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10
A WORD ABOUT LATEX
Although latex paint was never originally intended to be sprayed, a
professional finish can be achieved by following a few simple rules.
(Please do not confuse latex with the newer water-based coatings). For
work such as cabinetry or trim, our equipment can be used successfully
with latex paint. The latex will have to be thinned with
WATER
- approxi-
mately
20-30% depending on the brand of paint.
And to improve the
finish even more, you can use an additive that will slow down the drying
process so that the paint levels out nicely. One product available is
FLOETROL from the FLOOD Company in Ohio. In the USA Call 1-800-
321-3444 for your nearest supplier. (In the U.K. 0845-0618899).
The ideal Aircap size setup is the #4 for household trim, louver doors etc.
The Latex paint should be ‘finish-quality’ and not a cheaper grade.
When spraying Latex, please adjust the fluid knob 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). Also, it is usually helpful to remove the air control valve so
that more air passes through the spraygun. Finally, adjust the pattern to
a maximum size of 8” - 9” (20cm) - smaller is ok.
Although it is possible to use our equipment for house painting (walls),
and many end users do, we feel that an airless gun or power roller is
better suited for that kind of job. However, if you decide to do this kind of
work, you will need the #6 Aircap set.
VISCOSITY
Follow the viscosity guide chart. You will eventually learn to thin the
material by experience. Traditionally, lacquers were thinned 50/50 even
for high pressure spraying but this much thinning is not necessary.
However, coatings manufacturers are reformulating constantly so it is
always advisable to check with them. Thinning a product excessively
causes more overspray as well as runs. Stringent air quality controls in
some geographic locations may prohibit reducing by more than a certain
percentage. Please check with the local jurisdiction in this matter.
Remember, when you buy a can of paint, lacquer, polyurethane, varnish
etc. over the counter, it will most likely be formulated for brushing. That
means, it will be too viscous (thick) and will require thinning to spray
successfully. This is true even when spraying is mentioned on the label
of the can. Check with the manufacturer of the coating to obtain advice on
thinning their product.
THE TRIGGER IS SLUGGISH
•
The needle packing is too tight - see ADJUSTING THE NEEDLE
PACKING. Page 14
•
Bent needle
•
The valve seal 8025 is damaged - replace
POOR SPRAY PATTERN
•
Damaged needle or nozzle
•
Nozzle is clogged
•
Air holes in air cap clogged
•
Aircap screwed in too tight
•
Gun too far from surface (max. 8” - 20cm)
PAINT AT THE AIR NOZZLE HOLES
•
The fluid nozzle is loose and material is leaking around it -
tighten with a adjustable wrench or 7/16” socket.
•
Paint is entering the gun via the pressure tube (very rare) and
being blown through the barrel to the aircap - see HOW TO
PREVENT PAINT ENTERING THE PRESSURE TUBE. Page 4
GUN SPRAYS IN A PULSATING MANNER
•
The needle packing has worn a little or is loose. Tighten
•
The cup is almost empty
•
The cup lid is not tight - air is escaping
•
The clear plastic pressure tube is leaking air. Replace
•
The pressure tube and/or nipple is clogged. Clear or replace
•
Gravity gun - turn the collar IN to alleviate back-pressure
EXCESSIVE OVERSPRAY
•
The spray pattern size is too large for the item you are spraying
•
The gun is being held too far away - should be 8” max. (20cm)
•
Trigger on and off as you pass over the edges of the item
•
The product is too thin - try thinning less
•
Reduce the air by turning the air control valve to the point where
overspray is minimized but the finish still looks good
•
For ideal and comfortable spraying conditions, you should install
an extraction fan.* If you are spraying a flammable, combustible
product such as nitrocellulose lacquer, you must install an
explosion-proof fan (and explosion-proof lighting and switches)
* Please check with the local jurisdiction on this matter.
