Feedback requested on Graco HVLP systems

[RKA]

I'm specifically looking at a 9.5 ProContractor set up.  I'm comparing it to a Fuji Platinum 5 with 3M PPS cups.  The Graco has a few interesting features that would seem to be more user friendly and in a way the price comes out a bit lower if I factor in the additional purchases required with the Fuji to end up with an apples to apples.  I would be using this 99% for projects from poly up to thick latex, all waterborne.

I guess my concern is longevity, availability of parts, build quality and performance.  In various hobbiest communities, there is a ton of feedback on the Fuji's and I have no doubt parts will be available for many years to come.  Graco caters mostly toward pros.  But finding feedback on this unit is a chore.  There are a few youtube vids, but most don't get into much detail.

 

[rst]

The fact that Graco targets professionals should tell you all you need to know.

 

[RKA]

I would like to avoid assuming based on the company or their intended market.  If I look at Festool's offerings, my feedback runs the spectrum from terrific to poorly thought out, clumsy or unreliable.  It depends on what we are talking about. My sense is Graco's strength lies in the airless systems and the HVLP was added some years ago and improved along the way, but it's not their mainstay.  Whether they live up to the marketing, I'm not sure.

So the feedback can be as general as "my past experience with a Graco HVLP" or as specific as "I have the current ProContractor model". 

 

[PaulH99]

HVLP is great for spraying thinner products. Latex house paint really pushes the limit of a five stage HVLP turbine. It can be done successfully, but there is definitely a learning curve and likely some thinning of the paint needed. For latex paint, an airless or AAA might be a better choice.

 

[RKA]

I'm okay with thinning and much prefer the set up/clean up of an HVLP system.  I won't be painting an entire kitchen either, so a smaller capacity cup is fine as long as it's easy to refill on the fly.

 

[JCLP]

I have a Fuji Q5 with PPS and absolutly love it. Thinning waterborne, not latex as it is a different animal, is no problem. Whether you are spraying Kem Aqua, BM Advance, PPG Breakthrough, Cabinet Coat from Insl-x, Valspar waterborne lacquer or even BM regal Select wall paint, you will have no problem. It does take a bit of practice, okay a lot, but nothing gives you a better fine finish then HVLP.

Cheers,
JC

 

[rst]

I've been sprating stuff since 1971, if you are only doing very small jobs, I would get the Graco Ultra (or Ultra Max if you need to spray solvent based).  I've had a HVLP for a looong time, a Binks #18 for even longer, and a Titan airless.  I got a great discount on an Ultra a couple months ago and haven't used anything else since.  I also bought a couple different size tips and the larger capacity cups for the Max as an add, so I have two of the regular cups and two of the large cups.  Having estra cups makes larger jobs a breeze.  With all the crappy weather we had over winter I also found that it makes rinsing vehicle windows and doors easy, before having time to get to the car wash.