Earlex HV4900, Manual

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3) INTRODUCTION
The concept
The Earlex HV4900 is referred to as a ‘Spray Station’ in order to illustrate that it is highly versatile; it goes without saying that in addition to paints, this
spray station can also be used with other products.
A motor feeds out a high volume of air (HV) and enables products to be sprayed at a low pressure (LP). The product is released from the fluid tip of the
spray gun at a very low pressure (0.14 bar) and is enclosed in a high volume of air. The hose feeds the air produced by the motor to the spray gun.
Advantages
• Substantial reduction in the amount of mist which means that far less covering (protective tape, plastic covers) is required and that an
equally substantial amount of paint can be saved; up to 30% compared to use with a traditional spray gun and between 20% and 30%
compared to use with a roller (because the product is applied evenly). Financial savings achieved as such will soon offset the cost of a
HVLP spray station.
• Quality results achieved with the added bonus that the spray station is easy to use. (In addition, the high volume of air enclosing the fluid
which is sprayed speeds up the drying time and this helps improve the finish quality of the surface to which the fluid is being applied.)
• Given its versatility, an extensive range of products can be sprayed using HVLP technology.
A method of painting which is environmentally friendly
The clear savings in paint which can be made compared to using a roller or a traditional high-pressure spray gun make HVLP spraying an environmen-
tally-friendly technique. For this purpose, we would advise the user to always give preference to paints with a low VOC rate.
.
Uses for the spray station and compatible products
• From a chalet that needs completely repainting to decorative arts.
• All types of water- and solvent-based paints; (synthetic, glycerophthalic, acrylic, vinyl, polyurethane, cellulose, alkyd).
• Undercoats.
• Certain outer wall paints.
• Dyes, varnishes, wood dyes, protective oils for teak furniture.
• Anti-corrosion products and other technical paints.
• Products for ship hulls.
• Slurry! (Mix of cement and water) see section HELPFUL HINTS.
4) SELECTION OF PAINT AND APPLICATION TEMPERATURE
Even when the level of thinning is reduced, this powerful turbine motor can still spray an extensive range of fluids. In many cases, painting can even be
carried out without thinning the product.
Nonetheless, there will still be certain products which are not compatible with the spray gun.
TEXTURED paints (containing particles which may clog the tip and therefore stop the product from being released) should be not be used under any
circumstances whatsoever.
USING SUCH PRODUCTS WILL CAUSE PREMATURE WEAR OF THE SPRAY GUN AND VOID THE GUARANTEE.
Always make sure that the paint you purchase can be thinned. Good quality paints contain, among other things, a high percentage of dry particles
which make thinning possible. This is not the case with certain bottom-end products, which are not really suitable for thinning.
Earlex provides an up-to-date list on its website www.earlex.fr of all the products which have been successfully sprayed using the HV4900 spray station
without thinning, including those products which have been 5% or 10% thinned.
Users should also bear in mind that cold temperatures will make paint less smooth. We would therefore recommend that paints be sprayed with the
gun at a temperature of no less than 15°C.
5) PREPARATION
• Carefully cover areas which are not to be painted with a plastic cover and protective tape.
• Wear a suitable mask when spraying solvent-based products (and make sure there is adequate ventilation in the room
when working indoors).
• Clean the surface you are going to paint. As well as being clean, it must also be dry and smooth.
• Check that the spray gun is working correctly and that the fluid tip is not clogged (by any remaining dry paint for example).
• Practice first on some old wooden planks to make sure you are holding the spray gun correctly.
6) PREPARING THE PAINT
• Stir the paint well using a mixer where possible.
• Make sure there are no solid particles in the paint.
• Fill the container and then carry out an initial test on a piece of cardboard.
• Many products can be sprayed without being thinned. However, if the application is not good, thin the product progressively in stages of 5%.
• Most paints can be sprayed by being thinned just a little, e.g. by 5% or 10%.
• Some thick paints such as outer wall paints and certain undercoats will need to be thinned by 20% or 25%.
• Use water to thin a water-based product.
• Use white spirit to thin solvent-based paints.
• Certain manufacturers will indicate on the can whether a specific thinner is to be used.
•
Earlex provides an up-to-date list on its website www.earlex.fr of the products which have been successfully sprayed using the spray station
and will indicate the thinning levels which were applied. (This information is given as an indication only and as such does not constitute a
guarantee of the end result).
Generally speaking, the spray gun can be used with products which have a viscosity ranging from about 25 to 150 seconds.
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