17 · Painting & Wallpaper

Hopper Spray Gun

Also called Hopper gun · Texture sprayer · Drywall texture gun

An air-powered spray gun with a gravity hopper for texture, plaster and coatings over large areas.

Air powered
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Overview

A hopper gun is an air-powered spray gun with an open hopper on top that feeds by gravity. That is what lets it spray material far too thick for an ordinary gun — texture, plaster and heavy coatings.

Ceiling and wall texture (popcorn, knockdown, orange peel), stucco and plaster finishes, large-area coatings, and matching patched texture back into an existing ceiling.

Mix to the consistency on the bag. Too thick and it clogs the orifice, too thin and the texture runs. Test the pattern on cardboard before going anywhere near a ceiling.

Wash the gun and hopper out immediately after use. These materials set hard, and a gun left to dry comes back unusable.

Best uses

  • Ceiling and wall texture (popcorn, knockdown, orange peel)
  • Stucco and plaster finishes
  • Large-area coatings
  • Repairing patched texture to match

Troubleshooting

Spits or sputters

Checks to try, in order

  1. Thin the mix slightly and strain out lumps.
  2. Raise the air pressure a little.
  3. Clean a partly blocked orifice.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Link to this fixDid this solve the problem?
Nothing sprays out

Checks to try, in order

  1. Open the air valve on the gun.
  2. Material may be bridging in the hopper — stir it.
  3. Clear the orifice and nozzle.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

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Pattern is heavy or splattery

Checks to try, in order

  1. Try a smaller orifice.
  2. Hold the gun further from the surface.
  3. Adjust the air pressure.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Link to this fixDid this solve the problem?
Weak, slow or won't cycleShared · Air powered

Likely causes

  • Pressure too low
  • Leaking coupler
  • Undersized hose
  • Water in the line
  • Dry tool

Checks to try, in order

  1. Set the compressor's regulator to the pressure printed on the tool.
  2. Check couplers are fully seated and listen for leaks along the hose.
  3. Use the right hose size — long, narrow hoses starve heavy tools like breakers.
  4. Drain water from the compressor tank.
  5. Unless the tool is marked oil-free, add a few drops of air-tool oil into the inlet at the start of the day.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Link to this fixDid this solve the problem?
Air leaking at a fittingShared · Air powered

Checks to try, in order

  1. Disconnect the air supply before touching the fitting.
  2. Re-seat the quick coupler until it clicks.
  3. Threaded fittings may need new thread-seal tape.

Air leaking from the tool body usually means worn seals — return it to the workshop.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

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Safety

  • Wear eye protection and a dust mask or respirator.
  • Mask off floors, windows and fixtures.

For air powered

  • Disconnect the air supply before clearing jams or changing bits.
  • Never point an air tool or airline at anyone.
  • Wear eye and hearing protection.

Videos & links

  • YouTube video
  • YouTube video
  • How to use a Hopper Spray Gun ↗Find this video on YouTube

Related equipment

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