Features of the spray gun

Photo: Bosch

Spray guns have been successfully used by professional builders for a long time, and with the advent of «market relations», tools for domestic use appeared. Most spray guns are designed on the principle of an ejector, in which energy is transferred from one medium (a fast moving air stream) to another (paint).

The air flow picks up paint particles in a special tank, and the resulting aerosol passes through a nozzle that forms an aerosol jet. The user only needs to direct the jet at the surface to be painted and make sure not to inadvertently go beyond the latter.

IN ORDER TO FIND OUT WHETHER THE GUN IS WELL SET FOR WORK, IT IS RECOMMENDED TO MAKE A TEST PAINTING IN A SMALL AREA

This method of painting, in addition to high productivity, has other advantages, the main of which is the uniform application of the composition. With careful use, smears and marks do not form on the surface, which is typical when working with a brush and roller. The spray gun is also great for painting structures of complex shape. The main disadvantage of the spray gun is that it is a professional tool, so experience and skill are required to work with it. A beginner who picks up a paint sprayer for the first time may leave «spots», that is, in some places apply the paint too thickly or too thinly. To close them, you may have to repaint the entire surface.

The same applies to economy. With inept handling of the paint gun, the consumption of the composition is likely to increase, since an inexperienced master can apply the paint too thickly. In addition, when sprayed, the paint can affect the ecology of the room. Another disadvantage is the impossibility of drawing the exact boundaries of the painted zone. We can apply sharp strokes with a brush when writing letters, for example, but to get the job done with a spray gun, you need a stencil.

TYPES OF GUNS

The devices differ primarily in the mechanism of formation of an aerosol torch. Occasionally, there are still hand-held spray guns in which the pump needs to be pumped on its own, but they are already considered exotic. Most often, models with an electric pump are used in everyday life, since the price for them is not very high (from about 1,500 rubles).

There are also pneumatic paint sprayers — they are considered more reliable and professional equipment. However, such a tool needs to be connected to a compressor, which is not always possible at home. In addition to performance and power consumption, the technique may differ in the design of the spray gun. In cheap models, the electric motor and ejector are combined under the body, in more expensive models, the engine and pump are placed in a separate unit connected to the spray gun by an air duct.

This design allows you to significantly reduce the weight of the gun, so the tool can be recommended for long-term work — try at least half an hour to continuously swing the paint sprayer with a built-in engine (total weight of about 2-3 kg) and without an engine (weight of about 1 kg). I think you will quickly feel the difference.

Spray guns also differ in the type of tank attachment — above or below the spray head. The bottom mount seems to be more convenient for home use, while professional spray guns are more often top mount.

Photo: Bosch

CHOOSE «BY WEIGHT»

For domestic use, both the mass of the spray gun and the convenience of the design are very important. Take the gun in your hands, evaluate how comfortable the handle is, whether the tool will be balanced when you fill the tank with paint. The capacity of the latter can be 0.5–1 l, so the mass of paint must also be taken into account.

For beginners, it makes no sense to chase high performance — perhaps you should choose a not very powerful (200-600 W) model. The same can be recommended for a small amount of work.

The quality of work largely depends on the tool. It is not even the level of the brand that is more important here, but the general condition of the equipment. It is necessary to take care of the paint sprayer, carefully care for it. In particular, before work, you should configure it to use a composition of one type or another by installing a suitable nozzle. The less viscous the paint, the smaller the diameter of the nozzle opening should be. So, a number of models use interchangeable nozzles with a hole diameter from tenths of a millimeter to several millimeters, and Bosch spray guns use multi-position nozzles with three positions for different types of paints. The first tools are more economical, but the second ones are more convenient (no need to change the nozzle).

In general, ideally, it is desirable to have one spray gun for each type of paint. After work, do not forget to clean the tool. If you use a water composition, then the spray gun can be easily washed with water, and if you use an alkyd one, with white spirit.

WHEN USING THE AIR PANEL, ESPECIALLY WHEN WORKING WITH COMPOSITIONS ON ALKYD BASIS, IT IS NECESSARY TO USE PERSONAL PROTECTION MEANS: A MASK AND GOGGLES

WHAT PAINTS CAN I USE?

Many types of paints and impregnations are suitable for spray guns. Water-based formulations have proven themselves very well. First, they have a rather weak smell. Secondly, they do not need to be rubbed into the surface to be painted, so the spray gun may well replace a roller or brush.

Impregnations and azures

All impregnations can be divided into two large groups: water and alkyd. Both of them can be poured into the spray gun, having previously been diluted by 10-15% with water or white spirit.

Facade paints for mineral and wooden surfaces

It is important that the composition has a suitable consistency to allow the use of an airbrush.

Oils for terraces and furniture

This is another product that is easier to apply with a spray gun than with a roller or brush. The oil is suitable for processing horizontal and vertical surfaces. Unlike impregnation or paint, oil does not form a film and does not hide the texture of natural wood.

Lucky

Varnishes for vertical bases (yacht, panel, furniture) can be applied with a spray gun. In this case, it is important to observe the consumption and avoid applying too thick a layer.

What colors are not suitable?

First of all, those in which there are small textured fractions. They will clog the nozzle and may break the tool. Do not use too viscous mixtures.

FOUR ADVANTAGES OF THE GUN

Work speed

The paint sprayer is best used for painting large surfaces, when it is important to save time and your own strength.

Accuracy

With the skillful use of the spray gun, a more even application is guaranteed, without streaks (which the roller can leave) and streaks.

Ease of application

Due to the increased speed of work, applying the composition is much easier. In addition, it is not necessary, for example, to rub or roll the paint, as when using a roller or brush.

Economy

For a spray gun, the paint is usually thinned, and when sprayed, a more uniform coverage is achieved, so the product is used more economically.

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a photo

The PFS 3000-2 paint spray system ensures easy application thanks to ALLPaint technology. Photo: Bosch

Airbrush Dexter Power 600 W, Photo: Leroy Merlin

Elitech KE 350P, Photo: OBI

Airbrush «Caliber» 80 W, Photo: Leroy Merlin

Blanc perfection paint does not flow when applied and quickly levels out on the surface, Photo: V33

Decorative azure Aqua Stop, Photo: V33

CHARACTERISTICS OF ELECTRIC GUN

• Source: Ideas for Your Home Magazine#211

Material prepared

Boris Bezel