HVLP spray guns are easier to use than most spray guns. It takes very little practice in order to spray with professional results thanks to the lower velocity. If you can use a paintbrush, you can spray with HVLP.

Viscosity of coatings is important. Although we supply a guide, there is often some trial and error involved in arriving at the best viscosity. If a product is thinned too much, there are runs. Too thick and 'orange peel' or rough finish is the result. When thinning, it is essential to use a reducer that is compatible with the product you are using. To be sure, buy a thinner made by the same coatings company - always verify that it is the right product. It is wise to experiment on a practice piece to ensure that the finish is perfect. You may also request information from the coatings manufacturer - don't forget to mention you are spraying with HVLP equipment.

Waterborne lacquers (acrylics, urethanes and varathanes etc.) can be applied successfully with HVLP. Most of these products require no thinning whatsoever. Many of these newer coatings contain a high-solids content of 30%-60% or more so the turbine must be powerful enough (at least the 3-stage). Several thin wet coats are preferable to one or two thick coats. Scuff sanding between coats is recommended.

When spraying with HVLP, keep the gun at a constant 6" - 8" away from the project. Release the trigger at the end of each stroke. Then, depress the trigger and overlap the previous pass by about 1/3. Continue in this fashion for consistent coverage.
 

The Air Control Valve

Whenever possible, to reduce over spray to an absolute minimum you may use the Air Control Valve to reduce the volume/pressure of air passing through the spray gun. Turn the valve until the air is at the point where it is just barely atomizing the paint and yet the finish quality is still ideal. If the valve is turned too low, orange peel may result. There is a compromise here with setting the amount of paint sprayed and the size of the pattern. The Air Control Valve setting should be the last in the chain. In other words, decide on the viscosity and size of pattern first - then, you may find that you can reduce the air without affecting the quality of the finish.
 
 

A Word about LATEX

If you intend on spraying Latex Emulsion Paint (House Paint) most of the time, please consider purchasing the more powerful Q4Pro™ 4-stage turbine system. To spray Latex paints successfully, some rules must be adhered to. The latex should be 'finish-quality' (the best grade). For best results, a Latex Additive such as Floetrol should be used (Call 1-800-321-3444 for your nearest dealer). The Latex will also have to be thinned with water - usually 20% is enough. The #4 needle/nozzle/jet setup is preferred for more coverage (standard with all systems). When spraying Latex, please turn the fluid adjusting screw to limit the paint to a finer spray. This will increase the ratio of air to paint and result in better atomization and a beautiful finish. (Factually speaking, it doesn't increase the ratio of air to paint but does the opposite - it allows the air atomizing power to work on less paint thereby improving the quality of atomization). If your main purpose in buying a system is to paint walls with latex, then we want you to know that you will probably have to thin the paint. If you want to spray latex full strength (absolutely no thinning) onto walls, you would be better off with a Wagner 'Power Painter' which will do the job without thinning. Airless will spray latex well. For the average homeowner, a roller is still probably the best tool for the job. However, hundreds of people have used the Fuji System to paint walls with latex and they are very happy with the result. Just remember to use Floetrol and thin with water. For walls you would need the #5 or #6 needle/nozzle/jet setup for greater coverage. To review… we consider HVLP perfect for spraying Latex Paint onto trim, cabinets, louver doors etc. (fine finishing).

HVLP is designed for fine finishing, this includes... furniture, pianos, cabinets, automobiles, machinery - anywhere a 'Class A' coating is to be applied. If you already own airless equipment, you'll find that an HVLP system will complement it perfectly. Although there is some overlap, every family of spray systems on the market has its special place.