Advice on Spray Guns - Please

[Neil Hodge]

I have been using a cheap $50. spray gun to finish woodwork projects e.g, coffee tables etc. This has worked reasonably well, but I have broken a fitting on it and will have Buckley's chance of buying a spare.
My question to all you spray experts is: Should I buy another air gun and if so one with the container on top, or underneath? Is an airless gun a viable alternative, as the price is about the same as a cheap air gun? I look forward to your comments.

[MurrayD99]

Neil, I have only ever used suction cup guns - but I think the answer to your question might be dependent on the capacity of your compressor. A 10cfm compressor delivers about 6 - 7 cfm. Suction guns I have used will need all of that and a bit more. I have an airless gun but only used it for house painting and little jobs. Have a look on the Devilbiss site to see what is available, pros and cons etc... Then I'd probably look at Star for a low cost solution. Don't think I'd go airless for furniture.

[Big Shed]

Neil, if you do a search on this forum for "HVLP" you will get a wealth of information.

HVLP or High Volume Low Pressure is the modern way of spraying, I bought one some time ago and have been very happy with it, particularly in situations where no spray booth is available.

Airless is fine for large flat surfaces, but for furniture with all its' intricate detail it is not really an option.

It would also depend on the capacity of your compressor.

[Neil Hodge]

Neil, I have only ever used suction cup guns - but I think the answer to your question might be dependent on the capacity of your compressor. A 10cfm compressor delivers about 6 - 7 cfm. Suction guns I have used will need all of that and a bit more. I have an airless gun but only used it for house painting and little jobs. Have a look on the Devilbiss site to see what is available, pros and cons etc... Then I'd probably look at Star for a low cost solution. Don't think I'd go airless for furniture.

Thanks for the help Murray, I will pursue the matter along these lines.
Cheers

[Neil Hodge]

Neil, if you do a search on this forum for "HVLP" you will get a wealth of information.

HVLP or High Volume Low Pressure is the modern way of spraying, I bought one some time ago and have been very happy with it, particularly in situations where no spray booth is available.

Airless is fine for large flat surfaces, but for furniture with all its' intricate detail it is not really an option.

It would also depend on the capacity of your compressor.

What you say sounds logical and pretty much confirms my thinking. I will forget the airless gun and go shopping for HVLP. Thanks for the help.

Cheers.