ATD Tools 6900 9-Piece HVLP Spray Gun Set

I have now completely painted a frame off renovation of a 1974 Toyota Land Cruiser with these guns, and I am completely happy with the 1.8 (blue) and 1.4 (red) guns. I couldn't ask for more and I wish I had purchased this set years ago. In fact my wife gave me a set of spray guns from a national retail chain about five years ago, and I have struggled with them constantly obtaining only mediocre results. NOTE: I am a hobby painter and pros may take issues with my opinion. Then again, if you're a pro what are you doing buying a gun like this on Amazon?

Things I like: The spray tip comes with two holes on each side creating excellent atomization of the spray pattern. It is very easy to control the droplet size and direction.

There are adjustments for material flow, air flow, and spray pattern in addition to the trigger pull.

Things I don't like: 4 stars were awarded because I found the long can to be a little awkward in tight spots. More than once I was challenged to get the spray I wanted without clanking the paint cylinder against something I had just painted. Worse, the pressure regulator that it comes with is adequate, but I HATE the cheap plastic lens that covers it. I spilled some thinner on it and it started to dissolve. Now it is very difficult to see the markings on the gauge. Finally, the cleaner kit that it came with was just silly. I would prefer that they lowered the price by five bucks and keep the stupid kit.

Bottom line, yes, buy it. If you're a 'do it yourselfer' you can't go wrong.

UPDATE: 8/15/13 - The little detail gun was a big disappointment. It started off by leaking and running down the trigger. The spray pattern was great, but after fooling with it I thought I had it just right, and then it started to send pressure up through the paint can on top. However, in all fairness, I liked the fine pattern and fit into tight spots so well that I ordered another one and it is perfect. I sense a quality control problem here, and in retrospect I would have returned it immediately rather than mess with it. Now, I love all three guns and I just keep getting better results with them the more I use them.

Each size served a purpose in the jobs I've been using it for.

Have sprayed many vehicles over the years both working at shops and in my shop at home. Was very impressed with the overall spray quality of these guns for the money. If you're wanting some guns to work with for home projects and want to keep your cost down then I'd recommend these as a buy. I used them on my teenage son's Camaro and they worked very well. I like the fact there are 3 in the set so you can keep 1 for primer and another for base and clear.

I worked in an auto body shop when I was younger and these are so much better than the old models. I sprayed my fence, shed and part of my house. Used latex paint, thinned with water on the 1.8 nozzle. It worked just fine. Having the regulator at the gun was very helpful for fine tuning the spray. Will try some lacquer and urethane on some re-finishing projects this winter.

I researched just about every HLVP paint gun out there. This set had everything I was looking for. Note: Search around using different search terms. The pricing from different providers can vary as much as $40. Check for price plus shipping.

(1) 1.8mm Primer Spray Gun; (1) 1.4mm Topcoat Spray Gun; (1) 1.0mm Touch-up Spray Gun, (2) 1 Liter Aluminum Cups, (1) 125cc Stainless Steel Cup. Also includes: (1) Regulator (0-180 PSI 0-12 BAR); (1) Face Mask; (1) Cleaning Kit; (1) Spanner Wrench; (1) Hex Wrench; (1) Brush; (2) Filters.
Also included but not in the picture or description is the MINI INLINE AIR FILTER-Paint Spray Gun-Tool Water Trap by TCP Global, an addition value of $9.96. This is needed to keep the water from the compressor out of the gun and the material you are spraying. Put this in line before the spray gun.

The quality of the spray guns is very good. Well made, good precision adjustments. Comfortable in your hands. I like that the spray pattern knob is on the side and the spray volume knob is on the back.

They come with metal paint containers. You have a metal to metal connection with a compression gasket where they meet. No issues with loose connections, leaks or stripped threads on plastic containers.

Having the small regulator at the spray gun is very helpful when working to get the desired spray pattern. I put a male and female quick connect on the regulator so that I can attach it between the hose and any of the guns I am using.

To get the right spray, start with a viscosity cup for measuring the thickness of your material. Earlex SG244 Liquid thickness/Viscosity measuring Cup Ford #4. Google for viscosity charts to learn how thick materials should be.

Then it takes adjusting the spray pattern, volume of paint, and air pressure to get the right volume and atomization of the spray desired. If you are not experienced I suggest starting with water and practicing with all the adjustments. Run each out to its max and min to see what they do ( for air pressure try from 10 to 50 lbs ) and then work them in combination to see how different combinations of settings affect the spray. If you are spraying water you can do this on a large sheet of paper, an old sheet of plywood, the side of your garage or your fence. Lots of area to see what different adjustments do.

Better to do a few light coats than try for a thick coat and get drips. When you have actual paint etc. you will want to practice on some paper or cardboard to get the adjustments right, before spraying on your project.

The guns disassemble with the tools provided. Some of the nuts may be a little tight the first time getting them off. After you spray, immediately clean out the gun to avoid clogging. Google, spray gun cleaning for write ups and videos.

So after you have played around with them, you want to clean out the lubricant that shipped on the guns parts. Tear them down, clean the shipping oil and reassemble. Now you have a clean gun ready for use.

Having the spray gun and paint strainer stand is very helpful. Otherwise it is difficult to hold the gun, and strain the paint into the paint cups. The only thing this kit does not have is the paint strainers. It would only be a few pennies to throw in a few paint strainers to get you started. Otherwise you need to order them or go out and get some. It is highly recommended to strain your paint so it keeps any small particles out of the small passages in the spray guns. It is a real pain to have to stop in the middle of a job to tear down and clean out a clogged spray gun. Each of the guns has a removable filter just below where the paint cups screw on. When cleaning the guns, remember to remove the filters and flush them out. There are two replacement filters in the kit.

Just remember you should get some quick connectors to screw onto the paint guns, regulator and other in line parts. Amazon and Harbor freight are good places to look. You will also need some Teflon thread tape for any of your screw connections.

Hope this review helps. Have a good time spraying.

I was skeptical about this paint gun set, even though it was recommended to me by my cousin (a longtime painter). My body shop man tried it and was very impressed with the quality and result. It does not compare to a $500 paint gun, but it's definately better than many $250 paint gun sets.