HVLP spray gun advice

hat · #1 05-07-2018, 07:08 AM

I'm looking at getting an HVLP spray gun to replace my old pressure gun. I wonder how well the ones sold by Harbor Freight do for simple lacquer work? I see they have several 20 oz cup guns, and a 4 oz cup gun, which I think would be big enough for my use, and easier to work with. I also wonder if the tips on these are the same as what I have on my old Binks guns?

mirwa · #2 05-07-2018, 07:41 AM

Pressure guns are good and give a great finish - downside is overspray and wasted paint, Hvlp guns give a good build, little wastage but not as nice of a finish as a pressure gun, Lvlps give a nicer finish and minimal wastage.

Once you know what each gun type does, then nozzle and needle size choice is next follwed by reputable brand.

You get what you pay for IMO, a 30 dollar gun from Walmart will put paint on just like a moped will get you to your destination, but it won’t give the same finish as a 200 dollar Devilbiss or Iwata. You can achieve the same finish in the end, but a lot more sanding and buffing required.

Steve

B. Howard · #3 05-08-2018, 04:45 AM

Devilbiss SRI-Pro, that is the gun I use. Perfect for guitars.

HF? Disposable guns IMHO.

HodgdonExtreme · #4 05-08-2018, 10:49 AM

I've not sprayed guitars, but I've sprayed cars...

You can do a respectable job with a Harbor Freight spraygun. With practice, you can get them tuned up so they rarely have a hiccup. But when they do hiccup, you've got a blemish to deal with.

A properly adjusted/tuned Devilbiss won't hiccup - and all you'll need to do to finish the job is a quick fluff and buff.

goldhedge · #5 05-08-2018, 11:24 AM

I use the 20 oz. HVLP Gravity Feed Air Spray Gun with Regulator from Harbor Freight. $27. Look for a 20% off coupon in the email flyer...!

It works great as long as you get it set up correctly. I removed the little plastic piece in the filter area. 20oz is plenty for a guitar.

The most critical piece is CLEANUP after you get done spraying.

You need to clean clean clean! I used lacquer thinner and it did a great job.

Make sure you wear an organic solvent mask! Unless you like to be loopy for a day?

Here's a good video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYBIdm2waxk

Here's a good primer on setting it up. I think I used 25psi at the regulator...with the trigger down so it uses 25psi to spray.

http://www.how-to-build-hotrods.com/set-up-hvlp.html

BT55 · #6 05-08-2018, 08:42 PM

Your time and effort is expensive. Mistakes cost time and money. Purchase a good quality spray gun. In the end it will be cheaper than an inexpensive spray gun.

capohk · #7 05-08-2018, 09:41 PM

Can I piggyback on this and ask what air cap and fluid tip is most appropriate for guitar spraying - always nice to get the right thing first time if possible.

https://www.spraygunsdirect.co.uk/de....rtUsdDOJ.dpbs

TIA

Zigeuner · #8 05-08-2018, 11:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B. Howard

Devilbiss SRI-Pro, that is the gun I use. Perfect for guitars.

HF? Disposable guns IMHO.

The only problem with DevilBiss ( I own qn older model) is finding a real one. There are a number of companies that make copies that are a complete knock off.

There are several videos on You Tube on this topic.

mirwa · #9 05-08-2018, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by capohk

Can I piggyback on this and ask what air cap and fluid tip is most appropriate for guitar spraying - always nice to get the right thing first time if possible.

I like 1.4 for full resprays, 1.0 for touchups

Steve

Quickstep192 · #10 05-09-2018, 05:13 AM

Does anyone use an HVLP turbine gun for spraying lacquer?

charles Tauber · #11 05-09-2018, 06:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quickstep192

Does anyone use an HVLP turbine gun for spraying lacquer?

Yes, I do, along with a turbine.

Quickstep192 · #12 05-10-2018, 07:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by charles Tauber

Yes, I do, along with a turbine.

Which one do you have and do you like it?

I’ve read that the warm air can make it hard to spray lacquer. Have you noticed that?

I have a very old compressor that I think is putting oil in the air causing problems in the finish. I’m considering a turbine setup instead of getting a new compressor.

charles Tauber · #13 05-10-2018, 07:46 AM

I have a 20 year-old Fuji turbine and matching gun with several tip sizes. It works well. I used to use a compressor and HPLV Devilibus gun. Both work fine, as does a brush, padding....

My understanding is that Martin does/used to heat the air/nitrogen they use for spraying. I have not had any issues with warmed air. The hose fittings can get hot though after a while if doing a lot of spraying.

Use in-line water and oil filters/traps with your compressor. (Neither are necessary with a turbine.)