The 7 Best HVLP Spray Guns for Painting (2024 Guide)

Oct 20, 2024

By Bob Beacham

Updated on Mar 22, 2024 1:55 PM EDT

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Spray guns have a reputation for being tricky to use, but modern HVLP (high volume, low pressure) versions aimed at DIYers and hobbyists are easy to use, can dramatically reduce the time it takes to stain or paint, and help create a beautiful and even finish without brush or roller marks.

With their growing popularity, several different types of HVLP spray guns are now available, so it can be challenging to know which is the right one to buy. To help solve that conundrum, the following is a detailed look at how to choose the best HVLP spray gun along with a list of some of the best options on the market.

HVLP paint sprayers can reduce the amount of time and stress it takes to complete a small or large paint job while delivering good coverage every time. We researched the most sought-after HVLP paint sprayers in their respective categories and discovered that the best models are determined by their type, nozzle size, tank capacity, wattage, size and weight, ease of use, and other useful features included by top brands.

Based on the above list, the turbine, compact, and compressor-driven HVLP paint sprayers are favored among users for their versatile nozzle sizes and high tank capacities of up to 1 quart. Most of the above models have wattages of 250 to 1,400 watts for precise, even vertical, horizontal, and round spray coverages during large or small spray painting projects. Many of these HVLP sprayers also come with adjustable air pressure and fan controls, built-in air pressure regulators, and multiple nozzles.

As for the size and weight, the above HVLP sprayers range from 1- to 25-pound constructions making them easy to move around. Plus, select models come with carrying handles, paint gun holders, and long hoses for added maneuverability and ease of use while painting cabinets, furniture, walls, trim, and more.

Our selection of top picks offers a range of price and performance options, so there’s something here to suit every kind of user. Each model is assigned to a category to help you quickly find the best HVLP spray gun for particular tasks.

It’s not easy to pick a single best HVLP spray gun, but for its ease of use and all-around performance, versatility, and value, it’s tough to beat this Wagner Spraytech model. It will spray all manner of stain, varnish, and most paints. It comes with a 1.3-millimeter nozzle, so thicker paints like latex may need to be thinned, but larger nozzles are available. It offers horizontal, vertical, and round patterns with easy adjustment of both air pressure and fluid flow.

The Wagner Spraytech comes with 20 feet of hose, so there’s little issue of being cramped or constantly moving the turbine unit around. It only weighs 11 pounds and has a built-in handle, so it’s very portable. Two paint cups are supplied: a metal one that holds 1 quart and a plastic one that holds 1.5 quarts. The Wagner Spraytech is among the quieter HVLP spray guns of its type and is easy to clean.

Get the Wagner HVLP spray gun at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Walmart.

The NeuMaster HVLP spray gun combines the power advantages of a turbine with the low cost normally associated with compact electrical guns. A 600-watt motor provides good performance and reliability, plus two interchangeable nozzles allow for a wider range of material usage than is usually found on budget spray guns.

There are three spray patterns: horizontal, vertical, and round. While air pressure is not adjustable, flow control is adjustable. The paint cup holds 30.5 ounces, a fraction under a quart. The 6 feet of hose seems a little restrictive at first, but the compact turbine can be fitted with a shoulder strap for increased mobility. The interesting interlocking head setup makes for easy cleaning.

The NeuMaster HVLP spray gun is of great value for painting and staining furniture, doors, and other medium-size projects, although it is not a tool for fine detailed work.

Get the NeuMaster HVLP spray gun at Amazon.

For furniture and cabinet painting, rely on the effective and budget-friendly Yattich HVLP electric paint sprayer. This model is equipped with all the necessary features and accessories for multiple projects and smooth finishes, including a powerful 500-watt motor, five different nozzles of varying sizes, and a flow-control knob for changing the air output depending on the paint thickness. Plus, this model has three different spray patterns. Finally, this Yattich sprayer comes with a wrench, a viscosity cup for dilution, and a cleaning tool to maintain the device’s effectiveness.

Get the Yattich HVLP spray gun at Amazon.

Anyone interested in a complete kit for spraying projects can rely on the DeVilbiss HVLP Gravity spray gun kit. This complete kit comes with two spray heads with 8.5- and 20-ounce cups, three different nozzle sizes, a cleaning brush set, a wrench, an air-adjusting valve with a gauge, and a hard carrying case to keep all components organized. Though this model is intended for use on automotives, it is capable of handling multiple project types. The only downside to this option is that it does not come with the necessary air compressor required for spraying.

Get the DeVilbiss HVLP spray gun at Amazon.

Suitable for those who are new to HVLP sprayers can benefit from the HomeRight C800766 Finish Max paint sprayer. This compact model is easy to use and comes with vertical, horizontal, and round spray patterns for small- to medium-sized paint jobs on furniture, cabinets, trim, walls, and more. For added convenience, this pick comes with a cleaning kit for post-use.

This affordable handheld paint sprayer comes with a single 2-millimeter brass spray tip and nozzle to handle your paint project and the small paint cup holds up to 27 ounces of latex, chalk, and milk paint as well as thicker paints and products like primers, sealers, polyurethane, stain, and varnish. Depending on the area you are spraying, the air pressure can be adjusted with a handy knob located on the side of the unit.

Get the HomeRight HVLP spray gun at Amazon.

The Master Pro is what’s called a gravity-feed HVLP spray gun. The paint flows from a 1-liter (1.05 quart) aluminum cup fitted above the gun. Air comes from an air compressor that’s fed up through the handle. Knobs at the back of the spray gun make fine adjustments to air pressure and fluid flow, allowing for precise control of spray pattern size. An air pressure regulator is included to manage air from the compressor.

The Master Pro comes with four needle/fluid tip combinations from 1.3 to 1.8 millimeters. While primarily targeted at automotive paints, a wide range of woodworking stains and finishes can be applied, including thinned latex paint. It’s a gun that can spray materials over substantial surfaces quickly, or it can focus on small areas when necessary.

This is not a cheap HVLP spray gun, and the need for an air compressor will add to the price. When compared to similar high-performance models, it is very competitive and should provide many years of reliable service.

Get the Master Elite HVLP spray gun at Amazon.

If you are looking for a high-quality sprayer that holds its own on the jobsite or for a home renovation, the Fuji Spray 2203G Semi-Pro 2 Gravity HVLP spray system could be just the ticket. This option is constructed with an HVLP gun and turbine case, the gun itself is made with an ergonomic handle to limit hand fatigue. Plus, there is a handy gun holder attached to the turbine case for easy storing.

This 1,400-watt 2-stage motor is one of the most powerful options on the market, making this top pick reliable and long-lasting. The adjustable fan controls the direction and spray pattern as you work, ranging from a small to large circular spray pattern, while the air control valve reduces the risk of overspray. It also comes with a 25-foot hose and carrying handle making it easy to move from room to room as you paint. However, some may find this model tricky to move around due to its 25-pound construction.

Get the Fuji HVLP spray gun at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Walmart.

HVLP sprayers fall into several different brackets. These make a considerable difference to their suitability for particular tasks. To help arm you with the information needed when shopping, the following sections include a range of technical and practical aspects, including how each type of HVLP spray gun functions.

The types of paint sprayers that have HVLP capabilities can be divided into three basic categories: compact models, turbine models, and compressor-driven models.

Both turbine and compressor-driven spray guns need a hose to deliver air, but a short hose can prove restrictive. With professional models, it is possible to purchase a longer hose. However, that’s not usually an option with turbine models, so it’s an important feature to check before buying.

At the business end of an HVLP spray gun, there is the fluid nozzle or air cap with a central hole for the fluid to spray through. It also has two “horns” on either side that force air into the fluid stream and atomize it, turning it into a fine spray.

The size of the central hole is usually measured in millimeters, and it’s extremely important as it determines the kind of material that can be sprayed. To get the best possible finish, it may need to be changed from one project to the next. Every stain, varnish, primer, and paint has its own viscosity, which indicates the thickness of the liquid. Low viscosity (thin) materials like wood stain may only need a very small hole, perhaps 1 millimeter. High viscosity (thick) materials like latex paint need a larger hole, around 2 or 2.5 millimeters. Some car body primers need a 3-millimeter nozzle hole.

Some HVLP spray guns come with just a single general-purpose nozzle. While other compatible types are often available at extra cost, there are spray gun kits that include several different nozzles. Professional HVLP spray guns usually have a separate air cap, fluid tip, and fluid needle, which are all interchangeable. These components provide much of their advanced adjustability.

The fluid nozzle also will control the spray pattern. Professional HVLP spray guns have lots of adjustability, whereas DIY models tend to offer a choice of vertical, horizontal, and round patterns.

While the fluid nozzle controls the shape of the spray pattern, pressure control impacts the size of that pattern. More material is atomized with higher pressure, so a larger area is covered. Compact models often lack variable pressure control.

There’s a second element to consider. If the pressure is raised and the fluid flow stays the same, there will be wider coverage with a thinner coat. To compensate, flow control is required. The flow control is usually on the spray gun, where it is easy to reach for adjustments.

None of these devices require special power considerations. They all can run off a household supply. With compact and turbine models, the wattage of the motor may need to be checked. Anything under 300 watts might struggle to move high viscosity material, and durability would also be a concern.

Noise is another issue. None of these machines are particularly quiet, though actual decibel ratings are seldom provided. Ear protection isn’t necessary, but it is recommended if spraying for extended periods.

Cleaning HVLP spray guns is not a difficult procedure, but it can be time-consuming, as a certain amount of disassembly is necessary. Perhaps not surprisingly, compact models are the simplest to clean, and professional models are more complex to clean.

It’s important that cleaning is done immediately after the spraying is finished. It needs to be done thoroughly, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Any material that dries inside the gun, particularly around the fluid nozzle, can cause it to spit or clog. A bristle brush, which is usually included with the spray gun, can help with this. Complete aftermarket HVLP spray gun cleaning kits are readily available and inexpensive.

When not in use, it’s a good idea to store an HVLP spray gun in a cupboard or cabinet where it won’t get dirty or dusty. Gun racks are often used to store spray guns in professional environments, but there’s little chance of dirt buildup problems, as these guns are typically used daily.

The information provided so far has included details to increase the understanding of the HVLP technology and real-world examples of the best HVLP spray gun for different tasks. However, it’s a complex subject and you may still have questions. The following are answers to some of those questions that crop up frequently.

HVLP stands for high volume, low pressure, hence an HVLP spray gun can move a lot of material quickly. Different models run off a pump, turbine, or compressor.

Conventional spray guns use higher pressure and require a dedicated compressor. They are less efficient than HVLPs, so they can waste more material.

Airless sprayers use a piston to create high pressure. They can be very fast, but fluid control can be difficult. They are OK for spraying a wall, but not for spraying details like window frames.

Many HVLP spray guns can spray polyurethanes, but it does depend on the model. It’s important to check the capabilities before buying. If it has a 1.8-millimeter nozzle or larger, it should be OK. Smaller nozzles would struggle with the viscosity, though the polyurethane could be thinned if necessary.

Professional HVLP spray guns like those found in auto body shops need a separate compressor. Some DIY models come with turbines. Small electric models have a built-in pump.

Always wear safety glasses and respiratory protection. A good-quality half mask has much better filtration than simple disposable paper masks. It’s a good idea to wear lightweight nitrile gloves and some form of ear protection, especially if you’re going to be spraying for an extended period. Never point the spray gun at people or animals.

Contributing Writer

Bob Beacham is an engineer by trade and has spent 35 years working on everything from auto parts to oil rigs. He is also an avid DIY enthusiast. Bob started writing for the Bob Vila team in 2020 and covers tools, outdoor equipment, and home improvement projects.

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