You don’t need to spend a fortune to get started with automotive painting. While professional-grade spray guns can run into the hundreds of dollars, there are plenty of budget-friendly options under $100 that can still deliver impressive results. These guns are perfect for DIYers, hobbyists, or anyone looking to repaint panels, touch up a hood, or even complete a full car project without breaking the bank. In this guide, we’ll cover the best automotive spray guns under $100 that balance affordability with performance.
Quick Picks
- Best Overall: Neiko 31215A HVLP Gravity Feed Spray Gun — Reliable, affordable, and perfect for beginners.
- Best Budget: Campbell Hausfeld General Purpose HVLP Spray Gun — Low-cost option for small automotive projects.
- Best Premium (Still Under $100): Astro Pneumatic EuroPro Forged HVLP Spray Gun — Higher-end build quality while staying below $100.
Buyer’s Guide: What to Look for in a Budget Spray Gun
- Air consumption: Make sure your compressor can supply enough CFM. Many budget guns run at 4–7 CFM, which works with smaller compressors.
- Nozzle size: A 1.3–1.4 mm tip is ideal for base and clear coats, while 1.7–1.8 mm works better for primers.
- Fan control: Look for adjustable spray patterns to cover both small and large surfaces.
- Durability: Budget doesn’t mean flimsy — check for stainless steel needles, aluminum cups, and replaceable parts.
- Ease of cleaning: Spray guns that disassemble easily save time and keep performance consistent.
Detailed Product Reviews
Neiko 31215A HVLP Gravity Feed Spray Gun
Who it’s for: DIYers and beginners who want an affordable, reliable spray gun for base and clear coats.
Key Benefits:
- 1.3 mm stainless steel nozzle ideal for base and clear coats.
- 600 cc aluminum paint cup for continuous spraying.
- Lightweight and ergonomic design for ease of use.
Pros:
- Great value for under $50.
- Good atomization for small projects and panels.
- Simple to clean and maintain.
Cons:
- Not as refined as premium guns.
- Fan pattern narrower than higher-end models.
Final Verdict: The best all-around spray gun under $100 for beginners and casual painters. Get it here.
Campbell Hausfeld General Purpose HVLP Spray Gun
Campbell Hausfeld HVLP Spray Gun
Who it’s for: Budget-conscious DIYers who need a simple, no-frills spray gun.
Key Benefits:
- Compact, lightweight design.
- 1.4 mm tip suitable for clear and base coats.
- Works with compressors delivering around 4–5 CFM.
Pros:
- Extremely affordable (often under $40).
- Easy to handle and set up.
- Good for small panels and detail work.
Cons:
- Not built for heavy-duty or professional use.
- Limited adjustability compared to higher-end guns.
Final Verdict: Perfect as a starter spray gun or backup tool. Check it out.
Astro Pneumatic EuroPro Forged HVLP Spray Gun
Who it’s for: DIYers who want a sturdier, higher-quality spray gun without spending over $100.
Key Benefits:
- Forged body for durability.
- 1.3 mm nozzle ideal for clear and base coats.
- Excellent atomization for a budget-friendly gun.
Pros:
- High build quality compared to other sub-$100 guns.
- Better atomization than many budget competitors.
- Comfortable grip for long sessions.
Cons:
- Heavier than lightweight budget models.
- Best suited for those with some painting experience.
Final Verdict: A premium feeling spray gun without the premium price tag. See it here.
TCP Global Professional HVLP Spray Gun Kit
Who it’s for: DIYers who want multiple nozzle sizes in one affordable package.
Key Benefits:
- Comes with multiple tips (1.3, 1.5, 1.8 mm).
- Suitable for primer, base, and clear coats.
- Affordable kit for under $100.
Pros:
- Versatile — covers all stages of painting.
- Excellent value for money.
- Good coverage for larger jobs.
Cons:
- Not as precise as high-end guns.
- Cleaning multiple tips takes more time.
Final Verdict: A great choice if you want versatility and multiple tips under one budget. Buy here.
BANG4BUCK HVLP Gravity Feed Spray Gun
Who it’s for: DIY painters wanting a flexible spray gun with large paint capacity.
Key Benefits:
- Includes 3 nozzle sizes (1.4, 1.7, 2.5 mm).
- Large 1000 ml aluminum paint cup.
- Great for base, clear, and primer applications.
Pros:
- Handles multiple coatings with one gun.
- Affordable for the features offered.
- Durable aluminum build.
Cons:
- Heavier with large paint cup.
- Requires a decent compressor for larger tips.
Final Verdict: An excellent all-in-one spray gun for under $100. See it here.
Comparison Table
| Model | Best For | Nozzle Sizes | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neiko 31215A HVLP | Overall value | 1.3 mm | Under $50 | Buy |
| Campbell Hausfeld HVLP | Budget starter | 1.4 mm | Under $40 | Buy |
| Astro Pneumatic EuroPro | Premium build | 1.3 mm | Under $100 | Buy |
| TCP Global HVLP Kit | Versatility | 1.3, 1.5, 1.8 mm | Under $100 | Buy |
| BANG4BUCK HVLP | Large capacity | 1.4, 1.7, 2.5 mm | Under $90 | Buy |
FAQ
- Are cheap spray guns worth it?
Yes, for DIYers and beginners. While not as refined as pro guns, budget models can still produce good results with proper prep and technique. - Can I paint a full car with a spray gun under $100?
Yes, but you’ll need patience. Cheaper guns often have smaller fans and slower coverage, so it takes longer. - What’s the main difference between a $100 gun and a $500 gun?
Higher-end guns have better atomization, more consistent patterns, and finer control — but budget guns can still get the job done. - Do I need a separate gun for primer?
Not always. Some budget kits include multiple nozzles so you can spray primer, base, and clear with the same gun. - How do I get the best results with a cheap spray gun?
Prep your panels properly, thin your paint correctly, and practice adjusting fan and fluid controls before spraying.
Conclusion & Call-to-Action
You don’t need a top-tier gun to achieve solid results on your car. For the best balance of price and performance, the Neiko 31215A is our top pick under $100. For absolute budget buyers, the Campbell Hausfeld HVLP is a great entry point. And if you want a more durable option that still stays under $100, the Astro Pneumatic EuroPro is a fantastic upgrade.
Ready to start painting without overspending? Choose your spray gun under $100 today and bring your car’s finish back to life.