I am considering purchasing a Wagner power sprayer for some upcoming projects. What I have read in this groups archive is that it is junk for big projects. What I need it for is to paint some wrought-iron windows security bars and possibly for the exterior of a house and whatever I can find a use for it.
Has the product been improved or should I look at getting another type of spray gun?
Thoughts/opinions?
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If I were you, I would practice throwing bags of oranges or bricks or something from a ladder a week or so before you get your Wagner. Then you will have the old arm in shape when, after the spray head clogs up for the zillionth time, you fling this thing with all your might. Make sure your legs are clear of the electric cord and no one is in the way. Then let her rip. Otherwise you will be stuffing a lot of hostility inside and that is not healthy. When the guy at Wal-Mart asked me how my Wagner got so cracked and scuffed I told him, "I launched it off the highest part of my house into the creekbed below." He just nods and refunds my money. He seemed to understand. In retrospect, not a good sign. But seriously do the warm-ups; my shoulder was sore for a month.
I have the top of the line Wagner and don't have any troubles like clogged nozzles with it. What would you expect if you but it from Walmart which sells the bottom of the line of everyting. The trick is to thin the paint to the proper consistency using the recomended reducers. Don't use water for latex use a special made flow improver made just for spraying latex. Make sure you send all paint thru a strainer as you load the gun. You shouldn't have any troubles .
You might be able to do a decent job staining with a cheap gun but good luck with paint. I once called Behr and asked for advice on spraying. They told me what to buy and it was big bucks. Ended up rolling and brushing.
Floetrol is one brand name of latex paint thinner worth trying.
You can buy a small tankless air compressor (Campbell Hausfield) for about the same price as a top quality Wagner.. The spray guns cost from $40 and up, but I recommend the HVLP gravity type (paint pot on top) for most heavy house paint.
I recommend the tankless for the guys who don't have a lot of storage, but there are also small pancake or twin hot dog tank types that store easily.
For your detail work, like the security bars, you can get a small detail gun for under $30 from Harbor Frieght.
Steve
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