Recommended spray setup - created 01-11-2011

faulds, rick - 01/11/2011.09:46:17

Hi folks, I'm looking to get setup with a spray system that doesn't totally break the bank but also has the quality required for instrument grade finishing.

My spraying experience can be summed up with the term "aerosol can".

Thanks

Hamlett, John - 01/11/2011.10:39:55

The main things needed for "instrument grade" finishes are skill and experience.

I bought a $35 Harbor Freight siphon feed conventional gun for a special purpose, and it works so well that I use it most of the time now. Whether you use conventional, gravity feed, HVLP or whatever, a decent tip/nozzle combination will yield good results in skilled, experienced hands, so don't get too hung up on hardware and learn to spray.

Schaeffer, Clay - 01/11/2011.11:27:41

Also, most small compressors will produce enough air to spray a guitar, especially if you are using a small "jamb" gun. Conventional High pressure guns usually use less air than conversionHVLP guns.

Brackett, Woodrow - 01/11/2011.17:19:33

I use a Walcom EGO gun. It's a mid sized gun, a little bigger than most door jamb guns, but smaller than a full sized gun. My compressor is a 2HP with a 20 gallon tank. I've also got a big compressor, but I rarely turn it on.

A good.......higher quality gun will atomize the finish better than most (or all) cheaper guns. If you're good with the gun it means less sanding, and also savings on material.

Rhoney, Paul - 01/12/2011.12:47:30
Proud recipient of the American Dream.

I'm using an Earlex HV5000 HVLP spray gun and I love it. I got some smaller tips for it, and formulating the lacquer just right was the biggest challenge.

Markison, Hank - 01/13/2011.13:34:28

I've had great luck with a really cheap trim gun that I had left from when I was restoring antique airplanes. No idea what brand. I've tried a nice hvlp and gravity feed guns, but this still works the best for me. Basically, John was right on the money. Decent, small gun with various tip sizes available and a bunch of practicing with your favourite finish on scrap, experimenting with pressure, distance and thinning. Fancy gear cant make up for lack of experience but experience is relatively cheap. I also agree about the compressor comments - nearly any compressor should do the trick.

Schaeffer, Clay - 01/14/2011.09:53:20

I agree with Woodrow that a better gun can give you a better "as is" finish with less work.

You can get as nice a finish with the cheap guns (which I use) but you need a better technique or else use a bit more finish and grind it down a bit more (more work).