HVLP Paint Sprayers

[Kent K.]

Re: HVLP Paint Sprayers

Seems as though my original question was sidetracked, although considerably interesting information followed. I do have an 80 gallon, 5 HP, 2 stage compressor that is rated for 175 psi and is being (re)installed for shop use only. Maybe I was trying to avoid all the filtration gear necessary to use it and a gravity feed gun to paint the car. My original question was about the Wagner HVLP spray gun outfits that indicate on the box they are suitable for laquer along with a miriad of other paints (stain, water and oil based paints, etc.). The model is entitled "Paint Crew". There may be other models, more professional, that are a few frog skins extra that would be suitable for painting my '69 Fathom Green (metallic). BTW - the Paint Crew unit has a variable spray pattern nozzel on its gun.
Regards, Kent #6201

[Michael H.]

Re: HVLP Paint Sprayers

I'd like to try one of these. I have a friend near here that has a body shop/classic car resto shop. I'll see if he has one. If not, I'll try to convince him to buy one, just so I can play with it for a few hours.

[Michael H.]

Re: HVLP Paint Sprayers

Patrick,

Yes, that was back in the days of lacquer without clear coat at the assy plant. Most incredible spray pattern I've ever seen. The material came out of the nozzle in a 90* pattern instead of the typical 30 or 40*. It poured material out but at that high pressure, it was such a fine spray that it landed smooth. Hard to describe but it sure worked.

I was able to duplicate the high pressure (110 PSI at the gun) and high volume when I switched to bottled nitrogen for an air source instead of a compressor. I used an oxy regulator that I modified internally to pass more volume. The clean cool air was perfect for my project and I managed to exactly duplicate factory spray patterns at home but the bottles didn't last long. It would have been fun to actually complete a repaint this way but I never finished the project.

The Devilbiss gun has to be set up specifically for pressure feed instead of siphon. This required a new nozzle, rod and a very special air cap. I still have one of the guns from the St Louis line from the 70's.

[John M.]

Re: HVLP Paint Sprayers

Michael,

If you can't find anyone who has one, drop me an Email, and I will send you mine for a week or so when I am between paint jobs.

Regards, John McGraw

[Michael H.]

Re: HVLP Paint Sprayers

Thanks John, much appreciated but I think I may have already connected with one here. I mentioned the gun to a friend that owns a body shop and he said he was going to buy one. I guess we'll both be learning how to use it. Can't wait. Thanks again.

[John M.]

Re: HVLP Paint Sprayers

Michael,

A word of advice. If you are planning on sparying a lot of metallic lacquers with it, get the 1.2mm fluid nozzle and needle. This smaller nozzle will make distribution of the metallic easier than with the 1.3mm fluid needle. You can shoot metallics with the 1.3mm but tiger striping can be a problem if your technique is not flawless, especially on silvers. The 1.2mm is just more forgiving. The 1.3mm is a more universal fluid tip, and can spray a wider range a material as a very fast rate, so it is kind of a personal decision. I have had no problems with metallics in single-stage urethane paints.
One of these days, I will probably buy a 1.2mm fluid needle and nozzel for my gun, but SATA is very proud of their parts, and I shoot mostly solid colors, so it may be a while! LOL

Regards, John McGraw

[Kent K.]

Re: HVLP Paint Sprayers

John,

Is that the Sata Jet RP Digital 2 gun you have? Which nozzle do you use, the 1.3 or 1.4? I found one at the following link and thought Michael would also be interested. Their price is $524.00, although their web site may not be updated.
Here's the link

http://autobodystore.net/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=3S

Happy spraying,
Kent #6201

[John M.]

Re: HVLP Paint Sprayers

I have the 1.3mm model. You can also buy a 1.2mm model, but this gun would be for a guy that shoots metallic Lacquers almost exclusively. The 1.3mm gun is about the best all around gun out there. Here is a link to a place that consistently has some of the lowest prices on SATA guns. This gun has gone up over $25 since I bought mine 2 years ago.

http://search.cartserver.com/search/search.cgi?cartid=a-6834&category=database&maxhits=30&keywords=sata+digital+rp

Regards, John McGraw

[Gene B.]

Re: HVLP Paint Sprayers

The pattern was very similar to a conventional sprayer. The pattern can be adjusted just like a conventioanl gun as well; vertical, horizontak, and round, depending on how you turn the nozzle.

Remember for the HVLP you need to use a higer temp lacquer thinner to compensate for the air temp form the HVLP unit.

Gene