Spray paint kit for Woodwork projects

[Norm C]

I'm looking to get a new spray kit.
HVLP seems to be the go these days.

I have a 140 litre 120LPM compressor. Not sure if it is big enough to get a spray gun set and operate off compressor.

Alternatively I could get one of the plug in turbine sets.

The Fuji Semi Pro 2 gets great reviews, but I can't find it available in Australia.

Bunnings sells the Wagner range with the Flexio 590 seeming to be popular. It has the turbine in the hand held unit which makes it big and possibly heavy.

Who uses HVLP sprayers and what tips can you give me.

I have a big airless sprayer, but that is for big outside jobs. No good for fine 'quality' work.

Will likely mostly be used for water based paints.

[China]

Your "big airless sprayer" would b e suitable with the appropriate gun, many manufacturers of "fine" furniture use them

[Norm C]

Your "big airless sprayer" would b e suitable with the appropriate gun, many manufacturers of "fine" furniture use them

Thanks China. It is one designed for roof painting and the like. Drop the inlet hose into a 20 litre drum of paint, climb on the roof with the unit and paint drum on the ground and off you go. Don't stop till 20 Litres is gone. Change drums and keep going.
I've painted roofs, big fences, shipping containers etc with it. I just can't imagine painting a drawer front that will store the wife's knickers with it.

[Norm C]

Well I found the Australian agent for the Fuji spray kits. Despite the name, Fuji is a Canadian company that specialises in turbine HVLP sprayers. Excellent reputation.
The unit I was interested in - Semi Pro 2 - is out of stock and not expected for 3 or 4 weeks. They sell it for a bit under $900.
I let him convince me to buy the next unit up in the range, the Mini Mite 3. I could have waited, but he says the Mini Mite is much better, particularly for heavier paints and varnishes.

Spent a bit more than planned, but don't we always.

[homey]

Hi Norm,

I’m a bit late to the party as you’ve bought the unit now. The Fuji HVLP systems have a good reputation and there are quite a few decent reviews/comparisons on YouTube.

Happy spraying!

[Sir Stinkalot]

A review after some use would always be of interest, and assistance for others down the track!

[PaintMan]

Hi Norm C,
I also have a large airless spray unit (electric) which is ideal for large areas and can handle most coatings by using different tip sizes. However I do not use this equipment for furniture or fine woodworking projects. For all of my woodworking I use HVLP spray guns with either a 2.0 or 1.7mm tip.Although I have a large compressor I mostly use a smaller unit as these guns work fine for me at 35PSI with minimal overspray . This application method does give you a lot of control over the film build and flow especially when compared to airless applications. For several years I have been using Mirotone specialty coatings comprising of a sanding sealer followed by a satin precat topcoat. These coatings atomise really well and give excellent flow and levelling even with wide variations in application conditions. Cheers,Paintman

[Norm C]

Thanks Paintman.
The unit I bought has it’s own turbine, so no compressor needed.
It came with a 1.3 mm tip, but I have a 1.8mm one on the way. Coming from USA as I was quoted $208 plus freight from Aust supplier.

Did a trial with water based undercoat with the 1.3 tip and I have a lot to learn. Will wait for new tip before I have another go.
I looked at the Mirotone website. Looks like good stuff.

Thanks

[woodPixel]

For several years I have been using Mirotone specialty coatings comprising of a sanding sealer followed by a satin precat topcoat. These coatings atomise really well and give excellent flow and levelling even with wide variations in application conditions. Cheers,Paintman

Hey Paintman,

I've been thinking of how to shake up my finishing. Sanding sealers are right on my radar right now.

With the Mirotone, do you use the 3242? MIROCAT Pre Catalysed 3242 Clear Sealer & Black Undercoat - Mirotone

Being in a unit, I cannot use catalysed sprays any more, so its changed things.



edit - there are many good choices: You searched for sanding sealer - MIROTONE

[PaintMan]

Hi Wood Pixel,
yes I use Mirocat PC 3242 followed by Mirocat 3220 topcoat for all of my wood projects. I have found these products to be easy to use and higher solids (better value) than several competitive products. I usually use the 60% gloss topcoat. Sanding sealers are an old but very well proven technology that enables fast and easy application and they usually contain zinc stearate to give easy sanding. This does tend to settle out on storage but can be easily be reincorporated by hand stirring. Cheers Paintman