nitro nirvana

[dmraco]

I have been doing a lot of builds for customers lately and playing with different nitro combos and ratios.  I have been using Watco BRUSHING lacquer, thinning it and spraying it even though they specifically state not to thin.  The success has been great.

I have been spraying with a 3:1 ratio and very satisfied with the results.  Today I can a situation where a decal I used on a neck was not completely buried.  after about 6 hours I lightly wet sanded the entire neck with 600 grit.  I then mixed a ratio of 2:1.  I sprayed in about 80 degree weather with average humidity.  I am so shocked at the results.  I am seriously considering not even sanding the back of the neck.  The cell phone photos do not do it justice.  The flake also throws things off a bit.  I tried to photograph the decal to who show smooth this really is.  BTW...my gun is a $30 unit from Harbor freight.  I have used it religiously for the past 4 years.  I hope this helps some folks looking to get into spraying.

 

[bassburner]

I've been thinking that finishes will be my next luthier task to tackle and glad to hear the HF guns hold their own. What kind of compressor are you using though?

 

[Cagey]

If you don't already have a compressor, you may not have a need for one. If that's the case, then you may want to consider getting an HVLP sprayer. They don't use a compressor per se, they use a turbine to deliver a LOT of air at a much lower pressure. Cuts down on overspray, which reduces mess and waste, while still providing professional results.

I use an Earlex 5500 and get excellent results from it. The only drawback to the one at the link is it only comes with a 2mm needle valve, which is much too large for lacquer. You'll need to buy a 1mm part. If you look around, some suppliers will give you two needle valves, but they're usually 2mm and 1.5mm, both of which are still too large for something as thin as lacquer.

Things are small, lightweight, inexpensive, easy to use, easy to clean, and easy to store. Highly recommended.

You can do the same thing with a regular piston-type compressor and the appropriated gun, but it'll need to be a pretty high capacity unit with a large tank. Those can be pricey and sorta require a dedicated installation due to size and weight. But, on the plus side, a compressor is a handy thing. You can run air tools, blowers, paint guns, sand blasters, keep your tires up, etc. Can't do anything other than paint with the dedicated HVLP setup.

 

[dmraco]

My gun is a HVLP.  The compressor I use is 25 gallon.  Huge.  It hardly runs when spraying.  Tank pressure is kept at just over 100psi.  The sprayer operates at 40psi.

Keeping the clean in the key.  I always run pure thinner thru them when done.  I will take it apart and totally clean every 3-4 guitars.

I will have too look into those Earlex guns when this goes.

 

[Cagey]

40 psi is hardly low pressure. That's what you'd normally run a regular spray gun at. An HVLP unit normally runs between 2 to 4 psi, but at upwards of 30-40 cfm.

 

[bassburner]

I just have a dinky little pancake compressor right now. I'll definitely have a look at that Earlex.

 

[Cagey]

Those pancake compressors don't have much flow capacity. They're more for short bursts at high pressure with fast recovery for nail guns and so forth. I don't think you could paint with one.