How to pick the best lacquer spray gun
The choice, just like with many other products, is dependent on a variety of factors, and most of them are based on the buyers’ preferences! We will start with the types of spray guns and then continue with the smaller details, including cup capacity, extra accessories, and even warranty. While some of them are less important than others, some buyers have specific preferences in those areas, which makes some models a better option for them, while others opt for something slightly different!
Types of spray guns
There are various types of spray gun models available on the market, and it can be difficult to understand what to choose.
One type of popular lacquer spray gun is the LVLP, which stands for Low Volume Low Pressure.
They require less than 10 PSI of pressure at the nozzle, so if you have a compressor that produces 26-29 PSI, this option might be ideal for you. The LVLPs are also extremely user-friendly, making them an excellent option for a first-time lacquer spray gun user. The LVLP models provide a professional-looking job without needing any additional expensive equipment. However, they are quite slow and can do their magic only with thinner materials.
Next, we have the HVLP, which stands for High Volume High Pressure. These guns use the same pressure but atomize the material at a higher volume. They require a powerful compressor or a turbine to provide wider patterns and smoother finishes. The TCP Global HVLP Spray Gun is an excellent example of HVLP for both beginners and professionals.
You will also find gravity-feed and siphon spray guns with letter ones being cheaper but bulkier.
Tip size
Tip size, or nozzle size, is important to consider when purchasing a lacquer spray gun. The size of the nozzle affects what types of materials you can use. Spray gun tip size depends on the type of material you use. The thicker the material, the larger the nozzle you will need. Larger nozzles are ideal for primer, while smaller nozzles are great for lacquer or thin paint. For example, the SPRAYIT SP-33000K LVLP Gravity Feed Spray Gun Kit comes with various tips for different purposes.
Before you start looking at what tip size to purchase, it is most likely in your best interest to think about what materials you will be using first.
Patterns
Lacquer spray guns that offer various patterns can create an exciting finish that a normal nozzle on a lacquer spray gun could not accomplish. Some lacquer spray guns even offer adjustable patterns, allowing the user to interchange between a round or an oval pattern. Another thing that is important to take into consideration when looking to purchase a lacquer spray gun is the width of the pattern. If you are working on a somewhat smaller space, you want to ensure that pattern width will fit the space that you will be painting.
Gun and cup materials
When purchasing a lacquer spray gun, you should be mindful of what materials it is made. After all, you will want to buy a product that is durable, and that will last for years. Generally, most of the lacquer spray guns are made from metal, but when it comes to the cup, the materials vary. Popular materials used for the cup are plastic, metal, aluminum, and stainless steel. All of them are quite durable, so ultimately, it comes down to the buyers’ preferences. For example, the Wagner Spraytech Control Spray Max Sprayer comes with two different cups for multiple purposes.
Cup capacity
Cup capacity is important as you will want to purchase a spray gun that has a large enough cup so you can work continuously and not be constantly interrupted by needing to refill the cup. On the other hand, a larger cup can make the gun bulkier.
The average cup capacity is 0.6 quarts or 600cc, but some lacquer spray guns can contain as much as 1.5 quarts!
Working pressure
Working pressure is another essential feature when purchasing a lacquer spray gun. You will want to purchase a spray gun that has enough pressure to efficiently spray the lacquer evenly on the desired area while using equal amounts of air and material. With too high working pressure, the lacquer gun will spray the material unevenly and spottily. The best way to determine what working pressure is needed is to check the product description or official websites.
Fluid and air adjustment valves
Fluid and air adjustment valves are important when looking at a lacquer spray gun as they are the key to fine-tuning and perfecting your job with a spray gun. This is crucial when you are working with a lacquer spray gun with proper pressure, but the results are not quite to your liking. The ability to adjust the fluid as well as the airflow gives you complete control over results. For instance, the Ingersoll Rand 270G HVLP Gravity Feed Spray Gun is a wonderful fully-adjustable option.
Warranty
When buying a “home improvement” item, you want to ensure that it will work properly for a long period. The best way to do that is to buy a model that comes with a warranty. There are a variety of warranty types offered. Often the range is anything from 6 months to 2 years, and we recommend the Fuji 9600-G Gravity G-XPC Spray Gun, which comes with a 2-year warranty and can be used for multiple tasks. However, regardless of the amount of time, finding a lacquer spray gun with a warranty is a smart choice!
Extra accessories
When looking to purchase a lacquer spray gun, extra accessories are not often the first thing a potential client looks at. However, often the extra accessories included with a purchase are the thing to seal the deal! Some popular extra accessories are an air regulator and a cleaning brush. Some lacquer spray guns even include accessories to assist in maintenance and storage, such as a multi-size wrench or even a storage box. While none of these things are necessary for operating a lacquer spray gun, these accessories do add to the spray gun’s user-friendly qualities as well as its ease of use.
Prices
Finding a lacquer spray gun that is in your price range may seem like a daunting task, but with a little bit of research, it is much easier than some would expect! The cheapest lacquer gun on our list is the Astro Tools Spray Gun, which is currently running at about $30. It provides fantastic value and can be used for multiple tasks.
On the other side of things, the most expensive lacquer spray gun featured on our list is the Fuji 9600-G Gravity G-XPC Spray Gun, which costs about $330. With this HVLP spray gun, you will be able to complete exquisite finishes.
If you are looking for a lacquer spray gun that is in the middle of those two options, the SPRAYIT SP-33000K LVLP Gravity Feed Spray Gun Kit is available at just $100. There are different tips that come with the gun as well as an air regulator and a cleaning kit.
Once you find a few options that are in your price range, be sure to check out their features and make sure that they will be able to keep up with all that you have planned!
