[Shop-talk] Paint sprayers

[Donald H Locker]

[Resending - to the list so any misstatements I make can be rectified.]

Big advantage of HVLP is that the paint droplets don't "bounce" off the
surface, so you get better efficiency (pounds of paint on the
vehicle/pounds of paint from the can.) You may have to test a panel to
make sure you apply it thick enough to cover, but not so thick as to
orange peel or sag. (Orange peel comes from uneven vehicle evaporation
through thick; sag comes from just too much paint for surface tension to
hold in place.)

I can't speak to the current HF guns; mostly they are cheaper because of
looser fits and tolerances in bits like adjustment needles. e.g. you may
find that turning the flow-control needle in a half turn reduces flow
too much, but then you have to back it out 3/4 turn to get back to where
you started; wiggling or bumping the needle may change the flow even if
you don't turn it at all. So watch the adjustments.

If you run an HVLP gun at higher pressure, you'll end up wasting paint.
Run it at the lowest pressure that atomises the paint adequately and
that delivers it to the surface. (Too much pressure will just send it
off into a cloud that wanders away; too little and it won't reach the
panel.)

Oh, and follow the reducer/thinner/viscosity/temperature charts very
carefully!

HTH,
Donald.
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On 2020-05-03 12:54 p.m., eric--- via Shop-talk wrote:
> Ok, so "Sandford" by big work truck is currently undergoing some major
> body work and will be getting new paint.  Both myself and my buddy
> haven't painted a car since the late 80's.
> 
> I see there are many different type of sprayers out there for automotive
> finishes.
> There are the traditional sprayers with the can under the gun (and what
> I already have and used in the 80s.)
> Then there are HVLP sprayers with the cups on top.
> I also noticed these types seem to be the new norm...
> _https://www.harborfreight.com/64-oz-professional-hvlp-air-spray-gun-kit-62895.html_
> 
> So, here are my requirements.  I am painting this truck, which is a work
> truck and does NOT need an awesome finish. I also don't mind buying new
> tools.
> 
> So, do I spring for the 'pro' model HF?  I will most likely not be
> painting another car for a decade (maybe) so I don't think I need to get
> into real pro brands and pay top dollar. But I may paint here and there,
> NEVER for show, just for work stuff.
> 
> Or, do I paint with the old style I already have?
> 
> What is the advantages?  Is there any learning curve?
> 
> Thanks!
> 
> Mule
> 
> "Be as beneficent as the sun or the sea, but if your rights as a
> rational being are trenched on, die on the first inch of your
> territory." Ralph Waldo Emerson
> -Who is John Galt?
> 
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