A high volume low-pressure (HVLP) spray gun is used for applying lacquers, varnishes, stains and paints of all kinds. The “true” HVLP gun is connected to a turbine motor that drives a high volume of warm air under low pressure into the gun, giving the gun its name. However, many guns are designed to work with air compressor under a slightly different principle, and these are also called HVLP guns.
An HVLP spray gun roughly resembles a pistol-grip garden hose nozzle, which allows water to flow when the trigger is squeezed, turning off the flow when released. Instead of water, the spray gun shoots air mixed with material. The idea behind a spray gun is that the escaping air atomizes the material, spreading it into tiny droplets that can be applied on to a surface in thin, even layers.