tip size for trim - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

Traditions · 12-07-2006, 06:43 AM

I was spraying a new house out. I have always used a 211 or 411 tip for trim and doors. However, when I started spraying last night my tips kept clogging. It wasn't the gun because I switched and had the same thing. Maybe the paint was too thick. I was using latex proclassic with floetrol in it. I've never had an issue with this. I had the pressure so high to spray it it seemed like the paint was puckering and giving a stipple effect. Any help on this would be appreciated!

Richard · 12-07-2006, 07:15 AM

sort of does seem like the product could have been too thick, but it could be a number of other things--are you meticulously cleaning tips, filters, hoses regularly? the 211 is exactly what I use too, so tip choice isnt an issue

by the way...done correctly, any size tip should not clog
--any more info you can give?

Traditions · 12-07-2006, 07:27 AM

I have been having some issues with my pump. It probably needs an overhaul. I thought about too thick of product. Which would make sense since it will shoot through the .15 I thought maybe the line was not clean. Ran aboout 5 gallons of water through it and same thing happened. Tips were brand new. Filter in gun new. Only thing I can possibly think is that the filter on my pump may need replaced. It doesn't look too bad though. It is extremely cold here. Even though the paint has been inside it is kinda thick. Could have something to do with the weather. I just hate to thin it down too much. Thanks for your reply.

JMGP · 12-07-2006, 09:12 AM

You may have the wrong filter in your gun... there are different size filters for spraying paints...

50 - 60 - 100 mesh... and some call for no filter at all...

by using the wrong filter could cause clogging... even when your tip is new and machine is clean....

Traditions · 12-07-2006, 09:49 AM

I am using a medium filter. What do you suggest for trim?

JMGP · 12-07-2006, 10:35 AM

For Benjamin Moore's Aqua Glo (Trim) I use a 50 mesh filter...

If the paint is (thick) try using a 100 mesh... or no filter at all....

Another factor would be the wrong tip is used... even though it is a "finish" tip it my not be able to spray the paint effectively... especailly if it is thick....

Contact your paint supplier... the may have a chart or some info about proper tips and filter ussage...

One of the many reasons im no a fan of SW... they make there paint to thick... trying to get away with one coat applications......

AAPaint · 12-07-2006, 02:01 PM

Pro classic recommends a .015-.021 spray tip @2000 psi for normal use, and recommends a .011 tip for fine finishes. So, likely not tip size. I am thinking it may be a couple things. Was it strained properly before spraying or did you go right at it? Also, too much pressure will cause that dimpling effect because paint is being pushed out in globs rather than atomizing. If it was too thick, stepping up to a .013 tip size might have made a difference. You just have to fiddle with it to find that perfect sweet spot with any paint you are spraying.

Traditions · 12-07-2006, 02:20 PM

Thanks for the replies. My problem is that i have sprayed pro classic many times. Maybe the temp has something to do with it. I will thin it down more next time and see how it goes. What would happen if i use too much floetrol to thin it though! Don't want to create issues. Maybe I'll grab a .13 tonight and go with that.

fordblue_ca · 12-09-2006, 03:20 PM

[quote=JMGP;161722]For Benjamin Moore's Aqua Glo (Trim) I use a 50 mesh filter...

If the paint is (thick) try using a 100 mesh... or no filter at all....

Another factor would be the wrong tip is used... even though it is a "finish" tip it my not be able to spray the paint effectively... especailly if it is thick....

Contact your paint supplier... the may have a chart or some info about proper tips and filter ussage...

One of the many reasons im no a fan of SW... they make there paint to thick... trying to get away with one coat applications......[/QUOT

You have your filter sizes wrong the lower the number the coarser the filter 50-60mesh for latex, 100 for oil, 150 mesh for laquer. you may get away with trying a 100mesh with a thinner latex but you should check the filter often to make sure it does not plug up.

Joe

BMAN · 12-09-2006, 04:49 PM

is there a pressure adjustment on your rig? maybe the pump isnt giving enogh pressure. I like the new fine finish tip that fits graco or spray tech its a purple one with 410 number. it looks like a factory finish on some doors and cabinets I just did.