HVLP sprayer suggestion for latex paint?

[BigfootBuilder]

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]

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.

 

[tiralie]

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]

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]

In the current Apollo product lines this would be the closest to what I have since mine is no longer availablehttp://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.

 

[tiralie]

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]

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...

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

 

[tiralie]

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]

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 B.]

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.

 

[tiralie]

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]

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!

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]

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!

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]

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]

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...

 

[tiralie]

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

US sites are showing it for sale right now.

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

 

[wptski]

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

List??  A product waiting list or wish list?

 

[JCLP]

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

US sites are showing it for sale right now.

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

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?  [unsure]

 

[tjbnwi]

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?  [unsure]

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

Tom