In this post:
- Top 6 HVLP Spray Guns for Cabinets
- YATTICH High Power HVLP Spray Gun
- Fuji 2203G Semi Pro HVLP Spray System
- Wagner Spraytech 0518080 HVLP Paint Sprayer
- NEIKO 31215A HVLP Air Spray Paint Gun
- Campbell Hausfeld HVLP Paint Spray Gun
- Dicfoes 700W High Power HVLP Home Spray Gun
- The Science behind Spray Guns
- How to get Professional Results with your Spray Gun
- HVLP Spray Gun Safety Practices
- Buyer's Guide
- Summary
As anyone who has ever set out to paint their furniture will know, this can be an incredibly tedious task.
With the sudden increase in DIY projects and upcycling old furniture, more people than ever are deciding to give their old furniture a lick of paint to get them looking as new.
But until you actually begin painting, you might not realize how much hard work it is when you attempt to paint furniture with the traditional paintbrush method. It takes a lot of time and leaves your wrists and hands sore from repetitive strain, so is there a better way to paint your kitchen cabinets?
The answer is yes! Instead of painting your cabinets with a painting brush, you can instead use a handy device known as an HVLP spray gun to make the process simpler.
You may not have heard of these devices before but that’s okay, we’ve got a complete guide to HVLP spray guns with recommendations of some of the best options available ready to help you.
Top 6 HVLP Spray Guns for Cabinets
So if you want an HVLP spray gun to paint your cabinets but don’t know where to start, keep on reading!
YATTICH High Power HVLP Spray Gun
Our favorite option on the market is the YATTICH High Power HVLP Spray Gun. This is our top pick because this device provides an excellent user experience at every stage of using it.
It is easy to set up, and when in use this device has a 6.6ft power cord that doesn’t limit your workspace, giving you plenty of reach when painting cabinets with this spray gun.
Once you have finished using this device, the excellent user experience continues as it is easy to disassemble and detach from power cables so that you can easily clean the spray gun without worrying about damaging the electrical components of the device.
As well as being incredibly easy to use, this device is also built with high-quality materials and has replaced the nozzles which are commonly made with plastic with copper components to enhance the durability of this HVLP spray gun.
With all of this considered, it is clear why this is our top pick out of the options available.
PROS
- Highly Versatile – 3 spray patterns (horizontal, vertical, and circular), and 5 nozzles sizes giving you lots of different options when painting your cabinets
- Excellent User Experience – 6.6ft power cord giving you lots of reach when this device is in use, and detachable for an easy cleaning experience
- High Quality Build – nozzles are designed and built with copper rather than plastic for ultimate durability that will ensure this device lasts for years to come, and better spraying ability
CONS
- No notable drawbacks
Fuji 2203G Semi Pro HVLP Spray System
Another brilliant option is the Fuji 2203G Semi Pro HVLP Spray System. Our favorite thing about this device is the quality of the design and build.
This makes this device an excellent choice if you are not worried about price and instead want to invest your money in an HVLP spray gun that will last.
These high quality materials include a stainless steel fluid passage that can withstand wear and tear, and remain durable despite exposure to liquid paint.
The use of high quality materials also allows this paint gun to be easily disassembled to make the cleaning process simple.
This ensures that you don’t have to worry about any electrical components, and can always be confident that your spray gun is thoroughly cleaned after every use.
With all of this considered, there really is no doubt that this is one of the best options that money can buy.
PROS
- Excellent Build Materials – stainless steel fluid passages prevent wear and tear and ensure that this device is an investment that will last
- Disassembles Easily – easily disconnects from the power cables for cleaning, and disassembles to make the cleaning process easy and stress-free
- Flexible – lots of different air cap sizes available in different materials, allowing you to use different types of paint in this spray system for ultimate versatility
CONS
- No notable drawbacks
Wagner Spraytech 0518080 HVLP Paint Sprayer
You should also consider the Wagner Spraytech 0518080 HVLP Paint Sprayer. Our favorite thing about this device is that it is incredibly powerful.
In fact, this was one of the design features considered when this device was constructed and it is evident that the focus was on this when you look at every component that makes up the device.
One way in which this device is powerful is that it is compatible with a variety of different paint materials including poly paints, stains, and latex paints so that you have lots of versatility with this device.
As well as this, it is also powerful as it has the longest reach out of the devices we have looked at with 20ft of hose which gives you a huge amount of workspace to play with.
So with all this considered, there is absolutely no doubt that this is a great choice.
PROS
- Easily Adjustable – use the pressure control dial and material flow adjuster to easily customize your paint flow, and choose between round, horizontal, and vertical flows
- Long Reach – connected to a 20ft hose giving you plenty of distance when using this device, you no longer need to be within a few feet of a power socket to use your paint sprayer
- Powerful Design – allows you to use this device with a variety of different materials including stains, poly, and latex paints
CONS
- Slow Speed – cheaper price is directly linked to the speed at which this device operates
NEIKO 31215A HVLP Air Spray Paint Gun
Alternatively, we love the NEIKO 31215A HVLP Air Spray Paint Gun. The best thing about this device is that it has an all-in-one build which makes it easy to understand this spray gun, allowing you to master using this device very quickly.
This all-in-one design includes 3 different adjustment valves and an additional built-in gauge which allows you to choose the specific flow that you want for the type of paint you are using.
Additionally, it comes with a large 600cc capacity which allows you to hold plenty of paint in this device at any one time. This allows you to hold lots of paint and limits the number of times that you will have to refill.
Another great feature of this capacity is that the container comes with a lid which limits the risk of spillages while you are working on your cabinets, ensuring that no paint goes to waste.
So there is no question that this is one of the best options on the market.
PROS
- Heavy Duty Design – built with high-quality materials so that this spray gun is very durable and will last for years to come
- High Capacity – comes with a large capacity, allowing you to hold 600cc of paint at one time, with a lid to prevent any potential spillages while you work on your cabinets
- All-in-One Build – includes 3 different adjustment valves and a built-in gauge allowing you to choose the specific flow that you want for the type of paint that you are working with
CONS
- Difficult to Disassemble – the different parts are tightly connected and this can make it difficult to disassemble the gun for cleaning
Campbell Hausfeld HVLP Paint Spray Gun
The Campbell Hausfeld HVLP Paint Spray Gun is another wonderful choice. The best thing about this HVLP spray gun is that it was designed with the knowledge that paint is expensive in mind, and because of this it has features that help to limit wastage.
These features include a canister that can empty out any paint that has not been used, rather than you having to rinse the canister out and the paint going to waste in the process.
Additionally, it has precise controls which allow you to control both fluid and airflow to ensure that paint that has been converted to mist form is also not going to waste.
With this and the fact that this device is incredibly versatile as it is compatible with furniture paint, automotive paint, lacquers, and lots more, there is no doubt about this being one of the best on the market.
PROS
- Easy to Control – both fluid and airflow can be easily controlled, allowing you to easily find the perfect settings for the type of paint that you are using
- Minimizes Waste – the design of this gun makes it easy to minimize the waste of paint left in the canister, and also makes it easy to clean after use
- Incredibly Versatile – well-rounded design means that this spray gun can be used with furniture paint, equipment paint, automotive paint, lacquers, base coats, and lots more
CONS
- Works Better with a Large Compressor – this device requires a large air compressor in order for it to operate properly
Dicfoes 700W High Power HVLP Home Spray Gun
Finally, you should think about choosing the Dicfoes 700W High Power HVLP Home Spray Gun. This device is one of the most powerful that we have looked at as it is powered by 700W and designed to be a high power model.
This high power capability allows the paint to coat your entire cabinets without any filling in being necessary so that your paintwork will always have a professional finish.
Something else that helps achieve this professional finish is the fact that this device comes with 3 different air cap adjustment options, and 4 different nozzle sizes allowing you to alter this device to suit your specific needs.
If that wasn’t enough, it also comes with a large power cord that measures 6.6ft giving you plenty of workspace to operate in.
With all of these brilliant features in mind, it’s clear why the Dicfoes 700W HVLP home spray gun had to make it onto this list.
PROS
- Long Power Cord – 6.6ft of power cord allows you to move freely around your workspace without restriction, giving you lots of freedom when working on your cabinets
- Easily Adjustable – choose between 4 different nozzle sizes, and 3 different air cap adjustment options allowing you to increase and decrease the volume of paint output
- Extremely Powerful – 700W high power design allows you to paint your entire cabinets without any filling in so that your paintwork will look professional when you are finished
CONS
- Minor Design Faults – This can make working with this spray gun frustrating as you have to regularly adjust the paint output
The Science behind Spray Guns
Anybody who has completed a DIY task will know how excellent spray guns are. And HVLP spray guns are undoubtedly the best type of spray gun that exists. The acronym, ‘HVLP’ stands for High-Volume, Low-Pressure, if you didn’t already know, and it is these features that make the HVLP spray gun superior.
Painting large pieces of furniture or walls with a paintbrush is exhausting, and painting it with a regular spray gun can sometimes be not that much better. But painting with an HVLP spray gun is a completely different experience, so why is this?
Let’s take a look at the science behind HVLP spray guns which makes them so great!
The science behind HVLP spray guns is actually quite complex. But the primary scientific function that they focus on is atomizing paint through the use of gravity to make painting things a simpler task. The low-pressure aspect of HVLP guns also helps with this aspect, so let’s take a look at how.
Due to the design of the spray gun, the paint will be pulled down into the barrel of the gun by gravity. In the barrel, the paint will then connect with the air that is being pushed up into the barrel via the air compressor that is connected through the bottom of the gun.
The increased air pressure that is created through the connection to the air compressor causes the paint to atomize.
This atomized paint is then forced through the tip of the spray gun where it is blown out in a fine mist that will coat whatever you are painting with a nice and clean finish.
But this doesn’t mean that using an HVLP spray gun is an easy task. Despite how clear the science behind the device is, it can definitely take some time to get used to using one. HVLP guns behave differently depending on the type of paint that you are using, the surface that you are spraying, and the specific HVLP gun you are using. Different manufacturers produce guns that behave differently, so using an HVLP gun isn’t as easy as riding a bike.
However, once you master using the gun, and fully understand how they operate, HVLP spray guns are unlike any other type of spray gun, and this is clear in the results that they produce.
So let’s have a look at how you can get professional results with your HVLP spray gun.
How to get Professional Results with your Spray Gun
Once you have mastered using your HVLP gun, it is actually very simple to use this gun to get paintwork results that look as if they were done by a professional. But being good at using an HVLP gun simply isn’t enough to get perfect results, and there are some other key things you need to consider to get a professional finish.
Of course, a professional-grade HVLP spray gun is a great place to start. There are a lot of HVLP guns available which are significantly cheaper, and because of this low price point, it is unlikely that you will get your desired results with one of these guns.
If you want a professional finish when you use your spray gun, you should instead invest in a professional-grade HVLP gun.
The upfront cost can appear a bit steep, but this spray gun will last you for years to come and is guaranteed to have excellent results once you master the device.
Now that we’ve established how important the gun is in getting professional results, let’s now take a look at the other things that you need to think about if you want excellent results from your HVLP spray gun.
Sanding – This stage is vitally important if you want to get professional results, as to achieve perfect results with your HVLP spray gun you should sand between every coat of paint that you apply.
Ask any professional painter and they will tell you that perfection lies in the details, so it is important that you remove any inconsistencies and imperfections from every layer of paint.
Before you sand anything, it is very important that you let the current layer of paint dry thoroughly before you go anywhere near it with a sander.
Work on your Surface – The surface that you are applying paint to is just as important as the paint that you are applying. Any imperfections in the existing surface will not simply go away when you spray some paint on, so you have to work on the base before you go any further.
So if you notice any obtrusive bits of wood filler or knots that stick out in the wooden surface, sand and work on these before you even think about picking up your spray gun.
Dust or Bust – Finally, you must remove all of the dust from the surface that you are painting before you start. This also goes for when you are applying additional layers of paint on top of one that has just finished drying.
While you might not be able to see the dust on the surface, these tiny particles can cause hugely noticeable imperfections when the paint is applied on top.
So before you pick up your airbrush, give the cabinet a brush with a duster, and then do the same after every layer of paint has dried for the best results.
HVLP Spray Gun Safety Practices
Even though a spray gun isn’t as dangerous as a real gun, there are some serious safety practices and precautions that you have to follow to ensure no harm comes to you when using your HVLP gun.
As a spray gun doesn’t pose as visible a threat as other power tools and machinery, such as a power saw, there is still a lot of danger that is caused by an HVLP spray gun.
Even the most basic of DIY equipment comes with safety concerns and hazards, so it is important that you always take safety practices seriously.
As an HVLP spray gun doesn’t have a blade, its main safety concern instead comes from the paint that is being loaded into the device. Paint is not a natural liquid, and because of this, it is packed with chemicals that could potentially cause you harm.
In most cases, the paint will not cause you any harm as it is usually applied in liquid form, but in the case of spray paint, the paint isn’t applied in this form.
During the process of traveling through the spray gun, the paint is converted from a liquid into a mist. While it is difficult to breathe in liquid paint, it is incredibly easy to breathe in paint that is in mist form.
This opens up the potential for the harmful chemicals that are found in the paint to find its way into your lungs where they could cause a lot of damage.
When it comes to the safety precautions necessary for using a spray gun, it all lies in reducing the risk of you breathing in that paint. There are a few ways that you can do this, but most people opt for better ventilating the room that you are working in.
It is for this reason that many people choose to spray paint their cabinets in a garage or workspace away from their home so that these harmful chemicals cannot enter their home system.
It is also for this reason that some people choose to spray paint furniture for their home outside when it is a sunny day so that the harmful chemicals will simply blow away with the wind.
If you do find that you have to use your HVLP spray gun in your home it is important that you make that room as ventilated as possible.
Open all of the doors and windows in the space to allow as much air in as possible, and wear a mask that will cover your mouth and nose as well as all the other necessary safety equipment.
Other than ventilation, the only real other safety equipment that you need for spray painting is the same as what you need for any type of painting. This includes a mask to protect your nose and mouth, goggles to protect your eyes from chemicals, and even gloves to keep your skin safe.
Buyer’s Guide
Things to Consider when buying an HVLP Spray Gun
One final thing that we have to do before moving on to reviewing some of the best HVLP spray guns for cabinets on the market is to take a look at the key things you need to consider before making a purchase.
If you are thinking of buying a new HVLP spray gun to redecorate your bathroom or kitchen cabinets, then there are some key things that you need to consider before making a purchase.These factors primarily depend on your situation, so let’s have a look at what you must consider before jumping in and buying an HVLP spray gun.
The majority of the things that you need to consider revolve around your own personal situation, as whether an HVLP spray gun will be good for you will depend on what you want out of it.
To help you out, we’ve put together these key points that you need to consider before making a purchase, they are:
Price
One of the main points of consideration when making any purchase is the price that you are willing to pay for the thing you want to buy. Everybody has a budget when buying things, but unfortunately, it is common for a person’s budget to limit their options significantly.
If you just want an HVLP spray gun to paint your cabinets on this one occasion, then a cheaper option will be able to do the job.
However, if you want a spray gun that will last you for years to come without damage, and one that will be able to do smaller and more fiddly jobs then you would be better off investing in a more expensive option.
As is the case with many things, the price that you pay for an HVLP spray gun is usually equivalent to the quality of the product that you will get, so it is important that you consider this before making a purchase.
Weight of the Spray Gun
Another thing you need to consider is the weight of the spray gun that you buy. This is especially important if you plan on spraying your cabinets while they are still on the walls as this will require you to hold the spray gun in a variety of different positions, including above your head.
Something that has a major influence on the weight of your spray gun is the materials that the machine is built out of. The materials that the gun is made out of once again link back to the price of the spray gun, which just highlights how important it is that you consider this when making a purchase.
Typically, the cheaper spray guns tend to be made out of the lightest materials as the majority of manufacturers utilize cheaper materials such as plastic to construct these.
While a lighter spray gun is good for your arms, it isn’t necessarily good for the durability of the machine, so before you buy a cheaper spray gun, it is important that you consider how long that you want it to last.
Whereas the more expensive guns tend to be made out of heavier materials, such as metal. These will last for years to come but can be quite tiring on your arms, so it is important that you bear this in mind when buying.
While these two categories cover completely separate things, they both link back to getting exactly what you want out of the spray gun.
So when you are considering both price and weight, it is important that you revolve these thoughts around what you want out of the spray gun in order to get the one that is perfect for you.
Summary
In short, an HVLP spray gun is a great alternative to painting your cabinets with a brush.
In this guide, we’ve taken a look at some of the best HVLP spray guns available and also given you lots of information about how to use these devices to get the best results.