HVLP (High Volume Low Pressure) and airless paint sprayers are two different types of paint spraying equipment. HVLP sprayers use a high volume of air to atomize the paint and deliver it to the surface, while airless sprayers use a high pressure pump to force the paint through a small tip, creating a fine mist.
In this article, we’ll break down the key differences between these two types of paint sprayers and recommend when to use an HVLP vs. an airless paint sprayer.
Table of Contents
- 1 Who should use an HVLP paint sprayer?
- 2 Who should use an airless paint sprayer?
- 3 HVLP paint sprayers produce less overspray
- 4 Airless paint sprayers are more expensive
- 5 Airless paint sprayers are better for commercial projects
- 6 HVLP paint sprayers typically more portable than airless sprayers
- 7 Airless paint sprayers are better for thick, industrial coatings
Who should use an HVLP paint sprayer?
HVLP paint sprayers are best suited for small to medium-sized projects, and for applying thin to medium-thick paint. They produce less overspray than airless sprayers, which means less paint is wasted and there is less cleanup required.
Additionally, HVLP sprayers are better suited for detailed work, such as touch-ups and fine finishes. They are also typically less expensive than airless sprayers, ranging between $50 to over $500.
HVLP paint sprayers are more portable as they are smaller, lighter, and more compact. They are also often handheld, or come with wheels and a handle, making them easy to move around.
HVLP sprayers are ideal for DIY enthusiasts, hobbyists, and professionals who work on smaller projects or need to achieve a fine finish.
Who should use an airless paint sprayer?
Airless paint sprayers are best suited for commercial and/or industrial projects where you need to cover a large surface area. You’ll be able to cover a wide area quickly with airless paint sprayers.
They can handle a wider range of paint viscosities, including thick paints such as oil-based paints and epoxies, and heavy-duty materials such as lacquers, varnishes, and polyurethanes.
Airless sprayers are often used by professional painters, contractors, and commercial painters who work on large projects or need to apply thick coatings.
HVLP paint sprayers produce less overspray
One of the main differences between the two is the amount of overspray produced. HVLP sprayers produce less overspray than airless sprayers, which means less paint is wasted and there is less cleanup required. Additionally, HVLP sprayers are better suited for detailed work, while airless sprayers are better for larger surface areas and thicker coatings.
Airless paint sprayers are more expensive
The price difference between HVLP and airless paint sprayers can vary depending on the specific model and brand. In general, HVLP sprayers tend to be less expensive than airless sprayers. However, the price difference can vary significantly depending on the features and capabilities of the specific model.
HVLP sprayers can range in price from around $50 for a basic, handheld model to over $500 for a high-end, professional model. Airless sprayers can also range in price from around $300 for a basic model to over $1000 for a professional-grade model.
It’s worth noting that the price difference between HVLP and airless sprayers can also depend on the type of project you’re working on. For smaller projects, an HVLP sprayer may be a more cost-effective option, while for larger projects, an airless sprayer may be a better choice due to its ability to cover larger surface areas quickly.
Airless paint sprayers are better for commercial projects
Airless paint sprayers are best suited for heavy duty projects that require coverage of a large surface area. They are typically used for exterior painting, commercial and industrial projects, and new constructions.
Some of the types of projects that are best for airless paint sprayers include:
- Exterior house painting
- Commercial and industrial buildings
- New construction
- Deck and fence staining
- Large-scale repaint
- Spray foam insulation
Overall, if you have a large surface area to cover or a heavy-duty project, an airless paint sprayer is the best choice. It is also the best choice if you want to apply thick coatings or heavy-duty materials such as epoxy, oil-based paint, or enamel.
HVLP paint sprayers typically more portable than airless sprayers
Both HVLP and airless paint sprayers can be portable, but HVLP sprayers tend to be more portable than airless sprayers. HVLP sprayers are typically smaller, lighter, and more compact than airless sprayers, which makes them easier to transport and maneuver. They are often handheld, or come with wheels and a handle, making them easy to move around.
Airless sprayers, on the other hand, are typically larger and heavier, and often require a separate cart or trolley to move them around. Additionally, they may require a power source, such as an electrical outlet or generator, which can make them less portable in certain situations.
However, there are also some portable airless paint sprayers models available in the market, these are designed to be easy to carry around and maneuver, and they can be powered by a battery or gasoline, making them more versatile and mobile.
So, in general, HVLP sprayers are more portable than airless sprayers, but both can be portable depending on the specific model and brand.
Airless paint sprayers are better for thick, industrial coatings
Both HVLP and airless paint sprayers can use a wide variety of paint types, but there are some differences in the types of paints that are best suited for each type of sprayer.
HVLP sprayers are best suited for thin to medium-thick paints, such as latex, enamels, stains, and sealers. They are not as effective with thicker paints, such as oil-based paints and epoxies, because the high volume of air used to atomize the paint can cause it to break down and become too thin.
On the other hand, airless sprayers can handle a wider range of paint viscosities, including thick paints such as oil-based paints and epoxies. They can also handle heavy-duty materials such as lacquers, varnishes, and polyurethanes. Airless sprayers are not as effective with very thin liquids such as stains and sealers because the high pressure can cause them to atomize and create a mist, which can lead to overspray.
It’s important to check the manufacturer’s recommendations before using a particular paint with your paint sprayer, regardless of whether or not it’s an airless or HVLP paint gun. Some manufacturers may have specific recommendations for the types of paints that are compatible with their equipment.