HVLP

HVLP (High Volume Low Pressure) is a paint spraying technology that works with a large volume of air and low pressure. It lets spray guns apply paint with high efficiency and minimal waste – more paint ends up on the surface and less disperses into the surroundings. HVLP guns are popular with professional painters and demanding hobby users alike, because they give an even coat, save material and reduce airborne dust while painting.

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How HVLP technology works and how it differs from the rest

The abbreviation HVLP stands for High Volume Low Pressure. HVLP spray guns use a high air flow at relatively low pressure to atomise the paint. They typically need an inlet pressure of around 2–3 bar, but at the nozzle outlet they work at only up to ~0.7 bar. That distinguishes them from conventional high-pressure guns (3+ bar), with which most of the paint ended up as mist in the surroundings. HVLP, by contrast, achieves a transfer efficiency of around 65 % – considerably more paint stays on the surface being painted and less evaporates or disperses into the air. That means less waste of material and a cleaner working environment.

HVLP also differs from other modern systems such as LVLP or APS. LVLP (Low Volume Low Pressure) guns likewise work at low pressure but manage with a smaller air volume – around 350 l/min instead of ~400–500 l/min for HVLP. LVLP can therefore be used with smaller compressors too and offers a kind of compromise: the transfer efficiency (~55 %) is somewhat lower than HVLP, but still better than old high-pressure guns. Another advantage of LVLP is finer atomisation (smaller droplets, ~6–9 µm), which eliminates the „spitting“ effect noticeable on cheaper HVLP guns. LVLP is therefore often chosen for finishing topcoats (acrylics, clearcoats) where a very smooth finish is required.

APS (Advanced Pressure System), on the other hand, is an advanced technology combining the benefits of HVLP and LVLP. APS guns work efficiently across a wider pressure range – at lower pressures they limit overspray much like HVLP, while allowing the pressure to be raised to 2–5 bar for faster work and extra-fine atomisation when needed. That makes them very versatile: one APS gun covers a wide range of applications, from fine painting of smaller parts to rapid coats over large areas. The APS system essentially combines the paint savings and reduced mist of HVLP with the output and speed of high-pressure guns, which demanding professionals especially appreciate.

Practical use of HVLP spray guns

HVLP guns are used wherever the aim is a quality coat with minimal waste. Typically they serve in vehicle refinishing and industrial painting – spraying primers and metallic paints onto car bodies, for instance. Their „soft“ spray covers the surface evenly and settles metallic pigments correctly without blowing them into the surroundings. HVLP technology is also popular in the woodworking industry and among furniture makers, where it helps apply coatings and paints with less airborne dust and higher efficiency.

For hobby use, HVLP guns suit painting wheels, motorcycles, furniture or other projects, provided the user has a sufficiently powerful compressor. Bear in mind that HVLP guns have a higher air consumption – usually around 400–500 litres per minute. An ordinary small compressor delivering, say, 150–200 l/min will therefore not keep up with supplying enough air continuously. For full use of HVLP a compressor with a larger receiver (min. 50–100 l) and an output of at least ~400 l/min is recommended, ideally 500+ l/min if you plan to paint more extensive areas. Such a compressor is usually two-cylinder or screw-type and will ensure a stable air supply. It is also important to use a sufficiently wide hose (at least 8 mm internal diameter) so that pressure is not lost on the way to the gun.

Working with HVLP guns, you will appreciate that considerably less mist (overspray) forms. That means less paint disperses beyond the target surface, so you save time and effort masking the surroundings and cleaning up afterwards. The low spraying pressure also reduces paint bouncing off the surface, so the layers adhere better. One drawback can be that applying a heavier layer takes somewhat longer than with a classic high-pressure gun – the work is slower because of the lower pressure. In the end, though, HVLP saves material and provides more precise coverage, which pays off especially with more expensive coatings or where result quality is paramount.

Benefits for the customer – why choose HVLP?

If you are considering buying a spray gun, HVLP technology brings a number of advantages:

• Paint and cost savings: Thanks to the high transfer efficiency of the HVLP system (around 65 %), most of the paint sprayed ends up on the intended surface and only a small part disperses. You save on material consumption – less paint is wasted, which means lower costs, particularly when painting often.
• Less mess and a better working environment: Lower pressure and limited overspray mean less mist in the air. After the job there will be less settled paint dust on the floor and equipment, and cleaning up takes less time. It also contributes to a cleaner, healthier environment in the workshop (suitable protective equipment is of course still necessary).
• A quality, even coat: The „soft“ jet of an HVLP gun makes it possible to cover intricately shaped or small areas precisely without excessive overspray. The paint goes on evenly and the risk of runs is reduced, because no excess paint hits the surface at high speed. The result is a smoother surface with no need for lengthy corrections.
• Easy handling and maintenance: Modern HVLP guns are well balanced and light in design, which makes them comfortable to work with even for longer periods. They also tend to dismantle easily for cleaning, which you will appreciate during quick maintenance between paint changes. Keeping the gun clean is easy, so it retains a long service life and consistent performance.
• Wide applicability: HVLP technology handles various types of coating – from acrylic and alkyd paints through glazes and stains to oil-based coatings. You can spray cars, wooden furniture, metal structures and other surfaces with it. It is a proven system that has become the standard in professional paint shops but is also accessible to capable home users.

For the reasons above, HVLP is an excellent choice for anyone who wants efficient, quality painting. If you have a suitable compressor and want to minimise waste while keeping a top-class result, an HVLP spray gun will not disappoint you. You will find spray guns with HVLP technology in our range in various designs – from basic models for hobby use to professional guns for paint shops. If you are unsure which gun or technology to choose, read our advice article How to choose a spray gun as well, where you will find further useful tips for choosing the right equipment.