A restoration lives or dies on its paint. A good body job under a bad spray finish still looks like a bad job, while a careful spray job can make honest bodywork look professional. The gun is where that difference is made.
The problem is choice: tip sizes, gravity versus siphon feed, air consumption, and a price range that runs from hobby kits to professional guns. Buy the wrong tip for your material and the paint orange-peels, runs, or clogs, whatever your skill.
This guide compares five guns and kits that cover primers, base coats, clear coats and touch-ups, with the tip sizes and air needs stated plainly so you can match the gun to your compressor and your paint.
The 30-second answer
The DeVilbiss StartingLine 802342 kit is the best overall spray gun because it includes a full-size gun and a detail gun with three tip sizes for primers, base coats and touch-ups. The DeVilbiss 802343 two-gun system is the system pick, the TCP Global three-gun kit is the three-gun value pick, the RRJ kit is the interchangeable-nozzle pick, and the generic HVLP three-nozzle kit is the budget single-gun pick.
How we researched this guide
We compared 12 spray guns and kits from maker listings and manuals, kept five with verified listings, and excluded two professional guns whose documented class sits above this tier and one kit whose tip sizes could not be confirmed. We checked maker documents for tip sizes, feed type, air consumption, cup sizes and included accessories, and read owner reports for atomisation, leaking cups and cleaning complaints.
Quick picks
Best Overall
DeVilbiss StartingLine 802342 HVLP Kit
A full-size gun and a detail gun with three tips for every stage.
Best Two-Gun System
DeVilbiss StartingLine 802343 Two-Gun System
A two-gun HVLP system for full automotive work.
Best Three-Gun Value
TCP Global Three-Gun HVLP Kit
Three dedicated guns for primer, base and touch-up in one kit.
Best Interchangeable Nozzles
RRJ HVLP Spray Gun Kit
One gun with four nozzle sizes and a 600 ml cup for all stages.
Best Budget Single Gun
Generic HVLP Three-Nozzle Spray Gun Kit
A budget gravity gun with three nozzles for primer, base and clear.
Spray gun finder
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Quick compare
| Product | Tip sizes | Feed | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| DeVilbiss StartingLine 802342 HVLP Kit | 1.0, 1.3, 1.8 mm | Gravity HVLP | Check Price |
| DeVilbiss StartingLine 802343 Two-Gun System | Two-gun system | Gravity HVLP | Check Price |
| TCP Global Three-Gun HVLP Kit | 1.0, 1.4, 1.8 mm | Gravity HVLP | Check Price |
| RRJ HVLP Spray Gun Kit | 1.4 to 2.5 mm | Gravity HVLP | Check Price |
| Generic HVLP Three-Nozzle Spray Gun Kit | 1.4, 1.7, 2.0 mm | Gravity HVLP | Check Price |
How to choose a spray gun
Tip size matches the material
Thin base coats and clear coats want a 1.3 to 1.4 mm tip; primers and thicker materials want 1.7 to 1.8 mm; detail work wants 1.0 mm. A kit with several tips covers every stage, while a single-tip gun forces compromises on at least one stage.
Air supply: pressure and volume
HVLP guns need enough air volume, measured in CFM, at the right pressure. Check your compressor’s delivered CFM against the gun’s needs: a gun starved of air atomises poorly and orange-peels, whatever the tip size.
Gravity versus siphon feed
Gravity-feed guns use less paint, change colour faster, and work at lower pressure, which is why they dominate car work. Siphon-feed guns hold more paint and suit large panels, but waste more material and need more air.
Atomisation quality
Good atomisation lays paint flat with minimal texture. It depends on air cap design, air pressure and material viscosity together, so a gun with adjustable fan and fluid controls lets you dial in the finish rather than accepting the default.
Cleaning and maintenance
A gun that is hard to strip will be cleaned badly, and a badly cleaned gun sprays badly next time. Look for easy disassembly, available seals and needles, and a case that keeps parts together between jobs.
Cup size against the job
A 600 cc cup covers a panel or a small car section without refilling; a 250 cc cup suits touch-ups and detail work. Larger cups are heavier when full, so match cup size to the panel size rather than buying the biggest cup by default.
Spray guns by budget
All five picks sit inside this tier, so the choice is about tip coverage and kit size rather than stretching for a professional gun.
| Tier | What you get | Example pick |
|---|---|---|
| Single gun | One HVLP gun with several nozzles for all stages | RRJ kit |
| Two-gun kit | Full-size and detail guns for complete jobs | StartingLine 802342 |
| Three-gun kit | A dedicated gun for primer, base and touch-up | TCP Global kit |
Types of spray guns
Spray guns split by feed and by kit size; both decide how the gun fits your compressor and your jobs.
| Type | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Gravity-feed HVLP | Cup on top, low pressure, efficient paint use | Car panels, base and clear coats |
| Siphon-feed | Cup below, higher air use, larger capacity | Large panels and primer work |
| Mini and detail guns | Small cup, fine tip, precise control | Touch-ups, jambs and small parts |
Detailed reviews
Every gun below is reviewed in the same order: why it earned its place, its documented specs, where it fits, what owners report, and who should skip it.
Best Overall: DeVilbiss StartingLine 802342 HVLP Kit
Best Overall
Why the DeVilbiss StartingLine 802342 HVLP Kit is our pick
The StartingLine 802342 earns the top spot because it covers every stage in one case: a full-size HVLP gravity gun, a mini detail gun, and fluid tips of 1.0, 1.3 and 1.8 mm, with a 600 cc cup and a 250 cc cup, a cleaning brush, a wrench and an air adjusting valve with gauge. DeVilbiss lists a 30 PSI maximum inlet pressure, and the kit’s chrome finish and moulded case make it easy to clean and store. For a restorer who needs primer, base, clear and touch-up from one purchase, this is the complete answer.
DeVilbiss StartingLine 802342 HVLP Kit key specs
- Model: 802342
- Guns: Full-size HVLP gravity gun and mini detail gun
- Tips: 1.0, 1.3 and 1.8 mm
- Cups: 600 cc and 250 cc
- Max pressure: 30 PSI
- Included: Cleaning brush, wrench, air valve with gauge, case
- Finish: Chrome
DeVilbiss StartingLine 802342 HVLP Kit: fits and best for
The 802342 fits restoration workshops, home garages and body shops doing complete jobs, and suits buyers who want one kit for primer through clear coat. It is the pick for a first serious spray setup and for restorers replacing a collection of single guns.
DeVilbiss StartingLine 802342 HVLP Kit pros and watch-outs
- Full-size and detail guns in one kit
- Three tips cover primer, base and touch-up
- Cups for panels and detail work
- Case keeps the kit together
- Cups and gaskets need care to avoid leaks
- Factory-tight tips need a socket on first removal
- Adjustments feel sensitive to some owners
DeVilbiss StartingLine 802342 HVLP Kit: what owners report
Owners report a smooth, consistent spray pattern and easy disassembly for cleaning, and praise the manual’s clarity. The recurring notes are cup seals that leak if overtightened or left dirty, and factory-tight tips that need a socket the first time.
DeVilbiss StartingLine 802342 HVLP Kit: who should not buy
Skip this pick if you need only one gun for one material; the single-gun kits cover that for less.
DeVilbiss StartingLine 802342 HVLP Kit: pair it with
Pair it with a water separator and a pressure gauge at the gun inlet for consistent atomisation.
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Clean the gun immediately after spraying, while paint is still wet.
Best Two-Gun System: DeVilbiss StartingLine 802343 Two-Gun System
Best Two-Gun System
Why the DeVilbiss StartingLine 802343 Two-Gun System is our pick
The StartingLine 802343 is the two-gun HVLP automotive system in the StartingLine family, built around gravity-feed guns for automotive finishes and touch-ups. Its system approach suits workshops that want a dedicated full-size gun and a second gun for detail and jamb work, without buying a third gun for primer. Like the 802342, it benefits from DeVilbiss parts availability and service, which matters when a needle or seal needs replacing mid-project. For a workshop standardising on one system, the 802343 is the system buy.
Note: this pick’s listing record was captured from Amazon Canada; the ASIN is marketplace-shared and the Check Price button routes to the same product on Amazon US.
DeVilbiss StartingLine 802343 Two-Gun System key specs
- Model: 802343
- System: Two-gun HVLP automotive system
- Feed: Gravity feed
- Use: Automotive finishes and touch-ups
- Origin: Taiwan (listing data)
- Parts: DeVilbiss parts and service available
DeVilbiss StartingLine 802343 Two-Gun System: fits and best for
The 802343 fits workshops and restorers who want a two-gun system as their standard setup, and suits buyers who already know they need a full-size gun plus a detail gun. It is the pick when the workshop, not just the job, is being equipped.
DeVilbiss StartingLine 802343 Two-Gun System pros and watch-outs
- Two-gun system for complete jobs
- Gravity feed for efficient paint use
- DeVilbiss parts availability
- Suited to automotive finishes
- Less tip detail published than the 802342 kit
- Two guns, not three, so primer shares a gun
- System price class above single guns
DeVilbiss StartingLine 802343 Two-Gun System: what owners report
Owner coverage for the 802343 system is thinner than for the 802342 kit, because the kit is the more common retail buy. Owners who run the system report the same DeVilbiss spraying character and parts support, and the same cleaning discipline applies.
DeVilbiss StartingLine 802343 Two-Gun System: who should not buy
Skip this pick if you want the most documented kit with published tip sizes; the 802342 kit is that buy.
DeVilbiss StartingLine 802343 Two-Gun System: pair it with
Pair it with a dedicated primer tip or a separate primer gun if primer volume is high.
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Standardise on one system so seals and needles stay interchangeable.
Best Three-Gun Value: TCP Global Three-Gun HVLP Kit
Best Three-Gun Value
Why the TCP Global Three-Gun HVLP Kit is our pick
The TCP Global kit gives each stage its own gun: a 1.4 mm gun for base and clear coats, a 1.8 mm gun for primers and thicker materials, and a 1.0 mm detail gun for touch-ups in hard-to-reach areas. Each gun is gravity-fed with an adjustable air regulator, and the kit includes cups and a maintenance kit. That division of labour is the kit’s argument: no tip changes between stages, no primer contamination in a finish gun, and a dedicated detail gun that stays clean for small work. For high-volume restoration, that workflow beats a single gun with swapped tips.
TCP Global Three-Gun HVLP Kit key specs
- Guns: Three HVLP gravity guns
- Tips: 1.0, 1.4 and 1.8 mm
- Feed: Gravity feed
- Regulators: Adjustable air regulators included
- Included: Cups, air regulators, maintenance kit
- Use: Primer, base, clear and touch-up
TCP Global Three-Gun HVLP Kit: fits and best for
The TCP kit fits restoration workshops and busy home garages, and suits painters who spray often enough that tip changes between stages waste time. It is the pick for a workshop that wants a gun always ready for each material.
TCP Global Three-Gun HVLP Kit pros and watch-outs
- A dedicated gun for each stage
- No tip changes between primer and finish
- Regulators included
- Strong value for three guns
- Three guns need more cleaning and storage
- Fan control is less precise than premium guns
- Uses more paint than some HVLP guns
TCP Global Three-Gun HVLP Kit: what owners report
Owners report good results for the price, especially for beginners, and praise the three-gun workflow. The recurring notes are harder cleaning across three guns, fan controls that feel imprecise, and knobs that suit right-handed users better.
TCP Global Three-Gun HVLP Kit: who should not buy
Skip this pick if you spray rarely or have little storage; a single gun with several nozzles covers occasional work.
TCP Global Three-Gun HVLP Kit: pair it with
Pair it with a gun stand and labelled cups so each gun keeps its material.
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Label each gun by material so primer never enters the finish gun.
Best Interchangeable Nozzles: RRJ HVLP Spray Gun Kit
Best Interchangeable Nozzles
Why the RRJ HVLP Spray Gun Kit is our pick
The RRJ kit takes the opposite approach from the TCP kit: one gravity-feed HVLP gun with four interchangeable nozzle sizes, 1.4, 1.7, 2.0 and 2.5 mm, plus an air pressure regulator, a cleaning kit and a 600 ml cup. That range covers base and clear coats through heavy primers in a single gun, with nozzle changes instead of gun changes. Its aluminium body and copper nozzles suit regular use, and the single-gun footprint suits small workshops where three guns have nowhere to live. For painters who prefer one gun they know deeply, this is the kit.
RRJ HVLP Spray Gun Kit key specs
- Nozzles: 1.4, 1.7, 2.0 and 2.5 mm
- Cup: 600 ml
- Feed: Gravity feed
- Body: Aluminium alloy
- Nozzle material: Copper
- Included: Air pressure regulator, cleaning kit
- Power: Air powered
RRJ HVLP Spray Gun Kit: fits and best for
The RRJ kit fits small workshops, home garages and painters who spray several materials but store one gun. It suits buyers who want the widest nozzle range in a single gun, including heavy primers that need a 2.5 mm opening.
RRJ HVLP Spray Gun Kit pros and watch-outs
- Four nozzle sizes in one gun
- Covers heavy primers to fine finishes
- 600 ml cup for panel work
- Cleaning kit included
- Nozzle changes between stages take time
- Single gun, so no dedicated finish gun
- Less brand support than DeVilbiss
RRJ HVLP Spray Gun Kit: what owners report
Owner coverage for this kit is thinner than for the established brands, because it is a newer value listing. Owners who use it report a capable single gun with a useful nozzle range, and the consistent advice is to keep nozzles organised and labelled by size.
RRJ HVLP Spray Gun Kit: who should not buy
Skip this pick if you want a dedicated gun per stage; the TCP kit is that buy.
RRJ HVLP Spray Gun Kit: pair it with
Pair it with a nozzle organiser so the right size is found without trial and error.
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Label nozzles by size and store them in the kit case.
Best Budget Single Gun: Generic HVLP Three-Nozzle Spray Gun Kit
Best Budget Single Gun
Why the Generic HVLP Three-Nozzle Spray Gun Kit is our pick
The generic HVLP kit is the budget entry: one gravity-feed gun with three nozzle sizes, 1.4, 1.7 and 2.0 mm, a 600 cc cup, and a cleaning kit, in an aluminium body with copper nozzles. That specification covers primer, base and clear coats at the lowest cost class in this guide, which is why it suits first-time sprayers and occasional painters. It trades brand support and refinement for price, so it rewards careful setup, testing on a card, and immediate cleaning, which are the habits that make any gun spray well.
Generic HVLP Three-Nozzle Spray Gun Kit key specs
- Nozzles: 1.4, 1.7 and 2.0 mm
- Cup: 600 cc
- Feed: Gravity feed
- Body: Aluminium alloy
- Nozzle material: Copper
- Included: Cleaning kit, instruction guide
- Power: Air powered
Generic HVLP Three-Nozzle Spray Gun Kit: fits and best for
The generic kit fits first-time sprayers, occasional painters and small workshops on a budget, and suits buyers who want to learn spraying without a large investment. It is the pick for a first restoration or a single project where a kit purchase must stay modest.
Generic HVLP Three-Nozzle Spray Gun Kit pros and watch-outs
- Lowest cost class in this guide
- Three nozzles cover primer, base and clear
- 600 cc cup for panel work
- Cleaning kit included
- Least brand support here
- Refinement below the established brands
- Needs careful setup and testing
Generic HVLP Three-Nozzle Spray Gun Kit: what owners report
Owner coverage for generic kits varies by seller, so this guide leans on the documented specification rather than brand reputation. Owners of similar kits report good results when they test on a card first and clean immediately, and poor results when they skip setup and cleaning.
Generic HVLP Three-Nozzle Spray Gun Kit: who should not buy
Skip this pick if you spray often or want established parts support; the DeVilbiss and TCP kits suit regular use better.
Generic HVLP Three-Nozzle Spray Gun Kit: pair it with
Pair it with a test panel habit: never spray the car before the card looks right.
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Test on a card at the same distance and speed as the panel.
Spec comparison
| Product | Tips | Guns | Cup | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DeVilbiss StartingLine 802342 HVLP Kit | Three tips | Two guns | 600 cc cup | Check Price |
| DeVilbiss StartingLine 802343 Two-Gun System | System | Two guns | Gravity feed | Check Price |
| TCP Global Three-Gun HVLP Kit | Three tips | Three guns | Regulators | Check Price |
| RRJ HVLP Spray Gun Kit | Four nozzles | One gun | 600 ml cup | Check Price |
| Generic HVLP Three-Nozzle Spray Gun Kit | Three nozzles | One gun | 600 cc cup | Check Price |
Setting up a spray gun
Strain the paint before it reaches the gun, and thin it to the maker’s viscosity for your tip size. Most spray problems blamed on the gun are actually unstrained paint, wrong viscosity, or air pressure set without a gauge at the gun inlet.
Set fan pattern and fluid flow on a test panel before the car. Spray a test card at the same distance and speed you will use on the panel, and adjust until the pattern is even edge to edge with no heavy centre or dry edges.
Clean the gun immediately after spraying, while paint is still wet. Flush the cup and passages, remove the air cap and needle for cleaning, and lubricate the needle packing lightly. A gun cleaned now sprays well next month; a gun left dirty does not.
Safety essentials
- Wear a proper respirator rated for paint vapours, not a dust mask.
- Spray in a ventilated space away from ignition sources.
- Wear eye protection and coveralls; atomised paint is harmful.
- Never point a pressurised gun at people or skin.
- Keep solvents away from flames and hot surfaces.
- Dispose of paint waste and cleaning solvents responsibly.
Paint safety is mostly respiratory safety: isocyanate hardeners in particular demand a proper respirator and ventilation. If you are unsure about your paint’s safety data, stop and read it before spraying.
Real-world notes
The most common owner surprise is how much tip size matters: the same gun with a 1.8 mm tip lays primer beautifully and a 1.3 mm tip lays clear beautifully, while either tip used for the wrong material disappoints. Owners who buy a kit with several tips avoid this trap entirely.
Owners consistently report that cleaning discipline decides long-term satisfaction more than brand. Guns that strip easily get cleaned properly and keep spraying well; guns that are fiddly to strip get cleaned badly and develop the leaks and clogs that owners then blame on quality.
Cup leaking is the recurring complaint across budget kits, usually at seals that were overtightened or left dirty. Owners who clean seals and tighten cups by hand rather than with tools report far fewer leaks, which is a technique fix, not a purchase fix.
Owners also report that air supply surprises cause more bad finishes than gun choice. A compressor that cannot sustain the gun’s air volume drops pressure mid-panel, and the finish changes halfway across the car. Checking delivered air volume before spraying, and fitting a gauge at the gun, prevents the most common cause of an uneven job.
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Orange-peel finish | Poor atomisation or wrong viscosity | Adjust air pressure, thin correctly, and test on a card |
| Runs and sags | Too much fluid or too slow a pass | Reduce fluid flow and increase pass speed |
| Pulsating spray | Low material, clogged passage or loose tip | Refill the cup, clean passages, and tighten tip and cap |
| Fan pattern heavy on one side | Clogged air cap horn holes | Clean the horn holes thoroughly |
| Leaks from the fluid tip | Worn packing or loose tip | Tighten the tip and replace worn packing |
Who should NOT buy these
Do not buy a single-tip gun for every stage. Primer, base and clear need different tips, and one tip compromises at least one stage.
Do not buy a gun your compressor cannot feed. Check delivered CFM against the gun’s air needs before ordering, or the gun will atomise poorly.
Do not buy a professional gun for occasional use and expect it to forgive poor cleaning. Expensive guns need the same cleaning discipline as budget guns.
Do not spray without a proper respirator. Paint vapours, especially hardeners, are a health risk that no gun choice mitigates.
Final verdict
DeVilbiss StartingLine 802342 HVLP Kit: The kit to buy: two guns, three tips, and every stage covered.
DeVilbiss StartingLine 802343 Two-Gun System: The system pick: two guns standardised for automotive work.
TCP Global Three-Gun HVLP Kit: The three-gun value kit: a gun for every stage, ready to spray.
RRJ HVLP Spray Gun Kit: The single-gun kit: four nozzles, one gun, every material covered.
Generic HVLP Three-Nozzle Spray Gun Kit: The budget single gun: three nozzles and a fair finish for the lowest cost here.
FAQ
What tip size do I need for car paint?
Use 1.3 to 1.4 mm for base and clear coats, 1.7 to 1.8 mm for primers and thick materials, and 1.0 mm for detail and touch-up work. A kit with several tips covers all three stages.
What is HVLP?
High volume, low pressure: the gun uses more air at lower pressure to transfer more paint to the panel and less to overspray. It is the standard for car work because it wastes less paint and gives better control.
Can I use a spray gun with a small compressor?
Only if the compressor delivers enough CFM at the gun’s pressure. Check the gun’s air consumption against your compressor’s delivered CFM, not its headline horsepower, and test on a card before the car.
How do I avoid orange peel?
Orange peel usually means poor atomisation: wrong viscosity, low air pressure, or a tip that is too small for the material. Thin correctly, set pressure at the gun with a gauge, and test on a card.
How do I clean a spray gun?
Clean it immediately after use: flush the cup and passages, remove the air cap and needle, clean them with solvent and a brush, and lubricate the packing lightly. Never leave paint to dry in the gun.
What is the difference between gravity and siphon feed?
Gravity guns mount the cup on top and use less paint with faster colour changes. Siphon guns mount the cup below, hold more paint, and need more air. Gravity dominates car work for efficiency.
Do I need a separate gun for primer?
Not strictly, but primer is abrasive and thick, so a dedicated primer gun or a larger tip keeps your finish gun clean and sharp. Kits with several tips or several guns solve this without a second purchase.
Why does my gun leak from the cup?
Usually a dirty or damaged seal, or a cup overtightened with tools. Clean the seal, fit it straight, and tighten by hand. Replace seals that are nicked or flattened.
Is a kit better than a single gun?
For restoration work, yes: a kit covers primer, base, clear and touch-up with the right tips. A single gun with several nozzles is the budget alternative and works well if you change tips between stages.
Sources
- DeVilbiss StartingLine 802342 listing data
- DeVilbiss StartingLine 802343 listing data
- TCP Global three-gun kit listing data
- RRJ HVLP kit listing data
- Generic HVLP three-nozzle kit listing data
By Leo, Founder, WinchInsider
Leo covers automotive gear and recovery equipment, building every guide from maker documents, listing evidence and owner reports rather than test claims.
Related guides
DeVilbiss StartingLine 802342 HVLP Kit