"Yes, water is thinner than paint, so when you get to the point where you can apply water without it running off, you're ready to paint," Deardorff advises novice painters. "It shows you have control of the gun."
If you are using a water-based product in your paint sprayer, you'll want to use warm water and soap (I like using Dawn dish soap). What is this? If you are using an oil-based product, you'll want to use mineral spirits as your cleanup solution.
Yes, the latex paint does need to be thinned. Even though latex paint is water-based, it is thicker than the oil-based paint varieties. The thick latex paint needs to be thinned to be able to spray a fine mist of paint. Before applying your paint, it is a good idea to test out the paint's viscosity.
Combine a half cup of water for every gallon of latex paint in a bucket and stir thoroughly to thin its consistency before using latex paint in an HVLP gun. Pneumatic paint sprayers work with oil-based enamel, acrylic and latex paints.
In contrast to watering down paint, “thinning” paint is a regular practice for all painters and is recommended by the paint manufacturer. To “thin” paint, an exterior painter will add water to the paint bucket, increasing the paint's workability and slowing down the speed with which it dries.
Yes! Actually, most beginner or hobby paint sprayers require the paint to be thinned because they don't have enough power to suck up and push out anything thicker than stain.
It is recommended that you apply two coats and allow the proper time frame for drying. Be sure to also sand between each dried coat. Once the final coat is painted and allowed time to dry, it's time for a clear coat. Depending on the sheen of paint used, you can also apply a clear coat over spray paint.
Short 3 days - 3 months
Water left in a paint sprayer will corrode and ruin the pump! Always circulate a storage fluid through the system after cleaning. You can use a "pump preserver" such as Graco Pump Armor or just plain, clean mineral spirits.
Add ½ cup (118 milliliters) of water for every gallon of paint. Mix thoroughly. Check the thickness by running the paint through a funnel. If it flows freely through the funnel, you know the paint is thinned enough.
In general, you will use up to three times more paint by spraying than by brushing–plus, you risk getting a thinner coat. One gallon of exterior acrylic-latex on a clean, painted or primed surface–a minimum of porosity–is estimated by manufacturers to cover about 400 square feet.
And you can use all types of paint in a sprayer as long as it's the right type for the gun you get. Most sprayers can use latex, water-based paint, acrylic, primers, vinyl, alkyd, lacquer, enamel, high-heat paint, oil-based paint, epoxy, rust-preventive paint, and plastic paint.
The paint formula plays a factor.
Polyurethane and epoxy spray paints dry the fastest. After about 5 minutes the surface should be dry to the touch, and after only an hour it should be fully dry. Lacquer spray paints are made with thermoplastic polymers that will offer a surface-dry feeling after just a few minutes.
I would recommend a few things if you are considering leaving paint in your sprayer. But don't do this for prolonged periods as you could damage your machine and warranty. But overnight or a few hours will be fine.
As a minimum, the first coat (ASU) on ceilings should always be back-rolled after spray application, unless ceilings are to be sanded. The back-rolling of subsequent coats is highly desirable as it enhances the uniform soft texture and light scattering capability.
If you're going to be storing your sprayer for longer than a couple days, don't leave water inside the pump. Many of the machine's components are made of steel and other metals and can rust if stored in contact with water for extended periods.
Two coats of paint ALWAYS looks better and more professional than just one. The best paints sold by top paint vendors recommend a two coat system.
Using a paint sprayer can help give a smooth finish in a short amount of time, but it can be messier than a regular paint job. Start by covering the entire work area with plastic drop cloths and painter's tape. Before spraying with paint, prime the sprayer.
For surfaces with a factory-sprayed finish, such as primed molding or doors, kitchen cabinetry, and furniture, a paint sprayer will produce a smoother, more professional-looking surface. And with a little practice, it's possible to achieve a more uniform layer of paint with a sprayer compared with a brush or roller.
That means spray painting is the fastest way to paint large areas where you don't need so much accuracy, like an exterior wall; roller painting is good for interior walls where you need to avoid getting paint on other surfaces; and brushes help you do the detail work.
Rolled paint goes on thick on the initial coat. Most surfaces only require two coats. Problem surfaces may require three coats. A paint roller is less prone to patchiness than paint spraying, so you get a more consistent, even surface.
All professional painters should clean up after themselves. They should properly dispose of supplies and any hazardous waste. Confirm that this important step is written in the contract and your home is clear of debris when they leave.