Ask the Expert Question-and-Answer Archive

by Ron Joseph

March, 2004

Airless vs. Air-Assisted Airless Spray Guns

Q. I have a project to paint a three-car garage. I am going to buy a spray gun to speed up the job.

I have a 2HP compressor.

I have choises of tranditional high pressure spray guns, airless spray guns, and air assistance spray guns.

I don't have any experience using spray guns.

Can you please compare these types and give a recommondation?

A. My suggestion in that before you buy a spray gun, you should first rent one from a local rental outlet. The commercial airless spray guns do an excellent job, but you do need to practice first, otherwise you will apply too much paint too quickly and get a poor looking job. The airless gun will do the job quickly, but be careful not to apply too much paint or the job will cost you much more money that necessary. The air-assisted airless gun will also do an excellent job, but you will need to learn how to set up the spray gun and balance the fluid pressure against the atomizing air pressure. Once you have set up the spray gun correctly, you will probably find it easier to use than the airless gun.