Spray Finishing
by Alan Noel
Professional Wood Finisher
When I first started in the antique restoration business, the only
game in town was to use conventional high
pressure spraying systems that involved an air compressor, pressure
regulator, water extractor, hose and a high pressure spray gun.
In the early nineties, High Volume Low Pressure, or HVLP spray systems like the
Earlex
Spray Station
were introduced into the market. These are self contained systems
consisting of a turbine unit that supplies heated air and a spray gun. This system is much
more efficient for transferring finishing materials to the workpiece, with the added benefit
of a great deal less overspray and faster drying times.
HVLP systems have many advantages over conventional high pressure spray systems:
-
An HVLP system is very user friendly since the unit is self contained.
-
The material transfer is far more efficient, with less hazardous overspray than with high pressure systems.
-
Since the air is heated by the turbine unit, your finish will dry faster.
-
There are fewer working parts to deal with and maintain.
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An HVLP system is very economical to purchase and also saves money on finishing materials.
-
It's extremely portable.
-
The system will handle all traditional finishing materials.
-
I do not recommend the use of latex or oil-based paints with HVLP units.
-
Always remember: SAFETY FIRST. Never spray combustible materials in an area with an open flame
or any other source of ignition.
Visiting Atlanta? Attend one of Alan's upcoming highly informative Highland Woodworking wood finishing seminars:
French Polishing Workshop
, September 16, 2009
Antique Restoration Workshop
, October 3-4, 2009
Furniture Repair
, October 24, 2009
Wood Coloring Basics
, October 28, 2009
Antique Mall Treasure Hunt
, November 14, 2009
Alan can be reached directly via email c/o Alan Noel Furniture Refinishing at
anoelfurniturere@bellsouth.net
.
