Can you use an hvlp spray gun with a regular compressor?

You can use an HVLP spray gun with a regular compressor, but whether it will work well depends on compressor size and CFM rating, as HVLP requires high volume of air, and regular small compressors often cannot supply enough. Regular compressor for this question usually means small 6-gallon pancake or 20-gallon portable compressor that many homeowners own, delivering 2 to 4 CFM at 90 PSI. Most full-size HVLP automotive spray guns require 10 to 15 CFM at 40 PSI, so small regular pancake compressor with only 2 to 3 CFM is not enough, causing pressure drop, poor atomization, sputtering, and compressor running constantly and overheating, leading to poor finish. You can use HVLP with regular compressor if it is larger regular compressor, at least 20 to 30-gallon tank with 2 to 3 HP and 5 to 7 CFM at 90 PSI, which can deliver 10 to 12 CFM at 40 PSI for short bursts, allowing you to spray small panels with pauses to let compressor catch up. For true regular small compressor, better to use LVLP spray gun, which needs only 3 to 6 CFM and works well with pancake compressors, providing similar finish with less air. So yes you can use HVLP with regular compressor if compressor is at least 20-gallon and 5 plus CFM, but not with tiny 6-gallon pancake, use LVLP instead.