use Earlex 5000 HVLP sprayer to spray Rustoleum?

[Jesse Tutterrow]

A neighbor has a set of metal outdoor furniture that she wants painted. She tried painting with a brush and it didn't work out very well.

I could use some advice on how to spray Rustoleum.

Can I use my Earlex 5000 sprayer to spray Rustoleum?
If so, what size needle (I have the 1.5 and 2)?
How much can I thin Rustoleum? and with what?
Assuming that I clean the gun after spraying, is there any lasting damage in spraying Rustoleum?

Thanks in Advance,

Jesse

[Scott Holmes]

You can thin Rustoleum with mineral spirits as much as needed. Don't know what size tip to use for your setup. CLEANING will be VERY important; any color left in the gun/system will show up when least expected or wanted.

[Henry Ambrose]

Read the label on the paint can.
I think Rustoleum calls for acetone as thinner and you can thin it quite a bit.
It sprays well when everything is working as intended.

[Jesse Tutterrow]

Thanks for the replies

[Matt Meiser]

Some Rust-O-Leum products say thin with acetone, some say mineral spirits so check the label. I've sprayed a few different machines and most of my tractor implements with an HVLP gun and Rust-O-Leum, the Do-It-Best store brand equivalent, or the tractor paint sold at Tractor Supply which seems to be the same basic product. Tractor Supply sells hardener that I've tried in the others and its worked well and allows the paint to actually dry in a reasonable time.

[Sam Hamory]

With the 5000 it is no problem to thin with acetone.
I would use the 1.5 needle for a finer finish.
Clean up with acetone or mineral spirits.