Paint spray guns have revolutionized the painting process, simplifying and expediting project completion. These versatile tools excel in a wide range of applications, from painting house siding, walls, doors, and ceilings to fine finishing and production work.
However, selecting the appropriate spray gun for a project can be challenging, especially considering the two main types available: HVLP (High Volume Low Pressure) and Siphon feed.
In this article, we will guide you through a comprehensive comparison of the key features of HVLP and Siphon spray guns, assisting you in making an informed decision and finding the perfect tool for your specific painting needs.
Differences Between HVLP VS Siphon Spray Gun
The main difference between HVLP and Siphon Spray Gun is that the siphon uses high pressure to atomize a fine mist of paint and has poor transfer efficiency.
| HVLP Spray Gun | Siphon Spray Gun |
|---|---|
| Uses low pressure to atomize paint into larger particles | Uses a combination of air pressure and suction to draw paint from a reservoir and atomize it into fine particles |
| Better suited for thin, water-based paints | Able to handle a wider range of paint viscosities |
| Produces less overspray | Produces more overspray |
| Slower application and coverage | Faster application and coverage |
| Typically used for smaller, detailed work | Typically used for larger projects |
| Quieter and easier to control | Can be louder and more difficult to control |
| Less expensive | More expensive |
While the HVLP uses low pressure to atomize paint and has better transfer efficiency.
Let’s have a view at the key differences between both guns.
#1. Structural Differences
Look at the paint cup of the HVLP gravity feed spray gun. It is on the top of the gun and makes the paint fall through the nozzle naturally as you press the trigger.
In this way, there is no paint left in the cup and no waste of the material.
On the other hand, the paint cup of a siphon feed spray gun (with pump) is on the bottom of the gun and makes the paint pump up through the nozzle when you pull the trigger.
Here, much paint is left in the cup that the pump cannot suck. So material wastage increases.
#2. Material Waste Difference
An HVLP gravity-fed spray gun has the cup on top. The entire paint is fed to the gun through the nozzle, so there is no waste of material.
While a siphon-fed gun has the cup below, and the entire paint from the cup is not used. Its straw only sucks the paint in its range.
Ultimately, the paint below the level of the straw left in the bottom of the cup is wasted.
#3. Paint Weight Difference
When using a spray gun, the HVLP paint gun uses paint from light stains to heavy latex. It doesn’t use a large amount of paint at once because it is difficult to keep its hold in hand.
While the Siphon can use a large amount of paint at once and is easy to hold as the cup is below the gun.
#4. Overspray Differences
When you spray too much paint on the surface, it causes it to drip. Using siphon-fed guns; it is hard to control the high-pressure spraying. So it causes overspray.
On the other hand, using the HVLP gravity-fed guns; you can easily control the pressure because it is low and constant which allows the users to make fewer mistakes. It doesn’t cause overspray.
#5. Speed Differences
The HVLP spray gun is a speedy tool that can work faster and complete the project sooner. While the siphon spray gun is slow and works at a lower speed.
#6. Finishing Differences
The HVLP spray gun sprays paint producing smoother and finishing surfaces, while the siphon spray gun is unable to produce finishing at that level.
#7. Surface or area Differences
The HVLP spray guns are used to spray on small areas, and they really fit there. But the siphon spray guns are hard to fit in smaller areas.
#8. Material Using Differences
Spraying with a siphon spray gun, you have to thin some material so that the gun may not clog. But using an HVLP spray gun you can spray thick material.
Frequently Asked Questions
For what purpose, a siphon spray gun is used?
The siphon spray gun is a heavy-duty use and versatile spray gun that is perfect for spraying solvents like oils, insecticides, and coatings.
How much PSI is best for HVLP?
The HVLP uses a high volume of air, usually between 15-26 CFM. It delivers paint well at low pressure about 10 PSI or less and atomizes the paint into a flexible, low-velocity pattern.
What are the benefits of using an HVLP spray gun?
The HVLP spray gun can atomize paint faster, more precisely, and at very low pressure creating a soft and even spray.
It can cover large surfaces faster and without any touchups. Its lower pressure also reduces air pollution.
Conclusion
Both HVLP spray guns and Siphon Spray guns are good tools in the paint industry. It depends on the surface you want to paint and the material you want to use.
Whatever suits your project, you can pick that gun. The HVLP is a great spray gun, easy to use, easy to clean, and easy to spray hard-reach areas.