The best spray guns in the UK 2023

Painting is not an easy task: no matter what tool you use, it will take application and hard work. However, you can make the process considerably easier and less complicated with a paint gun. If you're looking to get a paint gun for your next project, then this guide is the best place to start.

Bosch PFS 3000-2 1
9/10

Editor's Choice

Bosch PFS 3000-2

The best paint gun in 2021

The Bosch PFS 3000-2 is a versatile paint gun that will allow you to easily spray all types of paint thanks to Bosch ALLPaint technology. When it comes to value for money, you won't find better value anywhere else.

87,20 £ on Amazon

The Bosch PFS 3000-2, equipped with a 650 watt motor and a 1 liter paint tank, offers the ability to spray both wall and wood paint. You can paint walls or structured surfaces such as masonry, furniture and garden fences. The shoulder strap and the highly flexible 2-meter long air hose ensure excellent mobility. The paint spray of the Bosch PFS 3000-2 guarantees uniform painting results on large surfaces, small spaces and corners. With the horizontal, vertical or pointed spray jet, you give every surface exactly what it needs.

Einhell air paint gun 2
7/10

Best entry-level

Einhell air paint gun

The best entry-level paint gun

This Einhell paint gun with gravity bucket allows any DIYer to do a variety of painting and varnishing jobs at home, in the workshop and in the garage. All this with a device that costs less than 25 euros.

17,70 £ on Amazon

This Einhell gravity cup spray gun provides low pressure and allows for smoother spraying and increased control. Transfer efficiency is high. It's an ideal solution for any spray job, including painting vehicles, fences and walls. You'll even be able to fine-tune the width of the spray pattern to suit the task at hand. Plus, thanks to the gravity cup, you can use high-viscosity varnish or paint with ease. Its ergonomic design makes it very comfortable to hold. To use this paint gun, you will need to connect it to a compressor and set a pressure of 3 to 3.5 bars. Other features, such as the rotating nozzle and the color volume controller, add to our good impression of this model.

Bosch PFS 5000-E 3
8/10

Best high-end

Bosch PFS 5000-E

The best high-end paint gun

The Bosch PFS 5000-E is a top-of-the-line paint gun designed to give you perfect finishes with minimal effort on large and very large painting projects, indoors and out.

138 £ on Amazon

The Bosch PFS 5000-E spray gun sprays finely atomized paint in uniform layers on all structures with 1200 W power and a paint flow rate of up to 500 ml/minute. In addition, with the ALLPaint spray system, you can use wall paint, glaze or varnish on wood, plastic or metal. To make your work easier, you have two 1000 ml paint tanks that you can use in succession. You will be able to move freely during the work thanks to the wheels. Transport is easy and maneuverability is optimized.

Graco UltraMAX 4
8/10

Best wireless

Graco UltraMAX

The best cordless paint gun

Graco's UltraMAX is an ultra high performance cordless spray gun. It is the first and only portable paint gun capable of spraying water-based, solvent-based and flammable architectural coatings. It is therefore a professional equipment that individuals can easily use.

753 £ on Amazon

The Graco UltraMAX is a cordless paint gun that runs on a DEWALT 20V, 2 Ah lithium-ion battery capable of delivering a maximum pressure of 2000 PSI. On a full charge you can spray up to 3 liters of paint. Recharging is just as impressive. In fact, it will take only 35 minutes to go from 0 to 100% charge. This model is a concentrate of technology. First, there's the Triax three-piston pump. These are carbon pistons designed to offer great reliability at the peak. So, in addition to being lightweight, the pump is also more durable. The static shock protection system eliminates the risk of sparking, while SmartControl technology provides a flawless finish without the need for thinning.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best spray gun

Any specific needs?

The best paint gun in 2021

The best entry-level paint gun

The best high-end paint gun

The best cordless paint gun

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best spray guns

The best Inexpensive High-end Wireless
Bosch PFS 3000-2 5
9/10
Einhell air paint gun 6
7/10
Bosch PFS 5000-E 7
8/10
Graco UltraMAX 8
8/10
OUR SELECTION
Bosch PFS 3000-2
Einhell air paint gun
Bosch PFS 5000-E
Graco UltraMAX
The Bosch PFS 3000-2 is a versatile paint gun that will allow you to easily spray all types of paint thanks to Bosch ALLPaint technology. When it comes to value for money, you won't find better value anywhere else.
This Einhell paint gun with gravity bucket allows any DIYer to do a variety of painting and varnishing jobs at home, in the workshop and in the garage. All this with a device that costs less than 25 euros.
The Bosch PFS 5000-E is a top-of-the-line paint gun designed to give you perfect finishes with minimal effort on large and very large painting projects, indoors and out.
Graco's UltraMAX is an ultra high performance cordless spray gun. It is the first and only portable paint gun capable of spraying water-based, solvent-based and flammable architectural coatings. It is therefore a professional equipment that individuals can easily use.
Type
Corded electric
At compression
Corded electric
Cordless Electric
Power (or pressure)
650 W
3-3.5 bar
1200 W
2000 PSI
Paint tank capacity
1000 ml
600 ml
1000 ml
950 ml
Maximum paint flow
300 ml/minute
-
500 ml/minute
-
Weight
2.8 kg
0.5 kg
4.9 kg
2.4 kg

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Buying guide - spray gun

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How to choose your spray gun

Because of the ease with which they can paint even not so easily accessible surfaces, spray guns are very popular and there are many models on the market. It can be difficult to make a choice. However, by considering the following criteria, you will be able to narrow down your choice.

#1 - Power and flow rate

Spray guns differ in the amount of pressure they can transmit. The norm is that the heavier the paint, the higher the pressure required. Speed also plays an important role in your choice. The higher the power, the higher the flow rate (ml/min) and the faster the spray speed.

#2 - Spray nozzle features

The shape and size of the paint gun nozzle or tip affects the paint job. First, there's the size of the opening. Smaller tips work better for thinner coatings, while larger tips work better with thicker paint. Second, there is the spray pattern. This shape is determined by the shape of the nozzle. High-quality paint guns can spray in several patterns, including round, horizontal and vertical.

#3 - Pressure control

Some paint guns have a pressure control with high, low and clean settings. This not only allows you to change the pressure depending on the type of work you're doing, but it also helps extend the life of the tip by not using one pressure setting all the time.

#4 - Paint tank

Think about the scope of the projects you'll be working on most of the time. If you're only working on small projects that typically involve spraying small areas such as crafts or furniture, you'll be fine with even a paint gun with a moderate volume. However, if you are a professional and need to work on large projects, you should opt for a gun with a high-volume tank. You won't have to stop several times during the job just to refill the tank.

#5 - Portability and noise level

If you're spraying a large area and need to move the sprayer to reach each area, you'll want to go with a model that's lightweight or has wheels or back straps. When it comes to comfort of use, you should also consider the noise level of the motor, especially if you're painting indoors or in an enclosed space. It's worth noting that low-pressure paint guns are the quietest.

The techniques of painting with electric gun

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Using an electric paint gun is actually quite simple, but before you start spraying, read the owner's manual and review all the safety precautions for your particular model. Make sure you prepare the surfaces you're going to paint and protect anything you don't want to spray. Follow these tips below and you'll be well on your way to a successful paint job.

First, practice!"

It usually takes some practice time to become familiar with the spray techniques that produce the best quality finish, so if you're new to using a spray gun, practice using water first.

Choose a training area such as a garage door or other large flat surface that can be safely sprayed with water. When using water, follow the procedures outlined in your paint tool manual.

Once the unit and gun are primed with water, engage the gun trigger safety and install the spray tip and tip guard. Then practice your spraying technique on your chosen practice area.

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Select the best pressure setting

Locate and use the pressure control knob to adjust the spray pressure to achieve a good quality spray. When the pressure is set correctly, there should be no judder in the pattern and the pattern itself will be smooth. Before painting on the actual surface, test the spray pattern on pieces of cardboard.

Start with a low pressure setting and fire the gun quickly. If the spray is full, you are ready to spray. In most cases, however, the spray pattern will not be full the first time. For example, a gap may exist at each end of the pattern, or the edges of the pattern may appear thicker than the middle. If the spray is not full, increase the pressure setting slightly and test again. Continue this process of increasing the pressure setting and testing until the desired pattern is achieved.

Tips for successful spraying

The following guidelines will help you learn proper spraying techniques to produce uniform coverage and a quality finish.

  • Keep a consistent spraying distance: Start by becoming familiar with moving the spray gun and learning how to maintain the recommended distance from the surface. When spraying, hold the gun about 30 cm away and perpendicular to the surface you are going to paint. Move your arm while keeping the gun pointed straight at the surface to be painted. Do not tilt the gun, as this can cause an uneven finish. Instead, flex your wrist slightly at the beginning and end of each stroke to maintain the proper position of the gun.
  • Work within your reach: When painting with a spray gun, work only in the area you can easily reach while maintaining the proper position of the gun.
  • Correctly triggering the spray gun: To avoid excess waste at the beginning and end of each stroke, always move the gun before pulling the trigger and continue your spraying after releasing the trigger.

The different types of spray guns

When you decide to buy a paint gun, there are three main categories of paint guns to choose from, including electric, air-powered and low-pressure.

Electric paint gun

Electric paint guns propel paint through the tip of the gun with an electric pump, applying extremely high pressure to the paint tank. The paint is forced through the spray tip, which expels tiny droplets that adhere to the desired surface.

Advantages: Thanks to the electric pump, an electric paint gun is particularly effective for large paint jobs in the home and garden. It's easy to achieve a dry, glass-smooth finish. Typically, electric spray guns come with a variety of tips suitable for various paint jobs.

Disadvantages: When spraying, not all of the droplets sprayed through the nozzle necessarily end up sticking to the surface being painted. Some of the paint drifts into the air, causing 20-40% waste. This can happen quickly, and electric models are not always the most economical.

Who is it for? If you're looking for a professional finish with a fast learning curve, electric paint guns might be your instrument of choice.

Air pressure paint gun

Air paint guns shoot paint out of the nozzle with compressed air, creating a smooth, even finish. A typical air paint gun configuration includes a spray gun, a high-pressure hose, and a compressor cartridge. You connect your spray gun to the compressor via the high-pressure hose, which contains a regulator, determining how much air is needed to propel the paint out of the tank.

Benefits: If you need to paint a cabinet or similar size piece of furniture, an airless spray gun is an excellent option. It may not be as versatile as an electric model, but people often choose air-powered systems for ease of use. They are also less expensive.

Disadvantages: Air paint guns are not particularly economical to use. They use a lot of paint and require an air compressor to operate; this is also a bit expensive.

Who is it for? The compressed air models are probably the easiest to use, so they're perfect for novices. They are literally foolproof.

Low pressure paint gun

HVLP stands for High Volume Low Pressure; or literally "high volume, low pressure." This type of paint gun uses a constant volume of air to propel the paint from the tip of the gun onto the surface being painted. These sprayers are popular because lower pressure is easier to control, limiting errors and waste. HVLP systems are generally only recommended for thinner paints.

Advantages: Most low-pressure spray guns allow you to adjust the spray pressure so you can paint more delicate surfaces or hard-to-reach corners more easily. The low pressure also makes this type of spray gun perfect for small interior jobs such as painting doors and walls.

Disadvantages: However, HVLP industrial sprayers handle more viscous liquids, but they are more expensive to purchase. Also, as mentioned above, most low-pressure spray guns are only effective for thinner paints. Therefore, they are not recommended for latex or gloss paints.

Who is it for? Low-pressure spray guns are ideal for wood stains and primers. So, if you're a beginner and looking for a more professional finish for interior and/or around-the-house paint jobs, then a low-pressure paint gun is the perfect choice.

Electric paint gun or compressed air paint gun

Electric paint gun

Electric spray guns are ideal for painting medium to large interior and exterior walls. There are also specific models available for professionals and do-it-yourselfers. Electric spray guns provide an even application that works well on popcorn walls and ceilings and other uneven surfaces.

You'll find that an electric model generally sprays thick latex paints and primers better than a compressed air model. An electric paint gun can also handle paints that do not require thinning. An electric spray gun generally provides a transfer efficiency of about 40-50%. Therefore, it may not have enough finesse for small jobs. Unfortunately also, electric paint guns are not the cheapest models on the market.

Compressed air paint gun

Air guns generally work best with oil paints, but you can also use acrylic varnishes and coatings. You will need to thin them in most cases, as this type of paint gun will not handle high pressure. The accuracy of finishes with an airbrush may not be as consistent as what an electric gun can offer.

Electric paint guns typically offer extremely high transfer efficiency of up to 90%. Because an air paint gun is attached to a compressor, pressure capacity is limited by the size of the external unit, or a smaller turbine if it is a portable model. By design, the paint is pushed through the nozzle by an air stream, in some cases allowing air to mix with the paint, possibly causing imperfections and bubbles in the finish. However, the low-pressure spray is easier to control, allowing you to achieve safer and more accurate painting.

Verdict

The choice between an electric and a low-pressure model will depend on the work you plan to do on a regular basis. Planning a big job and want high quality results? An electric sprayer will be your best choice. On the other hand, if you have small household jobs that require a detailed finish, an air-powered model will be very effective.

Why buy a good spray gun?

Saves time

A paint gun saves a lot of time when working on any painting project. Using a brush to paint takes a lot of time compared to a paint sprayer. With spray guns, you can make a few passes over the desired surface and you're done. The paint dries even faster because it comes out in tiny particles.

Saves effort

In addition to saving time, a paint gun saves you a lot of unnecessary effort. You don't have to constantly refill your brush with paint, nor do you have to worry about the paint drying on the brush. In addition, the movement required when applying paint is also quite strenuous. With a paint gun, you can fill the tank with paint and you're ready to go. You don't have to make as many passes, and there's less room to make a mistake.

Reduced Waste

Another major benefit of spray painting is that you save a lot of paint. When painting with a brush, we waste a lot of material due to spills, drips or even drying out of the paint . With a spray gun, there is no unnecessary waste because your paint stays inside the canister.

Uniform paint

Spray painting allows for a more even distribution of paint on the work surface. Whether you're painting a wall or furniture, using a spray gun means that the paint you apply doesn't pool in one place. Instead, it sticks to your application area and dries quickly.

Versatile

A paint gun is a versatile tool. The best paint guns come with a wide assortment of adjustment options that allow you to fine-tune different elements of the paint application. It allows you to control things like the spread pattern or the amount of paint coming out of the nozzle.

The best brands of spray guns

In our opinion, the best brands of spray guns in 2022 are :

Graco
Wagner
Titan Tools
Fuji Spray
Bosch

Since 1926, Graco Inc. has been a leading supplier of premium pumps and spray equipment for fluid handling in the construction, manufacturing, processing and maintenance industries. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Graco works closely with distributors around the world to deliver innovative products.

Like Graco, Wagner has a rich history. In the 1960s, the company was Europe's largest manufacturer of electric and high-pressure paint spray tools. Since then, Wagner has become a global leader in the paint spray tool industry. Wagner products are known for their quality and reliability.

Titan Tools has been around since 1974 and has been responsible for many innovations in the paint spray industry. Since they started, Titan has been particularly focused on producing equipment, including electric spray guns that leave a perfect finish with less time and effort.

Based in Toronto, Canada, Fuji Spray has been a major player in the paint spray industry for 30 years. It is the American leader in HVLP paint spray tools. By specializing in low-pressure paint spray guns, Fuji Spray manufactures sprayers for both professionals and budding DIYers.

Bosch's reputation is well known when it comes to home appliances and DIY and gardening tools. But what is less known is that Bosch also makes excellent paint spraying tools. Its catalog is not very extensive, but the models offered have an excellent manufacturing quality.

What is the price for a spray gun

The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).

However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.

We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.

Entry-level
20 £ to 80 £
Mid-range
80 £ to 160 £
High-end
more than 160 £
Price range diagram

Tips

Spray corners and edges first before large areas

When painting, we recommend spraying the corners and edges first, then the surfaces. This will ensure that the paint is applied evenly. If necessary, you can cross spray for better surface coverage.

The best way to clean your spray gun

Cleanup can be time consuming, regardless of the propulsion method you choose. It's critical that no paint be left in the hoses, on the nozzle, or in the pump, to avoid blockages. If you are using oil-based paints, it may take 3 to 5 quarts of paint solvent to get the machine completely clear.

Try it out

You should try the paint mixture and air pressure on a piece of cardboard before applying paint to your furniture or walls. This will give you the opportunity to experiment with the proper air pressure to help you control the flow; provide the required finish.

Be careful

When using a paint gun, especially the compressed air models, we recommend that you wear a respirator as well as safety glasses and gloves. Long-sleeved clothing and shoes offer additional protection.

Keep your skin away from the tip of the spray gun

As with all paint guns, extreme caution should be exercised when using an electric paint gun. You must keep your skin away from the tip of the gun, as it can inject paint into your skin; releasing potentially dangerous toxins into the bloodstream.

Paint at a constant speed

Particularly with spray guns, it is important to apply paint at a steady rate. To avoid paint smudges and thus achieve an even surface, spraying should be done in a horizontal or vertical motion.

FAQ

How does a spray gun work?

All paint guns work on the same basic principle. It turns fluid paint into many tiny atomized droplets, which are then sprayed onto a surface. However, different paint guns use different methods to achieve this. That's why there are different types of paint guns.

How do I use a spray gun?

There are a few important steps to follow that will help you achieve professional results and a high-quality finish, even if you are a beginner. First, it's important to prepare yourself. Don't forget your mask and tape. Next, you'll want to familiarize yourself with your paint gun, including the different settings available. Practice!

For which jobs is it worth buying a spray gun?

Theoretically, you can use a paint gun for almost any paint job. The question is whether this makes sense, especially in terms of purchase and operating costs. In order to evaluate this question, a variety of factors should be considered to determine the potential benefits: factors include the areas to be painted, the frequency of use, the materials you wish to paint, as well as the type of projects.

How do I thin the paint when using a spray gun?

The paint will need to be mixed well and thinned in the package according to the paint manufacturer's data sheet recommendations. We recommend using a paint gun mixer. You can use the following values as a reference:

  • Wood and metal: do not dilute
  • Solvent or water-based wood preservatives, stains, oils, disinfectants, plant protection products: do not dilute
  • Varnishes, primers, automotive topcoats or thick solvent- or water-based paints: dilute by 5 to 10%.
  • Interior wall paint (emulsion and latex paint): dilute from 0 to 10%.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information. See more

Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

See more
Our selection
Bosch PFS 3000-2 9
Bosch PFS 3000-2
Einhell air paint gun 10
Einhell air paint gun
Bosch PFS 5000-E 11
Bosch PFS 5000-E
Graco UltraMAX 12
Graco UltraMAX

Lecteurs

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