Are you interested in purchasing an HVLP Spray Gun? This article looks at the requirements to consider when making a decision. We also review the key aspects of a few different products to help you choose the best HVLP Spray Gun for woodworking.
But, what is an HVLP Spray Gun? HVLP stands for high-volume low-pressure. It is a “gun” that basically works like a can of spray paint but lasts longer and produces a better quality finish. You will experience less overspray with an HVLP spray gun, meaning that you will save more paint. The lower overspray also results in less mess, making it easier, in general, to clean up after your project is complete, particularly when working on a large project outside.
1. Earlex HV5500 HVLP Spray Station Paint Sprayer
The Spray Station 5500 is a pro unit designed for the light contractor and serious woodworker. It is a professional gun and the perfect tool to achieve showroom finishes. It is portable and suitable for a workshop, job site, or home use.
An entry-level gun, it is easy to use with its variable settings and it is also easy to clean up. It won’t produce “bleeding” marks either.
It has a push and click spray pattern that changes from vertical, to horizontal, to round. Its carry handle is convenient and enables the user to move around the job site with ease. It is the ideal product where overspray is unacceptable.
A versatile product, the Earlex 5500 can be used with a variety of oil-based and water-based materials.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Earlex
- Weight: 12.17 pounds
- Dimensions: 12 x 12 x 26 inches
- Wattage: 650
- Warranty: 2 year
Pros
- Top-quality airless paint sprayer
- This station paint sprayer is cheap and affordable for all
- It is best for home and small shop usage
Cons
- This is a little noisy as compared to the other brands
- Its hose pops out
2. HomeRight Super Finish Max
The HomeRight Super Finish Max is the DIY-ers ultimate dream. It is an easy to use electric sprayer that can be used for a small or large job, giving the project a professional-like finish. Use it to update a range of projects such as fences, drawers, cabinets, and much more!
Adjustable settings ensure the air caps spray in either vertical, horizontal, or round spray patterns. And the material flow control knob results in a quickly altered flow output. This machine can be used without thinning any paint and it allows the user to work quickly, increasing the number of completed projects.
This spray gun can be used with both oil-based and water-based products and is easy to clean. Use water to clean water-based products or oil-specific cleaners after using oil-based products.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: HomeRight
- Weight: 3.3 pounds
- Dimensions: 9.5 x 6 x 12.5 inches
- Wattage: 450
- Warranty: 2 year
Pros
- You can get extra nozzles if you buy this brand
- It comes with a durable cleaning brush for the nozzles
- There is an excellent quality turbine motor
- There’s a flow control knob
Cons
- Costs more than other sprayers
- Integrated air compressor makes it slightly heavier
- Does not include filters
- Not suitable for ceilings or large outdoor projects
3. Dewalt HVLP Spray Gun
The Dewalt HVLP Spray Gun is a gravity fed spray gun that offers a high volume yet low-pressure design. It has a small, lightweight diaphragm with a mini air regulator.
It offers a smooth, glossy finish without any splotches, running, or sagging.
Changing between spraying vertically and horizontally is easy and seamless. However, it must be locked after. The user must ensure the gun is pulled apart and thoroughly cleaned between each use.
It has good weight balance and the function of the gun works ideally for oil-based finishes such as polys and lacquers.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Dewalt HVLP
- Weight: 2.4 pounds
- Dimensions: 9 x 5.9 x 4.9 inches
- Warranty: 3 year limited manufacturer’s warranty
Pros
- Easy to change filter, you don’t need any technical knowledge
- Easy to use
- Sold at a competitive price compared to many other brands
- There are no thinning issues
Cons
- Needs thorough cleaning to avoid blockage
- You need to buy a filter and air compressor
- Cannot use water-based latex paint
4. Master Pro 44 Series High-Performance HVLP Spray Gun
The Master Pro series is designed with the professional painter in mind. Stainless steel components are managed with exact precision providing premium performance with different types of coatings. They are 100% suitable for the latest automotive waterborne paint coatings too. It can be used for automotive, industrial, and woodworking projects.
It comes with a professional high flow air pressure regulator and gauge as well as a gun maintenance wrench, cleaning brush, and gun coupler plug.
The innovative technology used in designing and manufacturing this spray gun results in perfect performance. Paint coatings are fully atomized with an ideal fan pattern that ensures a clean and even base coat or topcoat finish.
Well-balanced in the hand, the Master Pro 44 Spray Gun effortlessly lays a smooth finish from the beginning.
So confident are the manufacturers in their product that they offer a money-back guarantee! This is valid for the first year after purchase.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Master Pro
- Weight: 2.53 pounds
- Dimensions: 9.17 x 6.38 x 5.31 inches
- Spray Tip: 1.3mm
- Measurement: 1 liter fluid cup
Pros
- It comes with a money-back guarantee
- Easy to handle, you do not need any technical knowledge to use it
- Comes with a high flow air pressure regulator with gauge
- Another good thing about this is an easy cleanup
Cons
- Pricey compared to some of the other spray guns
5. DeVilbiss Finishline Solvent Based HVLP Gravity Feed Paint Gun
This is a new series that offers the latest in enhanced atomization technology. Thanks to its precision-machined air cap and fluid nozzles, this machine enables the user to achieve superior results.
The external components are made from high-grade stainless steel while the internal passages are easy to clean as they flaunt anodized passages and bodies.
Due to the precision-machined air caps and fluid nozzles, the results created by this spray gun are high quality, soft, and uniform.
It is a well-built machine and is easy to maneuver, which means that the user doesn’t have to be a professional to get good results. There aren’t any confusing settings either.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: DeVilbiss
- Weight: 1.5 pounds
- Dimensions: 5.5 x 5.5 x 10 inches
- Fluid Tips: Multiple tips 1. 3, 1. 5, 1. 8 mm
- Folding: No
Pros
- It is versatile with enhanced atomization technology
- Excellent quality material of high-grade stainless steel
- This comes with precision-machined air caps and fluid nozzles for easy cleanup
- All internal passages are anodized and the anodized body makes it easy to clean
Cons
- Not advisable for larger projects or spaces
- It is a bit costly compared to other brands with same features
6. Titan Capspray Maxum II HVLP Spray Gun
This spray gun has a click-in air cap, allowing for quick pattern adjustment which removes the inconvenience of guessing. It has a stainless steel needle and nozzle prolonging the life of these components and a solvent-proof Teflon seal to avoid swelling.
The patented dual-pivot trigger reduces the pull and therefore decreases fatigue of the user. The trigger is also a 2-stage trigger. It is compact and lightweight making it easy to transport and store.
The Titan Capspray can atomize heavy, viscous coatings without thinning the paint, and at the same time, achieves transfer efficiency of about 90%. It can be used to apply a wide range of materials, from the thinnest stains to latex and texture finishes.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Wagner Spray Tech Corporation
- Weight: 3.69 pounds
- Dimensions: 15 x 10 x 5 inches
- Batteries Required: No
Pros
- Built with hard and durable material
- Endures high-frequency usage
- More adjustment options
- It comes with 2-stage trigger which makes the job more easier/secure
Cons
- It is hard to clean because of its structure
- Another con of this spray gun is that it is expensive
Buyer’s Guide
Choosing an HVLP Spray Gun is not always an easy task, particularly when you are just starting out. It seems easy to sift through the choices but settling on the right one can be a little harder.
So, what do you need to look at when choosing the best HVLP Spray Gun for woodworking? Let’s have a quick look at the functions that should be taken into consideration.
Production Requirements
High-quality sprayers can be found in a variety of makes. Their larger fluid nozzles and air caps allow the user to choose a spray gun that will be suitable for purchase.
The air cap chosen will determine functions such as spray pattern size and the cap’s ability to break up high-viscosity coatings.
Fluid Adhesiveness and Atomization Rates vs Cost
Firstly, what is atomization?
Atomization creates an aerosol (in this case, a paint particle suspended as tiny droplets of liquid). The paint is sent as a “particle” through the air to your surface as a tightly controlled paint spray. The ability to work with this makes your job a lot easier as the spray is tighter and better controlled.
The cost of using a spray gun is determined by which gun you choose. A conventional paint gun, for example, will use twice as much paint as an HVLP model will.
Choose carefully when using the spray gun for wood finishing as the paint you need to use is a paint that needs to meet the ANSI-KCMA requirements for kitchen and bath use.
Air Caps
When looking at air caps you will find three different types. HVLP, LVMP, and Conventional Air Caps. These caps affect finishing quality. HVLP caps are usually used for waterborne and solvent-based coatings which is a good starting point.
Feed Types
There are two feed types, namely gravity fed and suction fed. Gravity fed is usually used when spraying metal equipment such as cars and trucks. Suction fed is where the paint cup has a straw pickup tube. Air pressure from the gun sucks the paint up through the tube, pushing it out of the gun.
Finish Quality
The user needs to consider their finish quality requirements. An HVLP spray gun can gives a slightly automotive quality finish.
Further Notes on HVLP Spray Guns
These facts and figures can be overwhelming, so in brief here is a quick summary. Let us look at the different uses of spray guns, depending on your usage.
Entry Level Spray Gun
The best purchase would be the Earlex HV5500 HVLP Spray Station Paint Sprayer. It is a high quality, easy to use a spray gun and is reasonably mobile.
Home Use and Hobbyists
The Dewalt HVLP Spray Gun and/or HomeRight Super Finish Max are both great for home use as they should only be used for smaller projects. Alternatively, they could be used in small shops where the output is not huge.
The DeVilbiss Finishline Solvent Based HVLP Gravity Feed Paint Gun could be a better option for more frequent or larger projects in the home environment, or for someone looking for a professional, high-end finish at a slightly cheaper cost.
Professionals or Frequent Users
The Master Pro 44 Series High-Performance HVLP Spray Gun is one of the better options for users who require a spray gun for professional projects or to use frequently. It has a unique No-O-Ring design for the perfect painting. It is a first-class product for a fair price.
Conclusion
The benefits of using an HVLP spray gun far outweigh the disadvantages. However, you as the consumer should think carefully about your long term goals for using one of these pieces of equipment before deciding which one to buy. Once you know whether you will be using it for small home-based projects or large professional projects then start your research.
When you are ready to do some painting, as tempting as it might be to stick to the paintbrushes and rollers, using a good quality paint sprayer will be time and energy saving, leaving you more time to enjoy the final project.