HVLP Paint Sprayer

[keebler]

I have just begun construction on my tear. A buddy of mine custom built the trailer frame for me, but now I have to paint it. So, I am considering breaking down and buying a high volume, low pressure paint sprayer (HVLP). I have thought about buying one for a while, but just have not done it.

Any tips and suggestions? What should I look for in a sprayer? This will be for hobby use, so I am not looking for a commercial sprayer. However, when it come to tools, I do not mind buying quality.

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.

[emiller]

Here is the one I use http://www.tptools.com/p/2562,60_Showti ... t-Gun.html or if you just want one for a compressor see your local automotive paint shop. I bought a cheapo for spraying primer, a DeBliss and works great. The turbine unit is great because you don't need a compressor and the air comes out warm so no moisture to deal with. Just sounds like a vaccum cleaner.

[chief5]

I bought this one from Harbor Freight.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/d ... mber=91772

I didn't use it for paint (its intended use) but for polyurethane. I sprayed the interiors of kitchens cabinets I was building. It worked awesome. Almost a throw-away for the price, but I still have it for the next project.

Good luck, Lorn.

[looped]

I bought this one from Harbor Freight.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/d ... mber=91772

I didn't use it for paint (its intended use) but for polyurethane. I sprayed the interiors of kitchens cabinets I was building. It worked awesome. Almost a throw-away for the price, but I still have it for the next project.

Good luck, Lorn.

does that unit spray a good smooth layer?

[BrianK]

Here's a good article on hvlp's: www.house-painting-info.com/hvlp.html
Depending on how much you care to spend, Sherwin-Wms carries a line of Graco hvlp srayers. The variety of materials you intend on spraying and the viscosity of the materials will determine what kind of sprayer you need. I do faux and decorative painting and spend a lot of time finishing cabinetry. My hvlp rig was one of the best purchases I've made. I spray stains, varnish, polyurethane, oil-based primer and o-b paint. You'll probably want/need different tip and needle sizes for thinner/thicker fluids. If you are spraying in tight areas a remote pot is a nice thing to have, too. Don't forget the respirator.
Brian

[Dale M.]

Could have had it painted by now with a brush.....

Dale

[keebler]

Could have had it painted by now with a brush.....

Dale

Absolutely right Dale. But, it gives me another excuse with the wife to buy a new tool!

"Gee honey, I really need to go ahead and sink the money into the sprayer....:

[Airspeed]

I bought a Sharpe Finex gun and it works great, I used to use a harbor freight gun but I got good enough to merit buying a better gun. The HF guns work pretty good for the price but The Sharpe sprays much better and is easier to adjust and control. I paid around $129 for it. Make sure you have a compressor that puts out enough air to run what ever gun you end up with, Mine puts out 16 cfm at 40 lbs so there is plenty of air to keep up the the gun. I spray a lot of urethane but have also used it for lacquer, primer and polyurethane wood finish. I usually spray primer with my old Harbor freight gun to prevent wear on the Sharpe.