What Gun Style Do I Need?
New to spray guns? You'll see terms like MP, HVLP, LVLP and Split Tip thrown around a lot — and they all affect your finish, your compressor needs, and how much material you'll get through.
This guide breaks down what each one actually means, so you can pick the right gun without the guesswork.
VS
Split Tip
A different tip design (two separate air/fluid paths at the nozzle) rather than a pressure classification. Known for being very forgiving.
Pros
- Extremely forgiving — works well across a wide pressure range (roughly 1–2 bar)
- Excellent, professional-level atomisation and finish
- Great for clear coat especially
Cons
- Slower — material comes out at a reduced rate
- Not ideal if you need to cover large areas quickly
- Usually costs more than standard MP guns
Compressor
Medium-large — similar to MP, since it's the tip design, not the pressure system, that's different.
LVLP
Low Volume Low Pressure
The "budget compressor" option — genuinely low air consumption without sacrificing finish quality.
Pros
- Works with small/cheap compressors (as low as ~5 CFM)
- Fine atomisation, good finish
- Ideal if you don't want to invest in a big compressor
Cons
- Fewer gun options on the market compared to MP/HVLP
- Some LVLP guns are genuinely low-volume; others are LVLP in name only — worth checking real specs
Compressor
Smallest requirement of the four — great for home/hobby setups.
HVLP
High Volume Low Pressure
The standard, no-frills spray gun setup — most guns start here.
Pros
- Fast — gets material down quickly
- Simple, reliable, no complicated air paths
- Great for bigger panels and faster jobs
Cons
- Uses more air, so needs a bigger compressor
- Less forgiving of technique mistakes
- Not the most efficient on material use
Compressor
Needs a solid, decent-sized compressor (typically ~10 CFM range).
MP
Mid Pressure
The "budget compressor" option — genuinely low air consumption without sacrificing finish quality.
Pros
- Works with small/cheap compressors (as low as ~5 CFM)
- Fine atomisation, good finish
- Ideal if you don't want to invest in a big compressor
Cons
- Fewer gun options on the market compared to MP/HVLP
- Some LVLP guns are genuinely low-volume; others are LVLP in name only — worth checking real specs
Compressor
Smallest requirement of the four — great for home/hobby setups.
The Simple Takeaway
New to spraying, small compressor?** → LVLP
Want efficiency and control on base coat?** → HVLP
Want speed and don't mind less forgiveness?** → MP
Want the best possible finish and don't mind going slower?** → Split Tip