What is LVLP?
1)  LVLP uses a lower volume of air to atomize the paint at the cap. LVLP compensates for the lack of air with a precision air cap that acts like a bunch of tiny sharpe knifes that cuts your material. By using a lower volume of air, it means you can operate your LVLP gun with less CFM and a smaller compressor, usually about 1-2CFM less than HVLP. (Note: RP,CG,Plus or reduced pressure guns also use less inlet CFM than HVLP, usually about 1.2CFM less than HVLP - It seem un-intuitive, but it is a matter of engineering design). Therefore, you can operate either LVLP or RP guns typically with a smaller air compressor than standard HVLP guns - 2-3hp recommended.

Note: While we still like RP,CG, Plus or reduced pressure guns for the finest finish quality, you will be hard to tell the difference with the quality LVLP guns we have at spraygunworld.com. All are amazingly professional, and spray amazingly well using such little air. LVLP also has the highest material savings of all guns, even slightly better than HVLP gun. On the down side, LVLP moves the slowest. *Woodworkers without a booth, with a smaller compressor and who take their time spraying may like the low overspray of LVLP.

3) Why an HVLP or LVLP? Today, HVLP is most common spray gun on the market. HVLP has a long track records and good guns have become available at lower prices. In our estimation the 3%-5% in higher transfer efficiency of the LVLP is not a discernible difference for most users and should not be a concern unless overspray is the most important factor to you. In general then, we can recommend either HVLP or LVLP for most applications. While we recommend HVLP over LVLP for a professional with a large compressor, smaller shops or hobbyist we recommend either with complete confidence..

In favor of HVLP, some argue that so little air is used to atomize the paint of an LVLP gun, (remember, it is the air that breaks up the paint) that an LVLP gun must be maintained in great condition, otherwise they tend to be finicky and any imperfections in the gun will affect your atomization quality. If you are in an unclean environment or have contaminants after long spraying time (or if you are lazy or clumsy with your guns), LVLP may not be consistent from spray to spray. Also, some argue that LVLP has harder edges and therefore is not good at blending as HVLP (others like the harder edges as it is more precise). In addition, LVLP tend to spray slower than many HVLP guns and definitely slower than RP guns.

In favor of LVLP is that it has a softer spray with the lowest overspray levels on the market, and assuming LVLP guns are maintained well, they are a joy to work with. Also, for auto painters with small compressors, LVLP give you another option besides Low air HVLP or RP (reduced pressure guns) to paint an entire car nonstop. LVLP are also great for mobile workers who spray outdoors or in car lots. For woodworkers and LVLP allows you to get a professional result with very small compressors even under 6CFM@40psi. And those spraying on location or inside your own home, will appreciate the lower overspray.

4) What about RP,CG, Transtec, and PLUS? In a large shop environment we prefer this RP style guns for wood and auto. It has the benefits of operating with a relatively small compressor and provides arguably the best finish quality over LVLP and HVLP. The fastest working speed is also an important factor for a professional - maybe not as important for a serious hobbyist.

In the end, however, when you purchase any professional gun from our site the differences are slight. So do not be overly concerned about which technology you go with or call us with questions. Since we only carry the best spray guns on the market, you will be happy with your choice. .

What this all means? Not Much.

Feel comfortable when choosing any spray gun at SprayGunWorld.com. We have done all the screening and testing for you and all guns we carry have been selected for their professional quality, construction and finish. We know at SGW you will be happy with any gun you choose because we took the guess work out of it by bringing you only the best!

After all, spray guns are what we do...!