Review on Critter Spray Products 22032 118SG Siphon Spray Gun by Ryan Koser

This spray gun from Critter was a surprise. It's a fun tool that speaks volumes. I'm more afraid of spray projects so having a tool that makes them less stressful is very important to me. In this review I'm comparing the Critter to the HomeRight C800766 Finish Max Fine Finish Sprayer. I wasn't impressed with Home Right's product, but the Critter Gun exceeded my expectations. I realized that spray painting is really an art and also that it requires patience. The quality of my drawn projects with Critter is good, but not professional at all. For example, the vanity and cabinet drawers I painted look nice, but they're far from perfect. To get a flawless finish, it's important to sand between coats and do quick passes - rather than trying to really cover each coat completely (as this will result in clumps and/or runs). What do you need to get started with the Critter Gun? - air compressor. If you don't already have an air compressor and plan to do a lot of DIY jobs, then I think an air compressor is a smart investment. You can get a cheap, tiny one somewhere like Harbor Freight, or you can get a combo compressor kit (which includes a nail gun and stapler) from Home Depot (which I did a few years ago; I had a feeling that it was such a worthwhile investment). - 1/4" coupler kit. It should cost you $5 or $6 at your local hardware store. - Buy a box of plain Mason jars at Wal-Mart or Fleet Farm. The 12 cans I found at Wal-Mart Mart cost about $8. To save time on a large painting project, you can fill multiple Mason jars at once and then move the empty Mason jar to a new one halfway through the project if needed, compared to the Home Right Atomizer): - Setup and cleanup is quicker and easier with the Critter - More stable paint output That's a big question With my Home Right sprayer, I've kept getting derailed with paint clogging in the unit (even after thinning and passing the paint) - The Critter is slightly cheaper (assuming you already have an air compressor) - The Critter is a lot cheaper Less problems with dripping paint on the project Cons (compared to Home Right) - Critter doesn't let you do as much B oden like with Home Right (and other sprayers like Wagner). Although the color spray is even, it's a small smudge of color. So you need more passes for each project. Tips: - Others have commented on the flimsy washer that comes with the Critter, but I haven't had any issues with the washer (after about 10 uses of the gun). I was careful not to tear the seal. Strain the color first. You can buy an inexpensive screen at Home Depot or any paint store. Ideally, choose one with an elastic band that will hold the filter over the top of the Mason jars. I have used the critter with both an oil based primer and a latex primer and latex paint. Latex paint is smooth and easy to apply because it is thinner than primer. The oil based primer proved to be the hardest of the three liquids I used. This left little bumps in the project, but that may have been user error on my part. - Use Floetrol (available at all major hardware stores) to thin latex based paint. - Use Penetrol (same manufacturer as Floetrol) to dilute oil paint. These color additives help the paint/primer apply more smoothly. I've been experimenting with different PSI (pressure) settings on my air compressor. I've used anywhere from 30-90 PSI. The thicker the paint/primer you apply, the more pressure you'll need (in my experience). Just test the different levels of printing on the card stock or paper you are using for the project. Ideally, your items should be on the floor, not standing upright against a wall. This will help you avoid drips. Good lighting really helps. Ideally, use store fixtures above you. This allows you to see where you have already applied paint and what still needs to be applied. I applied two coats of primer and a coat or two of top coat.