Advice RE: (near) Top of the Line HVLP Systems

[John Akerblom]

I'm looking to buy an HVLP System. I'd prefer to buy the best and learn on that, at least then I know the mistakes are my own doing instead of the machine's fault. I will primarily be spraying nitro lacquer and two-part polyurethanes (auto body type finishes).

Basically, I just want something that performs exceedingly well, is durable, and doesn't take a degree in engineering to set up and clean. I don't spray much in terms of volume (i.e. not painting any houses anytime soon). But I need a good spraygun to apply finishes to dining room tables, conference room tables, furniture, spearguns, etc, as brush on finishes and spray cans just aren't cutting it in terms of quality.

Another more specific issue is whether to get a bleeder vs non-bleeder gun. I know I'm looking at systems that are more than I will need for my application, and that I could get buy on less, but I'd rather have the option to use more viscous finishes without having to dilute them like I would on a system with less PSI. And I like wasting my money on nice tools.

Any and all advice is appreciated.

My current top contenders are:

Apollo Precision-5 TurboSpray System with Atomizer 7500 QT Gun
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00P1JRNLO...I2RU284QQNQWSP

Apollo HVLP Eco-5 HVLP Turbine Paint Sprayer
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GLU1R1Y...=IU6DHY4T6OH4X

Fuji 3004-T70 Q4 Platinum - T70 Quiet HVLP Spray System
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00D4NPML2...=IWSQYE8XWB2ZW

[Scott Holmes]

You may want to look into the next step up from a HVLP...

Air Assisted Airless prayers are amazing... I use a Graco FinishPro II 395 PC Air-Assisted Airless Sprayer.

[John Akerblom]

You may want to look into the next step up from a HVLP...

Air Assisted Airless prayers are amazing... I use a Graco FinishPro II 395 PC Air-Assisted Airless Sprayer.

Hmm. Graco seems to advertise that its Air-Assisted sprayers are more productive, but that the HVLP sprayers might have a little more control. And I like the idea of limited blowback and overflow considering I'll use this in my home garage a fair amount. Thanks for the advice though, going to add Graco's HVLP to my list.

Graco FinishPro HVLP Sprayers 9.5
http://www.graco.com/us/en/products/contractor/finishpro-hvlp-sprayers.html

Apollo Precision-5 TurboSpray System with Atomizer 7500 QT Gun
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00P1JRNLO...I2RU284QQNQWSP

Apollo HVLP Eco-5 HVLP Turbine Paint Sprayer
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GLU1R1Y...=IU6DHY4T6OH4X

Fuji 3004-T70 Q4 Platinum - T70 Quiet HVLP Spray System
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00D4NPML2...=IWSQYE8XWB2ZW

[Wayne Lomman]

I agree with Scott. The Graco air assisted system is unsurpassed. Cheers

[John Akerblom]

Two identical suggestions are hard to ignore...moving to the top of the list.

Quick question regarding the Graco air assisted systems, is there more maintenance? Are they harder to clean? Especially concerned when using two part finishes that don't flush out easily with a solvent like laquer or water-based finishes.

Graco FinishPro II 395 PC
http://www.graco.com/us/en/products/...ii-395-pc.html

Graco FinishPro HVLP Sprayers 9.5
http://www.graco.com/us/en/products/contractor/finishpro-hvlp-sprayers.html

Apollo Precision-5 TurboSpray System with Atomizer 7500 QT Gun
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00P1JRNLO...I2RU284QQNQWSP

Apollo HVLP Eco-5 HVLP Turbine Paint Sprayer
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GLU1R1Y...=IU6DHY4T6OH4X

Fuji 3004-T70 Q4 Platinum - T70 Quiet HVLP Spray System
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00D4NPML2...=IWSQYE8XWB2ZW

[Wayne Lomman]

John, cleaning out 2 pack is always more work with any system but the Graco is good. However, it depends what you like to do. Since you are planning to spend good money, ask the dealers to demo each system. It's what I ask if the investment is on the high side. Gives you peace of mind. Cheers

[John TenEyck]

So far I have shied away from units like the Graco. They look great for large jobs where you have to spray a lot of product, buy they don't look practical for the things I spray, one or two cabinets at a time or a piece of furniture. Can you even use the Graco when you only have a pint or quart of finish? How much finish do you lose in cleanup? I use an air assisted HVLP gun with the 3M PPS cup. It sprays a wide range of products very well. You can spray as little as a few ounces of finish, there is almost no loss if finish during cleanup, and cleanup is easy and fast. The OP said his volume needs were low. The Graco seems targeted at the higher volume user. Or am I missing something?

John

[John Akerblom]

Yes. I started watching demo videos last night to bet a better idea of the practical applications of these systems. I saw how the Graco Air Assisted system is basically designed to use whole cans of finish, and think I'll be better off with a smaller system.

John TenEyck, do you know what the make and model of the air assisted HVLP gun you use? I will definitely take the advice to get dealers to demo the systems, just trying to narrow my field of options and get informed so I know which questions to ask and the best types of systems for high-quality, low volume tasks like tables, one or two cabinets, and other similar projects.

Fuji Q5 Platinum
http://www.fujispray.com/hvlp-systems/

Graco FinishPro HVLP Sprayers 9.5
http://www.graco.com/us/en/products/contractor/finishpro-hvlp-sprayers.html

Apollo Precision-5 TurboSpray System with Atomizer 7500 QT Gun
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00P1JRNLO...I2RU284QQNQWSP

Apollo HVLP Eco-5 HVLP Turbine Paint Sprayer
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GLU1R1Y...=IU6DHY4T6OH4X

[Mike Henderson]

You specifically asked for "top of the line" HVLP systems, but I'll comment that you can do excellent work with other than top of the line HVLP systems - and for less money. For example, if you have a decent sized air compressor you can use a conversion gun. And there are very good conversion guns out there, including DeVilbiss (I have one).

Mike

[John TenEyck]

John, I have a Qualspray HVLP conversion gun, specifically the AM-6008 SmartPak, sold by Homestead Finishing. I didn't mention it because it's not a "top of the line" gun, but it sure sprays everything from shellac to BM Advance beautifully. If you want high end, think SATA or similar. I'm not a fully time finisher; if I were I'd buy one. But it seems like complete overkill for a hobbiest, IMO. The mid range priced guns spray beautifully, and even the low end HF purple gun that you can buy for $10 on sale sprays light finishes like shellac very, very well.

You can spend a lot of money on a spray outfit, and many do, but you don't really need to to get a high quality finish. The guy behind the gun is the most important component. Whatever you buy, I highly recommend the 3M PPS system. With it you can spray at any angle, including upside down, which makes getting into hard to reach places much easier. And clean up is incredibly fast and simple.

John

[John Akerblom]

Thanks. I am looking for a "top of the line gun", but have no desire to spend extra money for bells and whistles I won't use.

I don't already have a compressor, which is another reason why the HVLP systems appeal to me.

I really appreciate the feedback though. Ideas like the 3m disposable cups and liners really appeal to me. Cleaning is the absolute worst.

I'm going to try and figure out what sort of power I need to push out two part polyurethanes, like the clear coats used in the auto body industry.

[John TenEyck]

John, SW's Polane 2K WB Enamel has a viscosity about the same as typical clear coats so you can spray it with any common gun. I suspect there are many others.

http://www.paintdocs.com/docs/webPDF.jsp?SITEID=SWOEM&lang=E&doctype=PDS&prodno= F63TL0500

There are HVLP conversion guns that use compressed air, and turbine HVLP guns. They both do the same thing. You can buy a good quality, complete system of either type for around $1000. If you don't need portability, it's hard to beat the conversion gun approach. The gun only has one hose coming to it so it's easier to handle, the air is unheated, and the compressor can be used for many other tasks besides driving the spray gun.


John

[Dick Mahany]

I'm using a "middle of the line" Fuji Mini Mite 3 Platinum and don't see the need for more. It's 3 stage and I've sprayed stains, sealers and relatively thick WB clearcoats with perfect results. The gun is great and better than anything I have previously used. The key is in understanding how to thin to proper viscosity and how to select the correct needle/ nozzle / air cap combination for what you are doing.

I only wished that I had this combo when I painted vehicles with PPG Deltron system paints and clear coats.

Unless you are going to spray textured, or super heavy coatings, this system is a great value. Sure you can pay more for an even higher end system, but why? Check out your specific requirements before deciding if 4 or 5 stages are required. The folks at Fuji are great in my book for answering questions, so it may be worth a call to them.

[Wayne Lomman]

Graco do aim at the serious user. They are the standard that all the others aspire to. If you are only spraying a litre or two, then it is overkill. However, when the specification says top end, it would be wrong to ignore the option. Note that if you are using the same single pack product regularly, you don't need to clean out very often. Cheers

[Scott Holmes]

I agree that the Graco is best for large jobs; for small jobs I use a conversion gun and a compressor. I got my conversion gun from Homestead finishing. Jeff is a great resource to get you the best equipment for your needs.

FYI: My Graco needs about a quart or more of finish before it starts spraying. I use it when I'm doing large jobs not small jobs.