no complaints about this Iwata LVLP—it’s a reliable and high-performing choice.

Runner Up Best Paint Sprayers for Cars  

Tekna ProLite Tek-905044

The Tekna Tek-905044 is from the DeVilbiss ProLite spray gun line so you know this car paint sprayer can deliver on every expectation you might have.

It delivers a uniform spray with its lightweight design resulting in a quality finish that you’d expect on your vehicle. he handle is ergonomically designed to reduce trigger travel and hence operator fatigue.

The nozzles and needles are stainless steel and the air caps are brass plated.

The inlet air pressure in about 20-35 PSI and the CFM is 10.9-12 so a bit of an air hog, like most DeVilbiss Guns.

Needle sizes available include 1.2mm, 1.3mm, and 1.4mm. The package comes with two air caps: the TE10 and TE20, offering fan patterns of 11–12 inches and 11–11.5 inches respectively.

This unit requires you to purchase your own paint cup, allowing you to tailor it specifically to your project needs. Its body is made from drop-forged, anodized aluminum, featuring a removable air baffle designed to extend the gun’s lifespan. Note that cleaning the baffle can be challenging, so keep that in mind during maintenance.

The gun also comes with a DeVilbiss Digital Gauge, although you might find you already own a better gauge. In case you need spare and replacement parts for your TEKNA, check out this link.

Runner up #2 Best Paint Sprayers for Cars: Best HVLP Paint Sprayer for Cars

DeVilbiss FinishLine

If you’re a gear head like me, then you don’t settle for anything less than the best equipment. Even though you’re a beginner, you don’t have to settle for less than stellar results.  The FinishLine will provide you with a professional finish.

This gravity-feed spray gun is designed with a paint cup positioned on top, allowing paint to flow into the gun by gravity instead of being drawn or pumped. It features a generous 900cc (almost 1 quart) capacity, enabling longer spray sessions without frequent refills.

HVLP sprayers atomize paint at a high volume but lower pressure, producing a softer finish that’s easier to apply while delivering professional-quality results.

With three nozzle sizes included, this gun offers versatility for a variety of projects, letting you avoid purchasing multiple guns and helping you stay within your painting budget without compromising on quality.

The DeVilbiss FinishLine is THE car paint sprayer you’ll want when you need superior results for multiple applications  while still managing your budget.

This gun might offer more than the average DIY finisher needs for one or two vehicles—but why settle for less? Treat yourself to the best. If you run a small shop or detailing business, you’ll appreciate what this automotive paint gun can deliver.

Before purchasing, be sure to check your compressor’s output. This gun requires 13 CFM at 23 PSI, so if your compressor doesn’t meet these specs, you might run into performance issues.

The manufacturer also includes multiple fluid nozzles, allowing you to tackle a variety of painting applications with ease.

We also agree with some of the public reviews of this particular kit regarding hose size: the minimum recommended hose is 5/16 inches, but better results come if you step up to at least a 3/8 inch hose.

The DeVilbiss FinishLine, along with other DeVilbiss products, ranks among the best automotive paint guns for beginners. The only challenge we encountered during testing was how tightly the original tip was secured. Although DeVilbiss provides a tool for removal, it wasn’t quite sufficient.

We had to use a wrench carefully, applying steady, gentle pressure to loosen the tip. After the initial removal, the included wrench tool works smoothly every time.

Overall, DeVilbiss FinishLine and related products deliver consistent, high-quality results. We believe you’ll be just as impressed.

If you need the FinishLine manual, click this link up for a copy. n case you need spare and replacement parts for your gun, check out this link.

Car Paint Sprayer Kit

TCP Global HVLP Kit with 3 Guns

This mid range priced paint gun kit comes with multiple guns, allowing you to do detail work and regular old touch ups with these paint sprayers for cars.  It’s not limited to automotive painting; use it around the house to paint walls, furniture or finish that trim.

Sometimes, a single spray gun won’t cover all your needs—especially when working on automotive jobs, applying top coats, or handling touch-ups.

To save time on cleanup between steps, consider investing in the TCP Global HVLP Spray Gun Set.

This set features stainless steel needles and nozzles, giving you complete control over spray patterns, air pressure, and fluid flow to ensure consistent, professional results every time.

TCP Global also has extra tips for purchase from 0.8 to 2.5mm to spray everything from latex paint to rubberized coatings to clear coats.

Most compressors can easily handle these three spray guns since their operating pressures range from 29 to 50 PSI, and their CFM requirements fall between 3.5 and 7.1. This means you can keep painting without having to stop and wait for your compressor to catch up, resulting in smoother, more consistent work.

The included nozzle sizes range from 1.0mm to 1.8mm, allowing you to tackle a wide variety of painting projects.

With stainless steel needles and nozzles, this set resists corrosion and rust while offering full control over spray patterns, air pressure, and fluid flow for reliable, consistent results. The kit also comes with extra fluid cup filters, a hex wrench, a cleaning brush, and two spanner wrenches.

We observed a paint-to-atmosphere transfer ratio of about 70/30, which is better than some HVLP systems that reach 90/10, and far superior to the 60% paint loss seen with high-pressure sprayers. Still, expect to use slightly more paint than you might initially anticipate.

While you can achieve professional-quality finishes, be aware that the fan control isn’t as precise as we would like. The adjustment knobs are positioned for right-handed users, so left-handed painters will need to reach across to make adjustments, which may be less convenient.

Overall, the experience with this spray gun set was quite positive.

Most of the accessories you can buy for this gun are at a price point we love. This includes a paint mixing kit and the Benchtop Holder Stand.

Make the cleaning process a bit easier too with TCP’s 20 piece cleaning kit. You can also buy paint strainers separately.

Car Paint Sprayer Kit

DeVilbiss Paint and Primer Gun Kit

This gun lays down a coat of primer pretty well.  If you’re new to painting or automotive car spraying, this set will get the job done.

The DeVilbiss Auto Paint/Priming Set comes with a 1.3mm, 1.5mm and a 1.8mm.  We like this spray gun kit for cars because it comes with multiple guns, three different tips, and it’s DeVilbiss quality. 

The price point is quite reasonable as well.

Keep in mind, these guns require a high air volume—your compressor should deliver at least 12 to 13 CFM to perform effectively.

The included regulator isn’t the best quality, and colder temperatures can negatively affect the gun’s spraying performance. It’s a good idea to consider using a better regulator before you begin your painting project.

Make sure to check the vent hole at the top of each gun; they’re often partially clogged from the manufacturing process. Trust me, cleaning this out beforehand will save you headaches later.

The paint cups are only 20 ounces, which we found to be on the small side. We recommend at least 32-ounce cups to minimize frequent stops for refilling during your work.

Finally, the thread machining could be improved, so be cautious when reassembling the gun after cleaning to avoid cross-threading or damaging parts.

Try upgrading to the DeVilbiss DeKups system and performance of these guns exceeds expectations. 

Car Paint Sprayer Kit

DeVilbiss Starting Line

Designed with automotive painting needs in mind, don’t limit yourself to just one use for this tool. This spray gun kit works better for once and awhile use instead of daily use. If you’re a professional painter, then this probably isn’t the right kit for you.

The design is solid and it functions well, but it’s more of a hobby car sprayer gun than a professional level sprayer. Even though it’s solid, this gun is lightweight, which fights spraying fatigue.

You’re going to need 8-13 CFM from your air compressor to receive continuous painting from these guns. Anything less than this and plan on taking a ton of breaks because your compressor will need to play catch up.

This DeVilbiss car paint sprayer kit includes three tips—1mm, 1.3mm, and 1.5mm—ideal for detail and finishing tasks. If you plan to swap the default tip, be ready to invest some extra time and patience.

The factory-installed tip is extremely tight, so forcing it could cause damage. Once you carefully remove it—using the included tool and, if needed, a gentle wrench—it becomes much easier to handle in the future.

As for which hose to use, step up to a 3/8 inch hose to get the best results. DeVilbiss has equipped this gravity spray gun kit with plastic cups and plastic connection gaskets. There is a definite weak point where the body and the cup come together. Without care here, you’re going to find either the cup or the gasket breaking and that’s a difficult repair to make if it does happen. 

Consider upgrading to the DeKups system.  You can spray at any angle without leaks.  

Best Turbine Paint Sprayer for Cars

Wagner MotoCoat Complete

Can you paint a car with a Wagner Sprayer?  The MotorCoat Complete is the answer to that question.  It’s awesome to use if you’re ready to move up to the big leagues. Protective coatings can be sprayed with this unit.  

The Wagner Motocoat really shines when spraying plasti dip.  As a matter of fact it can spray all sorts of thick rubberized coatings so it can do a ton of jobs for you.

It creates a beautiful, thick coat that is nicely textured on the finish such as truck bed coating and undercoats.  Not having to buy an air compressor is a huge deal for us.  Save money and space.

It creates a beautiful, thick coat that is nicely textured on the finish such as truck bed coating and undercoats. The finish nozzle sprays thin materials like finishing paints and rubberized peelable coatings with consistent coverage.  This is why we rated it one of our top choices for best plasti dip spray gun on the market.

We really liked the “X-Boost Turbine,” which offers an excellent paint atomization experience that develops minimal overspray.

This sprayer comes with a 39-foot hose, giving you full mobility to easily reach all areas of your project. Its lightweight and portable design let you move around without any hassle.

With adjustable flow volume, spray pattern direction, and width, you can tackle a wide range of tasks with precision.

In short, this automotive paint gun delivers an outstanding user experience.

Astro 2 Quart

If you’re looking for a portable solution in a paint sprayer, then we highly recommend this option.

You’ll be able to mix and paint up to 2 quarts at a time with this pressure pot design. You’ll receive 6 feet of twin hosing so movement and operation are very easy.

This auto paint sprayer isn’t designed for fine detail work but excels at quickly covering larger surfaces like vehicle panels. It’s ideal for bigger vehicles such as trucks or buses.

What stands out is the easily adjustable fan pattern, delivering impressive atomization for a sprayer at this price point.

Included are a pressure gauge and fluid regulator, along with 6 feet of twin hosing, ensuring smooth movement and easy operation throughout your project.

The Astro 2 Quart is simple to clean, especially with Astro’s specialty cleaning kit. 

You will need an air compressor to operate this paint gun.  A compressor with 3 horsepower or more should be enough to power the Astro Pressure Pot.  A minimum 10 CFM at around 45-50 PSI will keep you painting consistently. 

If you are using this sprayer for multiple applications, make sure you purchase extra tips from www.Astrotools.com

If your spray gun isn’t working, first check the vent on the paint pot—it can get clogged and may need cleaning.

To avoid rust after cleaning, dry your Astro spray gun parts using a blow dryer. Avoid using cloths or paper towels, as they can leave debris inside the sprayer and cause clogs.

This sprayer is essential for commercial work, providing reliable support as a valuable addition to your toolkit.

The Astro Pneumatic 2 Quart Spray Gun packs a lot of punch.  Affordable, quick, portable and easy to clean, makes this Astro paint gun an all round champ in the paint sprayer arena. Beginners and seasoned paint sprayers can benefit from everything this spray gun has to offer.  

Graco Sharpe

Whether you decide to spring for the 1mm model or the 1.8mm model, we found that this compact and very lightweight sprayer does an excellent job. 

This model does not have interchangeable tips or nozzles. To work with primer, clear coats, or different paints, you’ll need to purchase separate guns with the appropriate nozzle sizes.

Available nozzle sizes and their typical uses are:

• 1.0 mm: Hobby projects, spot repairs, base coat, clear coat
• 1.3 mm: Base coat, high solid paints, single-stage paint, clear coat
• 1.4 mm: Base coat, clear coat mixed with single-stage paint, sealers, low solid clear, clear coat
• 1.5 mm: Base coat, sealers, enamels, medium to high viscosity coatings, clear coat
• 1.8 mm: Primer

The controls on this sprayer are easy to adjust, making painting straightforward and efficient.

The paint cup is aluminum and holds 600cc, which is decent for medium-sized projects but may require frequent refills during larger jobs. One drawback is the plastic lid on the cup — after spraying certain products, the lid can shrink and may no longer fit properly. To avoid this, clean the lid thoroughly after each use and always secure it back onto the cup to maintain its shape.

Replacement parts are readily available if any component wears out or breaks, but overall this sprayer is better suited for specific tasks rather than general, heavy-duty use.

The fan pattern adjusts up to approximately 12.5 inches, providing versatility. The relatively small 20-ounce cup helps reduce user fatigue by keeping the sprayer lightweight.

You will need to purchase an air line (if you don’t have one already) and a decent sized compressor.  You’ll be looking at 8-9 CFM at around 40lbs air pressure.  You’ll also need to grab an air regulator.

Find the tip size that works best for you and get to work!

TCP Global Auto Primer Gun

You can put this gun through the paces and it works amazing.  The TCP Primer Gun is the best for thicker materials.  You’ll really get your money’s worth out of this gun.  

With small and large tips available, spray everything from clear coats, to primers, to gel coat to metal flake.   

You’ll find that you’ll be using about 25-50 PSI to spray with the TCP Primer Gun. Spraying with lower pressure means you may need to thin the primer down to lay a smooth coat. 

We love the 1 year warranty and you can also buy a DeVilbiss DeKups set and the adapter for this gun, which really takes your results up a notch. 

We found the cup size of about 1 quart or 1 liter to be fine for smaller projects, but a bigger cup would be nice for spraying thicker materials. 

Word of advice: clean out the gun with mineral spirits or paint thinner prior to use because the manufacturing process leaves a film or lubricant inside the gun that can affect your paint.   

You also may want to invest in a different regulator to ensure consistent results. 

Astro Spray Gun

Flaking is crazy easy with this spray gun. You know that flaking you put into the paint you spread on garage floors and other concrete?

No more manual application needed. The Astro Spray Gun efficiently sprays even large metal flakes onto your surface, delivering a consistent and professional appearance.

That said, it won’t outperform higher-end spray guns priced around $300. The adjustment options are somewhat limited and can be difficult to access during use. However, weighing just 3 pounds, this sprayer minimizes user fatigue during extended projects.

Operation pressure is a bit high at 50-60 PSI, but it is still fairly manageable with most compressors.

This spray gun offers excellent versatility for your DIY projects. While its air consumption of 7-12 CFM may pose challenges for some users, the quality of results it delivers is impressive.

Since it’s a high-pressure siphon gun, you can expect a significant amount of overspray, which contributes to atmospheric pollution during use.

Our tests showed roughly a 50/50 split between paint applied and paint lost to the air.

The gun includes an HVLP adjustment to help control nozzle velocity, but unless you have a spacious indoor area, we recommend using this model primarily outdoors.

Yet for what it can do, especially in terms of consistency, we really don’t have any complaints about what this Astro sprayer can do.

Using this spray paint gun for interior work can be a challenge. Because this is a rather high pressure siphon gun, you’ll find that there can be a lot of atmospheric pollution leftover from your spraying work.

Paint Sprayers for Cars Buyers Guide

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6 Tips and Tricks for Painting a Car with a Sprayer

After you’ve chosen and purchased your ideal automotive paint sprayer, follow these 6 tips to achieve a professional finish on your vehicle.

#1. Keep Your Work Area Spotless
Whether you’re painting indoors or outside, ensure the space is free of dust, dirt, and debris. If working outside, rinse off any nearby surfaces that could blow contaminants onto your paint or primer. Avoid painting under trees or near objects that might drop leaves or particles.

#2. Properly Strip the Existing Paint
Use circular sanding motions and be sure to reach into all corners and crevices. Stripping down to the bare metal provides the best surface for your new paint to adhere to and helps avoid imperfections later.

#3. Mask Off Areas You Don’t Want Painted
Protect windows, headlights, and other sensitive areas by carefully masking them. Plastic sheeting works best, but newspaper can serve as a temporary alternative if needed.

#4. Apply Paint with a Sweeping Motion
Avoid arcing or irregular strokes that can cause uneven coverage. Use smooth, consistent sweeping motions, and practice your technique on a test surface before starting on your vehicle.

#5. Plan Your Painting Time Wisely
A quality topcoat generally requires 3-4 thin coats. Expect to spend 10–20 minutes painting each panel and allow about an hour for each panel to cure before moving on. Rushing this process will negatively affect your results.

#6. Buff Your Paint After the Final Coat
Once the paint is fully cured, buff the surface using circular motions. Keep the buffer moving constantly to avoid burning the paint, which could require you to redo the entire finish.

Best Respirator for Auto Paint

This NIOSH approved model is for particulates and solvents, so it can handle just about any environment you can throw at it.  It is recommended for spray paint applications in the automotive industry.

Receive up to 8 hours of breathing protection, even in an environment where there are concentrated solvents,  such as oil-based primer or paint.

Check out our Best Paint Respirator Post to pick out the best painting mask for you.

Buyer’s Guide: Best Paint Sprayers for Cars

Since the 1970s, paint sprayers have come a long way. Today’s modern HVLP paint sprayers deliver an exceptionally smooth and even finish, making them ideal for automotive painting.

While other types of paint guns can offer consistent coverage, HVLP sprayers significantly reduce overspray thanks to their efficient design. This not only saves you time cleaning up but also reduces the amount of paint you need to prepare.

Many HVLP automotive sprayers include multiple gun options. For instance, if you need precision for automotive detailing, look for kits that include a dedicated detail paint gun alongside the standard spray gun.

Gravity feed sprayers, available in both HVLP and LVLP models, are especially effective for automotive work. Their design ensures paint flows efficiently, even when the cup or canister is nearly empty, giving you consistent results throughout your project.

Features to Look for in Paint Sprayers for Cars

Tips/Nozzle size

Look for a car paint sprayer that allows you to change out tips.  When painting a vehicle, you’ll want to use a 1.8mm tip for your primers, a 1.4mm tip for the top coat, and then a 1mm tip for any detail work that you’re doing.

Job	Tip Size
Primers	1.8mm
Top Coat	1.4mm
Detail Work	1mm

Adjustments are Easy 

A feature to consider when shopping for the best home paint sprayer, are models that have instant adjustments. This applies to your spray pattern. You will be able to do vertical or horizontal stripes with ease.  With instant adjustments, you switch to a round pattern or other spray design with a simple turn of a knob or switch. 

Turning the nozzle also works on some models, but these tend to clog a bit more due to the design.  

Steel Parts

This one is obvious, but steel parts protect against rust and last longer than plastic parts.

Paint Sprayer Hose Length

You’re going to need to make sure that your hose is long enough to reach all of the areas you’re going to be painting.  This way you don;t have to stop in the middle of a panel to readjust your sprayer.

Annual Recommendation for Paint Sprayers for Cars

All sprayers, even car spray guns, are rated with an annual recommendation for gallons sprayed.  If you’re a hobbyist, and only plan on spraying once and awhile, then you don’t have to worry about getting a spray gun with a high annual use recommendation. 

For those of you with plans to spray alot of projects, it’s key to get a sprayer that can handle how much paint you will be pushing through it.  Contact the manufacturer for 100% confirmation of the recommended amount.

Gallons per Minute

This is important if you have larger surfaces to paint, let’s say a truck or bus.  Maybe an RV.  The faster you can spray the faster your project is completed.  Denoted as “GPM” there really isn’t an industry standard for this rating.  You should consult the manual and manufacturer to make sure you’re getting enough sprayer for your needs.

Portability

You are going to want a sprayer for cars that you can move around in your shop.  A sprayer that is super heavy, hard to handle, and not ergonomic means you will fatigue more easily.

Cups

Look for at least 20 ounce cups for the primers and top coats, however a 3-4 ounce cup for the detail work is generally adequate.

CFM rating on Your Car Paint Sprayer

Make sure that you check the CFM rating on your preferred sprayer. It is not uncommon to find a requirement of 9-12 CFM necessary for proper air consumption.  The CFM rating on your sprayer will dictate what compressor you have to buy to send enough air to your sprayer.

A higher CFM means a faster overall air compression process, allowing the compressor to keep up with the demands your car paint sprayer puts on it.

Continuous painting here is key to getting pro results.  You don’t want your compressor to have to catch up to your sprayer all the time.

Horsepower is an important consideration, but only when measured with CFM and PSI. A 1 HP air compressor that provides you 6 CFM at 40 PSI is adequate if your paint sprayer requires 4-6 CFM to operate.  Generally, the more HP your compressor has, the higher the CFMs.

If you’re looking for compressors for painting cars, check out our Best Air Compressors post here.

Adjustable Features

Being able to adjust the spray pattern and fan width means less down time during painting.  It means you can conquer more projects with the same sprayer instead of buying multiple sprayers.  

Look for paint sprayers for cars where the adjustable features are easy to reach and adjust with one hand while painting so you can really dial in the results.

Filter

While you should always strain/filter your paint before running it through your gun, a sprayer with a built in filter is a good stop gap to make sure that nothing gets into your paint, onto your project, or clogs your tip.

Paint Sprayers for Cars and Air Compressors

If you wish to paint continuously, then you’ll need to have a compressor available  for painting cars, which can meet these demands or be able to chain multiple tanks or compressors together so you can get your work completed.

What Are the Types of Spray Guns for Cars?

Are Airless Paint Sprayers Good for Cars? Can you Paint a Car with an Airless Sprayer?

You’ll find airless paint sprayers, siphon feed sprayers, and other types of paint sprayers for cars are also available as you go through the shopping process.

If you are well-practiced at painting vehicles, then airless sprayers can help you get the job done in less time than other types of sprayers such as HVLP.  Airless sprayers use higher pressure to atomize the paint though, so you will be looking at more paint pollution in your area.

Frankly, we don’t recommend anyone use an airless sprayer for painting a car.  Why?  Because, airless sprayers lay down paint at high pressure or PSI, and the paint comes out in large droplets.  This means that the finish isn’t as soft or smooth like it would or should be if you used an HVLP or an LVLP spray gun for cars.

What Type of Paint Sprayer do You Need to Paint a Car?

Siphon Feed Sprayers and Their Role in Automotive Painting

Siphon feed spray guns draw paint upward from an external container, rather than having the paint flow directly down to the nozzle. While they can handle automotive painting tasks, they are generally not the first choice for this type of work.

This feeding method increases the likelihood of air entering the paint lines, which can lead to unwanted splatter — a serious drawback when applying smooth, professional-grade topcoats on vehicles. Because of this, siphon feed sprayers are only recommended if they have a proven track record of high performance in automotive applications.

Can You Paint a Car Using an HVLP Paint Sprayer?

Absolutely, you can paint a car with an HVLP sprayer. However, there are two main variants to consider: gravity feed and siphon feed. For the best outcomes on vehicles, we suggest opting for gravity feed HVLP or LVLP sprayers.

Why Choose Gravity Feed HVLP or LVLP Guns for Cars?

Gravity feed systems supply paint directly from a cup mounted on top of the gun, allowing gravity to pull paint downward to the nozzle. This design promotes a steady, consistent flow, even when the paint level gets low, resulting in a smoother finish.

If you plan to paint at unusual angles or upside down, double-check that your spray gun is capable of operating effectively in those positions before making a purchase.

HVLP vs. LVLP: Which Paint Gun Is Better for Cars?

The ideal choice between HVLP and LVLP depends on the specific automotive project, the type of paint you plan to use, and the finish quality you desire. Each offers different advantages tailored to various painting needs.

HVLP	LVLP
Sprays Thinned Latex	Best for Really Thin Materials (no latex)
Adjustable Fan Patterns	Smaller Fan Width
Efficient Paint Transfer	Better Paint Transfer than HVLP
Operate around 10 PSI	Typically Operate at less than 10 PSI
Lightweight	Crushes Clearcoat Jobs
Needs Quality Compressor/ Turbine	Can use Small, Cheaper Compressor

High Pressure Paint Sprayers for Cars (HVLP)

HVLP paint sprayers are on the market, but may not provide the best finish or be able to spray everything from base to clear to undercoats.  This is mostly true if the HVLP gun sucks the paint up from the cup siphon style, which can lead to an uneven finish on your vehicle.

Bonus of using an HVLP is that they save you money on paint because the low pressure leads to less overspray.  

The main difference between HVLP and LVLP is that HVLP sprays at low pressure while LVLP sprays at even lower pressure.

Low Volume Low Pressure (LVLP) Spray Guns and Paint Sprayers for Cars

LVLP Mean low volume low pressure.  They work with lower pressure at the nozzle than an HVLP (High Volume High Pressure Gun).  How low?  Well around or less than 10 PSI.  You can buy a cheaper air compressor and save some money if you’re on a budget. 

Make sure the compressor still meets your new LVLP spray guns air requirements of about 26-29 PSI (which comes through the gun and gauge). 

What we really love about LVLP spray guns is that you don’t need much experience to use them. They also deliver a super soft finish.

LVLP does a great job at minimizing overspray helping you save money on your paint budget.  LVLP for automotive use shine when spraying single stage enamels.  LVLP for clearcoats is a dream come true. 

LVLP and HVLP: Which Gun is Best for Which Type of Paint

What is the best auto body paint gun?

Take a look at these three gravity feed HVLP and LVLP models: DeVilbiss Finish Line, Starting line,or the Iwata LPH400.  

Quality spray guns in this category will get you quality results. It’s what the Pros use to make vehicles shine.  We love the even paint flow and application because of the gravity feed. 

These guns apply paint using HVLP or LVLP (The Iwata).  The soft spray from a gravity spray gun with HVLP/LVLP really delivers a beautiful finish.  

Paint waste also isn’t an issue with this type of gun.

Even if you’re low on paint, it will still deliver.  There’s also a ton of options available in this category, meaning there is something at every price point and for every level of painter.

Can You Use a Car Spray Gun to Apply Primer?

Yes, you absolutely can use a car spray gun for applying primer. It’s important to select a spray gun that allows you to swap out tips or nozzles to suit different materials. For primers, a 1.8mm tip is typically recommended to ensure proper coverage and a smooth application. Always refer to your spray gun’s manufacturer guidelines for the best tip size and settings.

Additionally, check the paint or primer manufacturer’s recommendations regarding nozzle sizes. Following these details can make a significant difference in achieving professional-quality results.

What Size Air Compressor Do You Need to Run Paint Guns?

Most automotive paint guns require an air compressor that delivers between 9 and 12 CFM (cubic feet per minute) to operate efficiently. The CFM rating of your sprayer is the critical factor in determining if your compressor can supply enough air to maintain consistent spray performance.

The PSI (pounds per square inch) needed to spray paint a car varies based on your spray gun type and the coat you’re applying. As a general guideline for HVLP car sprayers:

• Clearcoat: 20–25 PSI
• Base coat: 26–29 PSI

For LVLP sprayers, it’s best to start at lower pressures than these and adjust gradually until you find the optimal spray quality.

A compressor with a higher CFM rating can maintain steady airflow better, keeping pace with the demands of your paint gun during continuous use. There’s no one-size-fits-all compressor—always confirm your compressor’s specs match or exceed your sprayer’s air consumption requirements.

Maintaining uninterrupted spraying is essential for a smooth, professional finish. You don’t want to frequently pause to let your compressor “catch up.”

While horsepower is a factor to consider, it’s only meaningful when evaluated alongside CFM and PSI. For example, a 1 HP air compressor that delivers 6 CFM at 40 PSI might be sufficient if your sprayer’s requirements align with those specs.

What Are the Prices of Paint Sprayers for Car Paint?

Automotive spray guns that work well with car paint can generally be found in the mid-range price points. This means you’ll wind up paying about $50-$100 for good spray guns.

If you purchase kits or multiple paint guns at once, you can save on the per-unit cost with some manufacturers. The biggest cost, if you’re starting from scratch, is to invest into a good air compressor that can handle your preferred automotive paint sprayer.

Final Advice: Best Paint Sprayers for Cars

If you want to know how to paint your car, then you need to know these four basics: prep, strip, prime, and paint.

There are no shortcuts here. If you skip a step, your finish is going to be lousy. Your auto deserves better.

To prep your vehicle for a new coat of paint, you must remove all dust from your working area. If you’re outside, hose down everything. You need to work in an open area, which means no trees. Then wash thoroughly.

You then need to strip away the old paint as much as possible. Use circular motions with a power  sander for best results.

Go to bare metal if you can. Be prepared for a time investment. It will take up to 2 hours for each panel to do the job the right way.

Priming Your Vehicle

Then prime your body. Be sure to mask up the areas that you don’t want painted – like your windshield. Overspray is going to happen, even if you buy the best paint gun for cars.

Then put the primer through the sprayer, but at the ratio recommended by the product manufacturers. You may need to thin it. Primer must be applied in thin, even coats from the roof down.

Painting Your Car

Painting follows the same process. Work from the top down. Shoot for having 4 coats in total. It takes up to an hour for the paint to cure between coats.

After the last coat of paint is applied, remove any residues with minimum 2000-grit sandpaper. Then apply the clear coat.

As a final step, buff the paint in circular motions. If using a mechanical buffer, keep it moving so you don’t burn the paint you just applied.

Conclusion

The best paint sprayers for cars will let you maintain the value of your vehicle or complete repairs with ease. It’s time to stop paying high prices and time to start creating your own high quality results. The reviews here will lead you to the best paint guns for cars that will work to meet your unique needs today.

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Quick Facts: Paint Sprayers for Cars