Getting started with an HVLP spray gun, Tips and helpful accessories
Have you been thinking about getting a spray gun but don’t know where to start!? Well you’ve come to the right place! Spray guns save so much time and give you a beautiful, even, finish! This post will help you get started with everything you need!
I have experience with HVLP guns and electric spray guns. I purchased my first gun at Harbor Freight, It’s like the Ross of the the tool world. You can get some good quality products, however, they are not name brand. The first gun I purchased was a this electric one.
It got the job done and was pretty easy to use, however, it did drip a lot. The third time I used this, it stopped working. Luckily, It was only $20 and I has a 20% off coupon so I wasn’t out too much money. I received a custom paint order where I needed to paint five chairs for a client and decided hand painting them would take way too long and could potentially end up with drips in places. I decided I needed to invest in a spray gun. It was overwhelming at first because I didn’t fully know what all I would even need. Now that I have my set up, it was so worth it!
I chose this Husky brand Gravity Feed HVLP Spray Gun. With a HVLP gun you need a compressor that delivers at least 4 CFM. Don’t know what that is? I didn’t either….It means cubic feet per minute (thanks google) any who, I thought I could just borrow my boyfriends, small, four gallon tank compressor. Nope. I had to go out and buy one….
I found a great deal at Harbor Freight! A 21 gallon tank that delivers 5.8 CFM. I was able to catch it on sale and only spent around $150, which is an insane deal for a large air compressor. I was nervous it wouldn’t work well, however, no jinx, it really gets the job done. I’ve had it for about 4 months now.
Never in my life, would I ever expect to purchase myself on of these. I love it!
Alright, so now that you have a compressor and a HVLP gun, you need a female plug, a hose and a filter that connects from the hose to the gun. The filter will insure no water or foreign particles will get into the gun and clog you up while you are spraying. You can use one like this, or one that looks like a ball (Red, Home depot, Blue Lowe’s) Those are my go to, however, I can’t find them on the website to link.
Now that you have the essentials, here are some of my favorite accessories that make life so much easier!
- This respirator mask is essential to prevent paint fumes from getting into your lungs.
- These Empty paint cans are the best because you can thin your paint in bulk and reseal for future coats or projects.
- This drill attachment is perfect for mixing paint.
- This stand for holding your gun, sounds so simple but its a life saver!
- These paint strainers will save you countless headaches! Always, strain your paint as you put it into your gun.
