How Do You Use a Harbor Freight HVLP Spray Gun?
- Adjusting pressure One of the primary things that you need to begin with is adjusting pressure. Ensure that opening of the compressor regulator gives ample pressure to the gun. ...
- Adjusting the fan At the back of the gun you would see the fluid volume controls. ...
- Fluid control ...
- Setting up the spray gun ...
- Painting ...
- Adequate pressure ...
- Conclusion ...
Full Answer
How do you use an HVLP sprayer?
How to Use an HVLP Paint Sprayer? Step 1: Choose the right gun. If you are planning to paint a large surface, you should choose a fast gun because the regular guns are a mostly ... Step 2: Get ready with the paint. Step 3: Fill the gun with paint. Step 4: Choose the right hose length. Step 5: ...
How do you clean an HVLP spray gun?
First, put the needle and spring back in place. Then screw on the inner air cap, then the outer air cap. Put the paint cup back on the gun body and put the cap on it, and now you're done! Cleaning an HVLP spray gun is an important part of keeping your spray equipment functioning well.
What psi do HVLP guns spray at?
While the majority of guns spray 50 PSI, most HVLP guns spray at 10 PSI level. This reduces the rebound and waste of paint, as more paint can remain on the surface.
What is an HVLP spray gun kit?
The best thing about having an HVLP spray gun kit is it’s very handy to use for large and small surfaces. The purpose of using such sprayers is to paint large surfaces in less time evenly.
How do you use HPLV sprayer?
0:112:46How to Use a HVLP Sprayer - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipHere's how measure the viscosity by dipping the viscosity cup into the paint or finish and timingMoreHere's how measure the viscosity by dipping the viscosity cup into the paint or finish and timing how long it takes to run out. Stop the timer when the steady stream starts to break up.
What are the controls on a HVLP spray gun?
Most spray guns have three basic controls that will allow you to adjust for optimum performance on your projects. These controls are: the fluid adjustment, the fan control, and the air micrometer (see diagram).
Do you have to thin paint for a HVLP sprayer?
HVLP (high Volume, low Pressure) Paint Gun However, the paint will need to be thinned out quite a bit. Start at 10% water, then add more until you achieve the desired consistency. You can also add a paint conditioner to water-based paints like latex.
How thin should paint be for HVLP spray gun?
0:121:05How to Thin Paint for Spray Gun & Measure Viscosity - Ozito Tool TipsYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd spray guns viscosity is the measurement of how thick or thin the paint is and all spray gunsMoreAnd spray guns viscosity is the measurement of how thick or thin the paint is and all spray guns will give you a recommended viscosity. In order to determine the viscosity i've decanted one liter into
What PSI should I spray base coat?
When spraying base coat you want to spray at about 26-29 PSI. They way you read this is at your gun, trigger pulled air flowing through and your dial reading 26 psi. When spraying clear coat I like to up the pressure 2-3 psi for a little more atomization and better flow out.
What pressure should I paint my car?
Look for a minimum of 15 PSI, with some applications, such as clear coat, better-suited to 20 or 25 PSI. HP: For auto painting, a 10 HP compressor will typically suffice. However, higher HP compressors may operate more efficiently and can be used for other tasks.
How do I get a smooth finish with HVLP sprayer?
1:483:17How to Apply Finishes with an HVLP Sprayer - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNot too close not too fast and not too thick. And I always start your spray pass off of the door.MoreNot too close not too fast and not too thick. And I always start your spray pass off of the door. Stay 10 to 12 inches away from the surface. And move the gun smoothly at a moderate pace.
Do you need to water down paint when using a sprayer?
Basically, because it is so thick, it needs to be thinned down before it will work in a paint sprayer. This is all related to its viscosity. That is, how easy it flows or not. Latex paint benefits from being thick because it makes it durable.
Can I spray house paint with HVLP gun?
High Volume Low Pressure, or HVLP, paint guns are popular for applying paint indoors. The low pressure used to draw the paint out of the gun significantly reduces the amount of over-spray produced by traditional compressed air paint guns.
Can you use HVLP gun with latex paint?
You can Spray Latex with an HVLP or Conventional Spray Gun. However, if your using an HVLP Spray Gun you will need to use a high CFM Air Cap. The CFM of the Air Cap with an HVLP spray gun determines the ability of the spray gun to atomize heavier coatings.
What size tip is best for spraying clear coat?
For spraying clear coats on small parts and projects, we recommend a 1.2mm tip. For spraying a whole car, a 1.3mm tip is recommended. The 1.4mm tip is perfect for base coats and metallic as the droplet size allows the particles to self-orient to eliminate streaking and mottling.
Can I use any paint in a spray gun?
And you can use all types of paint in a sprayer as long as it's the right type for the gun you get. Most sprayers can use latex, water-based paint, acrylic, primers, vinyl, alkyd, lacquer, enamel, high-heat paint, oil-based paint, epoxy, rust-preventive paint, and plastic paint.
How do you adjust the air pressure on a spray gun?
1:197:19How to setup the correct working pressure on a spray gun for best ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPosition this will allow maximum air through the gun turning it either clockwise or anti-clockwiseMorePosition this will allow maximum air through the gun turning it either clockwise or anti-clockwise from the middle position will throttle the air pressure. Down.
What is the number one rule when using airless spray guns?
A good rule of thumb for an airless spray gun is to hold the gun about 12- 14 inches from the products surface.
How do you adjust a paint sprayer?
The fluid control knob leads directly back from the paint nozzle where the paint comes out. To adjust this knob, back it almost all the way out. If you go too far, the knob will come off in your hand, be careful not to lose any springs, just screw it back in. Pull back and hold the trigger handle of the gun.
How do you spray latex paint with HVLP?
Thin the paint with water and mix well before spraying. The amount of water required varies with the brand and quality of the paint. Start by thinning the paint by adding 10 percent water and mixing thoroughly. If the paint is still too thick, add a small amount of water and mix again.
What is the best tip for a HVLP spray gun?from spraythatpaint.com
The Tip Material: This is yet again an important feature to consider when you are buying an HVLP spray gun. You must have noticed most of the HVLP spray guns have tips made of plastic, which is indeed a fine material, but if you don't want to compromise on your sprayer's quality, you have to select the sprayer that has tips made of brass. Brass tends to be more durable and reliable, and more of that, they are straightforward to remove. Using this tip will allow you to replace the tip of your need for your next project. There are also stainless-steel liquefied passages and tips on some products, but brass just seems to have a slight edge in reliability.
Why is the HVLP spray gun so popular?from spraythatpaint.com
The reason for its popularity is its enhanced atomization technology, which gives excellent paint output.
How many CFM is needed for a HVLP sprayer?from spraythatpaint.com
Typically, one is needed at least 8 CFM for the minimum consuming air volume HVLP spray gun. We will recommend you at least 30 CMF to avoid issues with the sprayer of not atomization properly or changes in the fan pattern.
What is a HVLP sprayer?from spraythatpaint.com
If your next art assignment requires you to paint a relatively large area and don't want to complete tools like a paintbrush or a roller manually, then HVLP paint spray guns can make your life easy. HVLP (High Volume Low Pressure) sprayers work by displacing a high volume of your color at a low pressure, which reduces atomization.
How to know if a spray gun works with a coating?from spraythatpaint.com
The perfect way to know if the HVLP spray gun works with your Coating is to check and consult your Coating Technical Datasheet. This sheet will let you know if HVLP is the recommended application method in your case or not.
What is a nonbleed paint sprayer?from spraythatpaint.com
This sprayer is known as a non-bleed HVLP paint sprayer that helps to prevent solvent flashing. This flashing can be an issue, especially when you need more time for coating.
What is the best spray gun for tight budget?from spraythatpaint.com
The first spray gun in our list is from the brand Neiko. This is indeed the best option for tight budget options, as this is very affordable.
Basics of Harbor Freight HVLP Spray Gun
To learn how to use harbor freight paint sprayer, you need to understand the basic functions first. That is what you will find in our guide. Keep reading to learn more-
How Does the Harbor Freight HVLP Spray Gun Works?
Now, we’re moving on to the technical aspects. When you turn on the trigger, paint comes to the nozzle from the inside, and air reaches the nozzle from the air inlet. They mix at the nozzle, and the paint turns into little droplets as they fly out of it.
FAQs
What do I do if the paint droplets are way too large? This means your air pressure is too low. Increase it a little and check.
Conclusion
So, that covers everything related to using harbor freight paint guns. We hope we have been able to help you with using the spray gun as a beginner. Cheers!
How does a HVLP sprayer work?
As I have already mentioned, the HVLP sprayer follows a turbine system. However, the right finish of the sprayer will depend on the hose length. If the hose is short, as you trigger the gun, it will create direct heat to the paint. Hence, it will end up releasing wet paint, which will take time to dry out. Here, if the hose is about 6 ft. or larger, then the risk of heating will reduce. So, choose a large hose for the right flow of paint and apply it easily.
What Is an HVLP Paint Sprayer?
However, I will try to keep it short, giving you a fundamental idea. HVLP is High volume low-pressure sprayer technique that is used to paint, varnish, retouch, and similar kind of jobs. It’s a gun-type handheld paint sprayer that releases paint in spray form. The best thing about having an HVLP spray gun kit is it’s very handy to use for large and small surfaces.
What to use to fill a paint gun cup?
You gotta be very careful when you are at this stage. You can use a paint strainer or pantyhose for filling the gun cup. Because the gun tip is very tiny, and often it can get closed with debris. Here, the strainer will help to pour the right amount of paint in the right place.
What is the purpose of HVLP spray?
So, the purpose of using HVLP spray is to paint quickly and efficiently without wasting the paint. Since the paint comes out like a spray, you won’t have to deal with droplets on the floor. Also, the device is easy to have control over how thick or a thin layer ...
How many HVLP sprayers are there?
There can be hundreds of hvlp sprayers, but the technique to use it is pretty similar for all. However, before I talk about the steps on how to use the sprayer, I will introduce you to the HVLP spray gun parts. It will help you to easily understand the purpose of each section and the right way to use it.
What is the purpose of spraying paint?
The purpose of using such sprayers is to paint large surfaces in less time evenly. For making different patterns using a spray, you can also choose between a handheld and automatically operated HVLP paint gun. Based on the surface where you are going to spray paint and convenience, you may choose from different types of guns, such as air guns, electrostatic, low volume, high volume, and various sizes of the gun tip.
How to paint a large surface?
Step 1: Choose the right gun. If you are planning to paint a large surface, you should choose a fast gun because regular guns are mostly low-pressure guns. So, study the surface, how thick or thin, large or small the material used, subsequently choose the right size of the gun and gun tip.
What is an HVLP Spray Gun?
HVLP refers to “high volume, low pressure.” HVLP guns don’t use high pressure to atomize paints, which is often the case for most paint sprayers. While the majority of guns spray 50 PSI, most HVLP guns spray at 10 PSI level. This reduces the rebound and waste of paint, as more paint can remain on the surface.
How many steps are required to use a HVLP spray gun?
The correct configuration of an HVLP spray gun requires three steps, namely air supply choice, selection of the right tip, and then setup.
Why are HVLP paint sprays so common?
HVLP paint sprays are very common because they are relatively fast in achieving perfect finishes. HVLP guns often have fewer spray than other spray guns due to their low-pressure spray, which lets you save money, time, and paint. However, it is unlikely that you can see any of these advantages unless you know how to configure your spray gun ...
How far away from the surface should you spray paint?
To make sure that your test conditions are right, please check your spray gun properly. Keep your gun approximately 6 inches from the surface you are painting and hold down the trigger for just a second. This procedure will give you a proper reading of the setup of your gun.
How to know if your gun goes through the test?
You will know your gun goes through the test if your masking paper’s cigar pattern is around 6 inches high, with full center coverage and slight fading on the sides.
How to test air pressure in a gun?
A spray test is a convenient way to do the setup. Tape some paper masking on the wall first. Then find the inlet for your gun and use the regulator to set the pressure. The amount of air in the control knob should still be closed because air is still pulled. Open the control button of the fan next.
How much pressure do you need for a gun?
You will need to limit it to about 90 pounds per square inch. Furthermore, you need an HVLP controller for setting the pressure in your gun. To keep your airways clear of any oil or water, you need an air dryer mounted at the wall.
What is a HVLP paint gun?
As paint technology increased so did the demand for new paint guns to lay smooth glass like finishes. Born were first HVLP (High Volume Low Pressure). These paint guns increased the efficiency of how much paint actually made it to the panel saving you from wasted paint. Now instead of holding the paint gun up to 18 inches from ...
How many controls does an Eastwood spray gun have?
Each spray gun will have three controls and their locations may differ slightly. Check your instructions to ensure you move the correct ones. Since that is out of the way let’s show you where on the Eastwood Concours Pro you can find the air control. The figure on the left shows where the air control is located.
How to practice a HVLP spray gun?
To practice with the hvlp spray gun use a piece of cardboard or other material that can be thrown away . Adjust the air pressure and volume according to the guns instruction and turn off the material feed. When you pull the trigger only air, not paint will exit the tip. Now pointing the gun at some cardboard slowly open the material feed ...
How many spray patters are there in a HVLP spray gun?
3 different spray patters are possible with most HVLP spray guns; round, vertical and horizontal. Although vertical and horizontal patterns are easy to understand, you need to be aware of the round patterns limitations. The round patters concentrates more material into a tighter space. You need to adjust the volume differently for the round pattern.
Why use cardboard for spraying?
Cardboard is useful for getting the adjustments right before spraying any project. HVLP guns consume less air than conventional spray equipment and produce up to 50% less overspray. Since thin coats are being applied less material is required to achieve the final effect.
What is the best filter for spraying paint?
Cleanliness or filtered paint/varnish is of the utmost importance for any paint sprayer but HVLP units require a little extra care. Disposable cone filters a the best for small amounts or for using cup-guns. These filters are inexpensive and worth having in any shop.
Can you use a HVLP spray gun on clear paint?
An hvlp spray gun can be difficult to use at first. Spraying any clear finish or paint with an hvlp or cup gun can be a little tricky, but with practice using this type of paint spaying equipment will become easy. A HVLP system is great for spraying a variety of house paints, primers and clear wood finishes.
What Do You Need To Know About HVLP Spray Gun Cleaning?
Cleaning an HVLP spray gun isn't a very difficult process, but it is a very important one for maintaining the gun's quality over time.
Why is it important to clean a HVLP spray gun?
Cleaning an HVLP spray gun is an important part of keeping your spray equipment functioning well.
Why does my spray gun get stuck?
This is because if paint is left to dry inside the gun it can get stuck and clog very easily. If it does clog, that can cause issues with the spray pattern in the future, even if you give it a thorough cleaning you still might have some paint residue that gets stuck inside and causes buildup.
What to use to clean a spray gun?
After you've taken the spray gun apart, it's time to give all those smaller parts a thorough cleaning. While we recommend using paint thinner, since it makes the job much easier, you could use a simple cleaning solution or soapy water for this step if you prefer.
How to clean paint from a paint cup?
This is the part that will likely have the most paint or fluid on it. So you'll want to start by filling up the cup with your paint thinner or other cleaning solution.
What is the problem with dumping gun parts in a sink?
The problem with this is the little parts, like the fluid needle, can easily get lost in the soapy mess and can end up getting bent or broken.
Is it hard to clean a spray gun?
Luckily, spray gun cleaning isn't that hard if you follow the right steps. So, before you dive into cleaning your spray gun, keep reading to learn the key steps you'll need to take to get the best clean possible!
How to adjust pressure on a gun?
One of the primary things that you need to begin with is adjusting pressure. Ensure that opening of the compressor regulator gives ample pressure to the gun. Setting the pressure to the required level and have the trigger pulled.
How many counts to open a spray gun?
At the back of the gun you would see the fluid volume controls. You would have to open it to 2 – 3 counts for beginners. It is better you choose to have the fan control down. If you do you would have small round circle when you spray. Have a test surface ready to test this part of the equipment.
How to spray paint on smaller areas?
In case you are looking to spray on smaller areas you might want to turn the fan down. This would ensure that the gun itself sprays on a smaller area. To be able to avoid runs you might also have to turn the volume on the spray gun clockwise. This would ensure that you are decreasing the volume of paint that is sprayed.
How to get atomization?
To be able to get appropriate atomization you would have to use high pressure so that the volume can be turned up. The more the pressure that you produce the lesser runs due to better atomization. This is one of the most critical aspect that you would have to look at when you are using paints that are expensive. You would not want to waste your money with the paint being wasted. You would have little to no orange peel and runs when the pressure is at its optimal levels.
Can you go wrong with spray guns?
If you are able to keep these things in mind while operating a spray gun there are minimal chances of you going wrong. One of the primary advise that you would get from experts is to try on a trail basis. This can be done on useless equipment to gauge how good you are at painting.
Can you use a harbor freight spray gun on paint?
This can be done on useless equipment to gauge how good you are at painting. Once you are clear with all the nuances of using the harbor freight HVLP spray gun you can move on to painting projects. Always remember that the pressure that you use can vary depending on the paint that you use. Also, you would not need so much pressure ...
What size spray gun tip for clear coat?
For the clear coat, staining, and varnishes, an optimal HVLP spray gun tip size for doors and trims is between 1.0 and 1.2 mm. The compact fan design is perfect for detailed work, as well as the aperture size is suitable for low viscous coatings.
Why is it important to know the tip size of a spray gun?
As mentioned earlier, the tip size can let you execute specific projects , depending on its capability. That’s why knowing the tip size is far more important than just anything else while using an HVLP spray gun.
What is HVLP?
HVLP sprayers are designed for precise finish work. Home furnishings, office cabinets, photo frames, mantels, and other such items are examples.
Is HVLP better than airless?
For vertically spraying small tasks, HVLP is preferable over an airless, particularly if you’re inexperienced in spraying. Because you’re spraying at a lesser pressure, there’s a considerably lower chance of paint runs. An airless turned up to 2,000 PSI swiftly splatters a bunch of paints on the surface. So, it’s better to use HVLP instead.