A spray gun is only one part of an efficient spray finishing system. Depending on the application, a complete system may include:
Spray gun
Pressure pot or fluid transfer pump
Compressed air filtration system
Air and fluid hoses
Pressure regulators
Fluid regulators
Spray tips, needles and nozzles
Disposable paint cup systems
Automatic spraying equipment
Selecting compatible equipment throughout the system helps ensure consistent coating delivery, maximise transfer efficiency and improve overall productivity. If you're unsure which spray equipment is best suited to your application, our technical team is on hand to help. Contact Elcometer on +44 (0)161 371 6000 for advice on selecting the right spray gun and equipment for your coating, production process and finishing requirements.
Choosing the correct spray equipment depends on several factors, including the coating being applied, production volume, required finish quality, component size and whether the application is manual or automated. Considerations such as spray technology, pump capacity, fluid delivery, nozzle selection and air filtration all influence application performance. Matching the equipment to your process helps maximise productivity while reducing overspray and coating consumption.
Industrial spray equipment is available in several technologies, each designed for different coating applications:
Air spray equipment Uses compressed air to atomise the coating and is ideal where a high-quality finish and precise control are required.
Airless spray equipment Uses high fluid pressure to atomise coatings without compressed air, making it suitable for large surfaces, high production rates and higher viscosity materials.
Air-assisted airless spray equipment Combines airless spraying with additional atomising air to provide improved finish quality while maintaining high productivity.
Fluid supply equipment Pressure pots, tanks and pumps provide a consistent supply of coating to spray guns, improving productivity for larger applications.
Selecting the correct spray technology helps maximise transfer efficiency, reduce material waste and achieve the required finish quality.
Gravity and suction feed spray guns with attached cups are ideal for smaller applications, frequent colour changes and applications requiring maximum flexibility.
Pressure pots and spray pumps are better suited to industrial environments where:
Larger areas need to be coated
Continuous spraying is required
Higher productivity is needed
Larger volumes of coating are used
Operators need to minimise downtime caused by refilling cups
Using a separate fluid supply system allows coatings to be delivered consistently to the spray gun, helping improve productivity and finish quality.
Clean, dry and oil-free compressed air is essential for producing a high-quality finish.
Moisture, oil and airborne contaminants can affect atomisation, cause coating defects such as fisheyes and blistering, and reduce the overall appearance of the finished coating.
Using an appropriate compressed air filtration system helps remove contaminants before they reach the spray gun, improving finish quality, increasing equipment reliability and reducing costly rework.
These spray technologies atomise coatings in different ways.
Air spray uses compressed air to atomise the coating, producing excellent finish quality and precise control. It is commonly used for high-quality industrial finishing applications.
Air-assisted airless combines hydraulic fluid pressure with a small amount of compressed air, providing higher transfer efficiency and faster application speeds while maintaining an excellent finish.
Airless spray guns atomise coatings using hydraulic pressure alone. This allows high-build coatings to be applied quickly over large surface areas, making them ideal for protective coatings and industrial production.
The most suitable technology depends on the coating, finish requirements and productivity goals.
The accessories required depend on the spray technology and application, but a complete system may include:
Regular maintenance is essential to ensure consistent spray performance and maximise equipment life. Spray guns should be cleaned after every use, while pumps, filters, hoses and fluid delivery components should be inspected routinely for wear or damage. Performing regular maintenance and replacing worn components with genuine replacement parts helps reduce downtime and maintain application quality. For full maintenance instructions, visit our Youtube channel - Elcometer Spray Equipment Maintenance
Every coating process is different. Elcometer's technical team can help you select the right combination of spray guns, pumps, pressure pots, air filtration and accessories for your coating, production requirements and finish expectations.
Contact Elcometer on +44 (0)161 371 6000 for expert advice.
