Best LVLP Spray Gun

Best LVLP Spray Gun: Quick Editor’s Choice Chart 

Editors Choice Best LVLP Spray Guns

Editors Choice LVLP Spray Gun: Iwata LPH400

Runner Up: Iwata Supernova WS400

Good for Beginners: Astro EVOT13

Best for Budgets: SprayIt LVLP

Best Kit for Budgets: SprayIt SP-33500K LVLP Spray Gun Kit

Runner Up Best Kit for Budgets: SprayIt SP-33310K

Best LVLP Spray Guns

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Editor’s Choice: Iwata 

Iwata LPH400

This quality LVLP spray gun from IWATA has easy adjust fan and fluid controls which are convenient to access on the back of the gun.  It’s one of the lightest in its category at 0.86lbs and is designed to reduce wrist and arm fatigue.

This is a premium LVLP spray gun so expect to pay more than for other brands.  The results are totally worth it.

The LPH400 comes with a 1.4mm tip and is specially designed to outperform other guns when laying down clear coat.  This clear coat workhorse would be a great addition to any other guns you own. Or, use it on its own for all your spray jobs.  

For an LVLP, the atomizing PSI is pretty high at 16 PSI, so this guns chews up air.  Most LVLPs atomize paint at around 10 PSI.  Make sure your air compressor can keep up with this LVLP spray gun.

The IWATA LPH400 is super quiet when laying down paint, it was impressive.

Not included is the 1 quart cup.  This is standard for a pro level gun. This way you can pick and choose a larger or smaller cup depending on the jobs you have to complete.  Smaller cups are great for detailing and painting small vehicles like bikes, motorcycles or scooters.  If you’re painting larger things like entire panels or cars, invest in a large cup.

There is everything to love about this IWATA LVLP.

Runner Up

Iwata Supernova WS400

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. It is easy to use, making even the unskilled and inexperienced painter seem professional.  

The Iwata Supernova technology is designed to deliver a constant droplet size when atomizing that it combines with the patented flat and even pattern of the Supernova to help reduce common application errors that occur. All Supernova models are made with stainless steel fluid passage to make it possible to use with all kinds of material, solvent-borne or waterborne.  

The Iwata Supernova was designed by Pininfarina that created its beautifully streamlined looks to compliment the LV technology that it sports. Its state-of-the-art design combines a higher fluid delivery with a smoother and faster application than ever before that can spray in any climate conditions due to its optimized atomizing.  

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.

Astro EVOT EuroPro Forged

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.

Best LVLP Spray Gun for Budgets

SprayIt SP-33000

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 works best for small projects and/or detail work.  This is because is comes with a smaller 20oz or 600cc paint cup.  Be aware that sometimes the pressure regulator glass arrives cracked due to oddly shaped packing inside the case. 

Obviously when you buy a cheaper gun, you get knobs etc. that are made of aluminum (or plastic parts) that and can easily break or get cross threaded.  Take it easy when putting your gun together, cleaning your gun etc. Remember this is a budget gun so parts and build aren’t as good as with the more expensive guns.

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.

SprayIt SP-33500K LVLP Spray Gun Kit

The SprayIt Gun kit comes with 2 guns: the SP-33000 and the SP-33500 Mini LVLP Gun. This make this purchase budget friendly.

This LVLP 2 gun kit from SprayIt is perfect for painting for those of us on a budget. For around 120$, you get 2 decent LVLP Spray Guns to get started on your DIY. 

This kit includes 4 tips: 0.8, 1.3, 1.7, and 2mm. The air inlet is the standard 1/4 inch and the kit also includes extra spanner, brush, socket and an air regulator

These guns are 1 piece lightweight aluminum. The SP-33000 comes with a plastic 20 ounce cup and the SP-33500 comes with a 120 cc plastic cup.

As for air consumption, you’re looking at 3.5-3.9 CFM at 30 PSI for the SP33000 and 2.4-3.3 CFM at 30 PSI for the SP33500.

Both guns come with separate and adjustable fluid, fan pattern and air controls, which is standard for SprayIt Gun Kits.

LVLP spray guns and especially these 2 guns work best for small projects and/or detail work.  Specifically, the SprayIt line of LVLP spray guns works excellent with lower viscosity paint, lacquer, enamel, stain, and urethane.

SprayIt SP-33310K

The SprayIt Gun kit comes with 2 guns: the SP-33000 above and the SP-31000 Gun. This make this purchase budget friendly.

This LVLP 2 gun kit from SprayIt is perfect for painting for those of us on a budget. For around 110$, you get 2 decent LVLP Spray Guns to get started on your DIY. 

This kit includes 4 tips: 1.3, 1.5, 1.7, 2.0mm. The air inlet is the standard 1/4 inch and the kit also includes extra spanner, brush, socket and diaphragm regulator.

These guns are 1 piece lightweight aluminum. The SP-33000 comes with a plastic 20 ounce cup and the SP-31000 comes with a 1 quart cup that’s metal.

Both guns come with separate and adjustable fluid, fan pattern and air controls for a custom and precise application of your paint medium.

Both of these guns work best for small projects and/or detail work.  These guns work well specifically with lower viscosity paint, lacquer, enamel, stain, and urethane.

Obviously when you buy a cheaper gun, you get knobs etc. that are made of aluminum (or plastic parts) that and can easily break or get cross threaded.  Take it easy when putting your gun together, cleaning your gun etc. Remember this is a budget gun so parts and build aren’t as good as with the more expensive guns.

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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?

LVLP paint guns are fantastic at detail work.  Their claim to fame is mostly clear coat and other types of thin coatings.  Thick material is a no go because of the low pressure used by these spray guns.  The smooth finish provided is due to the low pressure paint delivery to your surface.

How to LVLP Spray Guns Work?

LVLP spray guns work by combining air with your paint medium to atomize it for spaying. An LVLP spray gun will then spray paint onto your surface using lower pressure than other types of spray guns, like HVLP. It will produce a softer, smoother finish.

What is a Low Volume Low Pressure Spray Gun Used for?

LVLP spray guns are typically used for detail work like pinstriping, crafts, models, tattoos, tanning, nail art, and vehicle parts. This type of gun would be great on smaller vehicles like motorcycles, ATV’s bikes, dirtbikes, etc. LVLP works amazing with clear coats and thinner types of paint mediums because of the lower pressure.

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.

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

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.

HVLP	LVLP
Sprays Thinned Latex	Best for Really Thin Materials (no latex)
Adjustable Fan Patterns	Smaller Fan Width
Efficient Paint Transfer	Better Paint Transfer than HVLP
Operate around 10 PSI	Typically Operate at less than 10 PSI
Lightweight	Crushes 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.

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 so Great for Car Painting?

LVLP spray guns lay down a fine smooth finish due to the low volume and low pressure. This is the perfect combination for creating a beautiful finish when painting a vehicle. LVLP spray guns excel at clears, top coats, pearls and metallic for vehicles.

What kind of Projects can I Use an LVLP Spray Gun For?

LVLP spray guns can paint most small to medium projects around the house, your crafts, vehicles, pinstriping, nail art, tattoos, tanning, etc. but really excel at projects with fine detail requirements.

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.

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