Spray gun problems and thinning latex paint- help needed

Question

I'm using my critter siphon gun for the first time (with Sherwin William's highest quality latex), and I'm getting a spray pattern like this. I then added a conditioner. It didn't help much. Increasing the PSI didn't seem to help (starting from 40psi, which is the lowest mine goes). In fact, it might've even made it worse.  Before I try thinning my paint (and potentially ruining it), does anyone have any insight? Can you tell looking at the pattern what the problem is?

Jean Myles · Answer

Sorry I don't have a answer to help you.I have the same problem, I will be watching for answers with you. Good luck

Dee · Answer

You need to use flowtrol to thin the paint.

Shari · Answer

When this photo was taken, was the paint still wet, or dry? I just have a basic Wagner airless sprayer so I can't do much adjusting but I had some similar problems with my paint today. When I use my sprayer, I thin my latex paint with just water and although I'm pretty good at 'eyeballing' it, I think I got it a little too thin today. It looked somewhat like this when wet but after it dried it was basically okay--not perfect but better than it looked initially. Tomorrow, before I spray a second coat, I plan to add more paint for a thicker consistency and hopefully, I'll get the super smooth finish I'm accustomed to. Do you think your paint could be too thin? I've found some paints are not as thick as others and perhaps the SW paint doesn't need much thinning.

J · Answer

My Critter works fine, but I do thin the paint quite a bit.Try thinning just a small batch of paint until you get the right consistently. Lots of thin coats is better.

Phil a · Answer

Check out this article: http://www.woodcraft.com/articles/699/problem-solving-products-critter-spray-gun.aspx Here's a comment from the article concerning Latex Paint: Finally, I decided to torture-test the Critter with a thick satin latex paint. At 35 psi, even with the fluid nozzle raised to its highest recommended point, the gun sputtered and spit like a rabid cobra. I thinned the paint with about 10% water, and it behaved for awhile. Soon the fluid nozzle began to clog. The solution to this problem was to mix in some Floetrol, an additive that helps paint flow better and extends the drying time. Concerning your too high compressor pressure, you can get an inexpensive inline pressure regulator at: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=inline+air+compressor+pressure+regulator Good luck... Let us know how it works out.

Allison Smith · Answer

Just wanted to thank y'all for your help. I brushed a first coat on last night and the results for horrible. :-/ I'm going to have to sand it down and start over. I also tried my fusion mineral paint in the critter gun today, and it sprayed beautifully. So at least I know it's this latex paint and not my sprayer and not me! Fortunately, Sherwin Williams is going to refund my money. Phew! Now if I can just find a chalk paint shade that matches this one closely and fix it all before Monday!!

Allison Smith · Answer

Gave up on spraying and just used a brush

Tandra Harrison · Answer

I don't have an answer to your question, but if you are looking for a paint gun, then I'll help you. After research on the market, I've found some top rated paint gun, with the help of you can easily complete your task. https://www.besthvlpspraygun.com/

Spray gun problems and thinning latex paint- help needed

Suggested Project Book

These 13 Closet Improvements Will Make You Smile

Other

More

Spray gun problems and thinning latex paint- help needed

Suggested Project Book