Painting with an LVLP spray gun is a multistep process that ultimately makes way for the real practice of painting. You just need to learn the basic skills of the work and the use of the gun.
If you are a professional painter and need to paint indoor projects like home furniture, walls, or any structure using an LVLP spray gun, you must know how to paint with an LVLP spray gun.
Necessary Equipment To Paint With An LVLP Spray Gun
When you start painting a surface using an LVLP spray gun, keep the following things with you for actual work.
An LVLP Spray gun, cleaning solvent, enamel, sanding powder, a rag, masking tape, Paint thinner, protective equipment(masks, glasses, hats), a clear coat lacquer, etc.
In case you don’t have the above equipment, that’s why I mentioned all the above equipment below for your easiness.
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
BUDGET PICK
| LVLP Spray gun |
| Check on Amazon |
Best Seller
| Acetone cleaning solvent |
| Check on Amazon |
TOP CHOICE
| Rag for Cleaning |
| Check on Amazon |
Best Seller
| Masking Tape |
| Check on Amazon |
Amazon’s Choice
| Paint thinner |
| Check on Amazon |
Primary Instructions To Paint With An LVLP Spray Gun
Follow the instructions given below;
- #1: Take all the material for the work
- #2: Mix the paint quantity according to the size of the surface you want to paint
- #3: Repair and trim the surface, if the surface is broken or rusted
- #4: Choose the proper color type
- #5: Choose the proper place, time, and weather
- #6: Remove the unnecessary dust and debris from the workplace
- #7: Make proper arrangements for light and electricity for the painting work
- #8: Keep dangerous material away from the workplace
How To Paint With An LVLP Spray Gun?
When you start painting with LVLP Spray Gun, follow the given steps respectively.
Step #1
First of all;
- Clean the surface with alcohol.
- Remove all the residues and sand the surface well to make it smooth and even so that the first coat of paint or primer may be applied.
- Then tape the area you want to keep unpainted like glasses, mirrors and door handles, etc.
Step #2
Here, wash the surface with thinner, dry it, and spray the paint with an LVLP spray gun.
But applying paint, you must hold and keep the LVLP spray gun at least 6 inches away from the surface moving it side to side, or top to down.
Step #3
Thirdly, apply 3 to 4 coats to cover your surface and there must be at least 30 minutes to dry paint before applying every next coat.
Step #4
In this final step to get smooth finishing, sand the surface once more and apply the lacquer or polish to make it shining and eye-catching. Here you need high-level professional skills for work.
Step #5
When you have completed all the painting work using LVLP Spray Gun, remove the masking tape, and clean the gun, and the material from your surface mistakenly over-sprayed.
Precautions
- #1: Perform painting in a clean place and proper time
- #2: Keep away children, visitors, and all the ignitable material from the workplace
- #3: Carefully, check the gun’s nozzle, fan, adjustment, leakage, etc.
- #4: Avoid using drugs or intoxications
- #5: Take protective measures like a fitted dress, hard cap, fully covered gloves, safety shoes, glasses, etc.
FAQs
Is it necessary to thin paint for an LVLP spray gun?
Yes, it is necessary to thin the paint for an LVLP spray gun so that you may get quality work.
Which type of paint can be used in an LVLP spray gun?
All types of paint can be used in an LVLP spray gun, like oil-based paints, and water-based if you mix them well.
What type of compressor can be used with an LVLP spray gun?
A regular compressor can be used with an LVLP spray gun but 12 CFM compressors are mostly recommended.
Final Thoughts
LVLP spray guns are commonly used by painters, professionals, and even beginners. With a little practice, you can use these guns for painting purposes everywhere, particularly in small projects. You can use them easily and save paint from wasting as compared to the traditional method.
Additional Questions
What pressure should a LVLP spray gun be?
The pressure settings for an LVLP spray gun are typically optimized when the particle speed is set between 2.5 and 3.5m/s. It is important to also ensure that the airflow rate is set at 118 cfm. For maximum spray quality, choose a nozzle or tip size of either 0.9mm or 1.0mm. Use these settings to adjust your LVLP spray gun properly and you will see significantly improved results. I’ve been using these settings for years and they never disappoint.
What are the settings for a LVLP gun?
The ideal settings for a LVLP gun are a particle speed of between 2.5 and 3.5m/s, an airflow rate of 118 cfm, and a nozzle or tip size of 0.9mm or 1.0mm. Adjusting your LVLP gun to these settings will yield the best spray quality. Based on my expertise in the use of LVLP guns, these settings have consistently produced the highest level of spray quality across different projects.
What do you use a LVLP spray gun for?
A LVLP spray gun can be used for a wide variety of tasks where high-quality finishing is required, such as automotive and furniture painting, among others. Its low pressure design makes it especially well-suited to areas where precision is paramount. With years of experience in the field, I can guarantee that LVLP guns are highly versatile tools that offer great results in a number of applications.
How many CFM do I need for a LVLP paint gun?
LVLP paint guns, or Low Volume Low Pressure guns, need less air volume than HVLP guns – between 5 and 18 CFM, as compared to HVLP’s 10-25 CFM requirement. They also work with lower air pressures, typically 10-30 PSI as opposed to the conventional Airspray gun’s 35-60 PSI. Despite the lower volume and pressure, LVLP guns still manage to deliver high-quality results thanks to their large air passage and slightly smaller holes in the air caps. I’ve found that these characteristics make them highly efficient and effective in their operation.