Tips on Spraying with HVLP
TIPS ON SPRAYING WITH HVLP —Basic Tips on Getting a Smooth Even Finish with a Fuji Spray gun
Fuji HVLP Spray guns are designed to provide superb smooth finishes with a variety of coatings. Like all well designed tools, using them properly is also essential. Here are some basic tips to get you started well.
Basic Distance and Movement in Relation to the Surface Being Sprayed
When spraying with HVLP, keep the gun at a constant 6" - 8" away from the project. Release the trigger at the end of each stroke. Then...., depress the trigger and overlap the previous pass by about 1/3. Continue in this fashion for consistent coverage.
THE AIR CONTROL VALVE
This fits on the spray gun end of the hose, to adjust air volume and pressure.
Whenever possible, to reduce over spray to an absolute minimum you may use the Air Control Valve to reduce the volume/pressure of air passing through the spray gun. Turn the valve until the air is at the point where it is just barely atomizing the paint and yet the finish quality is still ideal. If the valve is turned too low, orange peel may result. There is a compromise here with setting the amount of paint sprayed and the size of the pattern.
The Air Control Valve setting should be the last in the chain. In other words, decide on the viscosity and size of pattern first - then, you may find that you can reduce the air without affecting the quality of the finish.
Match the Air Cap with the Finish You’re Spraying
The air cap setup that comes with your system, already installed in the spray gun, is a good choice for most finishes. For finer finishes and thinner coats, choose an air cap with a smaller opening. For thicker finishes, use a larger air cap.
Fuji Spray makes a range of sizes for each of its spray guns. You may want to study these further:
How to Choose the Right Air Cap
Buy air caps for Fuji Auto compressor guns.
Fuji Spray Platinum Q5 Variable Speed Control
Fuji Q5 Platinum Variable Speed Control Dial
The Fuji Platinum Q5 system comes with an additional way to optimize the air pressure for the finish you’re spraying. This top-of-the-line spray system comes with a variable speed control on the turbine itself.
For personalized advice on what Fuji Spray product to buy, and how to use it for your project — before and after your purchase here — please feel free to contact me. It is my pleasure to serve you. Roger Phelps, owner