I've been looking for an HVLP sprayer for paint and other finishes. HVLP looks like the way to go, but the high end units are SOOOO expensive. Has anyone had experience with some of the low end units, like the Wagner FineSpray 2400 or CH HV1120? I am not a professional woodworker and it would only be for occasional use, but I do want a nice even finish.
Bruce
HVLP Sprayer
Moderator: admin
Hey batg4!
Yes the cost of the HVLP guns are expensive. I have used both. The other spraying systems mentioned do not have the type of tip that would give a good finish from what I have seen. The HVLP puts more down on the product with less mist to the air than a standard type spray gun.
I don't own an HVLP (due to same reason = $$$) and continue to use my Devillbiss 1 qt. guns with lacquer nozzles. It's a high end type of gun for spraying cars. I've had it for 30 plus years. I even used it for spraying cars besides furniture. I can put it down well and have done professional pieces to accomplish the finish as good as a factory furniture. Even sprayed toners (for blending color of wood when using diffferent shades of wood to make them all appear to be the same tone) with it at low pressure. I also have a 1 gallon pressure pot with a Devillbiss touch up gun for long runs.
I use Sherwin Williams white water lacquer satin finish with no problems. It has a high solids content and can be thinned with lacquer thinner. I have not used Deft for over 25 years due to the smell and slower drying time, also. I use about 35-40 psi at the gun. I have a pressure gauge on the gun. It dries in about 15 minutes and can put on 3-4 coats easily in an a couple of hours. Rub out with 4/0 steel wool or 400 or better wet/dry silicone sandpaper. Can be found at your local home improvement centers. I prefer it over urethanes due to their slow drying times = dust accumulation and longer to finish the product. Proper prep with vacuuming and tack rags you can get at Lowe's, Home Depot or even Walmart to remove the fine dust. Tack between coats as required, if sanded or rubbed out.
Safety Issues: A good mask is required for safety reasons and an old fan in the window to duct out the mist is recommended. Remember it is flammable so no furnace should be going while your are spraying and until "fog" has cleared the area (winter time).
Remember you get what you pay for and for finishing, I would not recommend a cheap gun, i.e., Home improvement types, if you are trying to achieve factory type finishes. You will need at least a compressor that has a 20 gallon tank. Check the cfm on it for continous pressure at specific psi. Good luck with your find.
Yes the cost of the HVLP guns are expensive. I have used both. The other spraying systems mentioned do not have the type of tip that would give a good finish from what I have seen. The HVLP puts more down on the product with less mist to the air than a standard type spray gun.
I don't own an HVLP (due to same reason = $$$) and continue to use my Devillbiss 1 qt. guns with lacquer nozzles. It's a high end type of gun for spraying cars. I've had it for 30 plus years. I even used it for spraying cars besides furniture. I can put it down well and have done professional pieces to accomplish the finish as good as a factory furniture. Even sprayed toners (for blending color of wood when using diffferent shades of wood to make them all appear to be the same tone) with it at low pressure. I also have a 1 gallon pressure pot with a Devillbiss touch up gun for long runs.
I use Sherwin Williams white water lacquer satin finish with no problems. It has a high solids content and can be thinned with lacquer thinner. I have not used Deft for over 25 years due to the smell and slower drying time, also. I use about 35-40 psi at the gun. I have a pressure gauge on the gun. It dries in about 15 minutes and can put on 3-4 coats easily in an a couple of hours. Rub out with 4/0 steel wool or 400 or better wet/dry silicone sandpaper. Can be found at your local home improvement centers. I prefer it over urethanes due to their slow drying times = dust accumulation and longer to finish the product. Proper prep with vacuuming and tack rags you can get at Lowe's, Home Depot or even Walmart to remove the fine dust. Tack between coats as required, if sanded or rubbed out.
Safety Issues: A good mask is required for safety reasons and an old fan in the window to duct out the mist is recommended. Remember it is flammable so no furnace should be going while your are spraying and until "fog" has cleared the area (winter time).
Remember you get what you pay for and for finishing, I would not recommend a cheap gun, i.e., Home improvement types, if you are trying to achieve factory type finishes. You will need at least a compressor that has a 20 gallon tank. Check the cfm on it for continous pressure at specific psi. Good luck with your find.
Life is a chip at a time, 
Spike13
Spike13
-
Ed in Tampa
- Platinum Member
- Posts: 5834
- Joined: Fri Jul 21, 2006 12:45 am
- Location: North Tampa Bay area Florida
Brucebatg4 wrote:I've been looking for an HVLP sprayer for paint and other finishes. HVLP looks like the way to go, but the high end units are SOOOO expensive. Has anyone had experience with some of the low end units, like the Wagner FineSpray 2400 or CH HV1120? I am not a professional woodworker and it would only be for occasional use, but I do want a nice even finish.
Bruce
On some of the other forums guys are reporting good results with HVLP sprayers sold by Harbor Freight and Rockler. They are nearly identical units and cost under $100.
I have had pressure spraying equipment for years, painted 4 cars and 4 trucks. It got stolen and I replaced it with a smaller compressor and if I need to spray I will go to HVLP. To me the space a compressor that is big enough to adequately do pressure spraying and how often I used it dictated I went the way I did. Plus I was able to buy my little compressor and if a I need a HVLP unit for a lot less than a compressor needed to adquately do pressure spraying.
Another plus is HVLP is environmentally better than pressure spraying less material lost in the air, along with solvent and other harmful chemicals.
Ed