Proper spray gun adjustment is the first step to a quality finish.
There are two classes of spray guns in common use: old-fashioned pressure siphon feed guns, and gravity feed high-volume low-pressure (HVLP) spray guns. Although there are still a few high-pressure guns in use, the EPA's new Paint Rule has mandated the use of HVLP equipment in the motor collision and repair industry. HVLP spray guns offer three significant advantages over the older types: reduced paint consumption, lower emissions leading to healthier work conditions and better quality finishes. Nevertheless, proper fan pattern, paint delivery volume and atomizing pressure adjustments are necessary for optimal results.
Instructions
Fan Pattern
1. Fill the spray gun with paint and turn the compressor on. Attach a sheet of newspaper to the wall with masking tape.
2. Adjust the direction of the fan pattern by loosening the large knurled nut on the front of the gun. Twist the nozzle "horns" to either the horizontal or vertical position to achieve the desired fan direction best suited to the job at hand. Re-tighten the knurled nut.
3. Turn the fan pattern knob on the back of the spray gun clockwise all the way in -- this is usually the top knob. Back the adjusting knob out by two full counterclockwise turns.
4. Hold the gun vertically, about 18 inches from the paper. Spray a full width test pattern smoothly across newspaper. Pivot your wrists to ensure that the nozzle remains about 18 inches from the surface and at 90 degrees to the paper at all times.
5. Adjust the pattern by screwing the adjustment knob clockwise to decrease the width, or counterclockwise to lengthen it. Keep adjusting and deliver further passes until you have achieved the desired pattern.
Atomizing Pressure
6. Inspect the surface for smoothness; if you detect an "orange peel" effect, it means that paint is congealing before reaching the surface due to poor atomization.
7. Adjust the air pressure knob on the side of the gun clockwise to increase atomizing pressure and counterclockwise to reduce it. Monitor the gauge on the side of the spray gun while doing so, until you reach 25 psi atomizing pressure.
8. Reduce the atomizing pressure progressively while applying test sprays until you reach the lowest possible setting consistent with a smooth orange-peel free surface; This is usually somewhere between 18 and 25 psi.
