Well, I’ve started painting my first batch of cabinet doors. Problem so far is occasional spatter. The airless manual says to use a .011 tip but the paint recommendation is a .015-.017. The label says no thinning required. I’m thinking I should start by using a larger tip ( to avoid spatter). What do you guys think?
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Most sprayers I've used (airless and HVLP) have a way to check the viscosity of the paint so you can use the right tip - or thin for whatever tip you have.
Personally, I prefer to work with paint that's on the thin side. It's more prone to runs so I do several really thin coats and slowly build up my layers.
Another thing that is absolutely necessary is to strain your paint into the paint cup. Even tiny "blobs" can mess up your spray pattern. A couple of weeks ago, I sprayed some cabinets with water based polyurethane and didn't strain it (I was out of strainers and too lazy to run for more). Halfway thru the job, my HVLP tip was plugged solid and I had to take the time to clean it - and get more strainers - lol.
Do you use a mesh bag type strainer? The paint does seem to have a heavy body to it. I'm going to try a different tip first, then I'll try thinning. It's an enamel. What kind of ratio should I start with? The label doesn't say, (says it's not necessary). Questions, questions, questions! Thanks alot for the info.
b
I use a paper cone that has mesh inserts in the bottom. It takes a LONG time for latex paint to run thru unless it's thinned.
Does your spray gun have a viscosity checker? If so, use it per the instructions. If nothing else, try making some sample batches of thinned paint and see how it works for you. You might start with one part thinner to nine parts paint then try thinner mixtures until you find one you like.
I am NO expert or sprayng... Though I do it often.. Still learning..
My first thought was.. Did you filter the paint/whatever you are spraying... I find it can cause all kinds of problems if you do not..
Hell, I don't know!
I understand WillGeorge's comments completely. The more you learn, the more you learn what you don't know.
I kinda look at spraying as the modern equivalent of "alchemy"
Eric in Cowtown
I did strain the paint. I added some penetrol and a tiny bit of thinner, switchedthe tip to a .013 and got better results. The coat ended up a little thick so next time I'll try the .011 tip. I think that will do it. If I had to do it all over again I'd do latex...I've had good results with less hassle. How do you guys feel about latex vs. oilbase? Guy at the paint store questioned my use of oil and said that today's latex is much better. What say you? Thanks for the input.
b
Lydensden ,
I use an airless quite often , but only for lacquers . What I am wondering is the tip size you have mentioned does not jive with what I am familiar with . Most tips are sized say , 613 or 313 . The first number in this case the 6 or the 3 have to do with the width of the spray pattern , a 313 tip puts out a 6" wide pattern and has a 13 thousandths orifice . A 613 puts out a 12" pattern with the same size orifice . So my thought is the narrower the pattern the more material gets put in smaller area , which could increase flow problems . I am kind of a conservative sprayer at least for cabinets and furniture typically I use a 313 and have little problems . You also may need to tweak the pressure more or less may give you different results . The orifice size dictates the amount of material coming out and the pattern dictates how wide it will be sprayed.
good luck dusty
The tip sizes i've been using are 413 (8" fan) and a 411. These are for a wagner paint crew airless. I dont have any pressure adjustment, pretty much restricted to tip size and thinning. I'm going out to try the 411 next and I'll let you know how it works out. Thanks
b
I'm thinking the 413 tip is doing the best job so far, though it still spatters a bit here and there. I'm not sure if I need to thin some more or what. I used the recommended amount of penetrol and a tiny bit of thinner.
the modern equivalent of "alchemy"
I was makin' Gold and got a pretty good Brass!
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