No eye deer

[ManU07]

Hi everyone,

I have absolutely no idea when it comes to spray painting/finishing. I want to get an entry level HVLP kit that can be used across a wide range of applications from painting doors and trim to finishing basic furniture pieces. I know it probably wont be great at any one but im hoping to start with to get something that will be OK at multiple different applications.

My basic research has led me to think that a gravity fed HVLP system will be the way to go but really dont know which brands are good value for money.

Was looking at this unit from total tools: STAR 1.5mm H.V.L.P GRAVity Feed Spray Gun | Total Tools (https://www.totaltools.com.au/99319-star-1-5mm-h-v-l-p-gravity-feed-spray-gun-sv106g15)

Any thoughts with STAR as a brand and this unit in terms of the intended wide variety of uses described?

PS: I did search through the threads but didnt find anything all that recently that i thought covered my situation.

TIA.

[Old Croc]

I have that spray gun, it is a quality gun, but I only use Wattyl Stylewood precat lacquer on my woodturning. I found the 1 litre cannister awkward to balance doing my smaller work so I bought a 100ml pot from another company and adapted it. I believe Wattyl maybe discontinuing Stylewood, so I may have to learn the idiosyncrasies of another product in the tropics. Like any new skill, try and find a spray painter, offer him a carton to set up the gun for you and explain all the adjustments. Good luck.
Rgds,
Crocy.

[ManU07]

Thanks Crocy, appreciate the info. Good idea to try and get some help from a pro, will definitely give that a go.

[pianoman]

I am curious about a low cost HVLP set up too. It might be difficult to get a set up that covers everything you want . HVLP does not play well with very heavy liquids like emulsion and some water based paint . It will have to be thinned so much that it won't stick to what you are spraying. For that I would recommend an airless system you can get Wagner guns of various price from Bunnings for that. I would consider something like this Fuji:Semi-Pro2 Suction - Fuji HVLP Systems - Fuji HVLP | Spraychief Online Store (https://www.spraychief.com.au/fuji-hvlp/fuji-hvlp-systems/fuji-semi-pro2) a reasonable priced (but not cheap) HVLP all in kit . For an HVLP converter gun you will need a compressor with a big tank (at least 50L) for stability of air flow,with a high CFM at least 1 or 2 maybe more above the rating of the gun you want to use. Get the best quality water trap you can afford. Unless you have other uses (and space) for a compressor of this size and price then consider a dedicated turbine kit, they are quieter, smaller more efficient and very portable. This is my experience based quite a few years of restoring piano cases a while back and recent research . I notice the price of dedicated HVLP kits has really come down compared to about 10 years ago. My best advice whatever you do, don't skimp on CFM and get yourself a hygrometer (to measure humidity) . See if there is a weather nut in your local area who has a website with all the year-round humidity stats on it to help you plan your spraying . You can have the best kit in the world but if your medium is not retarded or your spraying area de-humidified on a high humidity day you can forget a good finish.