Replies

1. 
   nikkiwood | May 20, 2004 07:55am | #1

   I'm no expert, but it has always been my impression that you will need a larger cfm capacity than you describe to do a decent job of spraying. Moreover, you will need some sort of filter attachment to clean out any contaminants before the material goes through your gun.

   If others here -- or a dealer -- says that your compressor is big enough to handle a spray gun, I would urge you to compare costs with a stand alone HVLP system. They are portable, and a good system will spray a flawless finish.

   I use a 4 stage model from Cap Spray (#9100), which is wonderful, but on the expensive side ($8-900, when I bought it 10 years ago). I think the technology has advanced considerably in recent years, and others can no doubt recommend a good system for fewer dollars.

   You will never regret getting into sprayed finishes.

   
   

   ---

   Edited 5/23/2004 3:28 pm ET by nikkiwood

2. 
   jackplane | May 20, 2004 03:46pm | #2

   With your set-up, I'd go for an HVLP gun in the mid to upper price range; it'll serve you well. I started with a Campbell-Hausfeld low end model that I would not recommend, too many plastic fittings that should be brass or stainless steel.

      IMO, a regular gun would use more air than your compressor can produce without running all day.

3. 
   Fingrs | May 20, 2004 03:47pm | #3

   Hi, Ron.  Go to http://www.homesteadfinishing.com/index.htm and check out their stuff.  Better yet, call them and they can help get you set up.  It's a great resource.

1. 
   Sancho | May 20, 2004 05:22pm | #4

   Accuspray versamax series I use a 4 gal 1 1/2 hp emglo no probs with the compressor keeping up http://www.compliantspraysystems.com 

   Darkworksite4:

   El americano pasado hacia fuera ase la bandera

4. 
   CRAIGCONEY_M | May 21, 2004 07:05pm | #5

   Check out gleempaint.com, I have the wagner conversion HVLP from them and have no problems with a PC 4 gal pancake.

1. 
   RonInOttawa | May 22, 2004 03:38pm | #6

   Thanks to all for the replies. I've added the recommended links to my Bookmarks and will check them out thoroughly before I make the investment.

   BTW: does anyone have an opinion on the merits/problems with Deft Brushing Lacquer? I'm using an excellent $30 2 1/2" badger brush and the results are still inconsistent.

   Regards,

   Ron

1. 
   PlaneWood | May 22, 2004 07:19pm | #7

   Ron -

   Deft 'brushing' lacquer is all that I use, but I don't brush it.  I spray it with an el-cheapo CH finish gun bought at HD running at about 40 psi.  Most of what I do is small pieces (see web page) so a small finish gun is great.  I find it best to put it on pretty thick.

   The reason it's called brushing lacquer is that it has retarders added which is great for humid climates like Houston.  It also has mineral soaps added that give it that warm feel.

   I rarely add retarder or thinner to it.  I find the Deft brand of 'Clear Wood Finish' to be very easy to use and very forgiving.  It dryes to a hard and smooth finish.  I generally buff with 0000 steel wool and a soft cotton cloth afterwards.   It's readily available almost everywhere.

   I also always undercoat with super blonde dewaxed shellac. 

   PlaneWood by Mike_in_Katy (maker of fine sawdust!)PlaneWood

2. 
   nikkiwood | May 23, 2004 10:32pm | #8

   Planewood is exactly correct that this product is simply lacquer with retarders added.

   Even so, brushing any kind of fast-drying finish such as lacquer is tricky, and best applied only to small projects.

5. 
   hammer1 | May 24, 2004 06:27am | #9

   Several years back I bought a Devilbis Finishline conversion HVLP. It's a siphon type. My Speedaire compressor is rated at 5.5 @ 90PSI and has a 20 gal. tank. Even running the gun @ 35PSI the compressor cannot keep up. I do large furniture and cabinets. I would recommend a gravity feed style gun. For efficient HVLP guns the minimum requirement is 7CFM @ 45PSI. Guns differ in their air volume needs so make sure you check that out, some need a lot more. You really need enough air to atomize the material if you expect great results. Check this site out. http://www.finishsystems.com/hvlp.html

6. 
   rholland54 | Jun 01, 2004 02:47pm | #10

   I recently purchased an Asturo ECO/I conversion HVLP gun from Homestead Finishing, paid about $450.00.  I have a 1 1/2 HP  12 gal. Sears compressor which is more than adequate to run this gun.   I purchased this gun to paint kitchen cabinets with oil based.  This is an excellent gun, is produces a very fine spray, and was easy to set up and use.   I thinned the paint  about 6 to 1 with Naphtha.    I have not tried any other finishes yet.

   Robert

7. 
   user-5880422 | Jun 01, 2004 05:17pm | #11

   An Asturo ECO hvlp gun will easily work off this compressor. With an inlet pressure of around 20psi (up or down a few depending on what you are finishing), this gun needs less than 6 cfm (I checked Homestead and it's listed at 7 cfm for the gravity model, but I think this is a typo because the gun doesn't need 7).

   On top of the low air requirements, this is an awesome gun that will give great results with paint, lacquer (including waterbornes), and whatever else. I am over-the-top pleased with mine.

8. 
   KailuaGuy | Jun 02, 2004 09:39am | #12

   I have been using the FUJI HVLP system and love the results.  Have done both lacquer and water based.  For water based I undercoat with ZINNS Shellac.  Much better than trying to brush on or use a regular air compresser.

9. 
   bill_1010 | Jun 03, 2004 03:19pm | #13

   YOur compressor would work unless youre spraying a car, or doing production work.  DOnt buy a bleeder gun, they will not let your compressor keep up.  

   Go to homesteadfinishing.com and they have a gun with a pressure pot that will work with your setup.

   Dont buy a cheap gun, youll get headaches.