Top 6 Best HVLP Spray Guns For Cabinets (2023 Review)

In a hurry? Check out our Top 6 picks below! Keep reading to learn more about these HVLP spray guns for painting cabinets!

1. TCP Global Professional Gravity Feed HVLP Spray Gun
2. Devilbiss Finishline 4 FLG-670 Solvent Based HVLP Gravity Feed Paint Gun 
3. HomeRight C800766, C900076 Finish Max HVLP Paint Sprayer
4. Wagner Spraytech 0518080 Control Spray Max HVLP Paint or Stain Sprayer
5. DeWalt DWMT70777 Gravity Feed Spray Gun HVLP
6. Graco-Sharpe 288880 HVLP FX3000 Paint Spray Gun
   

Spray guns can make your life way easier if you’re a frequent painter or DIYer.

But HVLP (high-volume, low-pressure) spray guns take the cake when it comes to speed and precision.

What once took you hours of laborious painting with a brush and a bucket can now take mere minutes once you get the hang of it.

The Science of HVLP Spray Guns

HVLP guns work by atomizing paint using a low-pressure system that uses gravity to its advantage.

The gravity pulls the paint from the cup down into the barrel of the spray gun, where it meets up with air being pushed through with an air compressor. The air pressure then atomizes the paint and propels it out of the tip to create a fine mist that you can control to get a beautiful, even finish.

This is why HVLP guns have a learning curve, though. You need to take the time to understand the settings required for your particular gun, as well as the project you're working on.

For instance, if you're using a heavy fluid like a lacquer, you need to have a high pressure setting in order for it to atomize the fluid right.

This will result in less overspray as well as a more precise stream of fluid that will make it easier to spray on.

But, if you're working with a thinner fluid, let's say a clear coat, you'll want to use a smaller tip like a 1.3mm in order to get the professional finish you're looking for.

This takes so much of the headache out of paint jobs and makes it much easier for you to get a professional finish in half the time while also being more environmentally friendly (because you’ll waste less paint this way.)

Check out the video below to see how to use an HVLP spray gun for painting cabinets.

Be Picky With Your Surface

Going right along with that, as you're sanding, it's important to be super picky with your surfaces as you go. If you notice something like a piece of wood filler or a little knick or scratch, take the time to sand it off or otherwise eliminate it before you start painting!

Just like we talked about in our "how to paint a wall like a pro" article, the professionals know that to create a clean, crisp finish with your paint, you first need to prime your surface.

Which means you need to be meticulous with your wood surface before you get started. That dent or scratch will most definitely be noticeable after you put 2 or 3 coats of paint over it. And no, you can't just "sand it off" between coats. Once you paint over it, you're stuck with it.

So take the time to get up close and personal with your cabinets before you paint them and be as picky as possible.

Even in those areas that you "won't see" on the insides of the cabinets. Attention to detail matters when you're dealing with paint.

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Eliminating Dust to get a Smooth Coat of Paint

Another key step here to achieve a high quality result is to prevent any dust or lint from getting stuck on the paint before it dries. Not only will this not sand out, it will give your cabinets a rougher texture in the end. 

To do this, make sure you're letting the paint dry in one area and sanding in another. Ideally these would be separate rooms. This is because fine dust particles can linger in the air when you're sanding and that can cling to wet paint very easily.

You'll also want to use an air compressor tool to blow off any invisible dust that might be lingering on the surface before going in for the next coat of paint.

All of these little steps are what will create the highest quality finish in the end.

Testing Your HVLP Gun Between Coats of Paint

Here's a tip that most DIYers might skip: test your gun!

Before you go in for that next round of paint, use a scrap piece of wood to test out your HVLP gun. Yes, every time!

Why? Because you need to make sure that the paint is going to come out smoothly and evenly each and every time you spray your cabinets. One messy spray can ruin your finish.

If you've been at it for a while or you took a break to sand in between coats, the paint inside the canister could've settled into a goopy mess. But you won't know that beforehand if you don't test it out first! 

Sometimes you'll need to add fresh paint or test the consistency of your fluid between rounds to ensure that it's spraying properly. 

And sometimes you'll need to clean the tip before you go in for the next round of paint because it'll congeal and have dried bits around the nozzle that will ruin your spray pattern.

So before you make a mess, test, test, test!

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Different Parts of Your Cabinets Need Different Patterns

This is where we really separate the amateurs from the professionals because, especially with cabinets, dialing in your settings is the key to a high quality finish.

For example, the parts of your cabinets that have broader surface areas can handle a larger spray pattern. Those bigger, broader strokes are going to look nice on the bigger areas.

But what about the corners and edges? What about the frames?

Those smaller, more detail-oriented areas are probably not going to look great if you use a super wide spray pattern on them.

They need a finer mist that's narrower to come out right. That's why you'll probably want to fine-tune your settings for those pieces, especially on the second or third coat, to really get the detailed, crisp finish you're looking for.

Obviously when you're working with any type of paint or fluid, there are safety concerns.

But when dealing with HVLP guns it's essential to take proper precautions.

Because the fluid being atomized and creating a fine mist, those particles have a much higher chance of lingering in the air, and thus making it into your airways.

Paint chemicals are not something to mess around with, especially when it comes to your lungs, because they can accumulate in your system in toxic levels and cause all sorts of health problems.

Before you get to work on your cabinets, take a moment to think about the environment you'll be working in. Do you have a garage or workshop where you can work that will stop the paint chemicals from accumulating in your house? Is that workshop well-ventilated?

Take the time to create an environment that won't expose you or your loved ones to toxic chemicals while this project is ongoing.

Next, it's important to think about safety gear for yourself and anyone who is helping you. This includes things like safety goggles, gloves, and a mask made specifically for painting.

You want to avoid any fumes, sanding particles, or atomized paint from making its way into your system, and that includes contact with your skin.

Read More >> How to Thin Paint For a Spray Gun

When you’re trying to find the best paint sprayer for your kitchen cabinets, you want to consider a few things. The first thing to consider is how often you think you’ll be using this HVLP spray gun.

Is it something you want to add to your arsenal for years to come? Do you need it for smaller projects or large areas? If so, it’s worth spending the extra money to invest in a high-end gun that will last for years and give you a great finish on any project that arises.

But, if you’re just looking to redo your cabinets quickly and easily and it’s just something that will be “nice to have” but not necessarily something you’ll use a lot, you might not want to spend the big bucks on it.

HVLP guns are a great choice for cabinet work because they’re typically going to give you a smooth finish that you just cant get with a brush. They also increase transfer efficiency and reduce the amount of paint you’ll waste during a project.

So before you dive into purchasing an HVLP spray gun, just consider how often you’ll use it and whether it’s worth it to spend a bit more up front to have an awesome tool for a few years.

Our Top Pick: TCP Global Professional Gravity Feed HVLP Spray Gun

Plus, it’s an excellent value for the money! Check the low price now...