Using HVLP spray guns in a workshop can be the difference between an average operation and an outstanding one. Of course, not all HVLP spray guns models are the same. This article is meant to show the features that best seller HVLP spray guns have in common. Let’s review 5 models, but first, let’s understand the basics.
What does HVLP stand for?
HVLP stands for High Volume, Low Pressure. As the name implies, HVLP spray guns use a high volume of air at a low pressure to atomize and propel paint onto a surface. This differs from traditional spray guns, which use high pressure air to atomize the paint, often resulting in significant overspray and paint waste.
5th place: DeVilbiss FLG
The DeVilbiss FLG is a low cost, general purpose spray gun solution for use with a wide range of refinish paints and coatings. It is suitable for most routine spray jobs in the refinish workshop, as well as handling DIY enthusiasts’ projects.
This versatile gun is available in gravity and suction feed spray setups for batch applications, as well as a pressure feed option for larger project areas requiring fast coverage without the added downtime of re-filling small cups.
Features
- Full control of pattern shape, fluid flow rate and air inlet pressure for consistent application
- Ergonomic gun handle shape for balance, grip and comfort
- Smooth action trigger with exceptionally light pull for reduced fatigue during long operation
- Efficient atomization technology for reduced material usage
- Flexible setup options of gravity, suction or pressure feed to meet your needs
Technical Specifications
- Weight (gun only): 465g
- Gun Body: Aluminum
- Air Cap: Plated Brass
- Air Cap Retaining Ring & Knobs: Clear Anodized Aluminum
- Fluid Nozzle: Stainless Steel
- Fluid Needle: Stainless Steel
- Air Inlet Thread: 1/4” Universal
4th place: DeVilbiss SGK
The DeVilbiss SGK is a modern, lightweight and comfortable gun for those who need a premium professional quality gun that offers a finer finish at an economical price.
The SGK series offers a number of refinements and optimum performance from an economical gun. The fan, air atomization and fluid controls are all on the gun, meaning operators can adjust the gun for the best finish while on the job.
The gun body has been polished up for good appearance, as well as for easy cleaning and maintenance. Less overspray means more coating when working. Each control knob is pushed to ensure tightness – even when wearing gloves – and is permanently marked to make sure you can repeat preferred settings, over and over again.
The SGK series is built with high quality materials that ensure a longer life with low maintenance. This versatile gun is available in gravity, suction and pressure feed spray configurations.
Features
- Its air nozzle with HVLP-Transtec technology provides a thinner spray and greater paint savings
- The air valve allows to regulate the passage with precision
- Strong, simple and practical hook makes the painter’s job easier
- Perfect and comfortable handle, innovative design, which allows a perfect balance
- Precise controls for easy air and paint delivery
- Excellent durability
Technical Specifications
- Nozzle / Needle: 1.4 mm
- Air Consumption: 9,8 CFM at 32 PSI
- Ink flow: 190 ml / minute
- Pressure at gun inlet: Up to 32 PSI
- Fan Size: 11″ at a distance of 7″
3rd place: DeVilbiss Prolite
The DeVilbiss PROLite spray gun delivers exceptional performance and color matching capabilities for today’s automotive refinish coatings that can be difficult to atomize, such as low VOC, high solids, pearls or metallic materials.
This PROLite performance is achieved utilizing high-capacity air passages and a linear air valve to provide even and unrestricted flow of compressed air through the gun body, producing superior atomization with consistent droplet distribution throughout the entire spray pattern.
PROLite is precision-built using the highest quality component materials for a longer working life in all professional spray environments. The dropforged aluminum body, anodized finish, high-grade stainless steel fluid nozzles and needles, and nickel plated brass air caps all contribute to a gun that will last in the most extreme environments.
When routine maintenance is needed, the PROLite’s easy-to-maintain design ensures minimum production downtime. In approval testing with paint company technicians over the last decade, the PROLite has consistently met the highest color match standards to ensure that you get the job done right, the first time and every time.
Features
- Lightweight design delivers a uniform spray pattern and atomization distribution for an exceptional quality finish that professional painters demand
- Range of advanced air cap technologies for excellent application performance with the latest waterborne and solventborne coatings
- Ergonomic handle design with reduced trigger travel to decrease operator fatigue
- Environmental legislation-compliant atomization with high transfer efficiency resulting in significant paint savings
- Drop-forged aluminum, anodized gun body with removable air baffle for a longer working life
Technical Specifications
- Weight (gun only): 445g
- Gun Body: Anodized Aluminum
- Air Cap: Plated Brass
- Air Cap Retaining Ring & Knobs: Clear Anodized Aluminum
- Fluid Nozzle: Stainless Steel
- Fluid Needle: Stainless Steel
- Air Inlet Thread: 1/4” Universal
2nd place: DeVilbiss GPG
The DeVilbiss GPG is a low cost, lightweight, high quality gravity spray gun ideal for autorefinishing applications.
DeVilbiss has been at the forefront of developing spray guns specific to applications around the body shop, including meeting the market’s demand for a cost-effective, multi-purpose spray gun and automotive paint gun. The DeVilbiss GPG addresses this requirement by providing solid performance that is durable and an exceptional value.
The anodized, drop-forged aluminum gun body of the GPG provides renowned ergonomics together with lightweight aluminum controls and smooth trigger action. It’s this legendary combination of fit, feel and performance that makes the DeVilbiss brand the professional automotive refinisher’s preferred choice.
The high-efficiency and HVLP air caps have been developed to provide excellent atomization of a wide range of automotive refinish paints and coatings. The large array of fluid nozzles offers a wide range of flow rates allowing for rapid application rates for a multitude of coatings including clearcoats, basecoats, sealers, primers, enamels, synthetics and other common commercial paints.
Features
- Lightweight design delivers a uniform spray pattern and atomization spray distribution for an exceptional quality finish that professional painters demand
- Range of advanced air cap technologies for excellent application performance with the latest waterborne and solventborne coatings
- Ergonomic handle design with reduced trigger travel to decrease operator fatigue
- Environmental legislation-compliant atomization with high transfer efficiency resulting in significant paint savings
- Drop-forged aluminum, anodized gun body with removable air baffle for a longer working life
1st place: DeVilbiss DV1
The DeVilbiss DV1 is a series of spray guns that cover all the needs related to autorefinishing. It comes in 3 basic models: basecoat, clearcoat, and spot repairs. Eventually, some models with different outer design might be released.
DV1 Basecoat HVLP Spray Gun
The DV1 is optimized to spray the most challenging basecoats on the market today.
Features of the DV1 Basecoat HVLP Spray Gun
- A new basecoat spray gun body featuring a reduced profile and a smoother, streamlined design
- An improved air and fluid management architecture that produces a perfectly balanced and consistent spray pattern
- The DV1-B PLUS HLVP air cap that delivers high efficiency performance at HVLP pressures
- An integrated digital gauge
- A fluid tip design enabling painters to tackle a broad range of coating types and flow rates in all climatic conditions
DV1 Clearcoat HVLP Spray Gun
The DV1 Clearcoat provides consistency and optimization in spraying the range of industry leading clearcoats.
Features of the DV1 Clearcoat HVLP Spray Gun
- Produces an even distribution of fine clearcoat spray, uniformly sized particles that easily wet-up a surface and flawlessly hang on vertical panels
- Delivers higher application speeds at lower pressures, enhancing the overall productivity and efficiency of the gun
- Easy to set-up and easy to use — painters of all levels are able to move quickly and efficiently while replicating nearly any finish virtually effortlessly
- Features a quieter application experience from a soft-spraying gun, ultimately making the DV1 more enjoyable to use
- Produces an even, stable and consistent spray fan to apply the glass-like clearcoat finish painters know and love
- Provides painters the ability to produce a consistent overall finish across the whole work area — with minimal effort— giving painters more control of the spraying process.
The DV1s Smart and Spot Repair Spray Gun
he DV1s Spray Gun provides consistency and optimization in spraying the latest materials in the market today. The Spray Gun features three new air caps delivering superior high-efficiency performance for a perfect invisible repair finish.
Features of the DV1s Smart and Spot Repair Spray Gun
- Deliver ultimate Smart/Spot repair application performance
- Sprays consistent and homogeneous spray patterns
- Atomizes effortlessly with a selection of finely tuned air cap and fluid nozzle setups
- Provides maximum comfort and easy use from set-up through the entire spraying process
- Provides maximum comfort and ease of use with right the first time results
- Improved transfer efficiency saving time, money, and repair costs per job
What HLVP spray gun is for you?
Choosing the ideal HVLP spray gun in 2024 depends on several factors. Let’s break it down to make sure you get the perfect one for your needs.
Project and Material
Project size and complexity: Are you tackling a small furniture piece or starting a autorefinishing workshop? Bigger projects might require a higher paint flow rate.
Material being sprayed: Thicker materials like latex paint need a larger nozzle and higher air pressure than stains or lacquers.
Spray Gun Features
Nozzle size: Bigger nozzles handle thicker materials but offer less control. Common sizes range from 1.3 mm to 2.0 mm.
Feed system: Gravity-fed guns are simpler but require holding the cup above the gun, while siphon-fed guns draw paint from a container below, offering more freedom of movement.
Air pressure control: Fine-tuning pressure allows for different spraying patterns and material handling. Look for easy adjustment.
Spray pattern control: Some guns offer fan adjustments for wider or narrower sprays, ideal for different surfaces.
In a few words
The ideal gun depends on your specific needs and preferences. Our experts have many decades of experience helping companies set up industrial finishing plants and auto refinishing workshops. Feel free to reach out to us anytime.
