Ask the Expert Question-and-Answer Archive

by Ron Joseph

April, 2003

Pressure Setting for Spray Guns

Q. How do I determine the pressure needed to run a spray gun? Could you please give me some formulas and explanations?

A. The best way to set the pressure of the spray gun is to follow the procedures recommended by the spray gun manufacturer. The pressure depends on the type of spray gun, (conventional, HVLP, airless, air-assisted airless), the viscosity of the coating and the flow rate at which you will be applying the coating. The more coating you wish to apply, measured in mL/min or oz/min, the more pressure you will need to atomize the coating. The user's manual that is sent to you by your spray gun manufacturer will tell you how to set up the pressue for your specific needs.