One of the most common questions from DRIZZLE D1 owners is: "What kind of paint can I actually spray with this gun?" The answer is — a lot. The D1 handles most automotive paints out of the box, and with the right nozzle selection, you can cover everything from primer to clear coat.
This guide covers which paints are compatible with the D1, which nozzle to use for each type, and what to watch out for with specialty materials.
Quick answer: The InoKraft DRIZZLE D1 LVLP spray gun is compatible with standard automotive primer, basecoat, clear coat, single-stage paint, metallic and pearl paint, enamel, lacquer-based products, and some epoxy primers. It is not ideal for very thick materials such as bed liner, heavy undercoating, or unthinned latex paint.
DRIZZLE D1 Paint Compatibility at a Glance
- Best fit: Automotive primer, basecoat, clear coat, single-stage paint, metallic and pearl paint
- Works with setup adjustments: Enamel, lacquer-based products, epoxy primer, sealer, and some acrylic latex paint
- Not recommended: Bed liner, heavy undercoating, texture coatings, and other high-build materials that need a larger dedicated nozzle
D1 Nozzle Overview
The DRIZZLE D1 LVLP spray gun comes with three brass nozzles:
- 1.0mm — Fine atomization for thin materials like basecoat and metallic paints
- 1.3mm — The most versatile size, works well for clear coat, single-stage paint, and lacquer-based products
- 1.5mm — Handles thicker materials like primer surfacers and enamel paints
The D1 operates at low volume, low pressure (LVLP), which means less overspray and better paint transfer efficiency compared to traditional HVLP guns. Compressor requirement: 3.0+ CFM @ 90 PSI.
Paint Compatibility Chart
Here's a breakdown of common automotive paint types and how they work with the D1:
| Paint Type | Compatible? | Recommended Nozzle | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primer / Surfacer | Yes | 1.5mm | Standard automotive primer works well. For high-build primer, thin slightly if needed. |
| Basecoat | Yes | 1.0mm | Thin materials need fine atomization. The 1.0mm nozzle delivers a smooth, even base layer. |
| Clear Coat | Yes | 1.3mm | The 1.3mm gives the right balance of flow and atomization for a glossy finish. |
| Single-Stage Paint | Yes | 1.3mm | Combines color and clear in one product. 1.3mm handles the medium viscosity well. |
| Metallic / Pearl Paint | Yes | 1.0mm (or 1.3mm) | Start with 1.0mm for finer particle distribution. Switch to 1.3mm if flow feels too slow. |
| Enamel / Alkyd Oil-Base | Yes | 1.3–1.5mm | Depends on brand and thickness. Start with 1.3mm, move up to 1.5mm if needed. |
| Lacquer-Based Products | Yes | 1.0–1.3mm | Clean the gun with lacquer thinner after use. Don't soak the entire gun in thinner for extended periods. |
| Epoxy Primer / Sealer | Yes, with caution | 1.5mm | Thicker material — may require slight thinning. For heavy-build epoxy primer, a larger nozzle (1.7mm+) on a different gun is more efficient. |
| Undercoating / Bed Liner | Not ideal | — | Too thick for the D1's nozzle range. Use a dedicated undercoating gun for these materials. |
Choosing the Right Nozzle: Quick Decision Guide
If you're not sure which nozzle to start with, use this simple rule:
- Thin paint (flows like milk) → 1.0mm nozzle
- Medium paint (flows like cream) → 1.3mm nozzle
- Thick paint (flows like honey) → 1.5mm nozzle
When in doubt, start with the smaller nozzle. You can always move up a size if the paint doesn't flow well. Starting too large risks runs and sags.
What About Water-Based (Latex) Paint?
Latex or acrylic latex paint is very thick compared to automotive coatings. While the D1 can technically spray latex with the 1.5mm nozzle, it's not recommended for best results. You'd need to add 15–20% water and strain the paint thoroughly, and even then the finish won't match what you'd get with proper automotive paint.
If you're painting non-automotive surfaces (furniture, cabinets), consider a larger-nozzle gun designed for thicker materials.
Paint Thinning Tips for the D1
Most automotive paints are ready to spray out of the can, but some may need thinning depending on the brand and temperature. Here's how to check:
- The dip test: Dip a stir stick into the paint and lift it. The paint should flow off in a continuous stream that breaks into drops near the end. If it hangs on the stick like glue, it's too thick.
- Thin in small increments: Add reducer 5% at a time. You can always add more, but you can't take it out.
- Check the TDS: Always refer to the paint manufacturer's Technical Data Sheet for recommended thinning ratios and spray settings.
Spray Settings Reference
Starting points for common materials with the D1:
| Material | Nozzle | Air Pressure | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primer | 1.5mm | 29–35 PSI | 15–20cm |
| Basecoat | 1.0mm | 25–29 PSI | 15–20cm |
| Clear coat | 1.3mm | 25–29 PSI | 15–20cm |
| Single-stage | 1.3mm | 25–29 PSI | 15–20cm |
| Metallic | 1.0mm | 25–29 PSI | 15–20cm |
| Enamel | 1.3–1.5mm | 29–35 PSI | 15–20cm |
These are starting points — always test on a scrap panel and adjust to get the best results for your specific paint and conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can the D1 spray metallic paint?
Yes. The D1 handles metallic and pearl paints well. Use the 1.0mm nozzle for the finest particle distribution. If the paint feels like it's flowing too slowly, step up to the 1.3mm. Keep air pressure around 29 PSI for best results.
Q: Can I use the same nozzles for the D1 and DPRO?
No. The D1 and DPRO use different nozzle systems and are not interchangeable. The D1 uses 1.0 / 1.3 / 1.5mm nozzles, while the DPRO uses 1.3B (basecoat) and 1.3C (clear coat) nozzles with a different thread design.
Q: What's the best nozzle for clear coat on the D1?
The 1.3mm nozzle is the standard choice for clear coat. It provides enough flow for a smooth, glossy finish without risking runs. Make sure your clear coat is properly thinned according to the manufacturer's specifications.
Q: Can the D1 spray bed liner or undercoating?
Not recommended. Undercoating and bed liner materials are too thick for the D1's nozzle range. Use a dedicated undercoating spray gun for these applications.
Get Started with the D1
The DRIZZLE D1 is a versatile LVLP spray gun that handles most automotive paints with the right nozzle selection. Whether you're spraying primer, basecoat, or clear coat, the three included nozzles cover the full range of standard car painting materials.
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