Best LVLP Spray Gun

The best LVLP Spray Gun is one that can conquer all the jobs you have in mind. 

In this Guide, we will answer all your questions like what is an LVLP Spray Gun, what are the best times to use one, and which LVLP spray guns we think are the best. 

Best lvlp spray gun
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Best LVLP Spray Gun: Quick Editor’s Choice Chart 

Picture Name
N/AIWATA LPH400
  • Best for Clear Coats

  • 1.4mm

  • Requires 9.5 CFM

N/AIWATA Supernova
  • Many Automotive Applications

  • 1.3mm

  • Requires 13 CFM

N/AAstro EVOT13

  • High Paint Transfer

  • 1.3mm Tip

  • Soft Pull Trigger

N/ASprayIT LVLP S-33000

  • Good for Clearcoats

  • Budget Friendly

  • 3.5 - 3.9 CFM@ 30 PSI

Editors Choice Best LVLP Spray Guns

Editors Choice LVLP Spray Gun: Iwata LPH400

Super Great: Iwata SuperNova

Good for Beginners: Astro EVOT13

Best for Budgets: SprayIt LVLP

Best LVLP Spray Guns

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Editor’s Choice: Iwata 

Iwata LPH400

N/A
  • Atomizing PSI: 16.0
  • Air Cap Model: LV4
  • Requires CFM: 9.5
  • Weighs 0.86 lbs!
  • Nozzle 1.4 inch (0.055)
  • Pattern width 11.4″

This high-quality LVLP spray gun from IWATA offers easy-to-access fan and fluid controls conveniently located on the back of the gun.

At just 0.86 lbs, it’s one of the lightest guns in its category, designed specifically to reduce wrist and arm fatigue during long spray sessions.

As a premium LVLP spray gun, the price is higher than many other brands, but the performance and results make it well worth the investment.

The LPH400 comes equipped with a 1.4mm tip and is specially engineered to excel at laying down clear coats. It’s a clear coat workhorse that complements any spray gun collection or can be used solo for a variety of projects.

Though it’s an LVLP, it runs at a relatively high atomizing pressure of 16 PSI, which means it uses more air than typical LVLP guns (usually around 10 PSI). Make sure your air compressor can handle this demand to keep up with your spraying needs.

One standout feature is how quiet the IWATA LPH400 is during operation—it delivers paint smoothly and silently.

Note that the 1-quart cup is not included, which is standard for professional-grade guns. This gives you the flexibility to choose cup sizes that best suit your projects—smaller cups for detailed work like bikes or scooters, larger cups for bigger surfaces such as car panels.

Overall, there’s a lot to love about this IWATA LVLP spray gun—performance, ergonomics, and versatility all wrapped into one premium package.

Pros
Soft Spray
Lightweight
Quality Build
Whisper Quiet

Cons
Chews up Air
Large Investment

Iwata Supernova WS400

N/A
  • 1 year warranty
  • 13 CFM Needed
  • Under 1 pound
  • Perfect for all automotive paints 
  • 1.3mm tip size
  • Sprays fast with less overspray

The Iwata Supernova WS400 is an ideal spray gun for auto refinishing, base coating, and general purpose, that not only offers precision and control like only Iwata could but also looks streamlined and is much lighter than its competitors.

The Iwata Supernova is incredibly user-friendly, making even novice painters appear professional with its effortless performance.

Powered by Iwata’s innovative Supernova technology, it delivers a consistent droplet size during atomization. Combined with its patented flat and even spray pattern, this minimizes common application errors, resulting in a flawless finish every time.

Built with stainless steel fluid passages, all Supernova models can handle a wide variety of materials—whether solvent-based or waterborne—without corrosion or degradation.

Designed by the renowned Pininfarina, the Supernova features sleek, streamlined aesthetics that perfectly complement its advanced LV (low volume) technology. Its state-of-the-art design offers higher fluid delivery and smoother, faster application, making it reliable in any climate conditions thanks to its optimized atomizing system.

In short, the Iwata Supernova combines cutting-edge engineering with elegant design to deliver superior performance for both professionals and serious enthusiasts.

Iwata Supernova parts are easily available, and they offer rebuilding kits for sale that can keep your gun working for a lifetime of painting. The Iwata WS400 may not have color-coded nozzles, but with its impressive spraying ability, you don’t need another nozzle. 

We love that you can use this adapter to attach the DeVilbiss D cups system to you Supernova.

Pros
Good for Clear coats etc.
Precise paint delivery
Awesome paint transfer
Fast application
Lightweight

Cons
Some models, you have to buy a good sized paint cup separately

Astro EVOT EuroPro Forged

N/A
  • 600ml plastic cup
  • Reduced Pressure HVLP @11.5-13.5 CFMs
  • Lays down clear well
  • 1.3mm tip
  • Perfect for beginners and Pros
  • Weighs 0.6lbs

While not a “true” LVLP Spray Gun, the Astro EVO-T is a reduced pressure gun.  It sprays with a bit less pressure than an HVLP but a bit more than a true LVLP.

We love the fact that this gun can be used by total beginners and give them amazing results.  We found that the gun fit well in our hand.  Because the EVOT13 weighs only 0.6lbs, our wrists and hands didn’t get tired using it.  The soft trigger pull helps to keep your hands and fingers from getting tired too during periods of long use.

Because of the amount of air this spray gun chews through, make sure your compressor can handle the CFM output required to really use this gun to its full potential.

The corrosion proof stainless steel needle and fluid tip make clean up a breeze.

You won’t have to deal with much overspray with Astro’s proprietary ‘air curtain’ design.  The adjustment knobs are lubricated which helps you adjust the gun fast and easy. 

The EVO-T delivers fine atomization with patented technology, leading to high paint transfer.  Less paint wasted is a great thing.  All in all, you get a decently good LVLP spray gun for the money with the Astro EVOT13.

Pros
Lightweight
Fine Atomization
Handles a Ton of Materials

Cons
Chews up Air
Reduced Pressure (not true LVLP)

Best LVLP Spray Gun for Budgets

SprayIt SP-33000

N/A
  • 20oz cup
  • Fan pattern 7 – approx 11″
  • Working PSI 28-45, MAX 60
  • Air is 3.5 – 3.9 CFM @ 30 PSI

There are 2 reasons why we recommend this gun #1) its budget friendly and #2) it actually works decent considering it’s super cheap.

This LVLP from SprayIt is perfect for painting for those of us on a budget. For around 45$, you get a decent LVLP Spray Gun to get started on your DIY. 

There is also a kit you can buy that includes three tips: 1.3, 1.5, and 1.7mm.

The quality of the gun and the finish of the paint really surprised us during testing considering its price point. It’s not show room quality (like the IWATA LPH400), but it’s not garbage either.

This gun is best suited for small projects and detail work, thanks to its smaller 20oz (600cc) paint cup. Keep in mind that occasionally the pressure regulator glass may arrive cracked due to the unusual packing inside the case.

As with many budget-friendly guns, some components like knobs and other parts are made from aluminum or plastic, which can be prone to breaking or getting cross-threaded.

Handle the assembly and cleaning process with care to avoid damage. Remember, this is an entry-level gun, so the build quality and durability won’t match that of more expensive models.

The SprayIT comes with two cleaning brushes so it saves you some cash and time trying to fins the right brush size.  Using those brushes to clean out every crevice of your gun after using is a must.  Cheaper guns are less forgiving than premium models.

We love that this LVLP Paint sprayer takes about 5-10 minutes to clean so you can get on with your day.

Pros
Super cheap
Easy cleaning
20 oz cup for detail work

Cons
Parts are aluminum/plastic
Regulator is not quality
Fan Pattern limited to 7-11 inches

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Best LVLP Spray Gun: Buyer’s Guide

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What is an LVLP spray gun? What Does LVLP Mean?  What is a Low Volume Spray Gun?

LVLP stands for low volume low pressure.  They work with lower pressure at the nozzle than an HVLP (High Volume High Pressure Gun).  How low?  Well around or less than 10 PSI.  You can buy a cheaper air compressor and save some money if you’re on a budget.

BUT, make sure the compressor meets your LVLP spray gun air requirements of about 26-29 PSI (which comes through the gun and gauge). 

LVLP guns deliver excellent results even for beginner painters, and that’s why we love them so much.

Why Use an LVLP Paint Sprayer?

An LVLP (Low Volume, Low Pressure) paint sprayer is the go-to tool for achieving a fine, professional-grade finish on delicate or detailed surfaces. Because LVLP spray guns operate at lower air pressure, they deliver paint more gently, which significantly reduces overspray and enhances control.

These guns are especially popular for spraying clear coats, thin finishes, and detailed paint work where precision is more important than speed.

Benefits of an LVLP Paint Gun:

  • Exceptional for clear coats and thin materials
  • Produces a smooth, soft finish due to low-pressure atomization
  • Ideal for tight detail work where control is critical
  • Uses less air, making them compatible with smaller air compressors

How Do LVLP Spray Guns Work?

LVLP paint sprayers work by mixing compressed air with your paint medium and pushing it through the nozzle at lower pressure than HVLP (High Volume, Low Pressure) or airless systems.

This low-pressure delivery:

  • Atomizes paint more gently
  • Allows for precise application
  • Reduces the risk of runs and drips on sensitive surfaces
  • Helps maximize material transfer efficiency

Pro Tip: LVLP guns don’t need a high-CFM compressor, making them a great match for small shop setups or home garages.

What Is an LVLP Spray Gun Used For?

LVLP paint sprayers are best suited for small-scale, detailed projects that require finesse over coverage speed. They’re widely used in:

  • Automotive refinishing (especially motorcycles, ATVs, and custom parts)
  • Pinstriping and detailing
  • Crafts, model painting, and DIY art projects
  • Tanning booths and nail salons
  • Applying clear coats, stains, and other thin materials

Due to their low pressure, LVLP spray guns are not designed for thick materials like latex paint or heavy primers. For those applications, an HVLP or airless sprayer is a better fit.

What are the Different Types of LVLP Spray Guns?

There are several different types of LVLP spray guns you can buy: gravity feed, siphon feed, and turbine are the 3 top kinds you will find on the market.

Gravity feed LVLP spray guns have a cup on top of the gun that uses gravity to feed the paint into the gun. This is the type of gun feed that I prefer. It sprays a uniform fine finish across your paint surface.

Siphon feed has the cup on the bottom of the gun and the paint is sucked into the gun. I prefer to not use this type of LVLP spray gun feed because of the chance of air getting into the system. You might have to stop as paint sputters onto your surface and bleed the air out of the gun before you start painting again.

Turbine systems can come in either gravity feed or siphon feed and don’t require a compressor. The turbine provides all of the air required. If you don’t have a compressor, this can be a great choice to save money on buying a compressor.

Are LVLP Spray Guns Any Good?

LVLP spray guns are great at what they do.  And that’s delivering s a smooth finish with thinner materials like clear coats and other finishes.  For smaller projects, an LVLP will get you the results you want.  Just make sure the paint cup is big enough for your projects to avoid starting/stopping to refill the cup.

An LVLP is not for you if you’re sprayer thicker materials and/or have large projects to spray.  Take a look at investing in a quality gravity feed and/or HVLP sprayer.

PRO TIP
Avoid heavy spray guns. A heavier spray gun will lead to fatigue in your arm and wrist, forcing you to take alot of breaks while painting. This could lead to a less uniform spray, making your results look less professional.

Can you Paint a Car with an LVLP Spray Gun?

I would not recommend this UNLESS you’re painting 1 single small panel.  Because of the low volume, low pressure, less paint is being transferred to your project.  You could paint a car so much faster with a gravity fed/HVLP paint sprayer.  

An LVLP would be great for painting a bike, motorcycle, or a scooter.  An RV, car, or bus?  Forget about it.

Features to look for in the Best LVLP Paint Sprayer

Features of the Best LVLP Paint Sprayer
Big enough Paint Cup for your Jobs
Easy to Adjust Pressure Controls
Stainless Steel Parts
Your Compressor has enough CFM’s
Fan Patterns
Overspray
Easy to clean
Nozzle sizes
Weight

Big Enough Paint Cups

For doing small detail jobs, a small paint cup is fine.  But, if you have larger jobs, you will need to make sure that your LVLP spray gun comes with a cup big enough that you don’t have to start and stop when painting. This reduces the risk of mistakes in your project.

Easy to Adjust Pressure Controls

Check that you can easily adjust the air pressure so that you can control the quality of the spray each time you use it. You don’t want to be fumbling around to adjust the pressure while spraying.  You want it to be easy.  This is especially important if you are left handed.

Stainless Steel Parts

Stainless steel parts are better than plastic because they resist corrosion and are easier to clean.  They also last longer than plastic.  Guns with stainless parts might be more expensive than other guns and are more expensive than aluminum.

Large Enough Compressor and CFM Requirements

Make sure that your compressor can generate enough CFMs to power your LVLP paint sprayer.  Many LVLP guns chew up air like nobody’s business and you want to make sure your can start painting without having to buy a new compressor. Just because the pressure and volume are less than HVLP guns, means nothing about CFMs required.

Fan Patterns

Pay attention to your fan pattern options and whether or not they meet your project requirements.

Overspray

LVLP spray guns are known for high paint transfer efficiency and therefore lower overspray and paint waste. Make sure your gun is in that category and that you can really dial in the controls to reduce paint waste and overspray as much as possible. Don’t forget to cover the area that you want to protect from paint with a drop cloth to keep it from getting any overspray from your paint sprayer.

Easy To Clean

Well built Guns have more metal components and are built so that they are easy to clean. Make sure the gun you buy is easy to dismantle and clean.

Nozzle Size

Make sure that the nozzle is interchangeable, suited to your needs, and maybe you can buy more sizes for different projects.

Weight

If your paint sprayer is too heavy, you will suffer from arm and wrist fatigue, leading to a reduction in the quality of your paint job.

What is Better HVLP or LVLP?

There is no “better” paint gun, only the right type of spray gun for your jobs.  HVLP is great for larger jobs and spraying thicker materials like base coats, latex, primers.

LVLP spray guns are great for delivering a smooth finish with thin materials like varnishes and clear coats. For smaller jobs and jobs that require more precision and detail, an LVLP paint sprayer is the best option.

HVLPLVLP
Sprays Thinned LatexBest for Really Thin Materials (no latex)
Adjustable Fan PatternsSmaller Fan Width
Efficient Paint TransferBetter Paint Transfer than HVLP
Operate around
10 PSI
Typically Operate at less than 10 PSI
LightweightCrushes Clearcoat Jobs
Needs Quality Compressor/
Turbine
Can use Small, Cheaper Compressor

Why Choose an LVLP Spray Gun?

LVLP spray guns have higher transfer efficiency of paint to your surface than other types of guns. This means less overspray, paint waste and overall, you should spend less on paint.

They produce a beautiful smooth fine finish that really shines in detailed work. The finish is also uniform over your paint surface. LVLP can spray many paint mediums, but typically does best with thinner materials like clears, stains, varnishes, etc.

Why You Shouldn’t Choose an LVLP Spray Gun

LVLP spray Guns tend to struggle with thicker paints like latex. They are also more for finer finishes and details meaning they aren’t the greatest for larger projects.

Pros
Paint transfer efficiency is high
Less Paint Waste
Save money on paint
Smooth Fine finish
Good for thinner paint mediums

Cons
Not for Big Jobs
Struggle with thicker paint mediums

How Much CFM Do I need for LVLP Spray Guns?

How bid of an air compressor do you need for an LVLP spray gun? It’s not about the size of your compressor, but the CFM’s it generates. The amount of CFMs you need to power your LVLP spray gun depends on the gun. It can range from 3 to 12 CFM’s or more. This all depends on the manufacturers recommendation so remember to read up and make sure your compressor can power the LVLP spray gun you plan on buying.

Why Are LVLP Spray Guns Great for Car Painting?

When it comes to achieving a showroom-quality finish, the LVLP spray gun is one of the best tools for car painting. Thanks to its low volume, low pressure spray delivery, this type of spray gun applies paint in a fine, controlled mist that reduces overspray and improves finish consistency.

The result? A smooth, flawless surface that’s ideal for automotive applications.

LVLP Spray Guns Are Perfect For:

  • Clear coats
  • Top coats
  • Metallic finishes
  • Pearl paints

This makes them especially useful for tasks like painting cars, motorcycles, ATVs, and custom vehicle parts. Their ability to preserve detail and minimize paint waste is what sets them apart from other sprayer types like HVLP or airless.


What Kinds of Projects Can I Use an LVLP Spray Gun For?

Although LVLP sprayers shine in automotive work, they’re also incredibly versatile for many small to medium-sized paint projects.

Common Uses for LVLP Spray Guns:

  • Vehicle detailing: Pinstriping, rims, and body panels
  • Arts and crafts: Models, stencils, and DIY projects
  • Beauty applications: Tanning sprays, nail art, and temporary tattoos
  • Household items: Cabinets, furniture, small decor
  • Fine detail work: Anywhere that requires precision and control

If you’re working with thin materials or need a clean, controlled finish, an LVLP spray gun is one of the best sprayers for precision work. These guns are ideal for both professionals and beginners who want accuracy, efficiency, and professional-quality results without needing a high-powered compressor.

What is the Best LVLP Spray Gun?

Hands down, if we had to choose, we would pick a gun from IWATA every single time. Yes, they are super expensive. If you can afford it, and use it enough to justify the cost, get an IWATA.

Conclusion

An LVLP spray gun is the best tool for detailing or a small paint job.  They deliver outstanding results even for beginner painters.  We hope that you can choose the best one for your budget and jobs from the 3 units we have reviewed above.

FAQs

What is the best LVLP spray gun for someone on a budget that performs well?

SprayIt LVLP