What are the disadvantages of an hvlp spray gun?

The disadvantages of an HVLP spray gun, which stands for high volume low pressure, include several limitations compared to other spray types like airless and LVLP, despite its advantages of fine finish and less overspray. Main disadvantages include slower painting speed because HVLP operates at low pressure around 10 PSI at air cap and applies thin coats, so covering large areas like house exterior takes longer than airless sprayer that can spray gallons quickly. It requires a large air compressor with high CFM, typically 10 to 15 CFM at 40 PSI, which means you need expensive, large compressor, not small pancake compressor, increasing cost and portability issues. HVLP guns can struggle with thick materials like high-build primers, latex house paint, and heavy coatings without significant thinning, limiting versatility. They are more sensitive to setup, requiring careful adjustment of air pressure, fluid, and fan pattern to avoid orange peel, runs, and dry spray, which has learning curve for beginners. Transfer efficiency is high but still produces some overspray that requires masking. Cost of quality HVLP guns can be high, with professional models costing 200 to 600 dollars. Additionally, HVLP may have difficulty reaching tight spaces due to larger air cap. So disadvantages include slower speed, need for big compressor, difficulty with thick paints, and setup sensitivity.