Binks, now part of ITW, introduced a conversion kit several years ago. Modern conversion kits use turbines instead of compressors, but still have two lines going to the gun. Conversion guns are faster than HVLP, and can spray heavier-bodied materials, but they also generate more overspray. In other words, they perform similar to an airless gun with a low-pressure airless pump and a fine finish tip. The introduction of air in the conversion gun gives painters an adjustable spray pattern, much like with conventional equipment, but also introduces turbulence, which can make for an inconsistent pattern.
Different manufacturers have their own special features.
Lex-Aire, for example, promotes the pneumatic trigger on its conversion guns, which makes for a more consistent pattern and less operator fatigue, said Bladgen. Kaczmarek said it gives a better fine finish air pattern than other conversion guns, because it s designed to have smooth flowing air passages instead of air restrictions. The company makes 13 different needle and cap sets for the gun. Contractors know that the technique for using HVLP is different from using airless, but getting a nice fine finish with airless takes more than just equipment. If you re using double-orifice tips right, you can get just as good a finish as HVLP, said Wheway.