Choosing the best spray gun for gelcoat is essential for achieving a smooth, even finish when spraying gelcoat.
A quality gelcoat spray gun should provide excellent atomization and be able to spray gelcoat efficiently.
In this article, we’ll discuss some of the best gelcoat spray guns available and provide tips for achieving professional-looking results.
What is the Best Spray Gun For Gelcoat?
Here are my recommended top gelcoat spray guns on the market.
1. LFI Professional Gelcoat Sprayer
If you demand efficiency and quality in your shop’s fiberglass projects, this sprayer is a tool worth considering.
Pros
- Outperforms traditional HVLP guns with its fast spraying capabilities.
- Designed specifically for the demands of spraying gel coat into open molds.
- Cleanup is straightforward and can be completed swiftly.
Cons
- Some units may have packaging issues leading to missing parts.
- Though versatile, it might not be the best for other, non-fiberglass applications.
- Users have reported occasional issues with missing nozzle tips.
The LFI Professional Grade Cup Gun simplifies gelcoat applications with its efficient design. It evenly distributes gelcoat without excessive overspray, providing precise control.
Cleanup is quick and easy, saving time for other project tasks.
However, some customers have received incomplete kits, requiring customer service intervention.
Despite this, the sprayer’s solid build and reliable operation make it a valuable tool for enhancing fiberglass project quality.
Inspect the package upon arrival to ensure all components are included.
2. Gen II LFI Cup Gun
If you’re looking for versatility in your workshop for various coating tasks, the Gen II LFI Cup Gun can be a solid addition.
Pros
- Provides a uniform spray with various materials
- Handy for small to medium-sized projects
- Simple setup and easy to clean
Cons
- Not suitable for larger industrial applications
- Shorter lifespan with heavy use
The Gen II LFI Cup Gun adapts well to various mediums like gelcoat, resins, adhesives, and paints, making it a versatile workhorse for small to medium-sized projects.
Its straightforward disassembly and cleaning process simplifies maintenance, while its manageable weight enhances user comfort.
However, it may not be suitable for larger, commercial projects requiring a more robust, industrial-grade sprayer.
But overall, I would still recommend it.
3. B4B Bang 4 Buck HVLP Spray Gun
If you need an efficient and reliable spray gun for various painting tasks, this one should be at the top of your list.
Pros
- Versatile nozzle sizes for different painting needs
- Ergonomic design minimizes hand fatigue
- Excellent control with adjustable knobs for precision
Cons
- Initial disassembly may require extra effort
- The cup lid can be prone to accidental dislodging
- Some components may feel less durable than expected
The B4B Bang 4 Buck HVLP Spray Gun simplifies the process of achieving a flawless finish on your boat’s gelcoat. Its nozzles deliver a fine mist of paint, resulting in a smooth, even coating.
The gun’s light build and ergonomic grip provide comfort during extended use, while its precision controls allow for adjustments to spray pattern, fluid pressure, and air input.
However, the cup lid may pop off unexpectedly if bumped, and some parts may feel less robust compared to pricier alternatives.
Despite this, the B4B Bang 4 Buck HVLP Spray Gun offers a favorable performance-to-cost ratio, making it a practical choice for professionals and DIY enthusiasts working with various painting materials, including gelcoats and enamels.
4. AEROPRO LVLP Spray Gun
If you’re in the market for an efficient and easy-to-handle spray gun, the AEROPRO R500 could be your go-to choice.
Pros
- Utilizes lower air volume and pressure, ensuring a fine finish with minimal overspray.
- Comfortable trigger design reduces fatigue during extended use.
- Comes with replacement parts making it versatile for various types of paint jobs.
Cons
- May require adjustments post-cleaning to prevent sputtering.
- Knob adjustments can be a bit tight, needing extra effort to configure.
- The included oil/water separator and pressure gauge may not meet everyone’s quality expectations.
The AEROPRO R500 spray gun impresses with its upgraded Teflon coating, ensuring durability and resistance to wear and dirt.
The LVLP technology enables smooth and efficient spraying, simplifying varnish and topcoat applications.
The ergonomic trigger design enhances user comfort, while the corrosion-resistant cup and included nozzle sizes add to its versatility.
Minor inconveniences include the need to tighten the nozzle post-cleaning and initial resistance from the adjustment knob.
Although the additional accessories may not meet everyone’s expectations, the gun’s overall performance and value make it a reliable choice.
5. PNTGREEN HVLP Spray Gun
This spray gun is a sound choice if you seek a blend of quality and affordability for your painting projects.
Pros
- A comfortable handle brings ease to extended use.
- Adjustable valves offer versatile control over the spray.
- The durable stainless steel nozzle works smoothly with various materials.
Cons
- Early wear in the aluminum body’s threading has been reported.
- Nozzle and service tool discrepancies have surfaced in some orders.
The simplicity of its design makes it a suitable option for both rookies and seasoned painters alike. In particular, the ergonomic handle suggests that longer tasks won’t become uncomfortable, as might be the case with less thoughtfully designed equipment.
One of the standout features has to be the trio of selectors that fine-tune your output. Whether it’s air volume or material flow, you have simple, precise control at your fingertips—an essential for any crafting work, whether touching up a classic car or varnishing a vintage cabinet.
The 600CC paint cup capacity hits the sweet spot for not being too bulky while holding enough material for most mid-sized jobs. Cleanup is a breeze, thanks to its detachable nature—a time saver that every painter can appreciate.
However, I’d suggest keeping an eye on the threading of the aluminum body over time, as some wear or cross-threading issues could arise with frequent use.
==>> See also my recommended top fiberglass boat paint
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, selecting the best spray gun for gelcoat is crucial for achieving professional-looking results when repairing or refinishing fiberglass surfaces. The products listed in this article are all strong contenders, each with their unique strengths and minor drawbacks.
Ultimately, the choice of gelcoat spray gun depends on your specific needs, project scale, and budget.
Whether you’re a professional or a DIY enthusiast, investing in a quality gelcoat spray gun and mastering the proper techniques can help you achieve outstanding results and elevate the quality of your fiberglass projects.
