Best Paint Sprayers for Cars

If you’re a DIY expert, then using one of the best paint sprayers for cars will help you to maintain your vehicles Blue Book value.  You can also restore your car after an accident.

Invest in a paint sprayer for car paint and you can do all the work on your own.

Take a look at some of the top paint sprayers for cars and get yourself one today.

paint sprayers for cars
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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.

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

N/A
  • Atomizing PSI: 16.0
  • Air Cap Model: LV4
  • Requires CFM: 9.5
  • Weighs 0.86 lbs!
  • Nozzle 1.4 inch (0.055)
  • Pattern width 11.4″

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

Comes with a 1.4mm tip which is perfect for laying down a killer layer of base, clearcoat or enamel.   But, this unit really SHINES when laying down clear. No pun intended!

The fluid and fan control setting knobs are easily accessed on the back of the gun.  It’s one of the lightest in its category at 0.86lbs and is designed to reduce wrist and arm fatigue.

We couldn’t believe how quiet this unit sprays, it’s like the sound of a whisper.  Only con is you need a good compressor to run this unit as the HVLP LV4 air caps chew up air pretty good. 

For an LVLP, the atomizing PSI is pretty high at 16 PSI, so this guns chews up air.  Most LVLPs atomize paint at around 10 PSI.  Make sure your air compressor can keep up with this LVLP spray gun. But the results are totally worth it.

This workhorse not only works hard for you, it has lasted some Owner’s up to 12 years.  Weighing it at around 0.86 of a lb, it’s one of the lightest on the market.  You’ll never suffer from wrist fatigue.   

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 cups are great for detailing and painting small vehicles like bikes, motorcycles or scooters.  If you’re painting larger things like entire panels or cars, invest in a large cup.

Most Pro prefer to use the IWATA as their separate gun for clear coat.  This way there is no chance of any paint getting into your clear if you haven’t cleared out every nook and cranny of your gun.

We’ve got nothing bad to report about this Iwata LVLP.

Pros
Soft Spray
Lightweight
Quality Build
Whisper Quiet

Cons
Chews up Air
Large Investment

Runner Up Best Paint Sprayers for Cars  

Tekna ProLite Tek-905044

  • 2 lbs
  • Need to Buy Cup
  • Gravity feed
  • Great for Clear coats
  • Forged aluminum
  • HVLP
  • Stainless Steel nozzles and needles

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.

Needles sizes range from 1.2, 1.3 and 1.4mm. Included are the TE10 and TE 20 air caps. Each of the air caps has varying fan pattern sizes: TE10 11-12 inches and TE20 11 – 11.5 inches.

You will need to buy your own cup for this unit, so that you can fully customize it to your project needs. The body is drop-forged aluminum anodized gun body with a removable air baffle which increases the longevity of this gun. The baffle may be difficult to clean so be aware of that challenge.

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.

Pros
Ergonomically designed trigger
Uniform and consistent spray
Lightweight
HVLP gravity feed

Cons
No cup
Expensive

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

DeVilbiss FinishLine

N/A
  • Gravity Feed HVLP Spray Gun
  • All internal passages are anodized and the anodized body makes it easy to clean
  • Requires 13 CFM at 23 PSI
  • Multiple fluid tips included (1. 3, 1. 5, 1. 8)
  • Perfect for beginners and Pros
  • Adjustable Pattern Fan Control
  • Great for automotive clear coats
  • Precision machined air cap and fluid nozzles

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 gun features a paint cup on top, which feeds paint into the gun by using gravity rather than being pulled or pumped in. In addition, it has a large 900cc cup or almost 1 quart capacity, so you’ll be able to spray for longer periods of time without having to refill your paint cup.

HVLP paint sprayers atomize paint at a high volume and with relatively low pressure, resulting in a softer finish. This makes for easier application, while producing professional results.

The three included nozzle sizes mean you can use it for multiple applications instead of buying 3 different guns.  You can manage your painting budget without settling for less than the best equipment.  

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

It might be more than the average DIY finisher needs for a vehicle or two, but who cares?  Get the best for yourself. If you run a small shop or detail business, you’ll love what this automotive paint gun can do.

Check your compressors output before purchasing this gun. The gun requires 13 CFM at 23 PSI. If your compressor’s output is lower than this, you may experience some difficulties using the gun.

The manufacturer includes multiple fluid nozzles for different applications.

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 and DeVilbiss products in general, are some of the best automotive paint guns for beginners available. The only issue during testing was that the original tip of the gun is on soooo tight!  While DeVilbiss gives you a tool to use to take it off, it’s not good enough.  

We had to carefully use a wrench with gentle constant pressure.  Once you’ve gotten it off, the wrench tool works every time.

The DeVilbiss FinishLine and DeVilbiss products in general, are some of the best automotive paint guns available. We found the results to be uniform and of high quality. We think you’ll find the same thing.

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.

Pros
Multiple Tips Included
Can use for home projects
Lightweight

Cons
Chews up air
Careful of paint runs
Hard to get Tip Off

Car Paint Sprayer Kit

TCP Global HVLP Kit with 3 Guns

N/A
  • HVLP Gravity Feed Spray Guns
  • Spray Base-coats, Clear-coats, Single Stages, Primers and More
  • The 1.4 mm Fluid Tip Gun is Ideal for Base-coats, Clear-coats and other Light to Medium Viscosity Materials
  • The 1.8mm Fluid Tip Gun is excellent for Primers, Oil Base, Latex, and other Medium to Heavy Viscosity Coatings
  • Use the 1.0 mm Tip Detail Gun for Tight Areas and Touchup

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 just one spray gun isn’t enough to meet your needs. This is particularly true if you’re doing some automotive work, top coats, or touch-ups.

Instead of spending your time cleaning up after each step of the job, consider an investment into this TCP Global HVLP Spray Gun Set.

Equipped with stainless steel needles and nozzles, you’ll have full adjustment over your spray patterns, air pressure, and fluid coverage for consistent results.

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 handle all three of these guns because the operating pressures range from 29-50 PSI. The CFM requirements are from 3.5 to 7.1, so doable for most compressor set ups. You can keep painting with these 3 guns and not have to stop painting and wait for your compressor to catch up. This delivers better results.

The nozzles sizes included range from 1.0mm to 1.8mm so they can handle many of your painting projects.

The stainless steel needles and nozzles prevent corrosion and rust and give you full adjustment over your spray patterns, air pressure, and fluid coverage for consistent results. This kit comes with:

  • extra fluid cup filters,
  • a hex wrench,
  • cleaning brush and
  • 2 spanner wrenches

We found the surface ratio of paint to atmosphere to be about 70/30, whereas other HVLP designs can be as high as 90/10. It’s better than the 60% loss a high pressure sprayer causes. You should expect to use a little more paint than you might anticipate.

Although you can achieve professional results, you must be careful that your fan control is precise. It isn’t as precise as we’d like it to be. The knobs are placed on the guns for right-handed users. Left-handed users must cross over with their other hand in order to adjust the knobs on this spray gun set.

Overall the experience was pretty good. Cleaning up was the one negative we encountered with this unit.

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.

Pros
Works with most compressors
3 gun set
Budget Friendly
Stainless steel needles and nozzles

Cons
Hard to clean
Knobs aren’t left hand friendly
Fan control not super precise
Uses more paint than other HVLP’s

Car Paint Sprayer Kit

DeVilbiss Paint and Primer Gun Kit

N/A
  • Basecoat, Clearcoat and Topcoat Spray Gun
  • Gravity Feed HVLP Spray Guns
  • 30 PSI delivers 10 PSI air cap pressure
  • 12-13 CFM minimum required
  • 1 year warranty
  • 600 cc (20 ounce) cups

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 is pretty good too.

These guns do require high air volume to get the job done, you’ll be using your compressor at a minimum 12-13 CFM. 

The regulator is not of great quality, and a colder environment may compromise the gun’s ability to spray.  It may be best to use another regulator before you start painting.

Always check the vent hole at the top of the guns, they may be partially clogged due to the manufacturing process.  You’ll thank me for the advice. 

The cups are only 20 ounces which we found to be too small. 32 ounce cups minimum would be best to reduce the need to stop and refill my paint cups while painting.

I found that the machining of the threads leaves something to be desired. Be careful when putting the gun and its parts back together after cleaning.

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

Pros
Beginner Friendly for Auto Painters
3 tips included
Good Price
1 year warranty

Cons
Regulator not the Best
Air Hog at 12-13 CFM minimum
Clean thoroughly before using

Car Paint Sprayer Kit

DeVilbiss Starting Line

N/A
  • Requires 8-13 CFMs for continuous painting
  • 3 tips included: 1, 1.3 and 1.5mm
  • Best for occasional use
  • Great for clearcoats
  • Lightweight
  • Adjustable Fan Pattern Control

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 comes equipped with 3 tips: 1mm, 1.3mm, and 1.5mm which are perfect for detail and finishing work. If you want to change out the default tip, be prepared to take some extra time and be patient with the process.

The initial tip you receive from the factory is on there super tight. If you get angry with it, you might just end up breaking it. The included tool works well after you get it off the first time. We had to gently use a wrench.

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.  

Pros
Beginner Friendly
Lightweight
Easy to Clean
Great for detail work and clearcoats

Cons
Air hog Compared to other HVLP
Tip is on super tight
Occasional Use

Best Turbine Paint Sprayer for Cars

Wagner MotoCoat Complete

best paint sprayers for cars
  • 2 nozzles included
  • Spray thick undercoats and light materials
  • 39 foot hose
  • XBoost Turbine
  • Adjustable flow, pattern and fan widths

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.

It works with 39 feet of hose as well, which means you have completely maneuverability over all working surfaces.  Its super portable, meaning you can take it anywhere around your project without any hassle.

Adjustable flow volume, pattern directions and width maximize the types of projects you can complete with this sprayer.

Simply put: this automotive paint gun provides an excellent user experience.

Pros
39 foot hose
Minimal Overspray
Adjustable flow, pattern and width
Comes with 2 guns

Cons
Thoroughly clean this unit after use

Astro 2 Quart

best paint sprayer for car paint
  • 2 Quart Capacity
  • Good for Large Jobs
  • 6 foot hose
  • Comes with Pressure Gauge and Fluid pressure regulator

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 really for detail work, but it will help you quickly paint your panels. It’s perfect for larger vehicles as well, such as trucks or buses.

What you’ll love about this gun is the easily adjustable fan pattern. It’s atomization is surprisingly good for such an affordable sprayer.

It comes with a pressure gauge and fluid regulator.  You’ll also receive 6 feet of twin hosing so movement and operation are very easy.

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 gun won’t spray, make sure to check the vent on the Pot itself.  The vent may clog and require cleaning.

To prevent rusting after cleaning, hand dry your Astro spray gun parts with a blow dryer.  Don’t use a cloth or paper towel or you could get foreign matter into your sprayer resulting in clogs.

It’s a must-have sprayer if you do any commercial work and need another tool for some extra support.

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.  

Pros
Large jobs
Multiple tips available
2 quart cup

Cons
Only sprays thinned latex
Not for detail work
Hoses could be longer

Graco Sharpe

N/A
  • Best for small/medium jobs
  • 600cc cup
  • Comes in 1 – 1.8mm
  • Less than 1 pounds
  • Includes wrench and cleaning brush

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.  The tips/nozzles are not interchangeable for this model.  You will need to by separate guns with different sizes for primer, clear coats and paints.

Available Nozzle sizes and their applications include:

  • 1.0 mm: hobby, spot repair, base coat, clear coat
  • 1.3 mm: Base coat, high solid, 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, clear coat
  • 1.8 mm: Primer

The controls are easy to adjust, making it a breeze to paint with.

The cup is made from aluminum and holds 600cc, so bigger jobs may see some time delays due to constant filling.  The one issue is the plastic cup lid.  After spraying some products, the lid may shrink causing it not to fit anymore.  Make sure to clean that lid really well after each use and put it back onto the cup so it doesn’t lose its shape.

Replacement parts are easy to obtain if something does happen to break down on you, but overall this sprayer is built more for specific projects than for general needs.

Easy to adjust controls. The fan pattern is adjustable up to about 12.5 inches. The cup is a bit on the small side at 20 ounces which is great for stopping fatigue.

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!

Pros
Lightweight 1lb
Easy to find parts
Good price
Adjustable up to 12.5 inches
Many tips sizes available

Cons
Cup is a bit small for larger jobs
Project specific
No Storage case
No regulator

TCP Global Auto Primer Gun

car paint sprayer
  • 2.0mm tip
  • Great for high build primers, thick enamels, chip guard, metal flakes, gel coats etc.
  • 30 Oz cup

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. 

Pros
1 year warranty
Can buy DeVilbiss DeKups and adapter and use with this gun

Cons
Needs better regulator
Cup too small for thicker materials

Astro Spray Gun

N/A
  • Great for Flake
  • Best for outdoor use
  • 1 Quart Cup size
  • Adjustable fan pattern control
  • 1.8mm nozzle

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?

You don’t have to do it by hand any more. The Astro Spray Gun does an excellent job of spraying even the large metal flakes onto your surface so you can have a consistent look.

With that being said, it isn’t going to outperform a $300 spray gun of a similar design. Your adjustment options are a little limited and they can be hard to reach in the middle of a job.  At just 3 pounds, there isn’t much user fatigue that happens when using this particular sprayer.

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

This gives you a maximum level of versatility when it comes to your DIY projects. Although the 7-12 CFM air consumption may be problematic for some users, the results this spray gun can give you are enormous.

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.

We found that the consumption ratio was about 50/50 in the amount of paint it would apply to the amount that went into the atmosphere.

You do have an HVLP adjustment that can help to control your nozzle velocity.  But unless you have a large, open space to paint indoors, we recommend this unit for outdoor use.

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.

Pros
Lightweight
Sprays flake
Non corrosive parts

Cons
50/50 consumption ratio
Hard to Reach HVLP adjustments
Interior work is challenging

Paint Sprayers for Cars Buyers Guide

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6 Tips and Tricks to Paint a Car with a Sprayer

Once you’ve researched and bought your favorite automotive paint sprayer, use the 6 tips and tricks below to help you get a professional result on your vehicle.

#1. Your work area must be completely clean. If you are working outside, then take a hose and spray everything that may contaminate to your paint or primer. Do not paint underneath a tree or other item/object that could drop contaminants onto your paint job.

#2. Stripping away existing paint is important. Use circular motions with your sanding equipment and don’t forget to hit your crevices and corners. Getting down to bare metal is your best option.

#3. Take time to mask up areas that you don’t want to have painted. This is particularly important for your windows, windshield, and headlights. Plastic sheeting works the best, but newspaper can work in a pinch.

#4. Use a sweeping motion to apply your paint or primer. It is easy to apply materials in an arcing motion instead, but that will leave you with an inconsistent result. Practice your technique before applying paint or primer to your vehicle.

#5. Plan your time wisely. A good top coat usually requires 3-4 coats of paint. You’ll need to plan for about 10-20 minutes of painting per panel and it takes about an hour for each panel to cure properly. Rushing through this process will only give you poor results.

#6. Don’t forget to buff your paint after the final coat. Use circular motions with the buffer and keep it moving. If you stay in one place for too long, the top coat can burn and you’ll be stuck needing to start over.

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 evolved quite a bit.  

The modern HVLP paint sprayer design does an excellent job when it comes to applying car paint in a finish that is even and smooth.

Although other paint gun types can give you consistent coverage, you’ll be able to eliminate a lot of your overspray thanks to the modern HVLP design that is typical for a car paint sprayer.

This saves you a lot of time because you have less mess, which means you need to do less overall product prep.

You’ll find that some HVLP automotive spray guns come with multiple gun options.

For example, if you need automotive detail, then look for a model that gives you a detail paint gun option in addition to the standard spray gun.

Gravity feed auto paint sprayers come in both HVLP and LVLP models and they tend to work the best since it brings the paint down effectively so it can be sprayed, even if your cup or canister is nearly empty.

Features to Look for in Paint Sprayers for Cars

Features of the Best Paint Sprayers for Cars
Interchangeable tips
Easy to Adjust Pressure Controls
Stainless Steel Parts
Long Enough Hose
Annual Spray Recommendation is Enough
Gallons per minute suite your projects
Portable
Cups are big enough
CFM is compatible with compressor

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.

JobTip Size
Primers1.8mm
Top Coat1.4mm
Detail Work1mm

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.

Siphon Feed Sprayers and Automotive Painting

Siphon feed sprayers can also get the job done, but this requires the paint to be sucked up from a canister instead of having it fed directly to the nozzle.

For this reason, we don’t recommended siphon feed sprayers for an automotive paint gun unless its stellar at what it does.  The siphon feed increases the chances of air getting into the lines and resulting in splatter – not something you want to see when applying a top coat.

Can You Paint a Car with an HVLP Paint Sprayer?

Yes.  But, there are two types of HVLP paint sprayers and one of them gets better results than the other.  One type is called gravity feed and the other is siphon feed.  We recommend a gravity feed HVLP or LVLP for painting cars to get the best results.

Gravity Feed Guns w/HVLP or LVLP Feed for Cars: Our Recommended Paint Sprayers for Cars

You can purchase gravity feed spray kits with HVLP or LVLP.  This give you more options and let’s you paint a wider variety of projects. 

How does gravity feed work?  Gravity feeds the paint into your paint gun from a cup that is positioned on the top of your spray gun.  This ensures even paint flow and application even as the paint gets low. 

Watch out if you need to paint upside down or on a weird angle.  Make sure your gun can paint in those types of situations before you buy. 

Should you get an HVLP Gun or an LVLP Gun for painting Cars?

Depending on the car projects and type of painting that you plan on doing, and the paint mediums you’ll be using, an HVLP or an LVLP may be a better choice.

HVLPLVLP
Sprays Thinned LatexBest for Really Thin Materials (no latex)
Adjustable Fan PatternsSmaller Fan Width
Efficient Paint TransferBetter Paint Transfer than HVLP
Operate around
10 PSI
Typically Operate at less than 10 PSI
LightweightCrushes 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.

Pros
Smooth Finish
Less Overspray
Less Prep Time
Fast Clean up

Cons
Slow Pace
Only sprays thinned latex
Small Jobs Only
Need Air Compressor

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. 

Pros
Paint transfer efficiency is high
Less Paint Waste
Save money on paint
Smooth Fine finish
Good for thinner paint mediums

Cons
Not for Big Jobs
Struggle with thicker paint mediums

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

LVLP Paints
Single stage enamels
Clearcoats

HVLP Paints
Base
Undercoat
Thicker paints

What is the best auto body paint gun?

Take a look at these three gravity feed HVLP and LVLP models: DeVilbiss Finish LineStarting 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!

A paint sprayer made for cars can be used for primer.  Make sure you buy a gun where you can change out the tips or nozzles.  We recommend using a 1.8mm tip for laying down primers effectively.  Always double check the manufacturers instructions for your sprayer. 

Also, the paint company may have a recommended tip size to use.  Pay attention to the details for Pro Results.

What Size Air Compressor do I need to Operate Paint Guns?

It is not uncommon to find a requirement of 9-12 CFM necessary for proper painting.  The CFM rating on your sprayer will dictate if your compressor can send enough air/power to operate your paint gun.

How many PSI do you need to spray paint a car depend on the sprayer you’re using and the type of coat you’re painting. The very basic guidelines for how much PSI you need while painting with an HVLP car sprayer are:

  • Clearcoat 20-25 PSI
  • Base Coat 26-29 PSI
  • For LVLP sprayers, start off with overall lower pressure than the above readings and gradually increase/decrease until you reach the perfect level for your desired results

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. There is no common answer here: you have to check that your compressor will power your paint guns.

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.

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.

Quick Facts: Paint Sprayers for Cars

Best kind of paint sprayer for cars? What type pf paint sprayer is best for cars?

Gravity feed paint sprayer with an HVLP delivery system, like the DeVilbiss Guns, work best. Also, LVLP are great for paint cars.

What is the best paint sprayer for cars?

IWATA LPH400 144LV

What to look for in a paint sprayer for cars?

Interchangeable tips, larger cups, CRM rating is compatible with your compressor

Best Turbine Paint Sprayer for Cars

Wagner Motocoat

Best car paint sprayer for the money?

TCP Global HVLP Spray Gun Kit

Is it Possible to Use a Paint Sprayer on a Car? Can you Paint a car with a Paint Sprayer?

Using paint sprayers on cars is the best way to paint them. You get a smooth and consistent finish when using a sprayer. Imagine trying to use a brush and roller on a car, seems a bit ridiculous right?

Can I Paint a car with an Airless Sprayer?

You could, but we don’t recommend painting a vehicle with an airless sprayer is you want decent results. Paint your car with an LVLP or and HVLP that is gravity fed for the best results.

Table Of Contents
  1. Best Paint Sprayers For Cars Comparison Chart
  2. Best Paint Sprayers for Cars: Automotive Paint Gun Reviews
  3. Quick Best Paint Sprayers for Cars List
  4. Editors Choice: Premium Automotive Paint Gun
  5. Iwata LPH400
  6. Runner Up Best Paint Sprayers for Cars  
  7. Tekna ProLite Tek-905044
  8. Runner up #2 Best Paint Sprayers for Cars: Best HVLP Paint Sprayer for Cars
  9. DeVilbiss FinishLine
  10. Car Paint Sprayer Kit
  11. TCP Global HVLP Kit with 3 Guns
  12. Car Paint Sprayer Kit
  13. DeVilbiss Paint and Primer Gun Kit
  14. Car Paint Sprayer Kit
  15. DeVilbiss Starting Line
  16. Best Turbine Paint Sprayer for Cars
  17. Wagner MotoCoat Complete
  18. Astro 2 Quart
  19. Graco Sharpe
  20. TCP Global Auto Primer Gun
  21. Astro Spray Gun
  22. Paint Sprayers for Cars Buyers Guide
  23. Join our Email List for more Tips and Info!
  24. 6 Tips and Tricks to Paint a Car with a Sprayer
  25. Best Respirator for Auto Paint
  26. Buyer’s Guide: Best Paint Sprayers for Cars 
  27. Features to Look for in Paint Sprayers for Cars
  28. What Are the Types of Spray Guns for Cars?
  29. Are Airless Paint Sprayers Good for Cars? Can you Paint a Car with an Airless Sprayer?
  30. What Type of Paint Sprayer do You Need to Paint a Car?
  31. Siphon Feed Sprayers and Automotive Painting
  32. Can You Paint a Car with an HVLP Paint Sprayer?
  33. Gravity Feed Guns w/HVLP or LVLP Feed for Cars: Our Recommended Paint Sprayers for Cars
  34. Should you get an HVLP Gun or an LVLP Gun for painting Cars?
  35. High Pressure Paint Sprayers for Cars (HVLP)
  36. Low Volume Low Pressure (LVLP) Spray Guns and Paint Sprayers for Cars
  37. LVLP and HVLP: Which Gun is Best for Which Type of Paint
  38. What is the best auto body paint gun?
  39. Can You Use a Car Spray Gun to Apply Primer?
  40. What Size Air Compressor do I need to Operate Paint Guns?
  41. What Are the Prices of Paint Sprayers for Car Paint?
  42. Final Advice: Best Paint Sprayers for Cars
  43. Conclusion
  44. Quick Facts: Paint Sprayers for Cars