For those seeking a high-quality painting job with a flawless finish, an HVLP (High Volume Low Pressure) spray gun is the ideal choice. These spray guns are designed to increase efficiency and reduce paint wastage, making them a popular choice among professional painters.
Traditional sprayers have been used for many years, but when it comes to achieving a superior finish, HVLP spray guns are a clear choice. Whether you’re a professional painter or a DIY enthusiast, an HVLP spray gun is an essential tool for any painting project.
As paint technology evolved, the demand for paint guns that lay smooth glass-like finishes also increased. That’s when HVLP (High Volume Low Pressure) spray guns appeared on the horizon.
HVLP spray guns employ a high volume of air coursing through them to atomize the paint. Low pressure allows more paint to be applied to any object.
Coming back to the reason why you clicked on the post, adjusting the HVLP Spray Guns. This HVLP sprayer works best when it’s in the best shape and setup. Stay with us to learn how to configure HVLP Spray Gun efficiently.
How To Adjust An HVLP Spray Gun?
As it stands, HVLP is known as a High Volume and Low-Pressure spray gun which might give you a heads-up as to why it needs to be adjusted before use on any surface.
This gun does not need high pressure to atomize the paint but a high volume of air instead. The tricky part is it has only 10 PSI, unlike other paints, which have 50 PSI.
It works differently than standard paint guns, so the right adjustment and setting ensure the best paint job. Best settings allow the paint to remain on the surface without rebound and wasting. Only a few painters know how to adjust it properly.
For correct configuration, check out a few things before you start setting it up. Adjusting an HVLP spray gun correctly involves three steps, so, let’s dig deep and find out more about them.
- Air Supply
- Selecting the Right Tip
- Setting up the Gun
#1. Air Supply
It uses a high volume of air to atomize the paint, so, the spray gun’s dependency on the right function of the air makes sense.
Take the HVLP spray gun and inspect its direction. The gun direction will inform you about the minimum cubic feet per minute it requires to function.
Choose the right air compressor that produces the required volume constantly. The air pressure allows the painter to achieve the best outcome.
It is usually set where it is releasing 90 pounds per square inch. An HVLP regulator comes with the air compressor to put the air pressure. It can also be used to keep the lines clear as well.
#2. Selecting The Right Tip
Another important step in adjusting an HVLP spray gun is selecting the correct tip. After the air pressure regulator is set, move forward, and monitor the tip closely.
You will likely receive a few tips with the gun, so, pick the right one. Wondering how to pick the right tip? Here’s how.
If you take our suggestion, pick the smallest fluid tip that works perfectly for most projects and materials.
A painter should be aware of the measurements of the tip and the scale of work undertaken.
Usually, small painting jobs or projects require a 1.0 tip. Choose a tip-sized at 1.3 and 1.4 to complete larger projects.
In addition, if a painter is working with primers, choose a tip size of 1.8 or 2.3 depending on the thickness you desire. It is entirely up to you which tip you want to work with.
#3. Setting Up The Gun
If you do not want sub-optimal results, do not skip this step. Setting up an HVLP spray gun is not a one-time thing, you should make sure that the gun is in proper set up after every use.
This is an important step that should not be skipped to get desired results.
It is easy to set up, you just have to follow the following instructions
- Step #1: First, tape a piece of masking paper on the wall for the spray test.
- Step #2: Use the air regulator attached to the gun to set the pressure on the gun’s inlet. Set it up with a trigger pulled at about 50 psi to start. Keep the air volume pulled and the control knob closed. With the trigger still pulled, open it to the point where the air volume starts to remain the same and stop.
- Step #3: Open the fan control knob and keep the fan about 6 inches tall. It is done when holding the gun about 6 inches from the surface or object.
- Step #4: Turn the material knob and then unscrew it around two and one-half turns.
- Step #5: It’s time for the spray test, hold the gun at a distance of 6 inches, pull the gun’s trigger for a fraction of a second, and then stop.
- Step #6: Paint a cigar-shaped pattern on the masking paper, and turn the fan knob to 6 inches tall. When all is set, leave it alone.
Common HVLP Adjustment Problems And How To Fix Them
Look at the pattern painted, is this how you wanted it to turn out? If not then there is something to fix.
If the gun is spraying too much paint material or the edges have more density than the middle part, it is likely because of the air pressure.
When the air pressure is too high, the gun sprays excessive paint material at a time, which is not only difficult to manage but also leaves an ugly finish.
Screw down the material knob by reducing the air pressure. If the air pressure is low, do it the same way to raise it to get the perfect results.
Don’t be disappointed, it takes some trial and error to achieve the perfect setup or adjustment.
To fix different issues, adjust the control of the air pressure to get the proper level for the job. Use the air dryer to keep the lines dry.
Some Excellent Tips On HVLP Adjustments
Even after learning how to adjust an HVLP spray gun and doing every step in the right manner. The spray gun still does not work. It may be because there are some issues to inspect. The following valuable tips help you in fixing different problems.
- Step #1: Do not underestimate the power of the right airflow, the pressure should not be too much or too less, and the right balance helps the smooth, even spray.
- Step #2: Check the material thickness and make sure it is perfect for the flow.
- Step #3: Do not hold the trigger for too long to avoid runs in the center.
- Step #4: Do not hold the gun too close or too far, maintain the right distance. It is also about how you hold the gun and whether is it in the right direction or position.
- Step #5: Always test the HVLP Spray gun on paper, cardboard, or any other testing material before painting on the actual surface.
- Step #6: Most HVLP guns come with different instructions or guidelines, follow them carefully, and you will get to understand the mechanism of the sprayer and some valuable information about the HVLP Spray Gun setup.
Putting It All Together
every painter wishes to use the HVLP Spray guns in the best way possible. The gun needs to be adjusted to work its best. A lot is riding on how you adjust the HVLP sprayer, using different controls, a painter can adjust the air pressure and select the right tip.
