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Tech Tip: Application Setup


Various factors go into achieving an excellent paint finish and one of them is spray gun setup – this is also one of the easiest to control and one area where I often see errors with applicators. The best spray gun nozzle size and adjustments will depend on the product and the type of application technology (diaphragm pump, pressure pot, etc) you are using but having everything working in your favour is one more way to build consistency and efficiency into your painting process.

Starting point – Typically, the first place to check is the Technical Data Sheet. It will generally provide information such as recommended nozzle size, pressure settings, etc. At the very least, this should provide an accurate starting point which should need no more than finetuning.
 
Keep separate – Never use your topcoat gun with primer or vice versa. Primer is a thicker, coarser material with much higher solids and this tends to wear the needle a lot quicker. Keep your topcoat gun in pristine condition because it plays a big hand in the end finish.
 
Test spray – Always do a test spray before starting on each job. Typically, this is done on a convenient piece of disposable material, such as masking paper. It’s the final visual check on how the coating is being delivered, is it going on evenly and is the fan pattern correct.
 
Don’t be afraid of change – Some painters have their own spray gun setup which they have stubbornly stuck to for years. While it might get the required results, we often find that they have to work harder to get it and they generally use a lot more material. It’s worth going back to basics with the recommended settings because when you get them right it makes painting a lot easier and faster.
 
Expert support – If you have any issues or queries about spray gun setup, speak to a member of the Commercial Performance Coatings team. There are few issues we have not seen before and we will be happy walk you through the step-by-step process. Conducting training for customers is another place where we cover off on the entire application process from start to finish. It’s not about putting painters down – it’s about giving them little tips and tricks to get the best consistency and performance out of the products and themselves.