As a car owner, you want your vehicle to have that perfect shine that makes it look its best, which is why you need to invest in the best automotive HVLP spray gun for the money. After all, your car is your baby. This tool will give your car that well-deserved shine, making it look smooth and elegant – something that you should feel proud of.
That being said, with so many products on the market, it might be difficult to narrow down the best products. No matter if it’s your first time giving your car a finish or you are just looking for a better product, this guide should help you make a better choice.
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Benefits of an Automotive HVLP Spray Gun
If you are planning to paint your car, the chances are that you will come across the option of using a high-volume low-pressure (HVLP) spray gun. Looking at it, you might wonder why get such a spray gun when you can use a more common (yet older) high-pressure paint gun? Well, here are a few advantages:
1.They Have Less Overspray
One of the biggest advantages of using automotive HVLP spray guns is that they do not have as much overspray compared to other types of units. This means that you can get the paint job done without actually using so much spray. You are only covering the surface that you need, avoiding any extra accumulations that will end up dripping from the surface.
2. They Provide Better Transfer Efficiency
Aside from avoiding the accumulation of excess spray, these spray guns also provide a better transfer efficiency. The problem with high-pressure units is that the paint tends to “bounce off” the surface of the car. However, with a low-pressure model, it will be able to “stick” more efficiently. You won’t be wasting any paint, as everything should adhere properly to the surface of your car.
3. They’re Better for Your Health
When you use a high-pressure paint gun, a lot of the paint gets sent into the air – and eventually, it will get into your lungs as you breathe. Indeed, you may be wearing protective gear and probably a mask as well, but those paint particles won’t go away immediately after you stop painting. They will linger, and you will breathe them in. With an HVLP spray gun, less paint will be released and you’ll no longer breathe harmful particles.
How to Paint a Car Using an HVLP Spray Gun
When you’ve used a spray gun to paint your car, you may have picked up a trick or two. Still, if this is your first time using an automotive HVLP spray gun, here are some tips to ensure the painted surface ends up looking flawless:
- Wash the car first and hose it down, ensuring no debris or other particles are on the surface. Use a good car wash soap to ensure everything is sparkling clean.
- Strip the paint from the car first. You may want to use a power sander, going in circular motions.
- Apply the primer to the car, working from the top down. You may need to apply the primer more than once to get good coverage.
- Smooth the surface with 200-grit sandpaper and wipe off the primer dust. Make sure you use something that does not leave lint behind.
- Get out the spray gun and start applying – similar to the primer, from top to bottom. For better coverage, you may need more than one coating. Usually, 3 coats are an average, but that depends on the paint and the sprayer. Make sure that you keep the spray gun around 8 inches from your car surface.
- Finish with the lacquer coat, applying in a thin layer. The more lacquer you use, the deeper and shinier the color will be.
Most of these mixes can be applied with a spray gun – so, make sure that you have one compatible with every formula.
Best Automotive HVLP Spray Guns Comparison Chart
| PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
|---|---|---|---|
 | HomeRight C800971 Paint Sprayer Super Finish Max Multi |
| View On Amazon |
 | TCP Global Complete Professional 9 Piece HVLP Spray Gun Set |
| View On Amazon |
 | REXBETI Hvlp Home Electric Spray Gun |
| View On Amazon |
 | Campbell Hausfeld General Purpose HVLP Paint Spray Gun |
| View On Amazon |
 | Fuji 2202 Semi-PRO 2 HVLP Spray System |
| View On Amazon |
 | Wagner FLEXiO Stationary HVLP Paint Sprayer |
| View On Amazon |
 | DeVilbiss Finishline HVLP Gravity Feed Paint Gun |
| View On Amazon |
Best Automotive HVLP Spray Gun Reviews
1. HomeRight C800971 Paint Sprayer Super Finish Max Multi
If you are looking for a product that has a lightweight design and can still provide an exceptional finish, then you might want to take this product into account. Using 400 watts of power, it may provide a flawless and glassy finish that will make your car shine.
This product also features adjustable settings that allow you to control the air cap properly. This way, if you feel like the paint is leaving streaks or other unsightly paint accumulations, then you may adjust the pressure until it falls properly on the surface. It can also use various types of paint, and no matter what you choose, it will dry easily.
Pros
- It is very easy to clean
- Lightweight design
- Adjustable settings
Cons
- The hopper is a bit small
2. TCP Global Complete Professional 9 Piece HVLP Spray Gun Set
If you are looking for something that can deliver precise coverage regardless of the type of paint that you are using, then you might want to consider trying out this product. In fact, this one is a set of 3 different spray guns, all of which may be used for different projects. Not only can you paint your car with this, but you may also give a fresh coat to other surfaces around the house.
The guns are very easy to set up, as well as very easy to clean. You have 3 different tips to choose from – one on each gun. Two are for full-sized surfaces and one for smaller surfaces. With the first two, you may easily use various paint consistencies such as primer or actual paint to achieve the results that you need.
Pros
- May be used for a variety of tasks
- Multiple nozzle choices
- It comes with a variety of accessories
Cons
- You’ll have a lot of gear to carry around
3. REXBETI Hvlp Home Electric Spray Gun
Are you looking for a product that has multiple nozzle sizes? In this case, you may want to try out this product. Featuring 3 nozzle sizes and 3 spray patterns, you can use this spray gun to spray circularly, vertically, and horizontally as well. With a wattage of 700, this product can also produce smooth painted surfaces.
You may easily adjust the flow control by controlling the knob of the unit. Plus, its 6.6-foot cable will give you a wide work area, without leading towards any issues. It is the perfect choice if you want to paint the car in your garage or just outside your house.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Multiple choices for nozzle sizes
- Adjustable spray pattern
- It has a user-friendly design
Cons
- The power cable is still rather short
- You cannot operate it via batteries
4. Campbell Hausfeld General Purpose HVLP Paint Spray Gun
This HVLP is a great choice for a variety of projects, no matter if you wish to paint your car or your furniture. Even though it uses only 20 ounces of product, this tool can cover quite a lot in one go – meaning that you will not have to worry as much about second layers.
This spray gun also comes with a variety of accessories that allow for a quick start. It comes with a wrench, filters to ensure a smooth finish, a hex wrench, and also a cleaning brush to ensure proper maintenance. It is certainly a good choice if you are searching for a versatile product. Plus, it is very lightweight, ensuring its ease of use.
Pros
- It ensures great coverage
- The filters allow for a good finish
- Lightweight and versatile design
Cons
- It only has one nozzle size
- Some complained that it might create bubbles
5. Fuji 2202 Semi-PRO 2 HVLP Spray System
If you are continuously struggling with streaks while you are painting, then you will certainly want to try out this product. Featuring a professional non-bleed design with adjustable fan control, it will send only the desired amount of paint over the surface, allowing it to adhere evenly over the surface.
This product was given a 25-foot long hose that has an air control valve built into its design. This way, both bounce-back, and overspray will be reduced – allowing you to use the paint more efficiently. Plus, since less paint will be lingering in the air as compared to other similar products, it’s a much better choice for your health.
Pros
- Very little overspray as compared to others
- User-friendly design
- Provides a great finish
- Portable design
Cons
- You get only one air cap
- Quite heavy in comparison to other units
6. Wagner FLEXiO Stationary HVLP Paint Sprayer
If you are tired of constantly holding the entire weight of the paint sprayer in your arm, then you might want to try out this product. Featuring a portable design that is set on the ground, it will reduce fatigue of the hands when you are dealing with longer projects.
Featuring an X-Boost power dial, this paint sprayer allows you to adjust the air pressure in the way you want it to. You can increase or decrease the paint flow and pressure so that no streaks are left – this way, the finish is impeccable. For even more versatility, you also get 2 different nozzles that you may use based on the nature of the project and paint.
Pros
- It is user-friendly
- Overspray is significantly reduced
- Easily adjustable to the project
Cons
- Latex paint may be difficult to apply without proper dilution
7. DeVilbiss Finishline HVLP Gravity Feed Paint Gun
Are you looking for something that can give you that flawless finish at all times? Thanks to its enhanced atomization technology, this product should be able to provide exactly that. Its level of precision is also superior, mostly because of its in-built machine air caps. This gives you complete control over the paint spray while preventing the overspray.
Made from sturdy stainless steel, this product was made to last for quite a long time. Moreover, its maintenance is also very easy, all because of the interior passages that have been anodized. Because of that, there is no risk of rust or any other issues – you can easily clean it in a matter of minutes and store it for the next time.
Pros
- High precision level
- Very easy to clean and maintain
- Durable stainless-steel construction
- Very lightweight
Cons
- You need to get a separate air compressor to use it
Automotive HVLP Spray Gun Buying Guide
When you are shopping for an HVLP spray gun, there are several aspects that you might want to look into first. Since painting your car can be a rather tricky task, here is what you need to be attentive to.
1. Paint Gun Style
Paint guns come in a variety of styles, which is why you should choose them accordingly. Considering the painting technique that you may be planning on using, a certain style might work more to your benefit as compared to others. Go for a style that’s based on your requirements for the job. Pick your automotive necessities so that they fit your car’s needs.
2. Wattage
The higher the power of the product, the more efficiently it should be able to deliver flawless finishes. In most cases, 400 to 800 watts should be appropriate – with higher wattage units being able to spray the paint more smoothly.
3. The Size of the Container
The size of the container will also be very important to consider, as you will be filling it with paint. If you get a container that is too small, it won’t be able to hold too much paint. On the other hand, if the container is too big, then you’ll end up carrying excessive weight with you. Go for something that is not too big, nor too small.
4. Nozzles
Depending on the paint job that you choose, you might need different types of nozzles. The nozzle sizes may as well determine how efficient a paint job will be and how much you will be able to spray. The more nozzle sizes an automotive HVLP spray gun has, the better it should be for variety – but make sure that it has at least the specific nozzle size that you need.
5. Flexibility
Professional HVLP spray guns should be flexible in the way that they are handled. Depending on the adjustments that you make, you should be able to use different pressures, speeds, or nozzle directions. It might seem overly expensive to get a paint gun with these many flexibility features – but if you don’t, you’ll just end up investing more in separate accessories. Make your choice wisely.
6. Quality of Product
Depending on the type of automotive spray gun that you are using, you might have to spray multiple layers of spray paint. However, a high-quality product will only require one layer to get the job done. A top-notch product should also be able to handle other products aside from paint – like, for example, primers. Look for products that can handle any kind of paint and that don’t require more than one coat of paint – two at most.
7. Price
The more you need from a product, the more it’s going to cost you – that’s the law. You can’t expect to buy a very cheap product that works flawlessly, because in most cases, you only get what you pay for. Go for a medium price product and read through reviews to see whether they are good or not. You can find several good budget products, but the chances are that they will not have as many fancy features. You’ll only get the basics.
8. Portability
The more portable a spraying gun kit is, the more time and energy you will save. Look for something that has an extra storage compartment, for example – or at least maybe a set of wheels. This way, you will not have to take multiple trips from the storage room to your car to start painting.
9. GPM
Painting your car means that you’ll have to be thorough with the details – and you can’t be cutting any corners with the quality either. The higher the GPM (gallons per minute), the more paint will be transferred to the surface of the car. Indeed, high GPM will mean that you’ll be using more paint per minute, but considering the coverage you’ll get, this will provide a more flawless finish.
10. Ease of Maintenance
How easy will it be for you to clean the product? For example, some products will only require you to run some water through them – with the paint being removed from the interior passages right away. That being said, if the product has not received the proper coating, it might be prone to damage or rust. Go for a tool that will need little maintenance and you’ll get to enjoy a long-lived and easy-to-handle product. After all, you don’t want to spend the same amount of time cleaning the product that you do spray painting your car.
11. Filters
Depending on the type of paint that you are using, you might want to look for a product that has a filter incorporated within the nozzle. Some of these filters are more appropriate for being used with lightweight paint, whereas others were made with heavy-duty industrial types of paint. You need to buy the right filter if you want to achieve that ultimately fine texture and choosing the wrong type may just lead to the unit getting clogged.
FAQ About Automotive HVLP Spray Guns
1. What PSI should I be using with my automotive HVLP spray gun?
In order to efficiently paint your car, you will need a tool that can emit stable pressure throughout the paint job. Cars have a rather delicate surface, which is why HVLP spray guns are considered the more appropriate option. Ideally, go for something that uses about 14-18 CFM at 90 PSI, as it will give you good consistency throughout the job.
2. Can I apply primer by using an HVLP spray gun?
Yes, aside from applying the paint, you may also use this kind of spray gun to apply primer. However, you should keep in mind that the same nozzle that works for paint might not work for primer. They have different consistencies, so you should choose the nozzle that has the right size and filter. Read the user manual for the product, as you will likely receive further instructions.
3. What makes an HVLP spray gun different from an LVLP spray gun?
An HVLP spray gun will need a higher PSI level to function – as mentioned, somewhere around 90 PSI. This pressure is exactly what gives the surface of your car such a flawless finish. On the other hand, an LVLP spray gun will need a much lower PSI level – typically around 10 PSI.
4. Why am I getting streaks when I am painting my car?
If you are getting streaks while you are painting your car, it means that you are using the wrong pressure for the unit. Adjust the pressure around the tip until you get the desired pressure and there are no longer any streaks or bands at the edge. If the pressure is at the maximum level but you are still getting those streaks, the problem might be in the hose. Consider using a hose with a larger diameter or switching to a shorter one instead.
5. Can HVLP spray guns work with water-based automotive paint?
In most cases, this will depend on the product that you are using. However, most of these units can easily work with this kind of paint. You just need to make sure that they have the right nozzle and the correct filters.
Wrap Up
Finding the best automotive HVLP spray gun for the money may seem challenging at first, but as long as you know what you are looking for, there shouldn’t be any issues. Bear in mind that if you want a good product, you should not be stingy with the money. In the end, you get what you pay for.
