Author Topic: HVLP sprayer suggestion for latex paint? (Read 8834 times)

BigfootBuilder · « **on:** January 12, 2017, 09:45 PM »

I'm sorry I'm sorry, I know this gets asked a hundred times a week, but everyone's situation is always just a little different.

I've read here that folks seem to really like Fuji's systems, and I might just have to pull the trigger, and make some $ appear from somewhere to do it.

I'll be needing to finish some shelves coming up really soon, and this time I did not pre-paint my pieces before assembly (I did on the last project, but for some reason not on this one). So, I'm spraying into a bunch of 5 sided boxes :/

Is there a Fuji setup that would be ideal for this, like a mini-mite 4? Is there a setup that includes a smaller gun that might have less bounce back when spraying inside of boxes?

Additionally, does anyone have any good advice, beyond a high quality setup for spraying inside of boxes?

I want to not hate finishing.

Thank you all.

Paul G · « **Reply #1 on:** January 13, 2017, 02:11 AM »

I use an Apollo 1050VR with their a7500qt gun. I've sprayed latex many times with it. Just used it tonight to paint some built in shelves with General Finishes milk paint which works great also. Clear coats tomorrow. I've never used a Fuji so can't compare, but I'm very pleased with my Apollo set up. A pressure pot would help it work better in tighter spaces and any orientation.

Tim Raleigh · « **Reply #2 on:** January 13, 2017, 07:36 AM »

Quote from: Paul G on January 13, 2017, 02:11 AM

A pressure pot would help it work better in tighter spaces and any orientation.

Agreed, in tight spaces a pressure pot is much better. A mini mite 4 will work but I would suggest spraying a waterbourne lacquer like Kem Aqua or Target EM 6500 over a latex. Build a box the same dimensions as the one you have and practice spraying it without getting too much overspray on the freshly painted surface.
Tim

BigfootBuilder · « **Reply #3 on:** January 13, 2017, 12:18 PM »

Right now I'm using a cheap Harbor Freight setup with a pressure pot, and the pot definitely has its worth in regards to gun mobility. However, it's a cheap Harbor Freight setup, and difficult to dial in the air/paint/fan settings, as well as causes a lot of overspray and bounceback.

I also have a Rockler HVLP setup, but I could not get it to spray SW ProClassic without blobbing, wouldn't atomize (even with 10% thin + floetrol).

So again I'm spraying SW PC, and need to consider a high end finishing setup because 1, I'm over experiencing the frustration and clunkiness of these low end systems, and 2, #1x1000 + I need to produce a high end product for the client.

I understand that folks seem to like the 3M PPS setup, but I haven't done enough research on what that means, will do that now.

Basically if you were me, with the need to spray SW PC into boxes, needing a high end finish, and actually have a bottom to your pockets, which direction would you go?

Thanks @ Paul G I'll look into the Apollo setup too...

Paul G · « **Reply #4 on:** January 13, 2017, 12:44 PM »

In the current Apollo product lines this would be the closest to what I have since mine is no longer available http://www.hvlp.com/product/precision-5-hvlp-turbospray/

Poke around their site, lots of options for you including pressure pots.

I haven't gone the pot route yet because the times I needed to shoot in any orientation I was able to use my Graco AAA unit. Without that I would have a pot by now for the Apollo.

Tim Raleigh · « **Reply #5 on:** January 13, 2017, 01:45 PM »

If I was only spraying latex paint I would get a small airless sprayer like the Graco Finex or 395. You will be shocked at how well these machines spray latex and how good the finish is. By the time you spend the money on a turbine hvlp and discover hoa much effort it takes to get the high level of finish you want you wish you had bought an airless. Your current setup can easIly spray the clear coats.
Tim

BigfootBuilder · « **Reply #6 on:** January 13, 2017, 02:09 PM »

I have an airless as well, I'm ready for a high end HVLP. Too much cleanup with an airless for a small built in cabinet. Also, I'm not spraying clear coats, just SWPC. I can't get the Rockler HVLP setup to give me the results I need, are you saying there's a way? I tried tuning it as much as I could but just couldn't get good atomization, you can't adjust air volume on those things and it's single stage...

Quote from: Tim Raleigh on January 13, 2017, 01:45 PM

If I was only spraying latex paint I would get a small airless sprayer like the Graco Finex or 395. You will be shocked at how well these machines spray latex and how good the finish is. By the time you spend the money on a turbine hvlp and discover hoa much effort it takes to get the high level of finish you want you wish you had bought an airless. Your current setup can easIly spray the clear coats.
Tim

Tim Raleigh · « **Reply #7 on:** January 13, 2017, 03:06 PM »

No you won't get what you want from a single stage hvlp. You will need at least a three stage.
Are you spraying on site or in the shop? If all your spraying is in the shop, a compressor driven hvlp system is a good solution.
Get the five stage Apollo or Fujit system. Titan makes a 6 stage that might be interesting to look at.you can also
What airless machine do you have?
Tim

overanalyze · « **Reply #8 on:** January 13, 2017, 05:58 PM »

Air assist airless is the way a lot of production shops go for spraying latex.

Really though you need to give KemAqua a try. It is awesome!!! Usually you can spray it without any reduction. Great durable finish...better than SW PC.

Scott Burt · « **Reply #9 on:** January 13, 2017, 07:38 PM »

In HVLP on a turbine, 5 stage to have any kind of viscosity and predictability in trim or cabinet grade latex.

The 395 air assisted (or equivalent) is a great option if you are spraying much quantity.

A really solid and extremely cost effective in between option turns out to be this:

http://topcoatreview.com/2016/10/graco-gx-19/

Its an airless, and not the kind of airless we think of blasting out drywall primer with. A lower gpm and nicely calibrated version.

Tim Raleigh · « **Reply #10 on:** January 13, 2017, 10:56 PM »

Quote from: Scott Burt on January 13, 2017, 07:38 PM

A really solid and extremely cost effective in between option turns out to be this:
http://topcoatreview.com/2016/10/graco-gx-19/

Scott:
I would have recommended the gx-19 but on the Graco site it says they aren't available in Canada and US yet.
Do you know if that has changed?
Tim

BigfootBuilder · « **Reply #11 on:** January 14, 2017, 01:25 AM »

I'm spraying in a shop currently, but I do want the versatility that a mobile unit would offer down the line. I have pretty much the most basic Titan airless setup they make, forget the model but can check tomorrow.

I checked out the Apollo setups and they also look very nice!

Quote from: Tim Raleigh on January 13, 2017, 03:06 PM

No you won't get what you want from a single stage hvlp. You will need at least a three stage.
Are you spraying on site or in the shop? If all your spraying is in the shop, a compressor driven hvlp system is a good solution.
Get the five stage Apollo or Fujit system. Titan makes a 6 stage that might be interesting to look at.you can also
What airless machine do you have?
Tim

BigfootBuilder · « **Reply #12 on:** January 14, 2017, 01:31 AM »

Thanks Scott, I haven't heard of an airless finish sprayer before, I read your review, and thank you! Very well written, informative, and concise! I'll have to now look into this as well. Saves the need for a pressure pot, and sounds like the thinned line requires less cleaning.

Any idea about how much water it takes to fully clean the thing out? Thank you for your input everyone, it is extremely valuable!

Quote from: Scott Burt on January 13, 2017, 07:38 PM

In HVLP on a turbine, 5 stage to have any kind of viscosity and predictability in trim or cabinet grade latex.

The 395 air assisted (or equivalent) is a great option if you are spraying much quantity.

A really solid and extremely cost effective in between option turns out to be this:

http://topcoatreview.com/2016/10/graco-gx-19/

Its an airless, and not the kind of airless we think of blasting out drywall primer with. A lower gpm and nicely calibrated version.

wptski · « **Reply #13 on:** January 14, 2017, 07:41 AM »

Quote from: Tim Raleigh on January 13, 2017, 10:56 PM

Scott:
I would have recommended the gx-19 but on the Graco site it says they aren't available in Canada and US yet.
Do you know if that has changed?
Tim

US sites are showing it for sale right now.

rostyvyg · « **Reply #14 on:** January 14, 2017, 04:55 PM »

Quote from: BigfootBuilder on January 12, 2017, 09:45 PM

I want to not hate finishing.

I have Titan Capspray 115. It is a 6 stage turbine HVLP system. Tried many other setups. Nothing comes even close. Also, whatever you do DO NOT use a latex water based paint on your cabinets no matter how high the quality/brand. If you are totally bent on it use only 100% acrylic latex paint and wait at least a week before letting anyone touch it. After much trial and error I, personally, would only use alkyd paint on cabinets. Your mileage may vary...

Tim Raleigh · « **Reply #15 on:** January 15, 2017, 02:55 PM »

Quote from: Scott Burt on January 13, 2017, 07:38 PM

A really solid and extremely cost effective in between option turns out to be this:
http://topcoatreview.com/2016/10/graco-gx-19/

Quote from: wptski on January 14, 2017, 07:41 AM

US sites are showing it for sale right now.

On the list to purchase. Thanks for helping me spending my money

Tim

wptski · « **Reply #16 on:** January 15, 2017, 03:05 PM »

Quote from: Tim Raleigh on January 15, 2017, 02:55 PM

On the list to purchase. Thanks for helping me spending my money
Tim

List?? A product waiting list or wish list?

JCLP · « **Reply #17 on:** January 16, 2017, 12:33 PM »

Quote from: Tim Raleigh on January 15, 2017, 02:55 PM

Quote from: Scott Burt on January 13, 2017, 07:38 PM
A really solid and extremely cost effective in between option turns out to be this:
http://topcoatreview.com/2016/10/graco-gx-19/
Quote from: wptski on January 14, 2017, 07:41 AM
US sites are showing it for sale right now.

On the list to purchase. Thanks for helping me spending my money
Tim

Found the GX19 at Steels Paint and Decorating. It sells for $1400.00 Cad, but the salesman told me to wait as Graco is having a spring sale in the next month or so.
Cheers,
JC

wptski · « **Reply #18 on:** January 16, 2017, 02:38 PM »

Quote from: JCLP on January 16, 2017, 12:33 PM

Found the GX19 at Steels Paint and Decorating. It sells for $1400.00 Cad, but the salesman told me to wait as Graco is having a spring sale in the next month or so.
Cheers,
JC

A spring sale in February or March?

tjbnwi · « **Reply #19 on:** January 16, 2017, 09:46 PM »

Quote from: wptski on January 16, 2017, 02:38 PM

Quote from: JCLP on January 16, 2017, 12:33 PM
Found the GX19 at Steels Paint and Decorating. It sells for $1400.00 Cad, but the salesman told me to wait as Graco is having a spring sale in the next month or so.
Cheers,
JC
A spring sale in February or March?

He's in Canada, anything over -10ºC is spring.

Tom

wptski · « **Reply #20 on:** January 16, 2017, 10:12 PM »

Quote from: tjbnwi on January 16, 2017, 09:46 PM

He's in Canada, anything over -10ºC is spring.

Tom

Ha!

Tim Raleigh · « **Reply #21 on:** January 17, 2017, 12:53 PM »

Quote from: tjbnwi on January 16, 2017, 09:46 PM

He's in Canada, anything over -10ºC is spring.

LOL, I doubt Chicago area is much warmer than here.
Tim

BigfootBuilder · « **Reply #22 on:** February 02, 2017, 10:16 AM »

Quote from: rostyvyg on January 14, 2017, 04:55 PM

Quote from: BigfootBuilder on January 12, 2017, 09:45 PM

I want to not hate finishing.

I have Titan Capspray 115. It is a 6 stage turbine HVLP system. Tried many other setups. Nothing comes even close. Also, whatever you do DO NOT use a latex water based paint on your cabinets no matter how high the quality/brand. If you are totally bent on it use only 100% acrylic latex paint and wait at least a week before letting anyone touch it. After much trial and error I, personally, would only use alkyd paint on cabinets. Your mileage may vary...

Thanks, in the particular case here the owners wanted the same finish I put on some built-in bookcases I made for them, which I had finished with SW ProClassic. I'm with you though, I will be switching to KA+ from now on, or Target coatings. As much as I wanted to spring for a good setup this time around it wasn't in the cards, and I need to wait until I can really afford something nice, like what you mentioned.

That Graco air-assisted airless does look nice! I think I'll wait for them to be around for a little bit and see what the general review says. Thanks for your recommendation with that @Scott Burt, I didn't know about those things.

And thank you everyone for your replies, sorry I'm late in getting back to y'all.

I thought I was set on getting a Fuji system but now I'm starting to consider that Graco setup...

Pnw painter · « **Reply #23 on:** February 02, 2017, 10:32 AM »

Another good option is the Titan ED655. It's a diaphragm pump and works much better at lower pressures compared to traditional airless setups. It's also a hopper setup so you don't need as much product to load the sprayer.

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MacWood · « **Reply #24 on:** April 02, 2017, 01:20 PM »

We do a lot with HVLP. Fuji, Apollo, are good systems.... we use the Titan five stage. Make sure you thin properly and apply several light coats.

We also use an airless with a fine finish tip by Greco. Depends on what type of Latex you re using.

Either a 2-10 or a 2-12

JBag09 · « **Reply #25 on:** April 02, 2017, 01:37 PM »

Could you guys who spray alot please explain what the problems are with SW ProClassic? I hear good and bad things on it. I bought a quart of it to experiment with for future cabinets. So you need to wait a week to touch it? Why, so it has time to fully harden?
Also, KA+, is that offered in colors also? I recently found a place to buy it, I assumed it was just a clear finish. Kindly explain your experiences with it.

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wptski · « **Reply #26 on:** April 02, 2017, 02:09 PM »

Quote from: JBag09 on April 02, 2017, 01:37 PM

Could you guys who spray alot please explain what the problems are with SW ProClassic? I hear good and bad things on it. I bought a quart of it to experiment with for future cabinets. So you need to wait a week to touch it? Why, so it has time to fully harden?
Also, KA+, is that offered in colors also? I recently found a place to buy it, I assumed it was just a clear finish. Kindly explain your experiences with it.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Do a search here for topics on both as there other long threads on the both.

LTD · « **Reply #27 on:** April 04, 2017, 10:55 PM »

I use a Fuji 4 stage. #4 tip and needle. Thin the paint using Windshield wiper fluid, 40-50 sec. thru the viscosity cup.

Also check out

.

Great tips on using coat hangers. Check Amazon to buy, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B018YLFLXW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1.

David