Which spray gun to choose: HVLP or LVLP? How to distinguish the HVLP spray gun from LVLP? Spray guns LVLP: reviews

Painting equipment and hand sprayers are usually selected for power, ergonomics and tank volume. This is quite true, but experts delve into the nuances of the device tools deeper, which allows them to determine the most suitable model for a particular case. In particular, one of the first they raise the question of which spray gun to choose: HVLP or LVLP? Many inexperienced users can mistakenly make a choice in favor of the LVLP system only for the reason that it is more modern and such models are more expensive - accordingly, they are better. But not everything is so unambiguous, and the unique combination of performance characteristics of HVLPs also has strengths.

The main differences between HVLP and LVLP technologies

Both systems are structural mechanisms aimed at regulating the pressure at the inlet and outlet of the spray gun. Due to the manipulation of balances between output volume and air consumption, manufacturers improve the operational properties of the device. What is the difference between the two systems?

HVLP models were originally designed with the expectation of minimizing the amount of random paint consumption. Such a flow is characteristic for all instruments operating on the principle of an atomizer. By reducing the pressure on the working head, this technology makes it possible to reduce the number of small droplets of the composition that settle outside the zone of the treated area.

At the same time, servicing mechanisms that work with high inlet pressures require high-capacity applications. And this problem is solved by the LVLP spray guns, in which not only the output pressure is minimized, but also the amount of paint consumed. But the air flow remains the same high - thanks to this, LVLP tools can be used in small workshops, construction and industry.

Reviews about spray guns of the HVLP system

Among the advantages of this technology, the owners note the rational consumption of paint and varnish. What is important is that the reduction in waste paint consumption occurs in all models, regardless of power and performance. According to experts, technologists manage to achieve 70% preservation of the produced paint particles.

But there are disadvantages to the devices implemented on this principle. The main one is that the strength of the stream of the air jet remains high, so users also note the intensive use of paint and varnish. By the way, this defect is deprived of the LVLP spray gun. Feedback on HVLP technology in this context is negative because the high spray power often does not allow to obtain the desired quality. And this applies not so much the uniformity of the application of the composition, as the regulation of the thickness of the coating.

Reviews of spray guns with LVLP technology

Models of this group favorably reveal such qualities of spray guns as accuracy, balance and softness of application. The strengths of the LVLP models include the possibility of saving not only paint, but also energy consumption.

As for the minuses, this option is not suitable for productive volumetric treatment of surfaces with dense paint and varnish layers. Therefore, it is often used in subtle operations - for example, for the decorative coating of a single element. Actually, for the same reason, the LVLP spray guns are designed with the possibility of producing detailed settings for filing the composition. Masters working in the field of paint and varnish, indicate that the multifunctional apparatus of this system allows you to flexibly adjust the nozzle specifically for specific conditions of work. Obviously, this also affects the final result.

How to distinguish the HVLP spray gun from LVLP?

Distinguish the two types of spray guns on external grounds, too, will not be difficult. First, you can focus on standardized marking, which is expressed in the form of a color designation. Both the adjusting screws and the air head of the spray gun get the appropriate color registration. In particular, in the models of the HVLP system these components of the design acquire a green color, and the pneumatic LVLP spray gun is painted in a blue hue.

But on other grounds it is possible to understand to which system the particular model belongs. Apparatus HVLP often have a more massive construction, can be equipped with plastic parts, etc. In turn, LVLP dictates the rules of minimalism. These are compact devices, almost entirely made of metal, with the exception of accessories and fittings.

Compare by price

When comparing the two models for the price, it is important to take into account one nuance. Both spray guns are rather difficult to combine in price categories corresponding to each other in terms of equal characteristics. But the performance indicators are often the main factor in determining the price. That is, both instruments, depending on the modification, can be accessed on the market and for 2-3 thousand rubles. And for 20 thousand rubles.

But LVLP spray guns costing 7 thousand can not at all correspond to the similar in cost model HVLP in technical and operational properties. If you align both instruments by technical characteristics, then LVLP will cost several times more.

Which option is preferable?

It will be erroneous to consider that the LVLP system is more technological, therefore, it should be oriented first. This technology optimally manifests itself only in a certain category of paint and varnish operations. As a rule, this applies to accurate coloring with decorative and artistic design, where it does not require a large expense of the composition.

If you plan to perform large-scale tasks within the production department, for example, the question of which one to choose a spray gun - HVLP or LVLP, is decided differently. In this case, it will be justified to purchase a model with the HVLP system, since the production may require a combination of volumetric paint consumption and high productivity. Of course, in the case of such a decision, the tool's ability to economically spray the composition will be preserved.

Alternative technology RP

Also worthy of attention is the RP system, which can quite compete with both technologies. Its feature is the regulation of the inlet pressure and the absence of correction of this parameter at the output. Apparatus of this type usually work with a small pressure - an average of 2.5 Bar. In terms of the quality of the result, the LVLP spray guns are more advantageous than the RP pistols, and in terms of performance they are ahead of the HVLP models.

What is attractive about the RP system? First, it is universal and can be combined with low-power devices, forming separate segments in the market. Secondly, such a tool is much cheaper - the price tag of some models is at the level of up to 1 thousand.

Conclusion

Determine with the principal device, pluses and minuses of the system for regulating the supply of paint is necessary at the first stage of selection. But then we must take into account a lot of other operational qualities. Among them, we can identify the power potential, the volume of air flow per minute, the type of placement and the capacity of the tank, as well as the mass of the pistol. Also, the LVLP and HVLP spray guns can be pneumatic and electric. The choice according to this criterion depends on the application conditions of the instrument. Models that are connected to the mains are more convenient. They do not require permanent connection to the compressor station and can be used freely in the work area without special training.

However, pneumatic devices are indispensable when it comes to working arrangements in places where there is no access to the outlet. In addition, the lack of an electric motor provides such devices with ease of control and a high degree of ergonomics.