DennisB DenLorsTools.com © Summary: In this quick article we cover a recent question one of our customer’s had about the SATAJet paint spray guns regarding the difference between “RP” and “HVLP”. Image to the left is a SATA Limited edition CHOPPER series!First let me say I’m not the paint guy. My experience has been in mechanical not body repair. With that being said, most guys, even me, know that HVLP is the most common paint gun. And HVLP means “High Volume Low Pressure”. Now for what I didn’t know until researching a little; “RP” is a SATA acronym for “Reduced Pressure”. Sata paint spray guns with “RP” mean they are compliant. Compliant, just means that the guns comply with the legislation of the EU VOC directive on efficiency. They deliver at least 65% transfer efficiency as the HVLP do.

A little more information on HVLP guns.  What does HVLP mean?
Originally there were conventional guns that did not meet any environmental safety requirements and wasted a lot of paint. In order to reduce VOC emissions and create a better working environment, some US states started to prescribe the use of HVLP spray guns. Because HVLP characteristics are not always suitable for atomizing all types of materials, paint spray gun manufacturers introduced new “compliant” guns which also meet the 65% transfer efficiency, but are used at higher pressure. Increased output pressure of compliant guns usually allow better coverage and atomization of higher viscosity materials.

What’s the differences between the SATAJet HVLP and RP when it comes to application?

SATAJet HVLP
1. Better for base-coats.
2. Faster coverage.
3. Higher air consumption with SATAJet HVLP compared to RP.
4. Effective for waterborne
5. Effective for spraying pearls
SATAJet RP
1. Expect better results for spraying clear-coats.
2. Expect coverage to go slower.
3. Less air requirements or consumption.
4. Works well with more dense materials.
5. Works well for urethane’s.
Basically, RP works well for base-coats and clear-coats.