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Thread ID: 93541 2008-09-22 05:40:00 HVLP Sprayers Happy Harry (321) PC World Chat
Post ID Timestamp Content User
706877 2008-09-22 05:40:00 Hi there all you erudite people

Does anyone have any experience with HVLP Sprayers.
I have a couple of properties I wish to renovate and wish to spray paint the walls/ceilings etc.
I have a 13 cuft/min compressor and am lead to believe that a HVLP spray gun will do the business.
Do these guns spray (waterbased) paint straight from the can, is the tip size of the sprayer important.
Any input/information/experiences would be appreciated.

Cheers
Happy Harry (321)
706878 2008-09-22 06:12:00 I've used them a while now since they were mandated by the US and California EPA to cut the overspray and waste in the air .

I like them . . but they take a lot of getting used to . The pattern has to be kept a little smaller, ie: the fan . Also, you can tip some paint from the cup if you have it tilted too far . . . but if you are spraying at the moment, the vacuum will keep it in OK .

Use as low a pressure as you can to get decent atomization and make sure the paint is really as thin as it's supposed to be .

I have never had to go over 17 lbs sq/in (7 . 71kg per metricfloozel . :confused: . . . whatever THAT means!) for any paint I've used so far .

I don't really think they'll put out any thicker paints than auto finishes .

Single-and double or dual-stage paints are best, but the flash time is pretty quick so you need to use temperature controlled thinners and solvents . We are stuck with water-based paints here in the US, and especially California .

We are only sending good air south of the equator to youse guys . We are also NOT allowed to use lacquer or acrylics now either . . . . and I have several gallons of Dupont DuLux Acrylic Enamel for my Isuzu to paint it later this year . Don't tell! :eek:
SurferJoe46 (51)
706879 2008-09-22 11:00:00 Good luck with the HVLP, the only ones I have used were fed from a turbine via a fairly fat air hose, maybe 30 mm or 1-1/8" diameter. The air is delivered to the spray gun quite warm, which greatly assists the spreading of the paint so less thinner is required than conventional techniques. Attempts to use a TV EHT to give electro-static overspray reduction may be harmful to your cat, but can produce remarkable acceleration and a good demonstration of the doppler effect. Hurts a bit when you forget to keep your stray paw clear too.
However , it gives less overspray than conventional spray, but not as good as electro-static airless high pressure spray. Not as expensive either.
The units I used were supplied with a matching turbine and gun; the supplied nozzle was able to handle quite a wide range of paint types with no adjustment. Thinning is less critical than conventional spraying as well as being a lesser amount. A reciprocating compressor is not really practical for the benefits of HVLP which from memory was using around 200 cfm at maybe 2 - 6 psi of WARM air. (Warmed by the turbine which fair beats the air into a frenzy in a small space.)
It did a good job at all angles, had minimal overspray, used easily portable gear (You can carry gun, turbine and hose happily.) and did not cost the earth. A good idea is to ensure the motor brush cooling air exits do not get deflected around into the air inlet, or you will have mystery tiny black dots in your nice new paint.
If you should decide to use an old TV EHT supply to get electro-static overspray reduction, it could be wise to ensure the power is off before your friendly cat is driven to extreme acceleration, impressive vocals and a graphic demonstration of the doppler effect. Hurts when painters paws stray too.
R2x1 (4628)
706880 2008-09-22 14:04:00 I have absolutely NO idea why you'd use an electrostatic gun for painting like that...but teho....

Maybe you should consider an "airless" gun which I am going to use to apply stain to some big exterior doors tomorrow....

Here's what MAC Tools says about their HVLP though:


"Mac Tools introduces the new professional HVLP (High Volume, Low Pressure) and Conventional Gravity Paint Guns. The HVLP gun transfers a minimum of 70% paint to the object while the Conventional gun transfers 35%. Low Air Consumption (CFM) and a fan size of 11 inches make these guns very efficient. These Mac Tools professional paint guns have an abundance of features and benefits without the excessive price tag.


* Billeted Aluminum Air Cap and Stainless Steel Fluid Tip and Needle that spray the latest materials, producing an exceptionally fine finish while meeting demanding performance requirements.
* Smooth Pull Trigger for even distribution of metallic paints preventing mottling and striping. These guns also have a sealed valve for prolonged life and outstanding color matching capabilities.
* Easy-Adjust Knobs provide optimum atomization for clear and single-stages. Produces high-gloss finish and minimizes orange peel.
* Heavy-Duty Metal Knobs and Nuts eliminate damage from assembly and disassembly.
* Exceptional Fluid Control allows more coverage with fewer passes.


Here's the gun itself: PICTURE (www.autocarepro.com)
SurferJoe46 (51)
706881 2008-09-26 02:10:00 Thanks for the input guys
Added mor questions than answers, but that is not a bad thing.
I will have to do a bit more research and then hopefully make an informed decision.

Cheers
HH
Happy Harry (321)
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