HVLP and Rustoleum

[Kevin]

Hi all,

I'm about to tackle my second HVLP spray project and need some advice. I'm using my Harbor Freight HVLP unit (the one that sells for about $70) and would like to spray an outdoor wrought iron table with Rustoleum (my apologizes for there being absolutely no wood in this project!). I have read in various places that Rustoleum can stay tacky for a long time after spraying so I thought I would thin it with acetone (acetone and mineral spirits are the two thinners recommended by the manufacturer). I chose acetone because it is so much more volatile than mineral spirits and perhaps that will promote faster drying. So here are my two questions:

1. Has anybody sprayed Rustoleum that has been thinned with mineral sprirts? If so, does it dry reasonably quickly?

1. Has anybody sprayed any kind of acetone-thinned finish through an HVLP unit that has lots of plastic parts? I'm worried about the acetone turning the plastic parts to goo. I still remember well when I was in college chemistry lab and poured some acetone into a styrofoam cup and watched the cup melt like the Wicked Witch of the West!

Thanks in advance,

Kevin

[Max]

I've sprayed plenty of wrought iron with rustoleum with a conventional sprayer and with an HVLP unit. I've always used regular paint thinner to thin with. I've never experienced any problems with drying. It never occurred to me to use acetone. I don't think it's a good idea though for the reason you mentioned. (plastic parts)

Max

[Kevin]

Thanks Max. I'll stick with regular thinner and return the acetone.

Kevin

[Greg O]

Rustoleum with mineral spirits is fairly slow drying. Measure drying time in hours , maybe two or three hours. As for using acetone, sure it will eat a styrofoam cup, but so will most solvents, gasoline will eat it up, my bet lacquer thinner will too. Any cautions on your HVLP as for solvents to avoid? It seems strange to me that you would not be able to use acetone in your sprayer, but I don't know for sure. Greg