Tech Tips

A. HVLP (high volume, low pressure) systems use turbines to deliver a high volume of dry, filtered air, yet operate at only 7.5 PSI (pounds per square inch). Compare this to the 40-50 PSI used by an ordinary paint gun. Thus the term HVLP. You will see the difference in a richer finish and higher gloss.

A. TP Tools® Turbine Paint Systems do not require an air compressor to operate. The unit has a powerful, high-RPM 3-stage turbine that pulls "clean air" from the room and provides 7.5 PSI @ 60 CFM of air for painting.

A. No. A turbine paint system is not an air compressor and will not run air tools or any device requiring air for operation. It is also not suitable for air-breathing hoods or respirators.

A. Air volume and velocity increase as both are pulled through the turbine and funneled into the air supply hose, leading to the paint spray gun. This hose is slightly larger than ordinary air hose and handles a volume of 60 CFM (cubic feet of air per minute), yet at only 7.5 PSI.

A. Yes, because HVLP units are "low overspray" units. The amount of overspray is less than 20% of conventional paint spray guns, less material is escaping into the atmosphere. Less paint in the air means more on the vehicle or project.

A. As the incoming air passes through the turbine, it is slightly warmed, so moisture is eliminated, supplying dry air to the paint gun. Warm air dries faster. It is also oil-free, since a turbine does not have an oil reservoir used in conventional air compressors. The combination of dry, warm, oil-free air results in absolutely no runs or sags.

A. Because the TP Tools® Turbine pulls only 12 amps, you can plug the unit into any household circuit or 115 volt outlet.

A. Yes. At the gun end of the air supply hose is a small butterfly valve. By adjusting this valve to a 2/3 closed position, overspray can be practically eliminated. The nozzle cap of the gun can also be adjusted for pinpoint accuracy and further reduced volume. (It's still a good idea to protect areas you do not want to be painted.)

A. At the rear of the TP Tools® Turbine System is a foam filter that can be easily replaced. Placing the turbine in a "clean area" will extend the life of this filter considerably. (Never place inside the paint booth.) The paint gun is cleaned in seconds by swirling solvent in paint cup, then spraying solvent through the gun, and wiping with a solvent-dampened cloth.

A. If using a nozzle that's too large for the material being sprayed, or mixing your paint with too low of a temperature reducer, then orange peel can occur. TP Tools® Turbines feature a special 1.0 mm nozzle setup to provide a fine, even spray. (The finer the spray, the less chance of orange peel.) Other nozzle setups are available for heavier output with primers, clearcoats, and latex. Thinning and mixing of material will also affect the finish - see below.

A. Material is thinned much the same as conventional spray guns. However, turbine air is high-volume, heated air, causing evaporating reducers to react faster. In most cases, a slower reducer (higher temperature) should be used, or additional thinning may be required. We recommend a 10-15° higher temperature reducer than the ambient temperature for best results.

A. For automotive spray painting, our standard setup of a 1.0 mm nozzle set. This setup atomizes the paint well, with less chance of runs or sags. It will spray stains, lacquers, urethanes, enamels, basecoats, most automotive finishes, and waterborne materials. The size of the fan itself can be changed easily by turning the air cap in or out and/or slightly closing the air inlet valve on the side of the inlet hose. This is very helpful when spray painting in confined areas, such as along the inside edges of door jambs, where overspray must be minimized, so as not to get paint on the interior of the vehicle.

After you become more comfortable with our HVLP, you may want to try the 1.4 mm nozzle set. The 1.4 mm setup is good for enamels, lacquers, varnishes, urethanes, heavier primers, epoxies, and clearcoats. A 1.8 mm setup is also available. Every paint manufacturer has different specifications and paints have different characteristics, so you will be experimenting for awhile until you get the right combination for your particular application. With practice, you will be able to obtain professional results.

A. If you are doing any type of spray painting or staining, it is likely that you need to move into the latest technology and start enjoying a cleaner environment. Not only will you save on paint and reducer, you will be amazed at the low amount of overspray and reduced maintenance costs in the paint spray area. All TP Tools® HVLP Spray Systems are Made in USA and sold on an unconditional 30-day Trial Period. Try one in your own shop for 30 days. Test it with stains, lacquers, urethanes, enamels, primers, etc. If you are not completely satisfied, return it to us prepaid in the original carton for a full refund, except for freight costs and small cleanup charge if not properly cleaned. Need more information? Call 1-800-321-9260 to speak to an HVLP Paint Spray Specialist.