HOW TO SET UP AN HVLP SPRAY GUN!!!
HVLP (high-volume, low-pressure) paint sprays are very common because they are relatively fast in achieving perfect finishes. HVLP guns often have fewer spray than other spray guns due to their low pressure spray, which lets you save money, time and paint.
However, it is unlikely that you can see any of these advantages unless you know how to properly configure your spray gun. In this article, we’re going to show you how to set up an HVLP Spray Gun to get more out of your device.
What are HVLP spray Guns?
HVLP refers to “high volume, low pressure.” HVLP guns don’t use high pressure to atomize paints, which is often the case for most paint sprayers. Although most weapons spray paint at 50 PSI, most HVLP guns spray at approximately 10 PSI level. This reduces rebound and waste of paint, as more paint can remain on the surface.
Let’s get into why all of you clicked on this article, how to configure the spray gun properly to obtain the best paint scheme. Before you set up HVLP Spray Gun there are important things to do right.
Getting ready for set up
The correct configuration of an HVLP spray gun requires three steps, namely air supply choice, selection of the right tip and then setup.
Air pressure and volume
The setting of air pressures and volumes can involve some trials and errors. Please ensure your spray fan is approximately 6 inches high as a rule. If not, use the fan-control knob, usually at the top of your gun. Your material pushbutton should also be on top of your gun. Configuring your material push may also take a little practice, but for an optimum result the majority of them should be unscrewed around 2.5 turns.
HVLP guns need a high volume of air in order to function correctly. The instructions will tell you the maximum cubic feet you need to operate every minute. You should be able to continuously generate the correct volume with air compressor, so make sure it has the right capabilities.
You will need to limit it to about 90 pounds per square inch. Furthermore, you need an HVLP controller for setting the pressure in your gun. In order to keep your airways clear of any oil or water, you need an air dryer mounted at the wall.
Choose the right tip for what you are spraying.
The tip you pick is critical as well. You probably got some with your gun. The smallest tip you are taking is the right one. Typically the tech sheet for the shot material has a specified tip size. If you don’t know, however, a decent thumb rule is about a 1.0 tip for doing small jobs such as a single panel or small piece. 1.3 Or 1.4 in the application of paint or clear the entire car.
The sizes are also appropriate for screens and epoxies or rough elements. You will need to create primers with a bigger tip. Depending on the thickness, 1.8 to 2.3. Read the tech sheets again. When you purchase a paint or a primer, ask for them. They have all the details about the material.
Let’s set it up!
You have to set up your gun before you use it. Humidity, temp, etc. variations can impact how your gun shoots that day. Let’s therefore learn how to set up an HVLP spray Gun.
Skipping the whole setup process leads to bad results. A spray check is a simple way to go through the setup process. Tape some paper masking on the wall first. Then find the inlet for your gun and use the regulator to set the pressure. The amount of air in the control knob should still be closed because air is still pulled.
Open the control button of the fan next. As a rule, the fan should be six inches high while the device is 6 centimeters away from the surface.
Then turn the material knob and aim the gun at the wall masking paper you taped. The gun ought to be approximately 6 inches away. Pull the trigger, but don’t hold it long – less than one second is enough.
The masking paper will display a cigar-shaped pattern. Ensure the pattern is approximately 9-10 inches long. The coverage in the middle will look full and fade when you reach the edges.
Typically a simple fix is available if the pattern is not what you expected. If you see excessive density on the side and not enough in the center, your air flow is likely to be too high. You may screw the material knob down and try to limit air flow only if you spray too much material.
Test the trajectory of your gun and make sure you have a strong enough air compressor if you’re uncertain about the correct CFM or pressure (cube feet per minute). Change air pressure with your gun’s base controller and keep your lines dry with an air dryer.
Testing
To make sure that your test conditions are right, please check your spray gun properly. Keep your gun approximately 6 inches from the surface you are painting and hold down the trigger for just a second. This procedure will give you a good reading of the setup of your gun.
Please remember to set and change the air pressure and fan control accordingly. It is convenient to try and make one compensate for the other, but they should work together. You will know your gun goes through the test if your masking paper’s cigar pattern is around 6 inches high, with full center coverage and slight fading on the sides.
The Bottom Line
What you want is the smallest possible paint droplets without losing the entire coverage.
To do so, you turn tiny bits at a time in your material control knob. You can also do the same by increasing the air pressure, but you’re probably high enough already.
When you consistently achieve a smooth finish on your test paper, your HVLP spray gun is properly set-up