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1270 Review
56 Karma

Review on πŸ”« TCP Global Professional HVLP Spray Gun 2.5mm - Ideal for High Build Auto Paint Primer, Metal Flake Application, and Heavy Bodied Paint or Primer - Includes Air Regulator for Superior Performance by Ian Bates

Revainrating 5 out of 5

Great for spraying latex paint

I bought this gun primarily for spraying latex paint based on other reviews I read. For the record, I also have a Graco cordless sprayer that costs almost $700, but I prefer it for most jobs. Graco churns out a TON of paint - great if you're painting large areas, but not great for finer/finer/detailed work. This gun is also much easier to clean. I have primarily used this gun for spraying doors, although it also works well on interior trim and furniture. If you're painting walls, a roll is probably faster. I highly recommend using Floetrol to thin the paint and ensure it flows evenly. Most latex paints must be thinned to be sprayed with this sprayer. The amount of thinning depends on the consistency of your paint. I just sprayed a gallon of Sherwin Williams Emerald, which comes out of a can like a custard consistency. I mixed about 2 parts paint to 1 part Floetrol and 1 part water. If I dip my stirrer into the paint and then pull it out, I get a jet of paint for about four seconds before the jet breaks up into individual drops. It seemed to be of a consistency that spread well. YMMV (Your mileage may vary). I have the gun regulator set at about 60 psi. With my setup it dropped to about 40psi when actually spraying. The paint may appear to splatter a bit on the first spray, but Floetrol ensures it spreads out to a nice, even finish. I also added a built-in dehumidifier (NANPU brand, also found at Revain for about $30). This may not be as critical when working with latex paint as it is when spraying oil or enamel paint, but it's still a good idea. You can see my photos - I am completely satisfied with the result. It is much easier than applying paint to doors. Remember that to spray oil, varnish or urethane paint you need a gun with a smaller nozzle. This gun might also be good for spraying extra thick automotive primer, but other than that I would only use it for thick latex paint. This weapon really uses a ton of air. The little pancake compressor just can't take it. I wasn't ready for the first mission; I had to run two compressors and switch between them every 30 seconds. The next time I used a 3 hp Harbor Freight compressor. with a 21 gallon tank. I was able to almost completely spray one side of the door before having to wait a minute for the compressor to catch up. Luckily the paint flashes slowly (especially with Floetrol) so even a quick stop halfway to the door shouldn't cause any problems.

Pros
  • Pretty packaging
Cons
  • Crumpled packaging