Painters often use HVLP spray guns when completing projects that require minimal overspray and a finer finish. These guns are of particular interest to furniture builders. The HVLP spray gun comes in two types: suction or gravity systems. Keep reading to learn more about different HVLP spray guns, how they work, and tips for using them.
What Does HVLP Stand For?
HVLP stands for high volume, low pressure. Spray guns that fall into the HVLP category include those that can prove a transfer efficiency of at least 65% when applying paint. Another way that spray guns get classified as HVLP is by measuring the PSI of the air at the air cap. To be an HVLP gun, it must be between 0.1-10 PSI.
Benefits of High Volume Low Pressure Spray Guns
When compared to completing paint projects with rollers or brushes, HVLP paint sprayers offer multiple advantages. For starters, these sprayers provide a much faster paint application process and result in a high opacity. Using these sprayers also results in fewer climbs up and down ladders for painters since they can provide large paint spreads in a single spray. Moreover, because the guns easily connect with various types of suitable accessories, you gain greater flexibility of movement, allowing you to complete projects faster and easier.
A lot of painters choose HVLP spray guns primarily because they don’t require you to move paint containers and buckets around. They also provide a great final result because the paint applies itself evenly with each spray. There is no need to perform any tedious cutting in of edges or corners with spray guns, either.
When To Use an HVLP Spray Gun
The number of coatings you intend to apply during a painting project will help determine whether an HVLP paint sprayer is best for you. If you want to paint with heavy or viscous types of liquids, an HVLP gun won’t be of much help. It’s also important to keep in mind that HVLP guns need a greater amount of air to atomize coatings when compared to a standard spray gun combined with an air compressor.
However, if your goal is to consistently produce lighter finish coats, an HVLP spray gun will prove valuable in a number of ways. HVLP gun systems require minimal maintenance, produce minimal waste, and give greater control over the final finish.
How Does an HVLP Spray Gun Work?
Paint sprayers that fall into the HVLP category have an onboard turbine that ensures the air power and paint do not mix until atomized at the very end of the nozzle. Some HVLP systems use a separate air compressor instead of an onboard turbine.
Keeping the air pressure and paint separate until the last point of spray allows more air pressure to build up, but at a lower pressure, thus minimizing overspray and giving the user ultimate control over the paint application. Customization becomes very simple with an HVLP spray gun because the user can easily tweak the volume and pressure of air and paint, thus making it simple to adjust the size of paint droplets and thickness of paint spreads.
Difference Between Airless and HVLP Systems
Paint sprayers considered airless don’t make use of an air mechanism as HVLP guns do. Instead of an air compressor or onboard turbine, airless sprayers use an internal piston pump that produces high pressure. This results in the material being pressurized directly with a lot of force.
Once the paint in an airless gun is pressurized directly, it makes its way through the hose attached to the spray gun before exiting the nozzle. The pressurized liquid then comes out of the nozzle, and the atomization takes place as it comes out against the spray tip; this results in lots of overspray because a high amount of pressure is needed to create the atomization. Most importantly, it limits your ability to provide details on the overall finish.
Because HVLP spray guns don’t require such high pressure, you gain greater control over the final finish without compromising your ability to perform detailed work. In fact, HVLP spray guns can be used for covering large and small surfaces that require a more detailed finish.
What Is the Best Paint Sprayer?
Standard spray guns generate substantially more overspray than HVLP systems because they release spray at a higher pressure. In addition to extreme material and product waste, this overspray can result in poor finishes.
HVLP sprayers provide smoother finishes and result in finer, more effective applications, and they come in two versions, suction and gravity, both of which have their own pros and cons. To choose the best paint sprayer for your job, it’s important to understand the differences between these two types of HVLP systems. A number of factors will influence which type best suits your next painting project. Such factors include things like your level of experience with spray guns and your preferred style of painting.
- HVLP Gravity Air Spray Gun: Professional HVLP spray gun set,which makes spraying more smooth and even, suitable for coatings surface spraying, such as car spraying, furniture spraying, handicraft spraying,base coating,wall painting and spraying projects.
- Hvlp spray paint gun is made of high quality alminum alloy,lightweight and compact for easy to carry. HVLP technology helps to reduce the waste of residual material in the color cup.
- The Package Includes: 1 x Spray Gun, 1 x 1.4mm Nozzle, 1 x 1.7mm Nozzle, 1 x 2.0mm Nozzle, 1 X 600cc Cup, 1 X Brush, 1 X Spanner, 1x Instruction Manual
- Adjustable: 1.4/1.7/2.0mm 3 size nozzles, easier to control, Adjust the spray cap to control the nozzle direction 360° direction controllable. Air spray gun 1.4mm tip with replaceable 1.7mm 2.0mm nozzle needle cap, wrenchr, nut, filter, connector and brush, which can fully meet your requirements.
- Our Advantages: This spray gun makes the spraying softer easily controlled and less overspray.Ideal for spraying basecoats, clearcoats and other high viscosity coatings also suitable for domestic and industrial primer, topcoat and detailing for automotive industry, equipment and furniture paint applications.
Suction HVLP Spray Gun
Suction guns lean more toward a traditional gun style with a paint cup connected directly to the underpart of the gun. The gun uses air pressure to suck the paint out of the cup, pushing it into the gun and out through the nozzle.
When compared to gravity guns, suction guns need quite a bit more air pressure. It is this need for higher air pressure that makes suction guns not nearly as energy efficient as gravity guns. However, the spray pressure of a suction gun can be easily controlled at the nozzle, allowing you to produce high-quality results. This is particularly true when the suction gun is combined with a turbine sprayer.
- This HVLP paint sprayer can be used for countless DIY projects like fences, decks, chairs, furniture, cabinets, dressers, cars, walls, doors and more
- Require 7-12CFM / 3HP compressor. 3 Spray Patterns by adjusting the air cap to spray horizontal, vertical, and round. Also you can adjust the material flow control knob to quickly increase or decrease the material output
- 3 Different Nozzle Sizes: 1.3mm, 1.7mm, 2.0mm. It sprays a wide variety of paints and stains such as chalk type paint, milk paint, latex paints, enamels, primers, clear sealer, polyurethane, stain and varnish
- Perfect Design For User Experience: Stainless steel body and brass nozzle offer superior performance over plastic. counterparts. Detachable, making it easier to use and clean
- Package: 1 Siphon Feed Paint Spray Gun with 1000CC cup, Multifunction Spanner, 3 Spray Tips, 1 Cleaning Brush, 1 English Manual.
Gravity HVLP Spray Gun
In the 1980s, gravity guns first appeared on the market and quickly gained popularity among professional painters as well as seasoned DIYers. HVLP gravity paint guns rely on gravity’s pull to inject paint into the gun. A cup attached to the top of the pistol on the gun holds the paint. Minimal waste is achieved with a gravity paint gun because the gun uses all the paint in the cup thanks to gravity.
Gravity guns are a wonderful option for those projects where you want precision and maximum control. Why? Because the minimal air pressure needed to atomize the paint allows you to produce virtually no overspray.
Gravity guns work great for small paint jobs, but unless the materials are thinned, these guns make it difficult to work with heavier, thicker materials. Professionals who prefer to use two-pack paints — those made of an acrylic and resin hardener blend — frequently choose gravity guns.
Another major advantage of gravity guns stems from the paint cup’s design. Unlike a suction gun, which uses a traditional cup design that places the paint cup directly under the gun, a gravity gun situates the cup so that already painted surfaces are less likely to be touched or spoiled.
- State-of-the-Art Atomization Technology: Our HVLP spray gun incorporates advanced atomization technology, delivering exceptional performance. With its high working speed and wide fan pattern, this user-friendly, high-grade spray gun ensures professional results. Experience reduced overspray and lower operational costs with our high transfer efficiency.
- Effortless Operation with User-Friendly Design: Designed for both seasoned professionals and beginners, our spray gun offers effortless handling and optimal control. The ergonomic design ensures comfort and reduces fatigue during operation, minimizing wrist strain. Enjoy the convenience and ease of use with our spray gun, empowering you to achieve excellent results in every project.
- Durable Stainless Steel Components: Crafted with precision, our spray gun features stainless steel parts that guarantee exceptional performance. With 3 built-in regulators, you have precise control over paint flow, air flow, and material width. The stainless steel needle, fluid nozzle, and air caps ensure long-lasting use. Our spray gun is compatible with the latest automotive waterborne paint coatings, providing professional-grade results.
- Enhanced Versatility with Three Nozzle Sizes: Each spray gun kit includes three nozzle sizes (1.3mm, 1.7mm, and 2.0mm), offering a wide range of options for different paint applications. From basecoats to primers, and even demanding projects, our spray gun has you covered.
- Comprehensive Kit for Seamless Painting Projects: Our spray gun kit includes everything you need for a seamless painting project. Air Regulator: for precisely regulating and maintaining constant air pressure. Paint Strainers: for filtering out impurities, preventing the clogging of the spray gun. Paint Stick: for Paint Mixing, Chemical Stirring.
Uses and Applications of HVLP Spray Guns
There are lots of paint products that work with HVLP paint sprayers. They include:
- Chalk paints
- Oil paints
- Wood preservatives
- Wall paints
- Varnishes
- Primers
The materials that work with HVLP spray guns are often used to complete both indoor and outdoor paint jobs. Some of the most common applications for these guns are:
- Fences and railings
- Garage doors
- Furniture
- Garden objects
- Decorative objects
- Elevator doors
- Door jambs
- Six-panel doors
- Appliances
- Crown molding
- Gutters
- Wicker furniture
- Pipes
- Overhangs
- Ceilings
- Windows and doors
Tips for Using a High-Volume Low-Pressure Spray Gun
The results you can expect from spray painting depend greatly on the proper product setting and the best material dilution. The ideal spray result should have clean borders and no discernible color spots.
The sprayer, its various setting options, the substance being sprayed, and your spraying style all play a role in the final result. This is why you should always read an HVLP gun sprayer’s operating instructions before using it. Reading through these instructions will also help you follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the correct dilution of the painting material you choose.
Use a Large Air Compressor
When painting with an HVLP gun, make sure to use it with a large air compressor. In doing so, the gun doesn’t have to rely solely on its internal built-in air supply. This translates into less wear and tear on the spray gun and also makes it easier and faster to apply coats of paint. It also extends the longevity of the gun itself.
- 6.3 Gallon Air Compressor: Our 1450W oil-free motor drives the compressor up to a speed of 3500 r/min and 3.35 CFM@ 90PSI air delivery. It is ideal for supporting a variety of pneumatic and air tools, such as nail gun, impact wrench, spray gun, pneumatic screwdriver, best for tire inflation, auto repair, spray painting, woodwork nailing, etc.
- Fast and Efficient Inflation: Our oil-free air compressor adopts double tube and double cylinder intake at the same time, effectively saving time and effort. The intake pipe is made of 392 ℉ high-temperature resistant silicone and stainless steel braided mesh, with double protection to reduce damage and corrosion.
- All the Power, Without the Noise: VEVOR’S 70 dB low decibels ultra quiet air compressor is built with 2 quality silencers. Each muffler consists of a thickened muffler cover, rubber muffler pipe, and filter cotton. It not only reduces noise, but effectively prevents fine dust from entering.
- Designed to Withstand: Our electrical air compressor is constructed from a 3-layer process: rust & wear-resistant layer, plastic powder attachment layer, and Q235B structural steel providing durability and ultimate rust resistance. 3.5 Mpa maximum bearing pressure and seamless welding construction ensure the ability to withstand explosions and leakages.
- Security Comes First: The air compressor tank is equipped with two large cooling fans and automatic overheating protection to prevent damage. In addition, when the current or storage pressure is too high, the compressor will automatically shut off or provide pressure relief protection.
Choose the Right Tip Size
The efficiency and effectiveness that you can achieve with an HVLP gun mostly depend on the size of the nozzle you choose. The bigger the nozzle, the thicker the painting material you can use. Thin painting materials can easily be applied using smaller nozzle sizes.
Most of today’s HVLP spray guns come in a kit package. The kit includes all the parts you need to use the gun, minus the paint.
When choosing which tip to use on the HVLP sprayer, keep these helpful tips in mind:
- When you buy a standard HVLP spray gun, it will likely come with a tip ranging from 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm. This size spray tip helps keep the spray amount to a minimum while still allowing you to paint areas with precision.
- If your painting project requires applying a thin coat of paint that provides almost a see-through effect, then a tip size of 1.2 mm to 1.3 mm should work well. This size tip is especially useful when applying base coats.
- When using an HVLP gun to paint cabinets, note that paint, in all applications, goes through multiple stages to achieve the final finish. Cabinets usually require applying a thick coat of paint, which HVLP guns are not known for. However, if you use a 1.4mm tip, you should be able to achieve the thick coat finish you want.
Tip sizes ranging from 1.5-1.8 mm are ideal for applying single coats of paint. They are used mostly for applying a base coat or primer.
Check the Droplet Size
Large droplets will result from too much air pressure and will take longer to dry than small droplets. Therefore, to ensure correct application, it’s wise to check the droplet size and adjust the air pressure to suit your project.
You can check the droplet size by spraying an old piece of glass, metal, or wood. Start by setting the air pressure as low as it will go. You can then increase the air pressure in 5-pound increments until you achieve the desired droplet size. The goal is to adjust the air pressure until the gun produces a consistent, uniform color.
Clean After Each Use
It’s important to check the air filters each time before using an HVLP sprayer. You can easily clean them with soapy water and then let them air dry. To clean the air pump on the gun, simply run cold or warm water over it to remove any dirt, dust, or debris.
To enhance the durability of an HVLP spray gun, make sure to perform regular maintenance and care. You can read through the product’s owner’s manual to find helpful maintenance advice.
Additionally, take a solvent to clean the air cap and get rid of the color you’re painting with after each use. If you have time, it’s extremely helpful to take a gun cleaner to clean the entire spray gun after using it each time.