No, it is better not to. Because the viscosity of auto paint and wood paint is different, if you use an auto paint gun to spray wood, the paint film in the center area will be very thick and will not dry quickly, which will cause dripping and affect the surface of the wood.
The final step in woodworking is painting. There are 3 layers: base coat, top coat, and varnish. It is the final step in completing the woodwork but the first step for the seller to see. The wood surface’s smoothness, shine, and hardness will affect its quality and whether it will get a high value. That’s why most professional woodworkers use a wood-specific spray gun when painting commercial furniture, such as cabinets, doors, and chairs.
First, let’s talk about the characteristics of wood paint.
Wood paint can be divided into water-based and oil-based wood paints.
- Oil-based wood paints are used more frequently than water-based ones, and their gloss and hardness are good, but they have a pungent smell when sprayed, which is more harmful to the environment and the human body.
- Water-based wood paint is not widely used, but the only point is that it is environmentally friendly and can be diluted with water as a solvent. The hardness and gloss are a little worse than oil-based.
How to select a woodworking spray gun?
The selection of a wood spray gun requires consideration of these elements: air source, spraying effect, usage habits, and budget.
- Air spray gun
The air spray gun is the more common wood spray gun that needs to be used with an air compressor. There are different configurations: gravity, siphon, and pressure feed type. Most woodworkers use the gravity and siphon type for general small to medium pieces. However, if a large amount of spraying is required, a pressure-fed spray gun is needed in furniture factories. Spraying results are related to the spraying technique and the quality. On a budget, you can choose a high-end wood spray gun, which can be used for water-based paints. Prices range from a few dozen to several hundred dollars.
- HVLP turbine spray gun
Hvlp turbine spray gun doesn’t need to be used with an air compressor. The turbine will offer the source for the hvlp spray gun. Lightweight and compact, suitable for home DIY spraying. Mostly it’s more mobile. Usually, only gravity and siphon type these two feds. The atomization effect is excellent and ideal for water and oil, but the price is higher, $ 500-1000 per set.
- Electric spray gun
The electric spray gun is only suitable for DIY spraying with a family. Small and convenient. But the atomization effect is not very good, only can spray lower viscosity paint. The price is 50-100 USD, supporting the siphon-fed configuration.
- Airless Spray Guns
Airless guns can spray paint directly, without much dilution, through atomization under pressure. In addition to painting wood, airless guns can also be used to paint other building facades, fences, etc. There is no requirement for the choice of paint type. Save paint. But the price is high. One set of equipment needs 3000-5000 USD.
Before buying a wood spray gun, you can consult the relevant sales, who will give you good advice.
