Paint consumption
Consumption of paint or other material (for example, mortar for plaster) when the spray gun is operating in normal mode.
The higher the flow rate, the more material the tool can apply per unit of time, the better it is suitable for processing large areas and for applying thick coatings. On the other hand, not all types of work require high productivity, and sometimes relatively low consumption is optimal. Detailed recommendations on this subject for different situations can be found in special sources.
Maximum viscosity
The maximum viscosity of the paint or other working material at which the spray gun is able to work normally. Specified in DIN units; a certain DIN in this case is the number of seconds it takes for a standard volume of paint (usually 100 mL) to pour out of a funnel with a strictly defined pour hole diameter (usually about 4 mm). Such a funnel (viscometer) can be supplied with the spray gun, but if necessary, it can be purchased separately.
Thus, the larger the DIN, the more viscous the composition is. And the larger the number indicated in the characteristics of the spray gun, the wider its capabilities, the thicker liquids can be poured into it without fear of clogging and breakage. At the same time, it should be taken into account that in fact it is not so often necessary to work with thick liquids — on the contrary, excessive viscosity worsens the quality of the coating, leads to streaks and increases the drying time. For example, most enamels and oil paints are used at a viscosity of about 20 DIN, latex paints up to 45 DIN, etc. General recommendations on this matter can be found in special sources, and specific ones can be found on the packaging of a particular brand of paint or other composition.
Remote compressor
The presence of a
remote compressor in the design of the spray gun.
This feature means that, firstly, the unit is equipped with its own compressor (that is, it is electrical, see "Type"), and secondly, this compressor (or pump for airless spraying) is made separately from the sprayer and is connected to it special hose. Thanks to this design, the atomizer itself is as light and compact as possible, which is especially important for large volumes of work or for delicate work that requires maximum precision and accuracy. In light of the latter, all electric airbrushes (see "View") are equipped with remote compressors, although this feature is also found in other types of spray guns — in particular, this design is mandatory for paint stations (see ibid.).
Shoulder strap
The presence
of a belt for holding on the shoulder in the design of the spray gun.
This feature is found mainly in models with an external compressor (see above). The sling allows the user to carry the compressor close to the gun, so the air hose does not restrict tool movement.
Case
The presence of a
case in the delivery set of the spray gun.
The classic case is a characteristic suitcase with cells for the spray gun and accessories for it (although there are other options). Anyway, such a container is more convenient for storing and carrying the tool than impromptu packaging.
Hose length
The length of the hose supplied with the tool.
This indicator has two meanings. On the one hand, the long hose provides more freedom of movement, allowing you to work farther from the compressor; this is especially important when used with powerful, heavy compressors that are not designed to be carried around often. On the other hand, in some cases a relatively short hose is more convenient; a typical example of such a situation is the presence on the farm of a compact compressor that can be constantly carried with you.
Actually, if the compressor is initially included in the delivery set, then the manufacturer chooses the length of the hose, taking into account its features. But if the spray gun is bought without a compressor, you should pay special attention to this parameter. As for the specific length, the shortest hoses found in modern spray guns
do not exceed 2 m, but this is often quite enough; a length of
2 – 5 m can be called an average, and in powerful models (mainly paint stations) you can find hoses and
more than 5 m.
