New HVLP gun

[AirJose]

I just purchased an inexpensive HVLP paint gun with a 1.5 mm tip. I plan to spray etching primer and then try to paint. Do I need to clean it before using it? Can anyone give me some tips in how to use it? Thanks in advance to all.

[JC-ATL]

I cleaned mine thoroughly before using it, and ran a little xylene through it for good measure, and then just air for a while to evap the xylene.

The biggest thing about these guns - make sure you stay within the pressure range for the gun, usually 15 to 40 psi, and that your compressor has a enough CFM at this level to handle it. Pressure drops = runs and flaws. And of course, make sure you have a good water separator.

[ck85abc]

Always clean your gun after every use and different type of paint or it will never be the same. Also make sure you stay about 8 inches away while painting or it probably won't go on bery well. It is really hard to do when you start. It is so easy for people to go 4 inches away and put it on wet, but if you can get it on wet at 8-10 inches away it will turn out alot better.

[AirJose]

Thanks JC & CK: you said xylene, what is it? I remember people used to clean old guns with lacquer thinner. Is that the same? Now how do I adjust the gun, it has two knobs, one on the side and the other are like a set up of two in the "gun hammer" (do not know what is called) I was unsuccessful in posting a picture(and feel like an idiot).

[72beetle]

The trick of painting with a HVLP gun and to have a great finish is to make sure that you are first of all mixing the paint correctly. Second is to read the directions on the paint can or what you are useing. Here is the technique that I use. 50% over lap, 8-10 inches away, back and forth at the same speed and do not bend your wrist, work on an area that you can comfortably work on at one time with out walking. Make sure that you keep the gun parallel to the work. almost forgot, make sure that you use the same amout of trigger back and forth. more trigger the farther away, less trigger the closer that you can be. this is free information for you to paint better.