HVLP Sprayer and Compressor Size Recommendation

nanoryan

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Hey guys,

Thinking about picking up one of these HVLP gravity feed spray guns..

http://www.harborfreight.com/high-volume-low-pressure-gravity-feed-spray-gun-66222.html

Specs say 12 CFM @ 15-45 PSI. I have a little 2 gallon shop compressor that specs out at .50 CFM @ 40 PSI. I was looking for compressors that support 12 CFM and they tend to be pretty large/expsnsive units.

My two questions are ..

1) What is the smallest compressor I can get good results with? If I am running the gun at the minimum 15 PSI can I cut the CFM requirememnt way down?

2) I really want to spray acrylic latex because of the easy clean up but the instructions indicate it might be a little too high in viscosity for this sprayer. Is there a better HVLP sprayer to use?

Thanks for any advice!
 
From what I've read, a 1.8 tip should be right for latex, and I'm wanting to try that myself. For that price, with a regulator, is a fine deal.

To the original poster, don't bother painting with a pancake compressor. I've read where some claim that's adequate, but I have a PC pancake and it's fine for nailers and staplers..useless for painting. You could paint coin doors, making a few passes, and letting the tank fill back up. For a cabinet, forget it. I bought a used Craftsman 33gal off of Craigslist and it's a great size, but you don't need that big. If buying an oilless compressor used, beware that there are parts that wear, but if a brand like Craftsman, they can be replaced and repaired.
 
Thanks guys!

Think I might pickup one of those TCP guns, they look really nice. I have been reading about tip size and can't decide to go for the 1.4mm or 1.8mm.

I wonder if 1.8mm would have more orange peel? Or if the 1.4mm will require severe thinning? I would prefer not to thin at all if possible.

This doc looks interesting but its not from TCP.

http://www.northerntool.com/downloads/charts/4519990.pdf
 
Even with a 1.8 tip I still had to thin the paint with water and flotrol.
I used Pro Classic acrylic enamel from Sherwin Williams.
If you use oil base then you can thin a lot less as the paint is already lighter than water based.
You can use automotive paint but those are more expensive.
If you set the gun right,thin properly and spray it correctly then there will be little to no orange peel.
The thing to do is practice on scrap material till you get the proper technique down.
 
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