During a special YouTube video announcement on Aug. 5, 3M unveiled its newest addition to the company’s spray gun family: the 3M™ Performance Spray Gun 2. Jason Garfoot, 3M’s global portfolio manager of paint application solutions, provided a detailed walk-through of the premium spray gun and its features.
“This is more than just a spray gun — it’s an application tool with precision performance that shops can rely on,” said Garfoot. "With enhanced performance and versatility, the 3M™ Performance Spray Gun 2 is an essential addition to any collision repair technician's or painter's toolkit."
Garfoot noted how 3M is always looking to improve its products and develop innovations. The company recognized the growing popularity of the previous 3M Performance Spray Gun and asked painters for their insights on potential upgrades.
The company found painters loved the performance and versatility of the original spray gun, but had suggestions for enhancements. The Performance Spray Gun 2 is the result of that feedback.
Garfoot said the gun was redesigned with collision repair technicians and painters in mind. It has a more premium feel, and several changes were made to help with productivity and efficiency in the paint process.
“Painters told us they would like to improve the aesthetics, have higher quality controls with visual indicators, and a higher-quality regulator,” said Garfoot. “The Performance Spray Gun 2 is a paint gun designed for painters by combining their insights with 3M innovation.”
Some of the enhancements include:
New frame resin material: The old spray gun was made with a steel fiber reinforced composite, whereas the new gun uses resin materials with carbon fiber to provide greater durability and lightweight handling. Garfoot said this approach helped with aesthetics and functionality.
“The new carbon fiber composite material we're making our gun bodies with is much, much easier to clean so you should be able to keep your spray gun looking newer, much longer,” he shared.
Fluid/fan knob design: For those familiar with 3M’s older spray gun, there was a notch on the back that controlled the fans and fluid. Laser-marked control knobs have been incorporated on the new gun, providing painters a visual indication of spray settings. They were designed to help ensure precision and consistency. “Not only are they higher quality, they're also a different shape to make them easier to turn,” explained Garfoot.
Fluid/fan nut design: Another enhancement is the one-piece integrated hook design, enabling easy storage and accessibility. “It's nice and solid and firm where the old one tended to be a little bit loose and would rattle as it was a two-piece design,” said Garfoot.
New gauge: One of the areas of feedback from painters was regarding the gauge. Garfoot noted the gauge’s significant improvement in quality and ranges for HVLP and fine finish compared to the previous one. In addition to having a multi-colored face indicating air pressure for the different nozzles, a new feature is the swivel incorporated into the bottom. Garfoot said this helps painters stay tangle-free while in the spray booth.
Trigger design: An additional suggested change by painters was trigger design. In response, the new spray gun has an offset trigger that is more comfortable and ergonomic, helping to reduce fatigue during extended periods of operation. “The other benefit of this trigger is we've increased the hook on the bottom,” said Garfoot. When painters are spraying horizontal flat panels, he said it’s easier to keep the gun perpendicular to the panel and the trigger can be pulled with one finger.
Spray gun-frame surface: Company representatives said the sleek spray gun-frame surface finish enhances cleaning and helps maintain a professional appearance.
3M also announced that it had completed its line of fine finish nozzles. The HVLP nozzle range remains from 0.9 to 2.0, and the Fine Finish Nozzle range has now been expanded to 0.9 to 2.0.
By changing the nozzle, the company said technicians can switch material within seconds from a heavy textured rocker guard coating to the finest clear coat atomization. The spray gun is compatible with 3M™ HVLP or Fine Finish Atomizing Heads.
“With this full range of nozzles, it makes the spray gun one of the most versatile on the market,” said Garfoot. “You can quickly switch back and forth between heavy fine finish and that full range of sizes.”
In addition to providing versatility, Garfoot said switching nozzles helps with consistency.
“With our spray gun system, a new nozzle means like-new performance every single time,” he said. “If you have a challenging color, you can put on a brand-new nozzle and it's going to perform just like it came out of the box.”
The company said the 3M™ Performance Spray Gun 2 allows technicians to spray a full range of high-performance automotive coatings and boasts one of the highest transfer efficiencies for industry-leading spray guns.
It is compatible with current 3M Performance Spray Gun replacement parts, nozzles and accessories. This includes the company’s H/O valve, the HO cup systems for spraying thicker or texture coatings, as well as all other 2.0 cup systems currently being used by painters. It's also compatible with the nozzles used with the PSG 1.
A detailed instruction manual is included with the spray gun kit, as well as a list of accessories and instructions on obtaining replacement parts if needed. The gauge comes with a cover for protection during shipping. Garfoot said that some people leave it on to help keep the gauge looking newer longer. The kit also includes a regulator.
“The 3M Performance Spray Gun 2 brings you the consistency, the versatility and the paint savings that you're used to, but now with better aesthetics, improved cleanability, and improved functionality,” said Garfoot.
For more information about the 3M™ Performance Spray Gun 2 and to view the full range of HVLP and Fine Finish Nozzles, visit 3M Spray Guns | 3M United States.
Stacey Phillips Ronak