HVLP purchase help!

[Paul G]

I've had good results on cabinets using General Finishes milk paint topped with their enduro clear poly. Used both air assisted airless and HVLP

 

[tiralie]

I haven't selected a paint or brush. It will all be new to me so I'm all ears. Thanks for the suggestions!

Scott Burt has been very kind to share his knowledge here and on his site, so I would definitely check out what he and the community that posts there have to say.
This entry on water borne trim paint and the discussion is very good. As is stated BM Advance or BM satin impervo 314 are good products.
Tim

 

[Grasshopper]

Awesome advice. Thanks all!

 

[Srbrownjr175]

What's the best (most comfortable) gun style for Gravity or bottom feed? Mostly used for built ins.

Steve

 

[tiralie]

If I had To choose just one, Gravity with PPS.
Tim

 

[Srbrownjr175]

Thanks Tim I'm looking at the FUJI Semi-pro 2.

 

[sgt_rjp]

I had written off the semi-pro model since it was only 2 stage and had chosen the mini-mite3 and even thought about the Q4.  But now I'm back to the semi-pro.  I've seen a review that says that it can even handle latex paint.  It's interesting that it quotes a 1400w motor and even CFM rating but none of the other do.  I'm sure it's not the quality that the others are, and I'm sure the others are excellent sprayers, but I'm thinking that the semi-pro model may just be what this DIY guy needs.  Well, this and PPS

 

[BPCFinishing]

http://www.amazon.com/High-Pressure-Gravity-Feed-Spray/dp/B004SQS68U/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1427768543&sr=8-7&keywords=hvlp+sprayer  I use this with excellent results.  Just run it using my bostitch 5 gal compressor and once the settings are dialed in I can spray continuously without losing pressure (yes compressor will run but pressure stays at a level that doesn't effect the tool pressure).  If you have a 5gal+ compressor right now this is a great option.  Here's a sample of a door with some SW Kem aqua+ sprayed on. [attachthumb=1]

 

[sgt_rjp]

Looks good, but I'd need a new compressor and then have to worry about filtering and drying the air.  I've read a lot about that gun though, and it looks great for the price.  I think you can even convert it to PPS.

 

[brewster201]

Hello I use the Agualente Precat WB pigmented topcoat lacquer and Sher-Wood Kem Aqua Pigment Lacquer
Aqualente stain-blocking water Borne primer
The spray guns I use are the Apollo 7500 pressurized gravity and Fuji XPC pressurized gravity setup with 3m PPS, I have used the clear and blue lids with WB lacquer and primer with no issues, maybe I should just use the blue lids now

 

[Allyson]

Thanks for the posts in favor of the Minimite.  I purchased a Wagner HVLP from Amazon based on rave reviews (thinking about spraying trim outside), but as I approach doing some built-ins, I'm not sure I want to risk it with a $100 sprayer.  here is the one I have still sitting in the box: http://www.amazon.com/Wagner-0518080-Control-Spray-Sprayer/dp/B003PGQI48/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1426183874&sr=1-1&keywords=wagner+hvlp)

I'm curious how the Minimite stacks up from the pro's point of view (or I suppose the Wagner for that matter)
Why don't you consider having a professional finisher do your finishing work?  Many of us specialize in bringing someone's gorgeous woodwork to life.  There are exceptional finishers in all areas, and it's worth it...we have the equipment and expertise to do that work, while you have the equipment and talent to do what you do.  You are right about finishing -- if it's not your expertise, doing it could lessen the overall look of your work.

I'd just hate to use $5,000+ worth of festools to make sure my built ins look awesome, only to bring the piece down a notch at the final stage (the stage on display for all to see).  Why go to the trouble of making awesome screw free joints if the end result is orange peel, or other "blemishes").  I see a lot of white paint spraying in my near future for my own personal home based projects (trim, window seats, built ins, fireplace surround, smaller furniture, etc.)

I'm a hobbyist, so I don't think I can justify a large compressor system (nor would likely have the expertise to appreciate the difference).  If the Minimite is the right fit (or the Wagner I still have in the box for that matter), it would be good to know.  If there is another option that is even a better fit, I'm all ears there as well.

If I have to dig into my wallet further (without going too crazy of course) I am willing to do so for this critical step as long as it makes the right difference.  (in other words, if the difference between my $100 sprayer to the Minimite (or from the Minimite to something more robust) is marginal, I can decide for the "occasional" household hobby project.

I appreciate the feedback thus far and look forward to your direction.

 

[brewster201]

Hello I personally wouldn't any go near the Wagner, I would suggest spending your money wisely and go with the Fuji Mini-Mite T series 3 or 4 stage depending what your spraying. The Fuji T series pressure gravity feed gun is a great spray gun included in the kit
Using 1.4mm cap set spraying WB pigmented topcoat lacquers for the perfect finish

Bruce

 

[alexander]

Hi,

I'm jumping in the topic.

I'm looking to get in the HVLP paint system too. I plan to paint all kind of furnitures and built-ins, and occasionally my old truck. The price where I live are kind of way expensive... so I will get it from UK where they have good packages. I'm looking into the Fuji Mini-Mite 4 with a T70 spray gun. A guess I will take the gravity gun for a start. For the air caps, the gun comes with a 1.3mm. Should I take some other air caps? what are the most used ones? I would prefer to order them with the package, instead to have to order them after and pay some shipping as expensive as the air cap.

I was wondering, can we paint some walls with such a system, like the Wagner systems? I guess for that it would be better to go with the pressure pot + suction gun, since the capacity of paint is too small for a gravity gun.

Thanks for any input.

Alex

 

[brewster201]

Hello Alex I would also purchase the extra Air Cap Set 1.5mm but it always depends what product you would be spraying.

For my setup I use a 1.5 mm Air Cap Set/3M PPS for spraying kitchen doors and cabinets using WB pigmented Lacquer.

I really would not use the Fuji to spray walls but would look into an airless set

Bruce

 

[alexander]

Thank you, for your input.

I just looked at the 3M PPS system seems quite interesting. For the Fuji T70 gravity gun it seems I would need the #18 PPS adapter. Is that right?

Thanks Alex

 

[Allyson]

I use the gravity PPS system.  I use a couple of different sizes.  I love the system, and re-use the inserts and caps (for water-based products) several times.  They are great if you need to store product for a bit.  You can just put a cap on the PPS cup and save. 

There are good lists online that denote the adaptors that go with specific guns and whether it's a gravity or bottom-feed gun.

 

[brewster201]

Hello I use the Fuji XPC and Apollo 7500 spray gun. What I like about the Apollo gun is that you can se as a pressure bottom feed or pressure gravity feed to suit your spray preferences.
The T75  pressure gravity gun uses a #2
My friend really enjoys this gun, it came out after I purchased my Fuji Super 4

Bruce

 

[tiralie]

For the Fuji T70 gravity gun it seems I would need the #18 PPS adapter. Is that right?

Yes. #18 PPS™ adapter

 

[brewster201]

T-70 uses the #18 PPS adapter

T-75 gravity gun uses the #2 adapter

 

[alexander]

Thanks guys for your input!

Now I just need to find where to get the 3M PPS around where I live or order it somewhere in Europe. If anyone has a good address... Being in small country has it disadvantages for shopping around.

Alex