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Selecting Equipment for Spraying Varnish

21 thoughts on “Selecting Equipment for Spraying Varnish”

  1. Okay, so I did some research, and since I already own a Makita Mac700 air compressor, and I really don’t want to purchase a large air compressor, what about using the following: Iwata 4931 – Lph80-124G Gun/Cup(Pcg2D-1)? It makes a 5.5 inch fan spray pattern. On my next payday, I plan to purchase the Iwata and may leave feedback on how it works for me.
    I have another question for you that is really the reason I am writing this reply. I have been making panels using hardboard mounted with wood glue and brad nailer brads onto ripped 2×4 frames, routing the edges clean, wood putty, sanding then 2 coats of gesso followed by a thick coat of Golden Absorbent Ground. I make the image using ballpoint pen, pencil, staining & watercolor effects using Golden High Flow Acrylics. I spray a very thin coat of the mixture of GAC 500 & Transparent Airbrush extender followed by my favorite topcoat: Using a very large pallet knife, I spread a thick layer of Heavy Gel Gloss. Lately, I’ve been getting small bubbles appearing in the lower levels of the thick coat of this layer. Should I be wetting (perhaps with an atomizer) the panel before knifing the gloss to prevent the bubbles? Or do I need to brush a layer of something a bit thicker like a mix of GAC 500 and Acrylic Glazing Liquid? I really like the knife marks on the thick, glossy coat, so I would prefer not to use self leveling gel.
    I would appreciate your feedback.

    Reply
    • Hello Steve, Thanks for contacting us. The compressor and spray gun should work well for you, although the air tank on the compressor is relatively small, so it’s likely the compressor will need to continuously run while you spray in order to maintain the required air pressure. It’s possible the thin coat of GAC 500/Airbrush Transparent Extender isn’t enough to seal the wood, and another coat or two might make all the difference for the bubbles in the thicker gel layer. You don’t mention what your “favorite topcoat” is. Is this a GOLDEN product(s)? Some topcoats might have sensitivity to the acrylic mediums, and I’m wondering if this topcoat is even necessary if you have enough of a sealing coat of the GAC 500. Keep an eye on temperature and air movement. Forced warm air can sometimes create bubbles, so it’s better to limit direct airflow for at least a couple of days if possible. You might also want to try a thin skim coat of the Heavy Gel Gloss, allowing it to dry, prior to the more substantial layer. You can always contact us directly at help@goldenpaints.com, or me personally at mtownsend@goldenpaints.com if you want to elaborate. Some photos of your process and issues would help greatly, by the way! – Michael Townsend, Materials Specialist.

      Reply
  2. Thanks for your quick reply, Michael!
    Actually, the Golden Heavy Gel Gloss serves as the topcoat, which is my favorite. I really like the sense of depth it adds.
    After reading your response, I think I figured out what happened. I’ve been trying to rush things because my personal goal is to complete as many paintings as possible, so in the last two panels, I skipped the step of brushing a layer of Golden Acrylic Glazing Liquid, because it takes a day to dry before I can add the Heavy Gel. Perhaps I should no longer skip this step, in which case, I will need to mix the Glazing Liquid with something to speed up the drying process. I have GAC 200 and GAC 500. Would one of these help speed up the drying process? Once I add the Heavy Gel layer, I leave the painting at least 24 hours in my spray booth, which is about 4 ft x 4 ft x 8ft made of PVC pipe and 2 mil clear plastic sheeting, so it dries pretty slow with no draft.
    I think I should email some photos in an email. Thanks again,
    -Steve Franklin

    Reply
  3. I do not have the kind of studio space it would require to set this up myself. Do you have any idea of resources where (Los Angeles) I could have my paintings varnished?

    Reply
    • Hello Bettie,
      We do not have a list of companies that do this kind of work, but I would suggest visiting http://www.AIC.org as they have a “find a conservator” section, where you can contact local conservators to work on your paintings, including varnish application. Another suggestion would be to see if a local frame shop provides this service. Lastly, if there is a furniture repair shop nearby, they may do this as well. Very often they have the spray equipment and a dust free environment for spraying coats of lacquers, shellacs and polyurethanes, so they should be able to spray products like the GOLDEN MSA Varnish. If you do find someone that is willing but doesn’t know our products, you can always have them contact our Technical Support Department, at 1-800-959-6543 or help@goldenpaints.com – Michael at GOLDEN

      Reply
  4. I’ve been flirting with the idea of investing in a HVLP spray gun, but I find it a little intimidating. I am currently using an electric paint sprayer, which is good, but bulky and heavy so not so practical for certain projects.
    I noticed this post is a year old, so, would you add or change any of your tips after a year using this compressor and spray gun?

    Thanks in advance!

    Reply
    • Hi Brian,

      The information is still relevant. If you have an electric model the HVLP gun should provide a smoother application and overall a better spraying experience, especially with varnish. I like to have people start with the $40 Vaper unit for it’s low cost and decent performance. Then, if you outgrow the gun and want even better results, you at least know what you want out of the better gun. For many artists, the $40 gun works just fine for what they need it to do, so they have saved a lot of money and avoided the overkill of too much spray gun for their needs.

      – Mike

      Reply
  5. MIke,

    What do you suggest as the next step up (or a higher quality version) of the Vaper unit? Is there another model that is higher quality that gives you more steady results?

    In advance, thanks!

    Reply
    • Hi Cory,
      Thanks for asking your question. As you move up in quality (and price) there are quite a few spray guns that distance themselves from the entry level spray guns like the Vaper. Anest Iwata’s “Impact spray gun” are a good choice. The 1.8 HVLP “Gunsa” is reasonably priced and this is a good overall brand of quality guns.
      – Mike

      Reply
  6. Hi Mike,
    Thank you! I swear I’ve been scouring the internet for years looking for this information! My question is also about size. I want to use this system for even, stroke free isolation coats on my acrylic painting but in most cases I won’t paint larger than 18×24.” Is there a system that is smaller but will give me enough power to do a painting that size?

    Reply
    • You are most welcome, Leilani.
      It is very true that this information isn’t easily accessible, especially with the artist in mind. Either you learn the hard and expensive way, or work in an automotive garage or cabinet shop to learn about the tools and techniques.
      For smaller works, you can use “touch up” spray guns. They are smaller versions of the standard HVLP guns but bigger than airbrushes. The link is for reference only, so shop around for similar models. This is the same brand (Vaper) as the one in the article which are well made but very reasonable.
      – Mike Townsend

      Reply
  7. Glad I found this blog! I’m looking to purchase my first system for varnishing my paintings as well. I currently have a 3 gal. 1/3 HP 100 PSI Oil-Free Air Compressor. Would that be enough power to spray Golden varnishes evenly with one of these spray guns you recommended? Thank you.

    Reply
    • Hello Serena.
      Thank you for contacting us with your questions.
      The answer to your question is that it depends more on the spray equipment than the varnish (or other products) you would like to spray-apply.
      I found what sounds as a similar sized compressor at Harbor Freight. If you look at the specifications of this compressor it provides this detail: “0.6 CFM at 90 PSI, 1 CFM at 40 PSI”. Spray guns will have the same information in their specs. For example, here’s one gun that would struggle with this compressor. An HVLP gun that would work better is this one. But even the second one would struggle with the small compressor you have. The key is not the air PRESSURE, it’s the air VOLUME.

      So, the answer is NO. The compressor you have can work well with an airbrush but not an HVLP type spray gun like the 1.4mm Vaper that I listed in the above article . The kind of compressor better suited for spraying varnish would be something in the 20+ gallon size.

      I hope that helps with your question. Contact me if you have any other questions!

      – Mike Townsend

      Reply
  8. Hey Mike,

    Fuji spray systems are some of the best out there. You’re correct in that running water through the paint sprayer is a good first step in getting a feel for the tool.

    One thing that I would recommend is holding the trigger initially as new systems usually have a backup of air and the initial spray usually spews out until the hose fills.

    The compressors at Harbor Freight are ok but I’m not crazy about their return policy. They do carry a pretty awesome HVLP sprayer by Central Pneumatic. It’s awesome for finishing work – cabinets, furniture, even automotive restoration.

    Thanks for sharing Mike.

    John

    Reply
    • Thank you John.

      I very much appreciate the comments and I’ll try to incorporate your thoughts on the priming the hose into the above article. It’s great that you are willing to help educate beginners that usually will not have any prior spraying experience. There are very few online resources to try and simplify the use of these incredible tools!

      – Mike Townsend

      Reply
      • You’re welcome Mike.

        Yeah, I been spraying for a few years now… I started my little blog earlier this year just to help some people out and reflect back on some of my knowledge. Nothing crazy though, just a hobby project to keep myself busy.

        Regarding Harbor Freight, I just picked up a 23 gauge pin nailer that worked like a charm. It kind of coincides with the the compressor tank (if you have one) but what’s great is you really don’t need to touch up your spray jobs when doing crown or custom cabinets.

        Worth the 30 bucks!

        The 18 gauge leaves some deep marks that need putty. Speaking of which, another cool tip to filling holes is to simply use a small smudge of non shrink compound. Never been a fan of putty lol.

        Reply
  9. Hi,
    The paint sprays you mentione, Which paint sperays better for me?
    With which I can paint my house, furniture and other myself. It would be great for me if you could tell me a little bit Please?

    Reply
    • Hello Benjamin.

      Thank you for your questions. I do not know what sprayer would be best for your needs, but spraying varnish requires equipment intended to spray varnishes and other thin liquids. Automotive spray equipment is a good place to start.

      – Mike Townsend

      Reply
  10. Hello Michael!I need a compressor to use to paint my door with varnish.For the first timer who will use a spray compressor.What will you advice that i can buy that more affordable price?And can use easy that cannot waste a lot of varnish that i can use to paint all the doors in my house.And do you think there is available shop for compressor that i can buy here in the Phillippines?Thanks in advance!

    Reply

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