How to spray latex paint with an air gun

[@NOTDRQXX]

I'VE BEEN LOOKING FOR YOUR VIDEO FOR PROBABLY 3 MONTHS NOW THANK YOU SO MUCH.

[@theselfmademan2875]

Glad you like it!

[@SirChevy]

A few constructive points: 1) The paint cup isn't pressurized on a HVLP gun. It's gravity-fed, and there's a vent on the paint cup cap to allow the paint to flow out of the cup. 2) Most of the HVLP guns I've seen have 1.4 mm nozzles, which are good for auto painting but not for latex. To spray latex without excessive thinning, you'll need a tip around 1.7 - 2.0 mm. 3) I'd be concerned about thinning latex as much as you are. For interior applications, this may be fine, but I'd be concerned about the durability of paint thinned by 20% in exterior applications. 4) The small "pancake" compressors will work for very small jobs only. I have a 30 gallon tank on my compressor and it was running continuously when I was painting a shelving project. 5) Definitely disassemble the gun completely when cleaning it, and definitely pour the paint into the cup though a paint strainer. I hope this helps.

[@Grant849]

20% isn't that crazy actually it just takes longer to dry. But yeah, no pancake compressors lol. I'll say I've used a 2mm lvlp and I'd still go with watering down latex in an hvlp, because it would dry before you finished with the lvlp

[@amcra4science]

If you mix a bit of white glue into the water-dilute, it flows better, less orange peel, increases “work” time and dries nice & evenly. Lil bit of Elmers white glue very helpful in the dilute.

[@onenikkione]

I have an aquarium stand that I built to paint. By the time I buy a sprayer, build a booth for the over-spray, buy a mask, dilute & filter the paint, clean up the equipment after spraying, I think that I could just brush the paint on faster (I know it won't look as nice as sprayed). Maybe if I had more projects to paint, but for just one smallish job I'm just going to use a quality brush. Thanks for making the video, I did learn a lot.

[@authenticationstation2041]

Thinning with windshield washer fluid works really well also. Clean up is easier and it flows better.

[@amcra4science]

windex?

[@authenticationstation2041]

@@amcra4science no, car window washer fluid

[@hugme9592]

Great video, thank you, I've been looking for some tips on mixing the paint. For cleaning, I normally dump the paint from the hopper and fill it with water. Then spray water through it with pressure before I take the gun apart. It makes it easier to clean once you take it apart.

[@houtexflex]

“I’m a guy. I have an air compressor in my garage” 😂 I felt that

[@randallsemrau6911]

Good instructional. Thanks!

[@paraguiness]

My pleasure 👍

[@simsneon2]

I’m a mechanic as well and I certainly do appreciate this video thanks buddy

[@theselfmademan2875]

Glad to help

[@MrPhatties]

This video is a rare gem. Excellent info and tips - worked brilliantly.

[@neilllester9226]

Awesome video! This was super helpful!

[@thomasruwart1722]

Awesome video. Many thanks from a fellow Midwesterner (Minneapolis to be precise)

[@quailranch]

A couple of things: first, it helps to run water through the gun before disassembling. Clean paint cup first. Second, you MUST remove the nozzle. The gun comes with a tool that will do that. You could run the Pacific Ocean through the gun and not remove the latex paint behind it. I've found that Goo Gone Latex Paint Remover to be helpful in getting the paint off the gun. Not as potent as I would like, but helpful, especially if you can let it sit for a bit. Husky warns against inserting metal objects in holes, so I have no idea how clean the tiny air holes you mentioned, should one get plugged. I worry about that. I use Floetrol additive at the rate of 16 ounces per gallon of paint, and an equal amount of water. The paint is not two thin. Floetrol doesn't thin; its purpose is to help the paint to level (and brush well). Hope this helps.

[@MarcoACasco]

Right on man !!!!

[@tribulationprepper787]

I believe that the Floetrol also slows the paint's drying time which allows for extra working time especially when using a brush.

[@thardyryll]

A bristle from a scrub brush won’t hurt those tiny holes in the spray cap. But what works just fine is to blast the orifices with full pressure air from your compressor. Even when I spray water base paints I often use lacquer thinner on a rag for the final cleanup of the gun exterior. A toothbrush does a great job of getting in small spaces. My cleanup standard is to make the gun look new.

[@mhchannel2663]

Thanks for the cleaning tips.

[@theselfmademan2875]

Any time!

[@smoky5833]

This was a good video, lots of info. I purchased a gun from TCP Global, I have a HF gun too, but the nozzle is too small. TCP global you can buy a gun with multiple nozzle tips. Haven’t used it yet, so fingers crossed!

[@rickytalton1914]

Thanks man really helped give insight, fluid and , to the point, just got gun harbor freight 4 garage ceiling

[@tonyaddy7825]

Great Video!! Showing simple steps that anyone can do! DIY friendly Process!

[@barmaksystems]

Great video. I noticed that you didn't remove the black cap on the lid of the hopper. I have had that cause the paint to not flow in the past if it's sealed. It's just like trying to use a counter top water bottle without poking a hole in it. I'm not sure why you didn't have a problem, but if anyone feels like the paint is coming out super slow, try removing, or at least loosening the little plug on the cap. I normally don't even put the cap on unless I'm trying to save the paint between coats, or I have the hopper really full. But as you found, latex sprays just fine with hvlp. I usually thin 15 to 20% water by weight for a 1.8mm tip, and am playing with a new 2.5mm tip now.

[@homesolutionsbyciomartinez9112]

I had used this same method and it works great!

[@theselfmademan2875]

You cannot beat the results!

[@TanaHepek]

thank you for the nice video

[@haight78]

Great explanation and learning tool for latex paint in HVLP spraying. Smart on point without the theatrics. I want a temporary spray booth so I'll viewing your video on that.

[@theselfmademan2875]

let me know what you think of it

[@benharrison5816]

Appreciate all the steps outlined here, especially the clean-up info. I got 10 doors I gotta spray and I've finally got them all sanded and prepped. I got a 2.5mm tip for my TCP Global gun, and I'm going to thin with flotrol and water, and I have strainers as well, so with that I think I should be able to get a good finish. Nothin left to do but try it out!

[@infiniti2015]

Amazing video. I wish I watched this first. I bought the same gun. It's funny that directly on the front it says not for latex paint but I still bought it and used with the 21 gallon compressor I own. Thanks!

[@theselfmademan2875]

shamu2789 no problem, I am glad you liked the video. I am not sure why some packages say that, but as you and I both know it’s possible and you get great results!

[@infiniti2015]

@@theselfmademan2875 Yes it is! I just sprayed a door I built. It came out wonderfully. Any tips of reducing sputtering?

[@gazsto9510]

@@infiniti2015 Did you figure it out? bigger nozzle size 1.8mm or bigger compressor for the 1.4mm nozzle.

[@andylange4805]

Ilove your video! very helpful,thank you! 👍👍👍👍

[@theselfmademan2875]

Glad I could help you. Thanks for watching!

[@kyakeeslar1084]

Thanks man. Great info, and your video was clear and to the point. I appreciate the advice!

[@weldmama]

Thanks for the really helpful info!

[@RollinLeonard]

super useful basic breakdown. thanks.

[@eddieadams4770]

Well done. Good explanation. Very easy to follow.

[@paraguiness]

Thank you so very much for your thoughtful and well done video. I went to buy the sprayer today and on the box it says do not use for latex paint? I thought this strange because I figured you could send it just like he would with mineral spirits for enamel paint, which you would use on a car And that is what that paint sprayer is used for. Your video demonstrated that you can effectively use this type of sprayer with latex paint so I am unsure why they say on the box don’t do it? Have you any thoughts on this? I am going to go and buy the same gun that you have and give it a try. Thank you again for your great help and I hope your channel does excellently.

[@theselfmademan2875]

I appreciate the support! I’m not sure why the box says that, but it’s not true. Thanks for the kind words brother!

[@williammead9966]

Very informative. Thanks.

[@arewethereyet-lifeoffgrid]

Great video. Very thorough. Thanks!

[@yemarican]

thank you. i was wondering.. why not just put some paint thinner in the spray bottle and spray it to clean the passages instead of brushes??

[@theselfmademan2875]

Good idea

[@keithrevst692]

Window cleaner makes a great thinner for latex paint in HVLP guns. the alcohol in the window cleaner makes the paint flow better. I have sprayed several whites and other colors, and even though the window cleaner is blue it won’t affect the color of the paint. The window cleaner I use is the 1 gallon automotive windshield washer fluid. The blue type. I have never used the other colors, or kinds with the bug removers so I can’t speak to how they work or affect the tints or colors of paints. I just use the .99 cent a gallon types with alcohol.

[@robertanon1910]

the alcohol in winshield washer fluid is toxic, and window cleaner can corrode a gun if it is the ammonia type, I think people say vinegar type is ok.

[@shawneliason790]

Use floetrol and water ..... But try not to thin at all . The floetrol will lubricate your gun and keep paint from setting up in it and on it.. it's used for helping brush strokes self level... But it's great to spray with.

[@karsonturpie1560]

Thank you. Great video.

[@rotel10]

great vid..I had a 1.8 for the tip. just bought a 2.4 found it so much better for Latex..

[@bpatters69]

Hey rotel10, what spray gun are you using?

[@theselfmademan2875]

Thats a good recommendation

[@gazsto9510]

@@theselfmademan2875 What nozzle were you using in the video? I thought the 1.8mm was fine to use with latex, would a 2.0mm be better.

[@jetfromtn]

If you use windshield washer fluid instead of water the small amount of alcohol in it makes the paint flow much better. The blue makes no difference

[@johneric3886]

Nice video the exact information I was looking for.

[@JT-91]

Thank you sir. Exactly what im looking for

[@theselfmademan2875]

J T Thanks, I glad you liked it. Feel free to check out more of my videos: I have one on making a spray booth in your garage that goes with this one if it interested you. Thanks

[@stats7777]

Thanks.

[@joezappie]

Whats the recoat time for spraying? Can says 2-4 hours for brushing but I imagine it must be shorter for spraying?

[@brokenarrowez]

This is a nice video. I going to add to the video. If you can, do not use old latex paint. Second, always strain or filter old or new latex paint.

[@MarcoACasco]

Very useful video !!! Thanks !!!

[@carlric]

good video.

[@stunv9116]

Thanks

[@josearellano3268]

So u can’t use oil based paint for the outside on that gun.?

[@stevezitneymurfreesboroten8599]

Thanks for taking time to make this for beginners like me!

[@MikeBee77]

Great video, I got a project with latex and I have seen people using water to thin the paint, but a neighbor used isopropyl alcohol and I saw the finish and came out really well and the spray gun behave really well like that. Not sure what you think about it? Thanks for the video!!!

[@theselfmademan2875]

Sounds like a good idea

[@nairbudy6403]

Great video. Im about to purchase similar set-up.

[@akivazohar2502]

Very thorough, but you might mention to be certain that the sink has the strainer in the drain Can you use it for ceilings?

[@mxstyle909]

I rather use alkyd paint it's a lil bit expensive than regular home Depot paint . But it looks nicer .

[@png2004]

Great video.

[@theselfmademan2875]

Thanks!

[@theselfmademan2875]

I am not sure the exact size , it is the standard tip that came with the gun. If your thinking about giving it a shot I have a video up on how to make a temp spray booth in your garage. I hope it helps!

[@splash5974]

HVLP High volume low pressure You are spraying at way too high psi... They are not built to take high psi. If you need to turn the pressure that high, to get the paint to come out, you still need to thin the paint more, or get a larger tip. 1.8mm - 2.2mm tip size. But to cut cost, just thin your paint a bit more

[@borntobuild2249]

This is a gravity flow gun, the pressure has nothing to do with how fast the paint comes out. The air simply atomizes the paint and directs it in the desired direction. That being said, the thinner the paint, the faster the flow. Because of gravity. Not pressure. I have found a 30% water and 70% paint works well with this application.

[@cubul32]

@@borntobuild2249 Doesn't he need still a larger 2mm plus tip for latex?

[@borntobuild2249]

Andrei Fasola not in my experience. The stock tip has worked fine for me in the past.

[@ninoamengual539]

3:1

[@gazsto9510]

@@cubul32 Yeah, I found the larger nozzle made a difference with thicker paints, obviously thinning it makes it pass easier through a smaller nozzle, like the 1.4mm supplied with this gun. The paint, being latex is fairly thick and requires 20% or more thinning, if a larger nozzles is used that can be reduced to about 10% and gives a nice smoother coverage. If it's too thin, you have to do many coats and build up layers.

[@yasirshah8468]

Good video bro... what pressure setting did you use? Thanks again for putting this up

[@MikeOrazzi]

What size tank do you have on your compressor? How many CFM does it put out?

[@JM-sp8ij]

This is exactly what I am looking to do, use latex paint for interior doors. I just bought an 1.8 mm HVLP Gravity-Feed gun but have the option to return it and get a 2.3 mm version. Do you recommend I do this?

[@markknight6910]

Most name brand manufactures sell individual nozzle tip sizes. Check online

[@daveengstrom9250]

You never took the tip off. Thats a rookie move.

[@theselfmademan2875]

What I did worked for me

[@lordfongosworld9029]

what psi did you have it at ?

[@eddierosario6873]

I did not see you filter that paint, how is it that you can get away with not clogging the gun?

[@jerryhughes2213]

I agree always filter paint before spraying,an why just water an no floetrol?

[@deso5626]

How many gallons is your compressor?

[@director7685]

Great video!

[@nainitalism]

What size tip did you use

[@austinbradley3411]

Will water make a latex gloss lose its shine?

[@jetfromtn]

I use water to adjust my flow and pattern

[@theselfmademan2875]

Good idea

[@gameoflife7235]

I just tried it with the purple HF gun, and it sputters even with just water going through. Is something wrong with the gun? Pressure at 30 psi, everything tightened down and adjusted.

[@theselfmademan2875]

Try and clean the gun and run some water through it. If it works this way you need to cut your paint with more water. If it doesn’t, it’s probably an issue with the gun since automotive paint is as thin was water.

[@josegomez10111]

Great video but this man had the respirator with no filters on, might as well take it off

[@OldSchoolNoe]

Interesting

[@chuckd7423]

Good video. I'm getting ready to paint two metal garage doors on my house with latex paint, and I'm gonna attempt to use my auto HVLP setup, which is similar to the gun and compressor setup you used. I've never sprayed latex with my HVLP gun, but if it works as well as what your demonstration showed, I'll be happy with it. Do you have any advice on what pressure you should set the regulator on the gun to?

[@theselfmademan2875]

If you cut your paint down more with water you can use a lower pressure. I cut mine down to a watery consistency and sprayed it at 80psi. It sprayed good at that pressure. You have the remember these guns were made to spray automotive grade paints which are a lot thinner than latex paints. I don't know if you have a spray booth to do this in, but if it helps I have a video up on making a portable spray booth too.

[@theselfmademan2875]

I set mine to 70 psi; you can adjust it as you see fit though. Sorry about the late response, how did it go?

[@cubul32]

Did you measure viscosity with Ford cup ever? ever added Floetrol? I wonder how many seconds

[@theselfmademan2875]

No, I did not

[@josesanchez-yv5df]

What size tip on that paint gun?

[@Eger118877]

You'll want a 2mm tip on an HVLP gun to spray latex paint. If you buy the Harbor Freight $10 HVLP you can use a 5/64th drill bit, which is basically 2mm, to drill out the tip hole. Hope this helps you. There are videos on drilling out that tip if you need to watch.

[@hondaequikppd]

Great video. Why does these sprayers say on the box, latex paints are not recommended? But it’s clear you made that possible

[@theselfmademan2875]

I am not sure, maybe the companies that sell the $50 spray guns are the ones that also make the $200 ones that are made to spray latex. If so I can see why they would do this, but either way you can easily spray latex with amazing results. Just water them down like I did on the video and you are ready to go! I am glad you enjoyed the video!

[@theselfmademan2875]

All HLVP guns say that for some reason, but they will do it.

[@paulfesler7052]

I have a 2 gallon air compressor is this strong enough to use with a gun like this?

[@anthonyjones5965]

Very very very small projects. Nothing like a dresser.

[@anthonyjones5965]

Once the compressor gets low on pressure the paint will not flow evenly

[@jonmalkowvich6967]

Definitely not

[@TheRaininghope]

I'm a guy I have a air compressor in the garage. 🤣

[@alliewilcox8622]

What's the minimum size compressor you can use with a sprayer like this?

[@theselfmademan2875]

I would look at the compressor rating, a lot of them say that you can use a spray gun with them. I would defiantly not use a small pancake compressor though, you need something more substantial.

[@mikebetts2046]

You might want to try acrylic paint rather than latex. Should give a more durable finish than latex.

[@theselfmademan2875]

Good idea I will have to give that a shot!

[@sun-man]

Latex and acrylic are the same thing.

[@gatoborracho4572]

Sun man ,, is correct 👌

[@pitikidbb2284]

Are you running a mask with no pads?

[@theselfmademan2875]

Not anymore

[@jerzeedivr]

air pressure? at gun

[@Jack_Ess]

HLVP, High Low Volume Pressure? Got it 👍🏼

[@12TAtE03]

You don't clean inside the actual gun itself?

[@meagancarter4]

Having to thin the paint that much, does it not become runny on your piece?

[@theselfmademan2875]

I have not had any problems unless you put to much on

[@cubul32]

Which gun is that? link?

[@theselfmademan2875]

yes

[@SynapticFuction]

you need to work on your camera and lighting skills and you could do well on youtube. Very helpful video, Thanks

[@JRADMAKES]

HVLP= high volume low pressure

[@d.randal.h]

Nice video, thanks. What tip size are you using for latex?

[@theselfmademan2875]

I just checked and the tip says 1.5 on it

[@sun-man]

@@theselfmademan2875 2mm is better, and I even use 3mm with the paint thinned 10%

[@ApexWoodworks]

Although I am not recommending this video to others due to two glaring omissions related to correct paint thinning procedures you fail to mention: 1. The ratio of paint (latex, that is) to thinner (water, in this case) can be measured by using the measuring cup you showed us at the 3:15 mark. Why you didn't use it is beyond me, as doing so enables you to measure it to achieve consistent results. Then, 2., you aren't using the second and perhaps more important measuring device: a viscosity cup. These enable you to measure the "thickness" of the paint relaltively precisely. Once you know the viscosity range that your gun and aircap/tip/needle options can handle, you can then adjust the ratio of paint to thinner to accommodate your setup. Sorry for the rather negative commentary, but I just couldn't let this one pass.

[@righthook27]

@Aaron Anderson DIY should not be only about "getting it done", especially if you're doing a "how-to" video. If you're going to do it, then do it right. The video was informative, but i would have like to see a close-up of the paint quality.

[@kenkohlhoff3871]

Should always filter your paint

[@shawneliason790]

Just buy the latex spray kit hvlp sold at Lowe's.. it's 58 bucks... It's over in the air compressor/tool area.. sprays latex without thinning. All your going to do with that gravity feed is frustrate yourself... Sure you can thin latex.. but why if you don't have to.. thinning latex makes it run super easy and the coverage is shit... Harbor freight has a similar gun but it's trash. But the 2qt pressure pot with the blue gun will spray latex without thinning and get you a great finish... As long as you get it dialed in good, use a high volume compressor with a 3/8 hose and plenty of pressure. Save that gravity feed for enamels, automotive, laquer, poly.. thin stuff...

[@custom240sx]

Most of those cheaper airless say they spray "thinned latex"

[@dariusk1594]

You should have a number on your tip..

[@ThekiBoran]

I'm a guy, I have 2 air compressors.

[@austinterrill3108]

You really should do some research,first of all it's a gravity feed gun,it does not pressureize the paint cup at all,.. 2nd. Well 2nd I forgot what that was.and I'm not gonna watch again to find out.

[@guillermojimenez310]

Lol I'm a man I have a air compressor lol 👍👍👍👍👍

[@theselfmademan2875]

I just checked and it says 1.5 on it.

[@d.randal.h]

Thanks! Never tried spraying latex before but I do have a 1.5 tip as well, so I'll give it a try.

[@sun-man]

Really, 1.8mm is the minimum for latex/acrylic, and that would allow you to lower your pressure below 60PSI as well.

[@ninoamengual539]

1.8 is the norm for primer/latex. I would still thin accordingly.

[@sethfournier2970]

Seriously? Pour your paint down the drain?

[@pblatcher5485]

X

[@thatdrh]

Alcohol!

[@nacho1966]

This gun is not meant for latex just a comment

[@TPNL1]

@@tannersmith8948 you may be technically right, but don't deal in absolutes. He did it afterall.

[@dumpsterfire6351]

HLVP 😂

[@rikujkoivisto]

WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH MASK? IT IS LATEX PAINT.. 😄

[@MrFreeze79]

you don't want to suck in those chemicals into your lungs. it doesn't matter what kind of paint it is, you want protect your body.

[@kw8198]

This man is smart- when you don’t wear a mask you're exposing yourself considerably to microscopic particles you can't even see.. and [sad to say] might well be setting yourself up with serious lung problems years down the line. To each his own, but I’d wear a mask as well.

[@bryan7602]

His mask is missing the filter. Only has fume cartridge.

[@tomdolan3619]

He is smart and wants to live longer

[@projectdad6561]

It’s not HLVP dude, it’s HVLP. High volume low pressure

[@fernandot3970]

Garbage. Just use a brush or mini roll