Spraying Gloss & Eggshell finishes

Spraying to get a fabulous gloss finish - like a car finish, needs a different approach for decorating.
Airless is too coarse. HVLP is the way to go High Volume Low Pressure. This type of machine is far simpler than airless. There is less to consider and a good HVLP set-up can be mastered in no lime at all.

HVLP stand for high volume low pressure of air not paint. An HVLP system does not deliver vast quantities of paint like airless, it delivers small quantities very accurately and without mess; unlike conventional high pressure spray, which is considerably 'dirtier' in its output. but great if you’re in a spray booth doing cars or components. Typical uses for HVLP are:- doors, kitchen cupboards, sticks on staircases, radiators and radiator covers in fact any glossed or eggshell areas that are large, awkward or need a factory finish.

It is the gun not the air source that denotes it as HVLP. The air source can vary but the best type would be from a turbine. Typically turbine machines are two or three stage units (the higher the more air generated). A compressor will do a similar job but turbines are so much more efficient and very portable.

As paint output and fan size are controlled by the gun, the tip size is less important which is just as well because to change the tip and needle can be expensive. You can spray a 10p coin size fan or enlarge the fan to 10" by adjusting the controls from one tip and needle set.

True HVLP outputs at very low pressures, typically 6-8psi (airless would be up to 3000psi).

Maintenance on a HVLP machine is minimal; roughly after every 1000 hours use

you will have to look at the air filters, otherwise a clean after each use is all that is needed.

In summary to find a good trade HVLP gun and machine you will need:

Preferably a three stage turbine or very large compressor.

1500 watt motor but in a compact and portable unit. Good length of hosing so you can finish a staircase without worrying about moving the turbine unit.