Nozzle Size HVLP

[Dave M]

I am finishing up a Falcate SS and struggling once again with orange peel in my nitro finish.

I am using the 1.3 mm nozzle that came as standard with my Fuji system. However reading Jeff Jewitt's book he suggests that if thinning the lacquer doesn't work then going to a smaller nozzle might do it. Was wondering what size people working with low pressure turbine systems are using? Or indeed other suggestions as to the proper technique...

I do apologise for raising this spraying subject yet again but every time I think I've cracked it I seem to take two steps back!

Cheers Dave M

[Allen]

I'm not familiar with the Fuji system, but if it's one that the air is warmed by the turbine as in others that I've used, then my very first thought would be that the solvents will be evaporating before the product (nitro in this case) gets on the surface and will be too viscous to flow.

Thinning more in this case doesn't really help if the solvent is still too fast. You need to go to a much slower solvent (less volatile) or even a retarder. If you go with a retarder then you can usually go with your regular solvent and add 5-10% retarder. It's not recommended to go more than 10%.

[Dave M]

Thanks Allen that's got to be the next thing to try. Dave

[TallDad71]

The Fuji 1mm nozzle is much more suited to acoustic guitars. Saying that I use waterborne lacquer.

[demonx]

I’m going to go opposite to what the guys above are saying

When spraying clear coats I prefer a larger nozzle.

I used 2k paint and if spraying colour I like a 1.4

When spraying clear I like a 1.8

I feel I get better flow with the larger nozzle on clear coats.

[Dave M]

OK thanks people. It rather confirms my hunch that this really is not a subject that lends itself to hard and fast rules. Everyone has their own way of working and their own particular kit.

I'll keep working at it.

Dave

[simso]

Nozzle size in general.

If your after one size that fits all, I would go a 1.4

I have around 6 spray guns and 3 air brushes, but my specialty in repairs is finish work, so each gun has a purpose

0.35 airbrush, great for that touch up of a grain line for blending out

0.50 airbrush, great for blending in some colour on say a broken headstock and your touching in a little bit here and there,I have two 0.5 air brushes

0.8 Touch up gun, this is for areas I want to touch up small amounts of colour but larger coverage area than an airbrush,example fretboard staining and clear coating or putting some colour onto a heel.

1.0 and 1.2 touch up guns, these are my general purpose repair guns, if i want to respray a hole neck or paint a headstock, I will use the 1.0 for acrylics and uv,I will use the 1.2 for nitro

1.4 full size gun, spray painting a whole guitar in colour or clear or painting a car panel or motorbike or what have you

1.8 full size gun, spray painting a heavy filler/primer more car stuff than guitars

Paint viscocity is irrelevant to me, I will just use thinners or retarder to match my paint to the gun that I choose for the job.

Just what I do and use

[Dave M]

Appreciate that Steve.

[kiwigeo]

LOL...reminds me of asking about the "best" french polishing method

[Dave M]

Martin you are so right. And I haven’t even started on that can of worms!

Dave