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HVLP Spray finishing

Posted: Sun Jan 16, 2011 10:07 pm
by ryanbp01
I recently acquired a Wood River HVLP Spray Gun with accessories. I plan to use it to spray urethane. I have used an airbrush in model painting which requires paint to be HVLP sprayer. There is nothing in the instructions which came with the unit other that what the psi on the air compressor is to be set at.

BPR

Posted: Mon Jan 17, 2011 1:32 am
by charlese
The video(s) here should help answer your question. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMAHHB8K2Jo&feature=related
I went looking for information, because the little HVLP sprayer have came with it's won little compressor that puts out air like the exhaust of a household vacuum cleaner. (High Volume, Low Pressure) Still don't know if that would work for you

Posted: Mon Jan 17, 2011 9:28 am
by ryanbp01
Chuck-

Thanks for the information. However I don't know if I have to dilute the finish with either water or mineral spirits or if I can use product in the sprayer without diluting it.

BPR

Posted: Mon Jan 17, 2011 10:17 am
by pennview
You can use a "viscosity cup" to time/measure the flow of your finish through the funnel-like cup. Then thin accordingly (or not), but without some guidance in your manual for the proper finish viscosity for your set up, you'll have to experiment.

Posted: Mon Jan 17, 2011 11:29 am
by Ed in Tampa
My understanding of HVLP spraying is that you use a similar viscosity as with High pressure spraying.

The proper viscosity is the thickest viscosity that will properly flow through the gun.

Be mindful of your material setting on the gun. Adjust it to your painting speed just slightly below where you begin to see runs.

HVLP and Pressure spraying is very similar except HVLP is slightly more forgiving and lacks most of the over spray.

Now if you talking about airless spraying that is an entirely different animal. Totally forgiving, viscosity is hardly a factor and almost no overspray. However the finish doesn't flow out so it is best used on the house painting or painting where the coverage is the prime importance.

Posted: Mon Jan 17, 2011 10:33 pm
by jimsjinx
I have used HVLP for 20 years, and get great finishes. I have used convetional spray guns in automotive painting, and MUCH preferr HVLP. If I can be any help, PM me. I do it for a living. I would like to help you with material selection and mixing. I'm a tad worried about your 'water or mineral spirits" comment. I'm willing to help. jimsjinx