Are you tired of seeing “soft wash guns” priced at $100+ that also require a pile of extra fittings before you can even spray? I get it. When I first started out, I wanted something that worked, didn’t leak, and didn’t empty my wallet. That’s why I’m sharing the exact cheap soft wash gun setup I use myself — so you can save money and still get the job done.
Why the Gilmour Gun Works So Well for Soft Washing
The Gilmour Gun is a simple, durable spray gun originally designed for garden use. What makes it a great budget soft wash gun is:
- It’s inexpensive compared to specialty “soft wash” guns.
- It’s light and easy to hold for long jobs.
- The internal parts hold up surprisingly well to bleach solutions when rinsed after use.
- Replacement parts are cheap and easy to find.
This means you’re not paying for flashy marketing — just a straightforward gun that does the same job for a fraction of the price.
Parts You’ll Need for This Cheap Soft Wash Gun Build
Here’s my exact setup. I’m linking each item through my Amazon affiliate link — if you find this helpful and buy through the links, I get a small kickback at no extra cost to you (which I truly appreciate!).
- Gilmour Gun – the base of your build.
- 3/4″ to 1/4″ Reducer – lets you reduce the gun’s inlet to fit a quick connect.
- 1/4″ Quick Connect – so you can quickly swap out nozzles and tips.
- 3/4″ to 1/2″ Barb Reducer – attach this to the bottom of the gun to connect your hose.
- Hose Clamp – secure the hose to the barb.
- Blue Monster Tape- It’s well worth using this brand over any other thread tape.
Once you have these parts, just assemble them in order:
Gilmour Gun → 3/4″ to 1/4″ Reducer + 1/4″ Quick Connect → 3/4″ to 1/2″ Barb Reducer → Hose Clamp.
That’s it. Simple, quick, and cheap.
Bonus Tip: The $33 J-Rod With M5 Twist & Long Shooter Tip
If you want to take your budget soft wash gun setup up a notch, consider adding the $33 J-Rod with an M5 twist and long shooter tip. This affordable add-on gives you multiple spray patterns in one nozzle, helps you reach higher areas without climbing, and delivers a more consistent spray than single tips. It’s a small investment that can make a big difference in your results. Link here
Why This Setup Saves You Money
Most “soft wash” branded guns are just rebranded versions of this style with a few different fittings. By piecing it together yourself, you can build the same style gun for a fraction of the cost and customize it to your needs. Below is a photo of how mine looks all put together.
Final Thoughts
This is the exact soft wash gun build I use every day. It’s affordable, reliable, and easy to maintain. If this article saved you time and money, please consider using my affiliate links — it gives me a tiny kickback that helps me keep sharing tips like this for free.
If you have any questions about the build or want to know how to maintain it, drop a comment below or reach out — I’m happy to help.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheap Soft Wash Guns
What is a soft wash gun?
A soft wash gun is a spray gun designed to apply low-pressure cleaning solutions like bleach and surfactant onto siding, roofs, and other delicate surfaces. It’s different from a pressure washer gun because it uses lower pressure and higher flow.
Can I really build my own soft wash gun cheaply?
Yes! Most “professional” soft wash guns are just modified garden or chemical guns with added fittings. By piecing it together yourself with the right parts, you can build a reliable gun for a fraction of the cost.
Is the Gilmour gun good for soft washing?
Yes this is a budget-friendly option that’s lightweight, easy to hold, and durable enough for bleach solutions when rinsed after use. Many small contractors and DIYers use it successfully.
How much does a DIY soft wash gun cost?
Depending on where you buy your parts, you can usually assemble a complete setup for under $50–$70, compared to $200 or more for pre-built guns.
What parts do I need for a budget soft wash gun build?
At minimum, you’ll need a Gilmour gun, a 3/4″ to 1/4″ reducer, a 1/4″ quick connect, a 3/4″ to 1/2″ barb reducer, and a hose clamp. I’ve linked each part above so you can buy exactly what I use.
Do you earn anything if I use your links?
Yes — if you buy through my affiliate links, I get a tiny kickback at no extra cost to you. It helps me keep sharing free tips like this. I really appreciate your support!
One Response
I know it’s a soft wash gun. Can it be used with a pressure washer or just a garden hose connected to the spigot? Thanks.