For repaint your own car or start an automotive refinishing business, having the right paint gun is key for achieving quality results. LVLP (low volume, low pressure) spray guns are a top choice for automotive refinishing projects because they apply paint efficiently while minimizing overspray.
How LVLP Paint Spray Guns Work
LVLP spray guns operate by atomizing paint into a fine mist and directing it onto a surface. Inside the gun, paint is pumped from a cup through a narrow opening at low pressure (less than 10 PSI). This slow-moving paint meets a stream of fast-moving air, which shears it into tiny droplets. The resulting mist is then shaped by air caps and directed towards the target surface in a uniform pattern.
LVLP spray guns allow you to lay down smooth, even coats of paint while minimizing wasted overspray. Less overspray also means you’re breathing in less paint mist while working, creating a healthier working environment for the painter. This is especially important when dealing with potentially harmful paints or primers. LVLP models produce significantly lower paint bounce-back off the surface, higher transfer efficiency rates, and superior color match capabilities.
Features for Automotive Painting
Tip/Nozzle Size. The tip or nozzle size impacts the flow rate and fan pattern size. Larger tips are preferred for applying high viscosity primer, single stage paints or solid colors. Fine finish nozzles optimize atomization for spraying clearcoat.
Ergonomics. Balance, grip and gun weight should make spraying comfortable, even on big projects. Features like swivel couplers and torque resistant cups reduce fatigue.
Controls. At minimum, the spray pattern width, material flow and fan should be adjustable. Multiple pattern shaping air caps maximize versatility.
Build Quality. Durable stainless steel or composite body and seals handle solvent-based paints and regular cleanings. Replaceable parts extend lifespan.
CFM Requirements. LVLP spray guns require higher CFM air compressors to achieve proper airflow at lower pressures. Inadequate CFM capacity equates to slower delivery/clogging.
Proper Setup For Your LVLP Spray Gun
While spray guns come preset from the factory, any adjustments likely won't perfectly match your specific paints or spray technique, so carefully fine tuning your gun before spraying.
Start by test spraying water or solvent to set the fan pattern. Adjust the pattern to 6-8 inches once the gun is 8 inches from the surface. Then open up the fan by another inch or two. It's easier to reduce overspray by decreasing the fan than trying to increase it with the material flow already set.
Turn the needle adjusting knob or fluid screw to completely close the fluid passage. Then back it out to the suggested opening for your project - typically around 1 1/2 turns open for basecoat, 2 turns open for single stage paint or primer.
Adjust the air pressure down to the gun's specified LVLP range - this is often 8-10 psi at the gun's air inlet for touch-up sized guns. Reduce pressure down to 6 psi for LVLP guns.
Test spray a pattern. If too much texture or orange peel occurs, increase air pressure slightly while reducing fluid flow. If dry spray or stippling occurs, reduce air while increasing fluid delivery. You want a wet coat that dries to a smooth finish.
Repeat test sprays while fine tuning the settings until the spray gun sprays an optimum pattern with minimal overspray. Record your settings once properly dialed in.
Professional body shop painters who will be spraying cars every day, would benefit from choosing a high end LVLP model. The RONGPENG R500 LVLP Air Spray Gun gives you complete control and flawless results for all your automotive painting projects.
The desired pattern,volume of fluid output and fine atomization can easily be obtained by regulating the pattern adjusting knob, fluid adjusting knob and air adjusting knob.
Paint utilization rate can reach 65%. S.S nozzle and needle, brass air cap. Corrosion resistant PE cup. Gun body can bear quadrupling working pressure. Trigger with 2 gears, the first for dust cleaning, second for painting. The RONGPENG R500 LVLP Spray Gun is ideal for automotive, woodworking, marine and industrial applications.
Standard Nozzle Size:φ1.5mm
Optional Nozzle Size:φ1.3 , φ1.7, φ2.0
Spraying width:180-280mm
Air Consumption:3.0-3.9cfm
Operating Pressure:2.0-3.5 bar
Paint Capacity:600cc
Flow Rate:140-190 ml/min
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