Spray gun

[qwertyu]

Anyone use a spray gun to apply finishes? What are you using and why did you choose that particular gun?

I also see that places like bunnings has electric guns - are they any good compared to air guns?

Is one type easier to clean etc?

[elanjacobs]

I've never sprayed except for contact glue, but the Star brand guns seemed very popular with our polishers/painters.

[Arron]

I have a pair of Star hvlp guns. Full size and touch up. I’ve used them for about 5 years intermittently with no problem. I think the full size one cost about $400 - which is why I bought it - only half the price of am Iwata or Devilbiss but nearly as good.

I also use a Supercheap auto hvlp in 2.0 setup for doing sealers and waterbased. It cost about $60. It leaks a bit of air now but is otherwise ok - not bad considering it’s older then the Stars - though you don’t need finesse for sealers.

For learning, there is really nothing wrong with a Supercheap Auto basic gun at $60. Upgrade to something better when you know what you need.

I also have a heap of Wagner turbine guns which I have bought or been given. I hate them. Noisy, dirty, rough things which angrily spray the paint around and loose most in overspray. I have a Wallperfect - I’d have to say no product deviates further from its advertising promises then the Wagner Wallperfect. The only one worth looking at might be the Finespray. I have one but have never used it because I can’t see there’s anything it can do that a conversion gun (gun on compressor) can’t except take longer to clean up.

So if buying again and I had a compressor I’d go for one of the less expensive Star hvlps. If I was a pro, I’d go Iwata.

[qwertyu]

Thanks guys - my father actually used to have a star spray gun. Chucked it out as it was leaking and the trigger didnt seem to work. Didn't know it was a quality gun not sure if it was repairable...

I only want to use the gun with cheap water based polys so I'm hoping cleaning will be easy.

elanjacobs - how were you guys applying finishes? (I just assumed that commercial places sprayed everything for the speed

[elanjacobs]

We sent stuff out for finishing (sprayed) or some clients arranged their own finishing. We also did some products with a soap finish or oil finish in house

[Ubernoob]

Thanks guys - my father actually used to have a star spray gun. Chucked it out as it was leaking and the trigger didnt seem to work. Didn't know it was a quality gun not sure if it was repairable...

Yeah they are usually the brand you go for before you go to pro level stuff, they are made in China and that is why they are a bit cheaper than other brands.
I have an Iwata gravity fed gun, it seems fine, I bought it because I try to support people that manufacture in the home country. I doubt with my skill level I'd get a better finish with my gun over a Star or a SCA gun, I'm an all the gear no idea type.

[qwertyu]

Something I forgot to mention is that I already have a decent compressor. Did some more research and it seems that the turbine sprayers probably aren't for me since I already have the compressor. Therefore just looking at a suitable spray gun.

Whats the difference between the nozzle size? eg 1.5mm vs 3mm

pros and cons of gravity fed vs where the pot is under the gun?

difference between HVLP, HTE, LVB (just some abbreviations ive seen)?

We sent stuff out for finishing (sprayed) or some clients arranged their own finishing. We also did some products with a soap finish or oil finish in house

I see - is it the same type of business that does the 2 pack kitchen cabinet doors?

[elanjacobs]

We have a few different places depending on what finish is required; paint, normal polishing or "the works" with a hand-rubbed wax on top