Welcome to our comprehensive review of the Iwata WS400 Supernova spray gun.

In this article, we will delve into the various aspects of this highly acclaimed spray gun, covering its pros, cons, specific requirements, setup process, our personal experience using it, and even suggest an ideal air compressor to complement its performance.

Whether you’re a professional painter or a passionate DIY enthusiast, we aim to provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about this exceptional tool.

So, let’s dive in and explore the world of the Iwata WS400 Supernova spray gun.

Unveiling the Iwata WS400 Supernova

The collaboration with Pininfarina: The Italian design house renowned for iconic car designs

The Iwata WS400 Supernova is the result of a collaboration between Iwata and Pininfarina, the esteemed Italian design house known for its breathtaking car designs. This partnership brings together elegance and expertise, ensuring that the spray gun not only performs exceptionally but also boasts a visually striking design.

Ergonomics and balance: A result of close collaboration with the University of Pavia

The Iwata WS400 Supernova takes optimal ergonomics and balance into consideration, thanks to an in-depth study conducted by the University of Pavia. The designers at Pininfarina and the engineers at Iwata have carefully considered the study’s findings to create a spray gun that offers comfort, control, and stability during use.

Superior Performance

Consistent droplet size and fan pattern: Minimizing issues like boil and pinholing

One of the standout features of the Iwata WS400 Supernova is its ability to deliver a consistent droplet size when atomizing. This, combined with its flat and even fan pattern, helps reduce common issues such as boil spots and pinholing on high solid (HS) clear coats. By preventing an excessive buildup of clear coat in specific areas, the spray gun ensures a smooth and flawless finish.

Precision and high paint transfer efficiency: Perfect for automotive clear coat projects

The Iwata WS400 Supernova excels in precision and paint transfer efficiency. Its innovative LV technology allows for the delivery of more paint at a faster rate while reducing overspray. This makes the spray gun ideal for automotive clear coat projects, where accuracy and efficiency are crucial for achieving professional-grade results.

Innovative LV technology: Delivering more paint with reduced overspray

The LV technology incorporated into the Iwata WS400 Supernova sets it apart from other spray guns on the market. By combining an efficient paint delivery system with reduced overspray, this technology ensures that you can achieve excellent coverage and transfer a significant amount of paint without wasting excessive product.

Design

The stylish and ergonomic design: A balance of aesthetics and functionality

The Iwata WS400 Supernova showcases a stylish and ergonomic design. Drawing inspiration from Pininfarina’s expertise in automotive design, this spray gun not only performs flawlessly but also looks impressive. Its ergonomic design ensures a comfortable grip and minimizes hand and wrist fatigue, making it suitable for longer painting sessions and intricate projects.

Lightweight and comfortable: Minimizing hand and wrist fatigue during long projects

Weighing around a pound, the Iwata WS400 Supernova is remarkably lightweight. This characteristic, combined with its ergonomic design, allows for extended use without experiencing discomfort or fatigue. Whether you’re tackling large-scale painting projects or intricate detailing work, this spray gun offers exceptional comfort and ease of handling.

Rust-resistant parts: Ensuring the durability and longevity of the spray gun

Iwata has built the WS400 Supernova with rust-resistant parts, ensuring the spray gun’s durability and longevity. This attention to detail guarantees that the tool can withstand the demanding nature of professional painting tasks, offering consistent performance over an extended period.

The Iwata WS400 CFM Requirements

Air-heavy system: Requiring 13 CFM for a steady and soft finish

To achieve optimal results, the Iwata WS400 Supernova operates on an air-heavy system. It requires a minimum of 13 cubic feet per minute (CFM) to lay down a steady and soft finish. This CFM requirement ensures that the spray gun performs at its best, providing the necessary air pressure for a precise and even application of paint.

Controlling paint delivery: The locking thread system for precise application

To address the issue of a heavy center fan pattern, the Iwata WS400 Supernova features a locking thread system. This system allows you to have greater control over the paint delivery, enabling precise application according to your specific requirements. With this innovative feature, you can achieve consistent coverage and overcome any challenges associated with center-heavy fan patterns.

Say Goodbye to Common Issues

Eliminating boil spots and pinholes: Combining flat and even fan patterns effectively

The Iwata WS400 Supernova’s combination of flat and even fan patterns effectively eliminates common issues like boil spots and pinholes when working with high-solid clear coats. The precise atomization and even distribution of paint prevent an excessive buildup of clear coat in specific areas, resulting in a smooth and flawless finish.

Cup-locking system: Enhancing precision and control during the spraying process

The spray gun incorporates a cup-locking system that enhances precision and control during the spraying process. This system ensures a secure connection between the cup and the gun, minimizing the chances of any unwanted movements or leaks. By providing stability and reliability, the cup-locking system enables you to achieve consistent and accurate results with every spray.

Consistent paint droplets: Ensuring an even coat every time

One of the key strengths of the Iwata WS400 Supernova is its ability to deliver consistent paint droplets onto your project. This consistency guarantees an even coat every time, eliminating any patchiness or unevenness that may occur with inferior spray guns. With the WS400 Supernova, you can rely on its reliable spray system to consistently produce professional-grade results.

Pros of the Iwata WS400 Supernova

Designed by Pininfarina: Aesthetically pleasing and ergonomically designed

With its design by Pininfarina, the Iwata WS400 Supernova boasts a visually stunning and ergonomic design. Drawing from the expertise of an Italian design firm renowned for their work with top automobile brands, this spray gun showcases elegance and functionality, providing a comfortable and visually appealing tool for your painting needs.

Japanese technology: Meticulous craftsmanship and reliable performance

As a brand synonymous with quality, Iwata has consistently delivered spray guns built with meticulous craftsmanship and reliable performance. The WS400 Supernova is no exception, benefiting from Japanese technology that ensures precision, durability, and consistent results. With an Iwata spray gun, you can trust in the quality and performance it brings to your painting projects.

Quiet background noise: A peaceful spraying experience

Unlike some other spray guns on the market, the Iwata WS400 Supernova operates quietly, providing a peaceful spraying experience. This feature allows you to focus on your work without the distraction of loud background noise, creating a more comfortable and enjoyable painting process.

Stable and large fan pattern: Efficient coverage for quicker completion

The WS400 Supernova offers a stable and large fan pattern, particularly when equipped with a 1.4 tip. This fan pattern provides efficient coverage, allowing you to complete your projects more quickly without compromising the quality of the finish. With the WS400 Supernova, you can achieve excellent coverage in less time, increasing your productivity as a professional home painter.

Availability of parts: Convenient and hassle-free replacements

One of the advantages of choosing an Iwata spray gun is the availability of replacement parts. Unlike some other brands where finding suitable replacements can be challenging, Iwata ensures that the necessary parts are readily accessible. This convenience ensures that you can easily maintain and repair your WS400 Supernova, extending its lifespan and ensuring consistent performance over time.

Cons of the Iwata WS400 Supernova

Separate cup purchase required: A minor inconvenience

One minor drawback of the Iwata WS400 Supernova is the need to purchase the cup separately. While it may be a slight inconvenience, it does not detract significantly from the overall performance and quality of the spray gun. Considering the long-term benefits and performance of the WS400 Supernova, the separate cup purchase can be seen as a minor trade-off.

Higher price point: A worthwhile investment for quality and durability

Another consideration is the higher price point of the Iwata WS400 Supernova compared to some other spray guns on the market. However, when considering the exceptional quality, durability, and reliable performance offered by this spray gun, the higher price can be seen as a worthwhile investment for professional home painters seeking a top-of-the-line tool for their projects.

How to Set up the Iwata WS400 Supernova

Setting up the Iwata WS400 Supernova spray gun is relatively straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you with the initial setup:

Prepare the air compressor

Ensure that you have a suitable air compressor with the recommended CFM (cubic feet per minute) rating to meet the airflow requirements of the WS400 Supernova. Refer to the manufacturer’s specifications for the specific CFM requirement.

Attach the air hose

Connect the air hose from the compressor to the air inlet of the spray gun. Make sure the connection is secure and airtight.

Select the appropriate nozzle size

Depending on your painting application and the type of paint you’re using, choose the appropriate nozzle size for the WS400 Supernova. This can affect the spray pattern and paint atomization. Refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines or consult with paint manufacturers for recommendations on nozzle size selection.

Fill the paint cup

If using a gravity-feed cup, fill it with the desired paint or clear coat. Ensure that the cup is securely attached to the spray gun. If using a pressure-feed cup, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper setup and attachment.

Adjust the air pressure

Set the air pressure on the compressor according to the recommended pressure range specified by the paint manufacturer or the spray gun’s guidelines. Start with lower pressure and gradually increase it until you achieve the desired atomization and paint flow.

Test spray and adjustments

Before beginning your actual painting project, perform a test spray on a suitable surface to ensure that the spray pattern, atomization, and paint flow are as desired. Make any necessary adjustments to the air pressure or fluid control to achieve the desired results.

Clean and maintain the spray gun

After each use, it’s important to thoroughly clean the WS400 Supernova to maintain its performance and longevity. Disassemble the spray gun as per the manufacturer’s instructions and clean each component using an appropriate cleaning solution. Pay close attention to the nozzle and fluid passages to remove any paint residue or debris.

Always refer to the specific user manual and guidelines provided by Iwata for detailed setup instructions, as they may vary slightly depending on the model and version of the WS400 Supernova spray gun you are using.

My Experience Using the Iwata WS400 Supernova

Spraying Process and Ease of Use

Using the Iwata WS400 Supernova spray gun for the car painting project was a breeze. The gun’s design allowed for effortless maneuverability, enabling me to navigate around curves and contours with precision.

The lightweight construction and ergonomic grip provided a comfortable spraying experience, even during prolonged painting sessions. The trigger action was smooth and responsive, giving me full control over the paint flow and allowing me to achieve consistent results.

Paint Application Results

The WS400 Supernova exceeded my expectations. The even fan pattern and precise paint delivery ensured a uniform coat across the car’s surface, eliminating any patchiness or unevenness.The gun’s ability to atomize the paint into consistent droplet sizes contributed to a smooth finish with no visible streaks or imperfections.

I was particularly impressed by the gun’s performance when applying high-solid clear coats, as it minimized the occurrence of boil spots and pinholes, which are common challenges in achieving a flawless finish.

Cleaning and Maintenance

After completing the painting project, I proceeded with the cleaning and maintenance of the WS400 Supernova spray gun. Disassembling the gun for cleaning was straightforward, thanks to its user-friendly design.

The included cleaning brush proved to be effective in removing any residual paint from the nozzle and other components. Additionally, the gun’s construction with rust-resistant parts made the cleaning process more convenient, ensuring its longevity and reliable performance for future projects.

Best Air Compressor to Use With the Iwata WS400 Supernova

If you need an air compressor that works well with the Iwata WS400 Supernova, our suggestion is the Quincy QT-54 Splash Lubricated Reciprocating Air Compressor.

Here are the reasons why it is a good choice:

High Airflow: The Quincy QT-54 air compressor is capable of delivering 13.5 CFM at 90 PSI, meeting the recommended airflow requirements for the Iwata WS400 Supernova spray gun. With its powerful performance, this compressor ensures consistent and efficient atomization of paints, resulting in professional-quality finishes.

Durable and Long-Lasting: The QT-54 is built with durability in mind. It features a heavy-duty cast-iron construction that ensures the compressor’s longevity and ability to withstand demanding applications. This compressor is designed for professional use and is known for its reliable performance over an extended period.

Large Tank Capacity: The QT-54 comes with a 60-gallon horizontal tank, providing ample air storage capacity. The larger tank allows for extended operation without frequent cycling, ensuring a steady supply of air for continuous spraying. This is especially beneficial for larger painting projects that require prolonged periods of spraying.

Low Vibration and Noise: Quincy has incorporated advanced engineering techniques to reduce vibration and noise levels in the QT-54 compressor. This results in a quieter operation and minimal disturbances in your workspace. The reduced vibration also helps in maintaining the stability of the compressor during use.

Easy Maintenance: The QT-54 is designed for easy maintenance. It features an efficient splash lubrication system that ensures proper lubrication of moving parts and reduces the need for frequent oil changes. Additionally, the compressor is equipped with an easy-to-access oil sight glass and a drain valve for convenient maintenance and servicing.

Versatility: In addition to its compatibility with the Iwata WS400 Supernova spray gun, the Quincy QT-54 can be used with a wide range of pneumatic tools and applications. Whether you’re painting cars, conducting home renovations, or using air tools in a workshop, this compressor provides the necessary airflow for various tasks.

Trusted Brand: Quincy is a reputable and well-established brand in the air compressor industry. With a history dating back to 1920, Quincy is known for producing high-quality and reliable compressors. Choosing a compressor from a trusted brand ensures that you are investing in a product that has undergone rigorous testing and quality control.

In summary, the Quincy QT-54 Splash Lubricated Reciprocating Air Compressor is a suitable choice to provide the recommended 13 CFM airflow for the Iwata WS400 Supernova spray gun.

Its high airflow capacity, durability, large tank capacity, low vibration and noise levels, easy maintenance, versatility, and the reputation of the Quincy brand make it a reliable option for professional home painters.

This compressor ensures a consistent and efficient air supply, allowing for precise and high-quality paint application.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Iwata WS400 Supernova stands as an exemplary spray gun designed to meet the needs of professional home painters.

With its exceptional performance, innovative features, and ergonomic design, this spray gun delivers outstanding results while providing a comfortable and efficient painting experience.

While it may require a separate cup purchase and come with a higher price tag, the long-term benefits, availability of parts, and trustworthiness of the Iwata brand make it a worthwhile investment for those who prioritize durability, reliability, and top-notch performance in their painting endeavors.

Having used the Iwata WS400 Supernova spray gun for my car painting project, I can confidently say that it lives up to its reputation as a top-quality spray gun. Whether you’re a professional painter or a dedicated automotive enthusiast, the WS400 Supernova is an investment that will enhance your painting experience and deliver outstanding outcomes.

Iwata WS400 Supernova (Amazon link)