Apollo Sprayers: 60 Years of HVLP Innovation and Why the Precision-6 PRO Is a Game Changer for Cabinet Refinishing

 

When it comes to professional cabinet refinishing, furniture finishing, and fine woodworking, the equipment you use can make the difference between an average paint job and an exceptional finish. As professional painters, we need spray equipment that delivers outstanding atomization, precise control, minimal overspray, and consistent results.That is exactly what Apollo Sprayers has spent the last 60 years developing.

 

Apollo isn't just another company manufacturing paint sprayers. It is a family-owned American business with a history of innovation, engineering, and a commitment to advancing High Volume Low Pressure (HVLP) spray technology.

 

Today, Apollo continues that tradition with its powerful Precision-6 PRO HVLP turbine system, paired with the award-winning A7700 Black Edition AtomiZer spray gun. For cabinet refinishers, professional painters, and woodworkers who demand exceptional finishes, this combination deserves serious consideration.

The History of Apollo Sprayers: Where It All Began

Apollo's story begins in 1966, when John Clutterbuck founded the original Apollo business in the United Kingdom, developing HVLP turbine equipment for industrial finishing applications.

 

John B. Darroch later helped bring Apollo's technology to the United States. In 1983, Darroch obtained authorization to sell and service Apollo HVLP equipment in the American market.

 

At that time, turbine-powered HVLP spraying was relatively unfamiliar to many American painters. Conventional compressed-air spray systems dominated the finishing industry, and overspray, wasted coatings, and the expense of compressed-air equipment were common challenges.

 

Darroch recognized an opportunity to bring a more efficient approach to professional spray finishing.

 

By 1986, Apollo had developed turbine systems specifically for the American market and was manufacturing them in the United States rather than relying on imported British components.

 

In 1989, Apollo expanded into a manufacturing facility in Vista, California, where the company continues to operate today.

 

Apollo has remained family-owned through three generations. John A. Darroch succeeded his father as President and CEO, and Johnathan Darroch joined the company's leadership as CFO in 2025.

 

In 2026, Apollo celebrates an incredible milestone: 60 years of innovation in HVLP spray technology.

 

That kind of history matters. Apollo has been engineering turbine spray systems for decades, refining its equipment as coating technology and professional finishing requirements have evolved.

Six Decades of Innovation That Helped Shape HVLP Spraying

 

Apollo's history is filled with technological advancements and industry recognition.

Some important milestones include:

• 1966: Apollo is founded in the United Kingdom.
  
  
• 1983: John B. Darroch begins bringing Apollo HVLP equipment to the United States.
  
  
• 1986: Apollo develops American-made turbine systems for the U.S. market.
  
  
• 1987: Apollo receives a patent for its dual-motor turbine design.
  
  
• 1991: Apollo develops its American-made A5000 spray gun.
  
  
• 2007: The Apollo AtomiZer spray gun receives an AWFS Sequoia Award.
  
  
• 2013: Apollo patents digital control technologies for its Precision systems.
  
  
• 2017: The Apollo Precision-6 receives an AWFS Visionary Award for innovation.
  
  
• 2023: Apollo introduces its next-generation Precision-6 PRO turbine.
  
  
• 2025: The Apollo A7700 Black Edition spray gun wins an AWFS Visionary Award.
  
  
• 2026: Apollo celebrates its 60th anniversary.
  
  

These aren't simply cosmetic product updates. Apollo has continued developing the technology inside its turbine systems and spray guns to improve the performance professionals depend on.

Why Apollo Is One of the Leaders in Professional HVLP Spray Equipment

There are plenty of companies manufacturing paint sprayers, but Apollo has distinguished itself through its specialization in HVLP turbine technology. Instead of relying on large external air compressors, Apollo's turbine systems generate their own high-volume airflow, allowing professional finishers to operate with a compact, portable system. The advantages are especially important when spraying cabinets, furniture, trim, and detailed woodwork.

 

1. Less overspray and better material efficiency

HVLP stands for High Volume Low Pressure. The technology uses a high volume of air at relatively low pressure to atomize coatings and transfer them onto the surface. Compared with many conventional compressed-air spray systems, a properly adjusted HVLP system can significantly reduce overspray and improves transfer efficiency. The Apollo Precision-6 turbines have an output over 65 CFM of air at less that 10 PSI of flow pressure. That means more coating reaches the cabinet door or furniture piece instead of becoming airborne overspray. For a cabinet refinisher using expensive premium coatings, material savings can add up quickly.

 

2. Exceptional control for fine finishing

Cabinet refinishing requires precision. You are spraying cabinet doors, face frames, detailed profiles, and surfaces that customers will examine closely. An HVLP system allows you to fine-tune airflow, fluid delivery, and spray pattern to match the coating and the surface. That control is essential when you're trying to achieve a smooth, consistent finish without excessive material buildup.

 

3. A self-contained, portable spray system

One of the biggest benefits of turbine HVLP systems is portability. You don't need to transport a large compressor and compressed-air infrastructure to every job. The turbine supplies the airflow needed to operate the spray gun, making it especially attractive for cabinet refinishers working in customers' homes or mobile finishing setups.

 

4. Equipment designed specifically for finishing

Apollo's focus goes far beyond house painting. Its equipment is designed for demanding applications, including cabinet refinishing, fine woodworking, furniture manufacturing, automotive refinishing, and other industries where finish quality is critical. That experience is reflected in its pressure controls, spray gun engineering, and turbine technology.

 

Meet the Apollo Precision-6 PRO: Professional HVLP Technology at Its Best

The Apollo Precision-6 PRO represents decades of turbine engineering and finishing technology. This isn't an entry-level HVLP sprayer. It is a professional six-stage turbine system engineered to deliver the airflow and pressure needed for demanding finishing applications. For cabinet refinishers working with modern waterborne coatings, including premium Italian cabinet finishes, that additional performance can be extremely valuable.

 

Six-stage turbine power: 11.5 PSI

One of the standout features of the Precision-6 PRO is its powerful six-stage turbine motor. The system produces up to 11.5 PSI of sealed pressure, giving professional finishers substantial atomizing capability. Why does that matter? Not all coatings spray the same. Thin stains, clear coats, pigmented primers, and modern waterborne urethanes have different viscosity and atomization requirements. When you're spraying higher-solids coatings, having sufficient airflow and pressure can help break the material into fine droplets and produce a smoother finish.

 

Keep in mind that 11.5 PSI is the turbine's sealed-pressure rating. Actual operating pressure at the spray gun will be lower and depends on airflow, hose configuration, gun settings, and the coating being sprayed.

 

Precision pressure control: adjust to 1/10 PSI

One of my favorite features of the Precision-6 PRO is its digital pressure control. Apollo's Precision Air Control Technology allows adjustments in increments of 0.1 PSI. That level of control is important because the goal isn't to spray every coating at maximum pressure. The goal is to use the lowest pressure that properly atomizes the coating and produces the finish you want. Too much pressure can create unnecessary overspray. Too little pressure can result in poor atomization and excessive orange peel. Being able to make small adjustments helps you dial in the spray system for each coating.

 

The Precision system also compensates for changes in altitude and barometric pressure, helping maintain more consistent performance from one location to another.

 

Smart technology that protects your investment

Apollo incorporated several useful features into the Precision-6 PRO:

• Digital LCD display: Shows pressure readings and important system information.
  
  
• PowerPause technology: Automatically idles the turbine after approximately 60 seconds of inactivity.
  
  
• Hour meter: Tracks operating time for maintenance planning.
  
  
• Filter warnings: Alerts you when filtration needs attention.
  
  
• Temperature protection: Helps protect the turbine from overheating.
  
  
• Dual air filtration: Helps keep contaminants out of the turbine's airflow.
  
  
• 32-foot Apollo-Flex hose: Provides flexibility and maneuverability around your work area.
  
  

For professionals who use their spray equipment regularly, these features make a difference in convenience, maintenance, and consistency.

The Award-Winning Apollo A7700 Black Edition AtomiZer Spray Gun

A great turbine needs a great spray gun. Apollo paired its Precision-6 PRO with the A7700 Black Edition AtomiZer, one of the company's most advanced professional spray guns. In 2025, the Black Edition earned an AWFS Visionary Award in the Power Tools category for product innovation. For professional cabinet refinishers, the features behind that award are what really matter.

 

Precision fan pattern control

The A7700 Black Edition features Apollo's Xpansive fan control ring with indicator markings. This allows painters to adjust the fan pattern to match the surface being sprayed. When spraying cabinet doors, you may want a wider fan pattern for large flat panels. When spraying narrow face frames, edges, or detailed profiles, you may need a smaller, more controlled pattern. Being able to adjust the fan pattern precisely helps you put the coating where it belongs.

 

Stainless steel fluid passages

The Black Edition uses stainless steel fluid-contact components, not just a stainless steel needle and nozzle. This is especially valuable when spraying modern waterborne coatings. Stainless steel components provide corrosion resistance and make the gun well suited for demanding professional finishing applications.

 

Improved ergonomics and balance

Cabinet refinishing can involve hours of spraying.The Black Edition was designed with ergonomics and balance in mind, helping make the spray gun comfortable to operate during longer finishing sessions.

 

Versatile fluid delivery

The A7700 platform offers gravity-feed and bottom-feed configurations, with options for different fluid setups. It also offers an overspray-control feature and a scratch-resistant body. The result is a versatile spray gun designed for professional finishing work, where precision and repeatability matter.

 

Why the Precision-6 PRO Is an Excellent Choice for Cabinet Refinishers

Cabinet refinishing is one of the most demanding applications for a professional painter. Unlike walls or ceilings, cabinet surfaces are frequently viewed up close, touched daily, and exposed to repeated cleaning. A high-quality cabinet finish needs to look beautiful and hold up to regular use. The Precision-6 PRO and Black Edition combination offers several advantages.

 

Spraying modern Italian waterborne cabinet coatings

Modern cabinet finishes have come a long way. Products such as Renner Italia waterborne primers and urethane topcoats can produce exceptional finishes, but proper application is critical. For example, I use Renner's 648 high-build primer and 851 2K urethane topcoat for cabinet and furniture finishing. These products can produce outstanding results when properly prepared and applied. The Apollo Precision-6 PRO provides the atomizing capability and adjustable pressure needed to work with a broad range of these professional coatings.

 

However, even with a powerful six-stage turbine, proper thinning, fluid-tip selection, air-cap selection, and spray technique are still essential. Always follow the coating manufacturer's application instructions, and test your settings before spraying the finished cabinet doors.

 

Reducing overspray in cabinet refinishing

When you're refinishing cabinets in an occupied home, overspray control becomes especially important. A properly adjusted HVLP system can help reduce unnecessary airborne coating compared with less efficient spray setups. This makes it easier to control the application, especially around detailed cabinet components. You still need proper masking, ventilation, filtration, and personal protective equipment. HVLP reduces overspray; it does not eliminate it.

 

More consistent finishes

One of the challenges in cabinet refinishing is maintaining consistent atomization across multiple cabinet doors and components.

The Precision-6 PRO's digital controls make it easier to document and repeat your preferred settings.

Once you have your coating, viscosity, nozzle, and airflow dialed in, you have a repeatable starting point for future projects.

That consistency is valuable when you're operating a professional cabinet refinishing business.

 

Take Your Cabinet Refinishing to the Next Level With a Remote Pressure Pot

For professional cabinet refinishers, I also recommend considering Apollo's two-quart remote pressure pot system. A remote pressure pot allows you to keep the coating in a separate container instead of carrying the full weight of a paint cup attached to the gun. There are several benefits.

 

First, the spray gun becomes lighter and easier to maneuver, especially when spraying cabinet interiors, face frames, and detailed areas.

 

Second, you have a larger supply of coating available, reducing interruptions to refill the cup.

 

Third, the pressure pot provides controlled material delivery, which can be helpful when spraying more demanding coatings.

 

For painters doing production cabinet refinishing, the remote pot can make the entire process more efficient. Apollo offers a Precision-6 PRO package with a two-quart pressure pot, material hose, and supporting equipment.

Is the Apollo Precision-6 PRO Worth the Investment?

If you're serious about professional cabinet refinishing, I believe investing in quality spray equipment is one of the smartest decisions you can make. Cheap equipment may save money upfront, but inconsistent atomization, excessive overspray, and additional finishing work can quickly eliminate those savings. Consider what matters most to your business.

 

Finish quality: Your customers expect smooth, professional results.

 

Efficiency: Better spray control can help reduce wasted coating and unnecessary rework.

 

Versatility: The Precision-6 PRO can be configured for a broad range of stains, primers, clear coats, and pigmented finishes.

 

Portability: A self-contained turbine system is convenient for mobile cabinet refinishing.

 

Long-term value: Apollo has decades of experience developing and supporting professional HVLP equipment.

 

The best spray system isn't necessarily the cheapest one. It's the one that helps you consistently produce professional results while operating an efficient, profitable business.

 

My Final Thoughts: Why Apollo Deserves a Place in Your Spray Equipment Lineup

After more than 25 years in the painting industry, one thing I've learned is that quality equipment matters. When you're spraying cabinets and furniture, the finish is everything. Your customers aren't interested in how much pressure your sprayer produces or how many stages the turbine has. They care about how their cabinets look when the job is finished. But as professional painters, we know that the technology behind our equipment plays an important role in achieving those results.

 

Apollo has spent 60 years developing HVLP technology, and its Precision-6 PRO paired with the award-winning A7700 Black Edition spray gun is a compelling example of that experience. The combination of six-stage turbine power, precise digital pressure control, advanced spray gun engineering, and portability makes it an excellent option for professional cabinet refinishers.

 

Whether you're starting a cabinet refinishing business or upgrading your current HVLP equipment, this is a system worth considering.

 

 

Remember: The right equipment, the right coating, and the right technique all work together to produce a professional finish.

 

Keep on painting!

Chris Berry — The Idaho Painter Paint Life TV | Paint Life Supply Co. | Paint Life Academy

 

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