Difference Between HVLP and Airless Paint Sprayers

There are several variances in application and performance, but the most noticeable differences are in the transport of the material to the coated substrate. In general, spray painting is done with two basic sprayers, the high-volume low-pressure (HVLP) paint sprayer and the airless paint sprayer, although this is not an either/or scenario. Because of the differences between these two instruments, even if there is some overlap, they each have their own set of niches to occupy in the universe, much as painting with an airbrush and an aerosol spray can produce two different results.

They, unlike airless sprayers, do not rely on high pressure to make paint spray, providing you the control you need to finish jobs finely without paint splattering everywhere while still accomplishing delicate work swiftly. For example, you may use an HVLP sprayer to paint internal baseboard trim or stain furniture in your home. In contrast, an airless sprayer is excellent for staining or applying thick polyurethane to a big fence or deck. Furthermore, HVLP sprayers may store paint in separate canisters for a long time, whereas airless guns and hoses must be cleaned up after each use.

Difference Between HVLP and Airless Paint Sprayers


HVLP Paint Sprayers

HVLP sprayers can atomize paint quicker, more accurately, and at a lower pressure than typical paint guns, resulting in a softer, more even spray—allowing you to cover more extensive areas faster and with fewer touchups. Furthermore, the reduced pressure reduces air pollution. HVLP spray systems are commonly utilized commercially in the automotive, marine, furniture finishing, and ornamental sectors, where high-quality paints, stains, and finishes are employed in enormous amounts all day.

The automotive and furniture sectors previously employed conventional spray guns at high pressure but moved to HVLP due to enhanced efficiency and additional benefits. Contractors and professionals appreciate HVLP sprayers because they reduce lost paint from overspray, saving them money on paint expenses. HVLP professional spray guns are the sprayer of choice for most car body and repair companies due to their high quality, durability, and fast performance.

Airless Paint Sprayers

An air mechanism, such as a turbine or an air compressor, is not used by airless paint sprayers. Instead, they employ an internal piston pump that immediately pressurizes the substance before sending it through a pipe that connects directly to the spray cannon. The pressurized liquid is pushed to atomize when it splatters against the spray tip as it exits the nozzle. The high pressure applied to the spray tip breaks the paint into the atomized particles needed for painting.

As a result, they are designed to spray vast areas at maximum strength at all times. When covering substantial surface areas at high volumes and fine detail is not as important, airless sprayers are employed. They apply thick, heavy coatings fast. However, this comes at the expense of higher overspray and bigger droplets. Because these guns run at significantly greater pressures, they may frequently utilize thicker paint straight from the can without first filtering or decreasing it.

Why Do I Need an HVLP Paint Sprayer?

Professionals understand that the most expensive aspect of their sector is labor and time. HVLP and turbo-sprayers were created to combine the power of an airless system with the accuracy that only HVLP sprayers can give. Using an HVLP paint spraying system instead of a standard sprayer saves time, enhances efficiency, eliminates overspray, and lowers the likelihood of having to respray an area or cope with uneven coats and spatter. When contractors enter the industry, they may incline toward airless guns because of the larger volume and pressure.

However, they quickly learn they require a specialist gun (HVLP) for detailed work on their assignments when airless guns are insufficient. While airless spray guns are often less pricey, they are seen as a more "consumable" product that will need to be replaced sooner than an HVLP spray gun. HVLP sprayers are built to last and benefit from the longevity that lower-pressure operating delivers. You might be amazed at how many applications an HVLP sprayer has.

Our BK Groups, Epic Coating Academy's founder Mr. Rajan Subramanian In the Last five years, independently, we contain helped 500+ business owners like you to run profitable painting businesses. We have created a FREE short 30 minutes training where we explain the top REASONS so you achieve perfect customer quality for a painting product business.

Rajan Subramanian Founder of The BK Groups Epic Coating Academy

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