HVLP vs LVLP spray guns is a common debate when people are talking about the use of sprayers for paint jobs.
There are pros and cons to both kinds of spray guns, and you should know about what each of these items can do for you before you pick the kind of spray gun you want to use for your work.
This guide will help you to figure out which is the right spray gun for each kind of need.
Knowing the differences between HVLP and LVLP is important for the success of your painting jobs. Knowing what is HVLP and what is LVLP is an important step in the process of choosing between the two kinds of spray guns.
All About HVLP Spray Guns
The HVLP spray guns (High Volume Low Pressure) deliver paint at high volume and are selected by painters for their higher transfer efficiency than what is possible with the use of LVLP guns.
This means that they make sure that more paint will stick to the surface that is being painted. This makes your efficiency much better overall when working on large tasks.
This is one of the most used spray guns in the painting business, but it does consume a lot of energy to use. This kind of gun is eco-friendly, and it is actually very efficient and limits waste from overspray. This is a big part of the reason that they are preferred by professional painters.
This spray gun uses high-pressure air to blow the paint onto the surface that is being painted. It is a simple trigger squeeze to use the sprayer, and the handle is connected to an air compressor unit. The paint is placed in the bottom portion of the spray nozzle.
Pros & Cons of Painting With HVLP Spray Guns
Benefits
Drawbacks
All About LVLP Spray Guns
This is a spray gun that comes in gravity-fed as well as siphon-fed models.
This model of gun is a Low Volume Low Pressure gun.
This kind of spray gun is operated through the use of paint stored in a hopper.
The paint pools down into the applicator and then is sprayed onto the surface in question.
This is a slower application model, but it does offer a simplicity of use that you will not get with other spray guns.
This type of spray gun prevents a lot of overspray problems that you might have with higher volumes of air.
This is a great spray gun for smooth application, but it can sometimes clog when compared to other spray gun styles. This is not the kind of gun that is chosen for large walls of paint, but it is perfect for other applications.
Pros & Cons of Painting With LVLP Spray Guns
Benefits
Drawbacks
HVLP VS LVLP: Which Spray Gun is Better?
These two types of spray guns can do the same jobs in most cases, but they are operated differently, and you will likely prefer one over the other based on your painting project.
You need to know which tool is the best for your painting style and paint job before you pick the one that you are going to use.
One of the best ways to be sure that you are getting the right spray gun for your needs is to compare them based on some key factors:
Ease of Use
The LVLP is really easy to use, just like the HVLP gun, but it is a slower gun to paint with.
You will have to refill the hopper or reservoir more often, and it can also tend to clog and be finicky in some instances.
You will find that the HVLP is better suited to large jobs as well, so you might need to pick this kind of gun no matter what if you are going to be painting a very large area.
While both of these guns are easy to use, you will find that the HVLP is often the best choice for anything but smaller jobs. This is why professional painters use the HVLP style gun in most cases.
Efficiency/Speed of Flow
HVLP spray guns offer fast flow and great control. You will also have a lot of efficiency with the HVLP model.
The LVLP is great for some smaller kinds of jobs, but these guns can clog readily, which can slow down your painting process. You will get a better speed of flow and a lot of great efficiency from the HVLP spray gun.
Pressure
The pressure of the air that is needed for the HVLP is much greater, but this does help to create a really nice, even application [1].
You will need less air pressure to operate the LVLP gun, and you will find that this is why some people gravitate toward this option for home use projects.
This is not always the best choice for large jobs, but you can work with lower pressure if that is more comfortable for you if you pick LVLP.
Fan Spray Width and Pattern
The fan width of an LVLP sprayer is smaller and narrower. This can make it a great choice for application to smaller areas and smaller jobs.
The pattern is much more open and has a wider application range for an HVLP sprayer. This is why the HVLP is a better choice for large spaces that need to be painted evenly and with some rapidity.
Transfer Efficiency
The HVLP will offer you superior transfer efficiency compared to the LVLP model for this need. You will get a much smoother and easier transfer experience when you choose the HVLP spray gun for your painting jobs.
The HVLP will also apply more kinds of paint with consistency since it is much less likely to clog or have issues with delivering the paint to the surface.
Purchase Price
The HVLP spray gun will cost you at least twice as much as the average LVLP. This is part of why HVLP sprayer is not as common in home use. LVLP spray guns are more common for home use and small projects due in part to the purchase price.
Maintenance
Both LVLP and HVLP spray guns will need to be cleaned properly to be useful when you need them. You will find that the LVLP will tend to clog more, particularly in the gravity-fed model.
You will always need to clean the spray gun before storing it, and you will need to be sure that you have not neglected any part of the process from cleaning to storage if you want to be sure that you can count on your gun for your needs.
HVLP Vs LVLP Sprayer FAQs
What is the difference between HVLP and LVMP spray guns?
HVLP guns are higher volume than low volume spray guns. Low volume guns are better for smaller jobs, and they are easier to use in some applications like car paint. HVLP guns are better suited for larger jobs and large spaces.
What is the difference between HVLP and conventional spray guns?
HVLP guns use high volumes of paint and lots of air pressure. They are perfect for covering larger areas evenly with paint.
Conventional spray guns use air pressure to apply paint, but they will offer you less control over your overspray as well as the field of application. This can lead to paint running or being applied with gaps in some locations.
Can you paint a car with an LVLP spray gun?
You can paint a car with an LVLP spray gun, which is actually part of why this is the common choice for car painting jobs.
This is a sprayer that offers a lower pressure delivery method, and this offers increased control in the application process. You will also get a more even application when working up close to cars.
How big of an air compressor do I need for an LVLP spray gun?
For this size air compressor, you will not need access to a lot of air for your application. You will need at least 15 PSI [2]. You will find that 25 PSI will be better than a lower amount of air pressure. LVLP spray guns are perfect for small jobs for this reason.
Conclusion
Picking between an HVLP and an LVLP spray gun doesn't have to be complicated. You will immediately see the benefits of each kind of spray gun for your needs and you should be able to judge through the use of this guide. Thanks for reading!
References:
1. https://www.finishsystems.com/blogs/news/what-is-high-volume-low-pressure-hvlp-atomization-spray-technology
2. https://matchness.com/2022/10/17/lvlp-spray-gun-compressor-requirements-you-should-know/