Hydraulically-assisted atomization allows the fluid to be delivered to the spray gun at low hydraulic pressures (150-1000 PSI)similar to air assist. The fluid is pre-atomized at an airless tip, and atomization is completed by introducing true High Volume, Low Pressure (HVLP) air to the pattern. The result is a finely atomized "soft spray" that produces a finish that resembles the high quality finish obtained with conventional air atomization.