Replies

1. 
   SteveSchoene | Oct 16, 2006 05:53am | #1

   Latex doesn't thin very well at all.  More than a small amount of water and bad things start to happen.  Not only that, I would avoid using it on surfaces that might have objects placed on them, since they are still susceptible to "blocking"  where objects stick to them even after the latex paint has dried for a considerable time.

   If you do want to use a waterborne finish for built-ins you can obtain pigmented acrylics that are designed for spray application and that work fine on furniture.  I don't use these myself so others will have to call out specific brands. 

    

1. 
   Quickstep | Oct 16, 2006 05:13pm | #2

   Not to derail my own post, but a piece of information that may be useful to others. I've been using Sherwin Williams Pro-Classic latex enamel (semi gloss) and I've had no problems with blocking. It also flows out pretty well when brushed, but I still prefer to spray sometimes.

2. 
   RickL | Oct 16, 2006 06:02pm | #3

   Use Floe-trol. I sprayed kitchen doors using a Wagner electric sprayer with perfect results by only thinning with Floe-trol. It also works well with brush finishing. It was a $60 gun I use for odds and ends. I also have a Lexaire HVLP and turbine.

   
   

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   Edited 10/16/2006 6:03 pm ET by RickL

1. 
   JJV | Oct 16, 2006 10:00pm | #4

   I used Floe-Trol in some latex a few years ago and it took FOREVER for the paint to dry.  Probably used too much of it.

   Be wary when using or recommending Floe-Trol.   

   Maybe someday I'll know a little something.

1. 
   RickL | Oct 17, 2006 01:04am | #5

   Floe-trol works fine if you read the directions.

1. 
   JJV | Oct 17, 2006 04:31pm | #6

   Oh, jeez, really?  Now why didn't I think of that?  Oh, that's right, I never learned to read.  Thanks so much for sharing your vast fountain of knowledge, pal. 

   Maybe someday I'll know a little something.

3. 
   bigfootnampa | Oct 17, 2006 04:41pm | #7

   Is there an HVLP gun that will spray latex with minimal or no thinning?

   NO.  It is fine to thin it though.  I know of some professional finishers who thin some brands as much as 50 percent.  Larger needle/nozzle sets are helpful, minimizing the need for thinning.  True latex is not really available now.  Apparently (though many paints are still labeled as "latex") mfrs have switched to acrylic formulations.  These are better paints than the older true latexes.  If you want to spray unthinned materials the HVLP's are a move in the wrong direction.  You would use an airless rig for that. 

   I do use HVLP in my shop, though, and I have sprayed even the Benjamin Moore's Impervo with only about 20 percent thinning (this stuff is as tough to spray as any I know of).  You can use almost any rig for almost any coating if it is properly set up for that coating. 

1. 
   SteveSchoene | Oct 17, 2006 06:52pm | #8

   Thinning a waterborne finish 50% is an invitation to disaster.  Read the manufacturers technical data and you will likely find that they say to limit thinning to 10% or less.  There is a good reason for this.  The little "blobules" or latexes of finish that is emulified in the water have to come together relatively quickly in order to get decent crosslinking between them.  If thinning spreads them out so much that they can't join together properly the finish will be considerably weakened.  Longevity will be reduced, and resistence to chemicals and liquid water will also be harmed.  

   Unlike makers of oil based products who have a regulatory reason to say not to add solvent, manufacturers of waterborne finishes do not.  Therefore we can only expect them to tell it like it is.   

1. 
   bigfootnampa | Oct 18, 2006 05:41am | #11

   Thinning a waterborne finish 50% is an invitation to disaster.  Read the manufacturers technical data and you will likely find that they say to limit thinning to 10% or less.  There is a good reason for this. 

   Believe what you choose to.  I never have to thin that much... but I would not be afraid to... I know that there are skilled professional finishers doing it successfully on a regular basis.

4. 
   jackplane | Oct 17, 2006 07:00pm | #9

   What no one has mentioned is that regardless of conventional or hvlp setup, needle size and gun aperture are important- and should vary according to viscosity of material.

    Also, yes you can thin latex when spraying, in fact I always do. About 1:8 to 1:5, depending on ambient temp. and product.

   best,

   jp

    

5. 
   Hainesportwoodworker | Oct 18, 2006 04:06am | #10

   We use a latex type paint called Cabinet Coat made by Insulex. It is sold and can be tinted by our local paint shop. We thin it with water and Flotrol and you get an incredibly smooth and durable finish using a mid range Wagner Fine Coat HVLP sprayer.