There are two main types of spraying equipment and we are often asked which we use: HVLP or airless spraying equipment? The reality is that we need both – the two types of equipment serve slightly different purposes and there are times when one is better than the other. So what are they and how do they help provide the best possible spray painting?
HVLP paint sprayers: High Volume, Low Pressure
HVLP sprayers use an air compressor or turbine to atomise the paint – this means injecting tiny air particles into the paint in order to distribute it evenly onto the chosen surface. HVLP spraying produces tiny atomised particles of paint which are so small and uniform in size they provide an incredible level of finish.
The HVLP spraying equipment provide full control over the air flow and offer us full control over fan size. This means little overspray and makes HVLP an excellent choice for precision jobs where a consistent and even surfaces finish is required.
Airless paint sprayers
In an airless paint sprayer, the paint is pressurised by a piston and sprayed out of a smaller hole than found on an HVLP nozzle. The combination of the high pressure from the piston and the tiny orifice splits the paint into particles which coat the chosen surface. Airless spraying equipment offer speed and power and are particularly good for large surfaces.
Which will you use for my commercial spraying job?
Usually we will use both, a little like a painter would use a roller and a brush depending on the area that they are painting and the type of paint that they are using. In this analogy, HVLP sprayers are the equivalent of a brush where airless sprayers are the equivalent of a roller.
Examples of areas where we would typically use an HVLP sprayer:
- Curtain walling
- Window frames
- Door Frames
- Shopfronts
Examples of areas where we would typically use the airless spraying approach:
- Cladding Panels
- Suspended Ceilings
- Soffits
- Intumescent Coatings
Expert knowledge
As commercial spraying experts we are able to assess each job and provide the best possible service using the most appropriate tools, whatever they may be. You can rest assured that we have a full range of tools at our disposal and will use the best one for your premises.
In summary, the majority of projects will use both HVLP and airless paint sprayers. Neither one is better than the other but both have their own distinct advantages depending on the specification of the job.
If you have any questions or would like to find out more, please get in touch.
