This week’s question comes from Pierre who asks: “In a recent video, you spray paint your clock. This is something I would like to get into. I have everything to do it, but, I wonder…is it worth all the fuss of setting up and cleaning for just three small coats? What’s your procedure?”
And this was my reply: “Hi Pierre, You are right. The cleanup can be a pain. Setup is no big deal though. And I do think its worth it. But if you have doubts, you can always use spray cans on small projects. Its more expensive and a little wasteful, but that’s the trade off for less work. I did two projects in a row so I just kept the finish in the gun and moved on to the next project. But honestly, when you see the results you get from a spray setup, you will agree that it is worth a little extra effort. Loading the gun is simple, you just pour the finish into the can and make sure you are using the right needle/tip size. Clean up consists of putting water into the cut and spraying to clean out the tubes and the chamber (if using water-based finish). Then maybe spray some alcohol though it to further clean it out and get rid of any remaining water. And if any finish dries in the tube, you’ll need to use the cleaning brush to get the gunk out. But that’s about it. Hope that helps.”
7 Responses to “Using Spray Gun For Small Projects?”
Well, I haven’t received them yet, but I ordered some 3M PPS cups for my gun. I think this will make switching finishes and cleanup much better. They are collapsible disposable cups that you can remove and cap if you want to keep the finish that was in the gun handy; next time, drop it in and go. All that would be left after removing and capping the cup is to fill your gun’s standard cup with cleaner and run it through.
Here’s a product video for the 3M PPS cups. There’s a long fade to black in the middle; wait it out because there’s some interesting tips and applications after the pause.
http://www.homesteadfinishing......nglish.wmv
Marc,
What is your spraying setup; compressor size, sprayer cfm.
Dave
Hey Dave. I actually don’t use a compressor. I have two setups. Both are turbines. Years ago I bought a small compressor for nailing purposes. When it was time to get a sprayer, I did some research and realized that I liked the idea of a completely mobile and self-sufficient system. So I opted for a turbine. I use a Fuji 3-stage for most of my work, but I also have an Earlex that performs very well for its price range.
Marc,
I am looking to purchase a Fuji System and am curious to your thoughts on Gravity vs Siphon feed spray guns.
Thanks,
Thomas
Hey Thomas. I am partial to the Siphon style. Perhaps its because I have spent more time with them. But gravity feed tends to feel a little unbalanced to be since all that weight is above your hand. The siphon fed models are just more comfortable for me. Also, with the cup above the gun, and the hose coming out from below the gun, it seems that the gravity version would also give you less clearance room overall in tight places. Another disadvantage would be the cup capacity. I think you are looking at about a 1/2 quart with the gravity and a full quart with the siphon.
Now on the flip side of things, the gravity guns have less parts to replace and clean. So maintenance will be easier in the long run.
Hope that helps.
Marc,
I’m considering buying a Fuji system. Are there times that you wish you had the 4-stage turbine? I would primarily use the sprayer for woodworking projects but may use it to spray paint as well.
Do you have the Fuji MM3, Super3 or Q3? Do you find the turbine noise to be excessively loud? I’m worried about disturbing the neighbors since I have them within a stone’s throw on all sides.
With two systems, why do you choose between one or the other? The Fuji is a better system, isn’t it?
Thanks,
Jess
Hi Jess. I have the Fuji Q3. I have never really thought I needed more power. I don’t really spray paint so that might be a situation where the 4-stage would be preferable. The Q series sounds like a loud vacuum cleaner. So its a good idea to wear ear protection for yourself, but the noise dissipates dramatically with distance. So I doubt it would be a problem for your neighbors. Keep in mind there weren’t as many options available from Fuji when I bought mine, so I only have to choose between Q3 and Q4. If I were buying again today, I would most likely get the Fuji Q3 Gold. That’s pretty comparable to the old Q3.