All about spray guns for water-based paint

Painting of surfaces in rooms with a large area is usually carried out using the simplest rollers and brushes. But a solution of this type can hardly be called the most effective, because it can take a lot of time to apply paint to the required object.

The best solution would be to use a spray gun for water-based or acrylic paint. Such a choice will significantly increase the efficiency of such a process and reduce the time required. Let's try to figure out what kind of device it is, what it is and how to use it correctly.

It should be noted that when choosing the type of device, the surface area that needs to be processed should be taken into account. High power electric or pneumatic professional spray guns for water-based paint are usually used by specialists for large volumes of work. For example, for painting walls or ceilings, it is better to use piston models, but the above subtypes can be used for the facade. If we talk specifically about the types of such devices, then there are 3 main categories:

• manual;
• electrical;
• pneumatic.

Let's talk about each category in more detail.

Such models, which have a rather uncomplicated design, are very similar to Soviet-style automobile pumps. The injection of paint is carried out here using a piston, which is manually driven. A hand sprayer usually consists of the following items.

• A cylindrical body with a pair of valves inside. One is responsible for the injection of air masses, and the second is responsible for the intake of paint.
• The pump is a piston type, which is located inside the aforementioned cylinder.
• The handle is made in the form of the letter T. Its use allows for manual injection of air masses.
• Pistol with trigger. A pair of hoses is connected to it: pressure, which supplies compressed air, and also suction, which is necessary for taking paint. By the way, the suction filter has a filter that makes it possible to retain solid particles.
• Container for paint.
• A fishing rod that has a length adjustment function. It is to it that the spray gun is attached.

Such a device would be an excellent solution for water-based acrylic paint. Adjustment of the solution supply on the needle-type valve is possible due to the presence of a special screw. Note that such a tool takes some getting used to.

The power of such devices is usually not very high. Compact portable models have minimal weight and relatively low performance. If we talk about weight, then without paint, it usually ranges from 1.5 to 2.5 kilograms. The air in such devices is not pumped manually, but using an electric pump. In this case, the spray gun head is replaced by a nozzle. Models of this type, equipped with a built-in capacity of 600-1300 ml, are usually used for work at home. More powerful models have a capacity of 250 sq. m per hour. They have hoses for connecting tanks, as well as pumps of the external type. Their disadvantage can be called a rather high noise level during operation.

Plunger spray guns also belong to the electrical model category. In them, the ejection of paint is carried out not with the help of air, but with the use of a piston, which is also called a plunger. Such devices differ in efficiency. In addition, a minimum of "fog" is formed during the work.

Also, rechargeable spray guns with a capacity of 1-2 liters can be attributed to the category of electric models. Outwardly, they are somewhat reminiscent of screwdrivers. But structurally, rechargeable spray guns are very similar to electric models. But in this case, the pump is started not from the mains, but with the help of a rechargeable battery. We add that devices that have a low cost and power up to 500 watts are usually referred to as household devices. But their painting quality is poor. And the container with paint, fixed on the pistol, is not very conveniently located due to the shifted center of gravity. It is more convenient to use models where the tank is located clearly at the bottom.

Now we should talk a little about which device will be better: air or airless. There is an opinion that models of a semi-automatic type, where air is pumped by a pneumatic compressor, allow for the highest quality painting of surfaces. This is because the distribution of the paint and varnish material is carried out in a thin layer and as evenly as possible. Such devices are also distinguished by a rather high performance, capable of up to 400 sq. m.

Pneumatic models for water-based paint usually have a built-in or external container that is connected to the device using a hose. Such a construction device is suitable for professional work. For home use, a tank with a volume of up to 50 liters is enough. The average power of this type of device can range from 0.7 to 3 kilowatts. The most popular will be models that have a capacity of 1.2 to 1.8 kilowatts.

Consider several popular spray gun models that are considered the best in terms of price and quality. This is not even a rating, but only a presentation of models that can really be called effective.

• Intertool PT-0140. This pneumatic spray gun is considered the best for water-based paint due to the nozzle diameter of 1.8 mm. This makes it possible not to be afraid that the paint will dry in the channel. Differs in light weight - a little more than a kilogram, so it is comfortable and ergonomic. The model is made of aluminum and is not afraid of physical influences. The tank is also made of metal and is easy to clean.

• "Caliber MASTER EKRP-350 / 2.6M". Excellent for thicker layers due to its 2.6 mm nozzle diameter. Equipped with a plastic handle and 3 stops. Its weight is 1800 grams, so you can use it for a long time and not be afraid that your hand will get tired.

Today, manufacturers offer spray guns that have different technical characteristics. To choose a high-quality and convenient tool, it is necessary to take into account not only individual wishes and requirements. You should also take into account the following criteria:

• device material;
• brand and value;
• the location of the paint container;
• type of seal gaskets;
• regulation possibilities.

If we talk about the material for the manufacture of devices, it is better to purchase models, the body and components of which are not made of plastic, but of the same aluminum. This metal is lightweight, but at the same time resistant to various kinds of influences of natural, mechanical or any other type.Famous brands apply a nickel plating to the aluminum body, which also enhances product performance. In addition, aluminum devices are more durable.

The paint container can be located at the bottom or at the top. Here the selection should be made based on individual preferences. The next important aspect is the type of seal gaskets. Note that the sealing of all joints is an extremely important point, on which the durability of the device, as well as the quality of its operation, will strongly depend. And the gaskets are constantly exposed to an aggressive environment. For example, the same solvents, which are often components of varnishes and paints. Teflon seal parts have proven their worth. But usually they are installed only in equipment that belongs to the expensive segment.

If we talk about brand and value, then, of course, the more famous the brand is, the more likely it is to get good equipment. True, today a number of Chinese manufacturers produce products that can even compete with those of well-known manufacturers. The high cost also does not always mean that the workmanship of a particular model will be appropriate. It often happens that spray guns at a price of $ 300 work rather poorly and cannot provide the required quality of painting. And due to improper mixing of air masses with water-based paint, the nozzle is simply clogged with clots.

If we talk about the possibility of adjustment, then it should be noted that in various models the setting of the following modes can be provided:

• fluid feed rate;
• pressure;
• dimensions and characteristics of the torch.

Too many functions are often unjustified. This significantly increases the cost of the device, the capabilities of which are then not fully utilized.

When choosing a device such as a spray gun, the following characteristics will also matter:

• air flow rate;
• nozzle diameter;
• mass of the device;
• power of the device.

Note that the size of the nozzle should be appropriate for the density and viscosity of the substances to be sprayed. In addition, there are some minor aspects, which will also not be superfluous to pay attention to when purchasing the considered category of devices:

• the length of the power supply wire and hose;
• the possibility of using replaceable heads from other brands;
• ease of regulation of equipment performance;
• the material for creating the nozzle, as well as the quality of the holes in it;
• availability of service type and warranty period.

Now let's figure out how to properly use such a spray bottle. First you need to prepare the surface. This should be given special attention, because the result and durability of the applied coating will depend on this stage. It is required to remove the old layer, dirt and grease stains. In the presence of cracks, various defects and chips, they need to be putty, and then leveled with a grinder. Next, you need to wipe off the dust with a wet sponge, and then cover the adjacent areas with polyethylene film.

Then you need to prepare protective equipment that will be used when applying paint. We are talking about a respirator or mask, goggles, as well as a special overalls. The spray gun must be assembled, check the tightness of the connections, the operability of the trigger and carry out its preliminary adjustment.Before painting, apply a primer to the surface. This will improve paint adhesion and reduce paint consumption. It will be correct to make a couple of layers of soil. Naturally, this is done using a spray gun. Now you need to clean the spray gun. To do this, remove the primer from the container. Also, after the above work, you will need to flush the device. This can be done with a special solvent and a soft brush. Do not use metal objects, otherwise you can damage the air cap.

The next step is to prepare the paint. Most often, it needs to be diluted with water, especially if it is a water-based product. The proportions are usually indicated on the container with the material. And the facade paint also usually needs to be thinned. To obtain normal viscosity, pass the paint through several layers of gauze. This will avoid clogging of the nozzles. You can make a test run on some unnecessary surface, which will allow you to calibrate the device if necessary. Now you can paint the surface itself, having previously filled the tank with paint to 70-75 percent.

In use, the gun is held perpendicular to the surface and the nozzle is held at a distance of 25 centimeters from the surface. Spray should be done while driving, otherwise paint will accumulate at one point and form smudges. Painting is done with a slight overlap from top to bottom and from left to right. The movement of the pistol begins before the trigger is pulled. At the end of the work, first release the trigger, and only then stop the movement of the device. The gun needs to be rinsed after finishing painting. To do this, disassemble it and wipe all elements with a solvent.