HVLP Spray Gun — Lutherie Encyclopedia

HVLP Spray GunType: toolA high-volume low-pressure spray gun for applying lacquer, polyurethane, and other finishes to guitars with professional results.## Description An HVLP (High Volume Low Pressure) spray gun atomizes finish material using a high volume of air at low pressure, typically 10 psi or less at the air cap. This produces a soft spray pattern with high transfer efficiency (65 to 80 percent of the material reaches the surface), minimizing overspray and waste compared to conventional spray guns. HVLP guns have adjustable fluid flow, fan width, and air pressure controls. They are available as gravity-feed (cup on top) or siphon-feed (cup below) configurations. ## Use in Lutherie HVLP spray guns are the standard for applying lacquer, polyurethane, and catalyzed finishes on guitars. They produce a smooth, even finish coat without brush marks, drips, or orange peel when properly adjusted. Typical guitar finishing involves applying multiple thin coats of sealer, building up color coats, and applying clear topcoats, all sprayed with the HVLP gun. The gun must be thoroughly cleaned between color changes and at the end of each session to prevent dried finish from clogging the nozzle and air cap. ## Selection Guide For lutherie, a gravity-feed HVLP gun with a 1.3mm to 1.5mm fluid nozzle is ideal for lacquer and polyurethane. Iwata, DeVilbiss, and Fuji are top-tier brands. The Fuji Q5 turbine system eliminates the need for a separate compressor. Budget gravity-feed guns from TCP Global or Astro work adequately for hobbyists. Budget 30 to 500 dollars depending on quality level. You will also need a compressor capable of deli…