what type of paint sprayer

[motoryacht lover]

I am thinking of buying a paint sprayer and would like to be able to spray 2 part polyurethanes as well as enamals. On the boat I would like to be able to spray aluminum window frames, swim platform, and non skid deck. At work I could use it to paint heavy equipment, etc. I am getting confused as to what I should get. Do I need a HVLP type or a "traditional" spray gun and cup? What type and what brand name do you guys recommend for a moderately experienced do it yourselfer? Thanks for you time.

 

[mobilemn1]

I switched to the HVLP six months back,,,,the more common has a cup as well but the paint is gravity fed as the cup is on top.... I like it better and you can pretty much spray any kind of paint,,,,,some may require a different size needle valve,,,,,,the simple version is also less pricey than the high dollar setups,,,,,

 

[rsmith]

I know a lot of guys that build homebuilt airplanes and most all use this graco-croix setup.I messed with std spray and HVLP for years but always had moisture problems with the air supply. Especialy if I was using air sanders pre paint. This setup is selfcontained and virtualy no overspray. They demo it at airshows with the guy using no mask.Not that I would. Its not cheap but if your doing the work yourself it pays to have the best tools.


http://wwwd.graco.com/Distributors/DLibrary.nsf/Files/308422/$file/308422B.pdf

 

[Passages]

I'd mosey down to your local big marina that does this type of work and have a chat with the painter.

Just mention that your considering having this done and ask what method they use. You're really not being dishonest since after you understand what's involved, you may decide you really want to outsource the job.

 

[mobilemn1]

You want have problems with moisture if you keep your tanks blown down, and add water collectors downstream,,,,,cheap filters,,,,even one that connects to the gun. "KISS"

 

[rsmith]

You want have problems with moisture if you keep your tanks blown down, and add water collectors downstream,,,,,cheap filters,,,,even one that connects to the gun. "KISS"

My experience has been that once the tank is hot the air can hold a lot of absorbed water. Its not the physical water thats the problem. The only way to get the water out is with a refridgerated dryer. the small dessicant filter at the gun can only handle so much. It sucks to be spraying and start to get condensing water in the paint.When I painted the boat in 1980 I took a 50' coil of 1/2" copper tubing and ran it thru a big igloo cooler filled with Ice. Then put 2 water seps down stream of that. Took 15 gal of Imron to do the 50.

 

[mobilemn1]

In Essence you built an aftercooler,,,,,,,proud of your Genius,,,,,,,,if you are going to do a big commercial job,,,,you are exactly correct and I would have done the same thing. I have rebuilt 15" garner denver compressers with aftercoolers the size of large trash cans and 20ft long. Guess what, you still have water downline,,,,,,you still have to blow down and add filters at the devices you use. Try running air supplies through 100000 sq ft industrial sites and tell me different

 

[mobilemn1]

If you go back to the original post,,,,,,,it doesn't sound like he is trying to build and industrial paint booth

As for your link to a spray system,,,it is a good one,,,,,,but it has a nice price tag as well. For someone who paints infrequently or very seldom,,,,wallet has the final say

 

[princepratt]

I am currently in the process of buying a home and I need to paint the interior. I am familiar with operating both HVLP and airless type of sprayers, however I am not an expert by any means. I have been looking at wagner and spraytech option but am unaware of the quality other than rumours.

 

[rsmith]

I am currently in the process of buying a home and I need to paint the interior. I am familiar with operating both HVLP and airless type of sprayers, however I am not an expert by any means. I have been looking at wagner and spraytech option but am unaware of the quality other than rumours.

Wagners are junk. My wife believes everything she see's on tv and came home with one. I told her not to.When she took it back I got one of those"don't say it"looks. I picked up a used Graco airless on craigslist and it worked great for painting the house. Sold it again on CL for exactly what I paid for it.