Replies

1. 
   Jamie_Buxton | Apr 12, 2002 02:29am | #1

   It depends on what you mean by "stain".  If you're talking about the stain that gets applied to furniture, that's generally pretty thin-bodied, and can be applied by HVLP -- even inexpensive (<$300) HVLP systems.  However, if you're talking about the stain that is intended to cover exterior wood, that's a different stuff.   For this purpose, my local paint store now sells something they call stain, but is latex opaque stuff that is quite thick-bodied.   I'd call it latex paint.   It is so thick that inexpensive HVLP systems can't apply it.   You'd be better served with an airless sprayer intended for painting house exteriors.  It'd cost less and work better.

2. 
   Qtrmeg | Apr 12, 2002 07:33pm | #2

   Sounds like a mess waiting for a place. Anyhow, siphon cups will leak the contents when you tip them, (to spray a horizontal surface), and the fluid will then be sprayed out in globs, nevermind making a mess of the inside of your gun. If you want to use the hvlp for this you might want to look into a pressure pot system.

   And I also question the uniformity of coverage by a low pressure spray, (ends, edges, odds and ends), so it is a very good idea to back brush any finish you spray on for exterior use.

1. 
   Kingman12 | Apr 28, 2002 03:40am | #3

   I would think three decks would be beat up a turbine pretty good.   Might want to think about an airless or a roller.

3. 
   Upraiser | Apr 28, 2002 05:11pm | #4

   Staining decks,( I am presuming wood, cedar, redwood etc.) painting decks is a bad idea in any case.  I am an appraiser with 30+ years experience. I have seen many problems result.  Once you stain, or paint, it will soon be ugly, require lots of maintenance and you will be unhappy with the results...forever.   In a short time the sun and weather will degrade the stain or paint and it will be tracked into the house.  Paint will flake, peal, the surface will degrade as all paints will, but this stays on the surface to be collected by your shoes.

   If you are wanting to protect it, use a product like Tompsons Water/Weather seal.  Put it on each year.  Use a roller.   Wash it after a few years, use a deck cleaner if necessary.

   Curt

1. 
   Qtrmeg | Apr 28, 2002 06:48pm | #5

   Thompsons is garbage, and while I won't comment on the rest of your advice you are welcome to inspect my redwood deck. 12 yrs old, natural finish and still looks great.

   Also, you aren't going to beat up a turbine by doing decks any faster than just letting it run.

1. 
   camel | Apr 28, 2002 07:30pm | #6

   Key words and phrases: Redwood,  Just letting it run.  Nice.  Good job.  John E. Nanasy