What Automotive Painters Should Know About Air Spray Gun Techniques

Mastering air spray gun technique is a defining skill of professional automotive painters. Equipment alone does not guarantee results—technique determines finish quality.

Trigger control is fundamental. Professionals rarely pull the trigger fully at panel edges. Instead, they feather material flow to avoid buildup. This technique is essential when using a refinished painting LVLP spray gun.

Spray distance consistency ensures even atomization. Moving too close causes runs, while excessive distance leads to dry spray. Professionals maintain rhythm and posture to stabilize movement.

Hand speed must match material viscosity. Clear coats require slower passes, while basecoats benefit from controlled, even motion. Proper overlap ensures color uniformity, especially when using an air spray gun for metallic finishes.

These techniques are learned through repetition, observation, and disciplined process control.