The Ultimate Guide to Disposable Cup Systems for Spray Guns and Airbrushes

If you are a professional painter, custom automotive artist, or scale modeler, you know that cleanup is the enemy of creativity . Whether you are operating a high-volume paint spray gun in a body shop or a precision airbrush at your desk, the time spent scrubbing cups is time wasted.

The solution used by industry pros is the disposable cup system (also known as a liner or bladder system). Below, we break down why this system is essential for faster color changes, better paint control, and a more efficient workflow.

What is a Disposable Cup System?

A disposable cup system replaces the traditional, rigid metal or plastic gravity cup. It consists of a reusable hard outer cup and a single-use flexible liner (bladder).

How the Process Works:

1. Insert: Drop a fresh liner into the hard outer cup.

2. Mix: Use the printed ratios on the cup to mix paint directly in the liner.

3. Seal: Snap on a lid, which usually features an integrated 125-micron filter.

4. Secure: Lock the assembly with a collar and attach it to your spray gun or airbrush via a unique connector/adapter.

6 Reasons to Upgrade Your Paint Workflow

1. Drastically Reduced Cleanup Time

With a traditional setup, you must clean the entire cup, lid, and gun passages every time you change colors. With a disposable liner system, the paint never comes into contact with the outer cup. You only need to flush the fluid path of the spray gun itself.

2. All-in-One Mixing & Spraying

Forget extra mixing cups and messy transfers. These liners feature graduated mixing scales (both ounces and common ratios like 2:1 or 4:1) printed directly on the side. You measure, mix, and spray from the exact same container.

3. Integrated Paint Filtration

High-quality systems like the NO-NAME Disposable Cup include a built-in filter screen in every lid. This catches debris and prevents clogs at the source, eliminating the need for separate funnel strainers.

4. 360-Degree Spraying (Even Upside Down)

Standard gravity cups rely on air vents, which means they leak if tilted too far. A liner system creates a vacuum.

• The "Vacuum Pull" Technique: Invert the gun and pull the trigger to bleed out the air bubble. Once the liner collapses around the paint, you can spray upside down—perfect for wheel wells, under-panels, and tight interior spots.

5. Chemical & Solvent Resistance

Modern liners are engineered to be solvent-proof. They are compatible with:

• Water-based paints and acrylics

• Automotive lacquers and basecoats

• 2K Urethanes (primers, clearcoats, and activators)

6. Paint Management & Storage

If you have leftover paint, don't throw it away. Use the provided storage caps to seal the liner.

Pro Tip: Store the sealed cup upside down. This keeps the filter screen wet with paint, preventing it from drying out and clogging the mesh for your next session.

Setting Up Your System: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Install the Adapter

Remove your stock cup and install the spray gun adapter specific to your model. Ensure it is tightened firmly so it doesn't unthread when you swap cups.

Step 2: Choose Your Size

• 5 oz (150ml): The "sweet spot" for airbrush users, small touch-ups, and detail work.

• 12 oz (350ml): Ideal for motorcycles, bicycle frames, and mid-sized panels.

• 20 oz (600ml): The standard for full automotive basecoat/clearcoat sessions.

Step 3: Mix, Snap, and Lock

Once your paint is mixed in the liner, snap the lid on until you hear it click. Secure the locking collar (the NO-NAME system uses a four-point locking system for maximum stability) and attach it to the gun with a quick half-turn.

For Airbrush (Minigun) Artists: The "Library of Colors"

While these systems started in the automotive world, they are a revolution for custom airbrushing, especially on larger canvases like a truck or even a mural. Instead of stopping to wash your minigun cup every 5 minutes, you can prep a "library" of pre-mixed colors in 5 oz liners. Capping and swapping colors becomes as fast as a siphon-feed system but with the precision of a gravity-feed sprayer.

Final Benefits Recap:

• Faster Color Changes: Swap liners in seconds.

• Less Solvent Waste: Use up to 70% less cleaning fluid.

• Better Results: Integrated filters and vacuum-feed technology reduce "spitting."

• Cost-Effective: NO-NAME systems provide professional quality at a much more affordable price point than name-brand alternatives.