Success!

[gunnyr]

I think I've finally turned the corner on learning to spray finish!  Many thanks to all of you who have contributed to this discussion!

I've had a Fuji MM4 for a little more than a year and used it only sporadically.  I've managed to finish a few shop projects but not without a lot of swearing and sanding.  This week I finished several large room dividers for a paying client.  Until now I never seemed to be able to get the finished thinned correctly.  This week I used a Ford cup! 

I followed the Fuji guidance and sprayed the SW Extreme Bond primer with the 1.8 cap thinned to 40 seconds (Nearly 30% thinning) plus 10% Flotrol.  The primer went on rough but sanded smooth easily. 

The finish I sprayed was SW Pro Classic Satin thinned to 30 seconds (20%) with a 1.5 cap.  Also with 10% Flotrol. 

I think I've finally figured out the relationship between the fan size and the control knob as I was able to apply the finish with minimal sags.  Due to the size of the project laying it flat was not an option.

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The finish is not perfect but it is a great improvement over my previous efforts!  I chose to spray only the field and brush the trim.  Next time maybe I'll spray the trim too.

 

[drm11981]

Nice Job!! Practice makes perfect.

 

[tallgrass]

spray finishes are all about prep and practice. NO SHORTCUTS. unfortunately.

 

[Cheese]

Amen...I’ve struggled over the years to consistently produce a uniform surface until I stumbled upon the ...FORD CUP. It may not be your final destination, however it is your best road map as to how you will get to your destination in a repeatable fashion.

 

[wakyct]

The finish I sprayed was SW Pro Classic Satin thinned to 30 seconds (20%) with a 1.5 cap.  Also with 10% Flotrol. 

Did you test the finish with the 1.8 cap at all? I'm curious because I only have the 1.8 cap and I'm considering getting the 1.5 (for acrylic/latex) if the results are worth it.

 

[gunnyr]

I did not test with the 1.8 cap.  I did, however, spray some primer with the 1.5 cap last week with good results.  The 1.5 atomized the primer a little better.  I will likely go back and try the 1.8 cap with the primer again.  If all you have is the 1.8 give it a try!  In my case I learned that I was not adjusting the material control knob properly and I was holding the gun too far from the surface.  I now start with the knob nearly closed and spray with the tip about 8" from the surface.

I'd be interested to hear your results!