Paint sprayers are versatile tools that excel in both fine finishing and high-volume production work. Whether you’re painting interior walls or tackling house siding, these sprayers significantly reduce project completion time and simplify the overall process.
When faced with the decision between an HVLP sprayer and an airless sprayer, it’s crucial to make an informed choice.
In this article, we’ll provide a concise and professional guidance to help you navigate the HVLP sprayer vs. airless sprayer dilemma, ensuring you select the ideal tool for your specific painting requirements.
HVLP Sprayer Vs Airless – Full Comparison
The main difference between HVLP and Airless paint sprayers is the way they atomize paint to spray. An Airless paint sprayer doesn’t use a compressor; it uses a piston and a pressurized pump to draw paint to the sprayer through a spray tip or fluid strain.
While an HVLP paint sprayer uses a compressor to atomize the paint. It holds paint in a cup and uses a fluid needle as well as a nozzle to spray.
The HVLP paint sprayers and airless paint sprayers are two well-known tools that have many similarities as well as differences.
They can deliver paint through the same method but with a different mechanism.
Before deciding which is better HVLP or Airless, check the following separately.
- Mechanism
- Similarities
- Differences
Main Mechanism of HVLP and Airless Sprayer
In HVLP paint sprayers, paint is delivered by a turbine/compressor, while in airless paint sprayers, paint is delivered by pressurized air.
The Similarities Between HVLP and Airless Sprayer
The following are some similarities between the HVLP and Airless Sprayer.
#1. Maintenance
Both an HVLP paint sprayer and an airless paint sprayer require a considerable amount of maintenance to be carried out to ensure efficiency, effectiveness, and durability.
The maintenance procedure is almost similar; it just needs practice like pressure relief, cleaning of guns, hoses, and so on. The way to prevent malfunctioning is also the same.
#2. Easy To Use
Both, HVLP paint sprayers and airless paint sprayers are very easy to use. If once you have used them, you start to master them in no time and it becomes very easy for you.
However, when you become familiar with the mechanism, safety precautions, and maintenance process of these two guns, you can then learn how to prime and de-pressurize.
#3. General Similarities
There are some general similarities between an HVLP paint sprayer and an airless paint sprayer.
They are fast, efficient, and much more advance than rollers and brushes. They both offer outstanding results in metrics.
The Main Differences Between HVLP and Airless Sprayer
The following are some Differences between the HVLP and Airless Sprayer.
#1. Transfer Rate
The topmost difference between an HVLP paint sprayer and an airless paint sprayer is the consumption of paint, they spray.
The transfer rate of paint in an HVLP paint sprayer is about 90%, while in an airless sprayer, it is 60%. So in this regard, the HVLP paint sprayer is preferable to an airless sprayer.
#2. Fine Finish Quality
The airless paint sprayers normally produce a higher finish quality than the HVLP paint sprayers.
So professionals prefer an airless spray gun to get more shine and smoothness. The former has 2000PSI while the latter has 10PSI.
The airless paint sprayer’s wonderful finish quality is due to its airless pressure system. This system reduces the chance of air combination with paint and offers a smoother and bolder finish.
#3. Speed of Work
The airless paint sprayers are slightly ahead of HVLP paint sprayers in the speed of work.
Actually, both are highly fast, you may call them similar, but the airless paint sprayers have more pressure, so they are a little advance in speed.
The HVLP paint sprayers are used to complete a short amount of work with a higher degree of accuracy and effectiveness.
#4. Volume of Work
The airless paint sprayers are more suitable for working with a great number of materials to cover a large area. They also help to complete work in a short time.
Often the airless paint sprayers are used for larger projects (painting large areas like new construction, bridges, and steel) while the HVLP paint sprayers are used for smaller projects (car repair, car finishing, and wood surface coating, and spray plasti dip).
#5. Performance
There is no wide difference in the performance of both the guns, but it is noticeable.
Most, painters and professionals agree that is that the HVLP paint sprayer is superior to improving paint quality than an airless paint sprayer. It is because of the pressure it is more flexible.
The HVLP paint sprayers have hot compressed air that causes fast drying of sprayed materials.
#6. Use of Material
The airless paint sprayers can spray thick paints and oil while HVLP paint sprayers use thin paints and stains.
So for HVLP, you have to thin the material while airless guns can spray without thinning the material because they have powerful pumps to propel the paint.
#7. The Skill Level
The HVLP paint sprayers are friendlier for beginners and newbies.
On the other hand, to use airless paint sprayers, you just need some more technical skills. The professionals can operate them well.
#8. The Price Difference
The HVLP paint sprayers are always cheaper than airless paint sprayers.
The price of the HVLP paint sprayer is about $70 to $150.
HomeRight Finish Max HVLP Paint Sprayer
Specifications:
- Price is between $70 to $150
- Better Than A Brush Or Spray Can
- Adjustable Settings, Easy To Use
- Spray A Variety Of Materials
- Brass Spray Tip Technology
While on the other hand, the price of the Airless paint sprayer is higher which is $400 to $1500.
The higher price of an airless paint sprayer is due to its superiority in speed, smooth finish, and use ease.
Graco Magnum 262805 X7 Cart Airless Paint Sprayer
Specifications:
- The price is between $400 to $1500
- Control Paint Flow
- Spray Paint Unthinned
- Spray Directly From Paint Bucket
- Spray More Projects Each Year
- Fast And Easy Clean-up
- Ideal For Multi-Story Homes
#9. The Security Difference
HVLP paint sprayers are usually regarded as safer than airless paint sprayers.
Although both devices come with a fair share of risks, the chances of accidents are minimized to a great extent.
Here is the video tutorial to boost your information about the comparison of HVLP and Airless Paint Sprayer.
Conclusion
In light of the above discussion, the difference between HVLP and an Airless paint sprayer is quite clear. It will give you the exact idea to make the right decision.
Now make up your mind that which type of sprayer is more appropriate for your project. Your painting experience, skill, nature of work, and type of paint will guide you to choose the right one.
