For woodworking projects that involve painting, you might have wondered what kind of spray gun would be best to use. LVLP stands for Low Volume Low Pressure, and it’s a fantastic type of spray paint gun. As the term suggests, the spray gun uses low air, which translates to lower air compression use. It’s quick, inexpensive, and efficient, both in terms of paint and compressed air usage.
There are many reasons why you should consider using an LVLP spray gun for your woodworking and DIY projects.
- LVLP spray gun gives excellent results with little or no waste.
- Budget-friendly.
- Minimizes over-spraying.
- You don’t need a powerful air compressor or a big tank.
Do you want to know more about it? Then read on and find out some of the best LVLP spray guns that you can use for woodworking.
Woodworking LVLP Spray Guns
There are many LVLP spray guns on the market, and if you have no clue about them, it’s challenging to decide which one to purchase. But don’t worry. Here’s a list of the six best woodworking LVLP spray guns that can deliver some excellent results.
SPRAYIT SP-33310K LVLP Spray Gun Kit
Pros
- Flexible adjustments for different paints
- It comes with a maintenance kit
- No leaking problems
Cons
- Not ideal if you want professional results
- Not the best metal in terms of built quality, but decent enough
If you’re looking for one of the best LVLP spray guns, then look no further than the SPRAYIT SP-33310K. It’s perfect for handling all your DIY painting needs, and the best part is that it’s a complete kit. It comes with small maintenance parts too, which is excellent.
SPRAYIT SP-33310K is made from aluminum, so it’s lightweight. It makes it easier to handle and makes your work lighter. It has a maximum pressure of 60 PSI, but you can use it between 30 and 45 PSI. The spray gun is capable of painting larger surfaces efficiently with no overspray. You can even adjust the fluid fan and control the airflow, which is fantastic.
The complete package includes a cleaning kit, four different needle sizes, two spray guns, and an air regulator. So it can handle pretty much all the painting work for your projects. It has a robust build, and the design is sleek.
All in all, it’s the complete package even for beginners looking for an LVLP spray gun.
Product Details:
| Item Weight | 6 pounds |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 18 x 6 x 18 inches |
Astro Tool EVOT13 EuroPro Forged EVO-T Spray Gun
Pros
- Patented EVO-T technology for atomization
- Comfortable to use
- Premium quality and excellent results
- Easy to clean and disassemble
Cons
- It doesn’t come with spare parts and a maintenance kit
- It has a high CFM usage
Up next is the Astro Tool EVOT13 LVLP spray gun. It’s another excellent choice. It has an anodized body, so you don’t have to worry about corrosion. The needles are stainless steel, and the internal is protected with a coating. It has a robust feel and looks premium.
The patented EVO-T technology makes it stand out, which offers one of the most delicate atomization features. It also has a feature called ‘Air Curtain,’ which minimizes overspray, and the paint transfer efficiency is excellent. So you don’t have to worry about causing pollution.
The CNC machining feature is also fantastic because it doesn’t require a gasket on the tip. You can easily spray the paint by using the adjustment knobs to control the flow, and it has a soft trigger so you won’t get tired.
Product Details:
| Item Weight | 1.8 pounds |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 9 x 6.6 x 5.2 inches |
| Size | 1.3mm Tip Size |
SPRAYIT SP-31000 LVLP Siphon Feed Spray Gun
Pros
- It’s affordable and convenient to use
- No leakage issues, and the cup fits perfect
- You can even use it without a face mask
- Excellent controls for precise spraying
Cons
- It does not come with added accessories and maintenance kit
- The trigger is not smooth like other LVLP spray guns
Another LVLP spray gun that you can try is the SPRAYIT SP 31000. It’s a one-piece spray gun, but the best thing about it is the 1000cc cup that comes with it. The fan pattern controls are excellent for precise spraying. There’s a separate knob for the fluid flow adjustments, and at 30 PSI, the air consumption is just over 3.5 CFM.
The SPRAYIT SP 31000 is perfect if you want it for small DIY home projects, furniture, and automobile. It works well with lacquer, enamel, urethane and stains, and other low viscosity paints. Like most of the other LVLP spray guns, it also minimizes waste for optimal usage and results.
Product Details:
| Item Weight | 2.75 pounds |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 4.5 x 7 x 12 inches |
| Material | Aluminum, Steel |
| Power Source | Air Powered |
AB Tools LVLP Gravity Feed Spray Gun
Pros
- Smooth controls for efficient spraying
- Affordable and budget-friendly
- Good filters for durability
- A lot of paint compatibility options
Cons
- The cup size is relatively smaller than other LVLP spray guns
- It can have repairing issues if it breaks
The AB Tools Gravity Feed Spray Gun is another fantastic LVLP spray gun that you can try. It works well with all types of paints, including water-based paints. The fluid delivery is good, and the air consumption is about 6.2 CFM.
The thing that makes it stand out is the water prevention feature. There are cases where the water from the compressor or airline contaminates the paint. It can mess up the work, and you will end up with undesired results. But the AB Tools Gravity Feed Spray Gun makes sure that this does not happen. It also comes equipped with a condensation discharge valve and filters for dust, rust, and other contaminants. The design is excellent and easy to use.
Product Details:
| Item Weight | 2.09 pounds |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 9.45 x 5.91 x 5.51 inches |
Grex Airbrush X4000 12 LVLP Top Gravity Fed Spray Gun
Pros
- Premium built quality and stainless steel material
- Lightweight and easy to use
- It lasts long because it’s durable
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- The regulator is not the best when compared with other products
- It does not come with a maintenance kit and other accessories
The Grex Airbrush X4000 is another excellent spray gun option. The meticulous design helps in exceptional control and precision that gives stunning results. It has superior atomization features, and the low air consumption ensures that you get the best value for your money.
Design-wise, the Grex Airbrush X4000 looks neat with nickel-chrome plating. The robust build of the nozzle also ensures precise centering, and because it’s stainless, it lasts longer. So it’s an ideal choice for a start.
Product Details:
| Item Weight | 1.15 pounds |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 7.25 x 6.5 x 4 inches |
| Material | Stainless Steel, Plastic |
| Power Source | Air Powered |
SPRAYIT SP-33000 LVLP Gravity Feed Spray Gun
Pros
- Budget-friendly but produces a stunning finish
- Easy to handle and clean
- Decent paint compatibility
- It comes with three tips which are enough to meet your painting needs
Cons
- it may have issues with replacing broken parts
- The kit case looks ordinary
Finally, the SPRAYIT SP 33000 spray gun is excellent if you want the complete package. It has diverse applications, including marine, automotive, woodworking, and industrial, which is perfect! As with other LVLP spray guns, you can expect lower air compression to minimize cost yet produce stunning results.
The product is lightweight, which is fantastic for handling. It comes with a separately adjustable knob for fluid flow, airflow, and fun patterns. It allows you to spray perfectly with minimal wastage and even handle more extensive surface areas. Along with the spray gun, it also comes with cleaning accessories and a fantastic multi-purpose wrench. All in all, it’s a great choice.
Product Details:
| Item Weight | 2.18 pounds |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 6 x 4 x 13 inches |
| Material | Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Plastic |
| Power Source | Air-Powered |
What does LVLP Stand for?
As mentioned above, LVLP stands for Low Volume Low Pressure. It helps the spray gun operate at low levels of pressure, typically below 10 PSI. LVLP spray gun is ideal for painting projects, and the application is diverse.
LVLP Spray Gun vs. HVLP Spray Gun
It is perhaps one of the most common questions woodworkers have when it comes to spray guns. There’s a fundamental difference between the two, and it’s crucial that you know about it. You already know what LVLP is. HVLP means High Volume, Low Pressure and is the opposite of LVLP in terms of its function. HVLP operates at a higher pressure level, typically above 20 PSI. In general, HVLP spray guns are used for high-end professional work while LVLP spray guns are a cost-effective alternative.
Both LVLP and HVLP spray guns have differences when it comes to operation and results. For a fine finish and glossy look, you would want to use an HVLP spray gun. Unlike LVLP, HVLP spray guns do get over-sprayed, so it creates more waste. But when it comes to the final result, it’s the best one to use. It also uses a bigger tank, preferably an 80-gallon tank.
Both the LVLP and HVLP have different purposes when it comes to usage. For example, atomization is better on the LVLP sprays and so on. Make sure that you know the features of both and what it’s best for. Here is a more detailed comparison between both.
What Kind of Air Compressor does LVLP Spray Gun Require?
Typically, most LVLP spray guns operate around 3.5-4.5 CFM. 30 PSI is the minimum recommended pressure, but most of the spray guns come with a maximum of 60 PSI, so you don’t have to worry about it. However, the amount of air compressor is not the only factor for spray painting. Gravity plays its part, so you generally don’t need much more than 15 PSI.
Paints that Can Be Used with LVLP Gun
It’s worth noting that the options for paint usage on LVLP guns vary across different products. But generally, you can use lacquer, enamel, and the new water-based paints. The area of application also matters: for woodworking you’ll need aerosol spray paint. it If you want to know more about it, you can check the product description before purchasing the spray gun.
Gravity-Fed vs. Siphon-Fed Spray Guns
Siphon-fed spray guns are the conventional and most commonly used spray guns. It’s one of the first spray paint guns developed for widespread usage. Additionally, a Siphon-fed spray gun uses more pressure compared to a Gravity-fed spray gun. So there are a couple of differences between the two. So make sure that you read about it in the product description before you purchase.
In a Gravity fed spray gun, the paint holder sits on top of the airbrush and uses air pressure and gravity to pull the fluid from the tank. However, the Siphon-fed spray gun relies solely on the air pressure for drawing the liquid, and the paint holder hangs below the airbrush. So the difference lies in the system of getting the paint to the airstream. But don’t worry. It does not affect the result of the work.
One of the most common issues with the Gravity fed spray guns is the tendency of clogging. Since the hopper is above the gun, it results in frequent clogging. So the cleaning process takes longer compared to a Siphon-fed spray gun. You might also experience sporadic spots during the process, which happens because of the suction feed system.
Paint Nozzle Size
There are different nozzle sizes for LVLP spray guns. But typically, the sizes are 1.2 mm, 1.3 mm, 1.5 mm, 1.7 mm, 1.8 mm, and 2.0 mm. But choosing the size of the nozzle depends on your work and the type of paint you use. For instance, a 1.7 or 1.8 mm nozzle is perfect for spraying primer, but for thicker paints, a 2.0 mm is ideal, and so on.
Air Consumption
As mentioned earlier, LVLP spray guns use less air pressure. Typically, LVLP guns operate at around 5-18 CFM, and even though the maximum PSI is 60, the job gets done by using about 15-20 PSI. So it’s efficient compared to an HVLP spray gun which consumes more.
However, it’s worth mentioning that it varies across different spray guns. If you use a less efficient spray gun, you might have to run the compressor continuously.
Air Pressure Requirements
The cool thing about LVLP spray guns is the relatively low air pressure required. It translates to cost-effective painting, which is excellent. You can finish a base coat using about 10-15 PSI. But even if you want the beast coat results, a maximum of 20-25 PSI is enough to get the job done.
Most spray guns have a minimum of 25 PSI, but in general, the ideal air pressure requirement is about 30-40 PSI minimum.
Type of material it can be used on
You can use an LVLP spray gun on many materials such as wood, plastic, composites, metal, and many more. It is a great choice for woodworking projects, but an HVLP spray may perform better. The LVLP spray guns are designed for minimal overspray, so it does not always give the desired results when you use them for woodworking. Nonetheless, an LVLP spray gun is excellent to have in the arsenal of tools of a woodworker or carpenter.
Weight
Weight is an essential feature of LVLP spray guns. It matters because working continuously for hours is exhausting if the spray gun is heavy, and you don’t want that. Fortunately, most of the LVLP spray guns don’t weigh much and are light. So it’s easy to use and handle with ease. Most LVLP guns weigh around 2 pounds.
Some products use metal, aluminum, or stainless steel for construction, and those are recommended for long-term use. If not, other materials don’t last that long. But if you want a spray gun for easy maneuver, you can always purchase lightweight ones.
Additional Factors to Consider When Looking for LVLP Spray Guns for Woodworking
Before you purchase an LVLP spray gun, it’s worth keeping a few things in mind. Make sure that you check these things;
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Replaceable parts and their availability
- Robust built quality using materials like steel
- Additional accessories that come with the product
- Quality knobs and triggers for easy access
How to Maintain Your LVLP Spray Gun?
Like any other piece of equipment, maintenance is a crucial aspect of owning a spray paint gun. If you don’t do that, something like an LVLP spray gun can develop problems early, which makes it unusable and can cause permanent damage. So cleaning immediately after use is vital.
Maintaining an LVLP spray gun involves two things: removing the paint residue and cleaning the spray gun. If you follow these simple steps, it can prevent clogging, leakages, and permanent damage.
So here’s how you can remove the paint residue once you’re done using it.
- Detach the air compressor first and detach the air regulator
- Remove all the remaining paint from the spray gun
- Use paper towels to wipe off all the remaining paint
- Pour some thinner into the spray gun’s cup, close it, and shake thoroughly
- Empty the thinner into a waste container by pulling the trigger as you usually do for painting
- Repeat the same cycle about 4-5 times and dry the spray gun with the paper towels
It’s crucial to remember that you should not pour the paint into its original can if you use a hardener while removing the remaining paint after use. It will set all your remaining paint and will become unusable. But paints used without hardener is fine to pour them back into their cans.
The next step is cleaning the gun. If there’s any paint residue in any of its parts, it makes it harder for the spray gun to operate efficiently. So it would be best if you cleaned all the pieces individually. Here’s how you can start.
- Take out the clean paint cup of the spray gun and soak it in some thinner.
- Carefully remove the fluid adjustment knob.
- Remove the spring from the knob.
- Carefully remove the fluid needle by pressing the trigger to prevent needle bents.
- Take off the cap from the front of the spray gun and remove the fluid nozzle. Keep it soaked in thinner.
- Give the entire spray gun a rinse using thinner.
- Rinse it with water after that.
- Use compressed air to dry all the parts of the gun thoroughly. Make sure that you don’t leave any water inside any of the holes.
- Rinse all the soaked parks thoroughly, wipe them with paper towels and start assembling the spray gun.
- Give a final wipe of the entire gun to ensure that there are no residual thinner and water left over.
Cleaning the spray gun requires some patience. But it’s not difficult, and you’ll get used to it after a few uses. But if you want to minimize them, here are a few additional tips and tricks that you can apply to ensure that your spray gun stays cleaner.
- Make sure that you use the recommended solvent for spray gun cleaning. Instead of the standard thinner you get in the store, use an automotive-grade lacquer thinner or a paint gun cleaning solution for best results. The common thinners don’t work well with thicker paints such as oil-based paints and enamel.
- You can also use paint liners in the spray gun to minimize exposure to harsh substances.
- You can try using a naturally-based cleaner such as d-Limonene for removing paint from the gun instead of thinner.
- For painting two coats, you can give the nozzle a quick rinse using thinner by removing it. It prevents clogging, which can happen while you wait for the first coat to dry. Also, make sure that you keep the spray gun away from sunlight to prevent drying up.
Conclusion & our recommendation.
So there you have it, a list of some of the finest LVLP spray guns that you can try. They are fantastic for DIY projects and can produce stunning finishes and results. Without spending much, you can now paint your favorite colors for all your woodworking projects. LVLP spray guns are capable of handling your woodworking project spray painting needs.
The SPRAYIT LVLP gun is an excellent choice, as it has a high build quality, gravity feed design, and the price point is competitive. It’s a complete package suitable even for beginners. Do you know of any better spray guns for woodworking? Let us know below.