Glossy paint when sprayed producing dull finish

Wrong distance to work, too fast application, not enough fluid.

Probably the same issue as with latex gloss paint. It naturally sprays with less gloss than when applied with a brush. Nature of the beast. I'd bet you aren't doing anything "wrong". Someone explained the mechanism that dulls that type of paint when sprayed but I forgot. It was a paint rep. that told me the details. It's NOT the typical "too dry", "too far away" syndrome. Don't let 'em blame your technique. It's a property of latex, and I'm betting it's a property of the acrylic, too.

Dave

MVG wrote:

Gee I spray cars with an HVLP gun and it glosses just fine, but I'll take your suggestion and try a brush on the fender next time. VBG

I defer to your experience, since the discussion I had with a paint pro was regarding latex.

Dave

JGS wrote:

I was thinking that acrylic MIGHT be the same as latex, since I painted a ceiling with acrylic ceiling paint. I didn't think it was that much different. Latex DOES spray with less gloss than when brushed.

Dave

Rumpty wrote:

just a second. Isn't there a product called "acrylic latex"? perhaps you and I are talking 2 different types of paint.

Dave

David wrote:

Having read all of the other replies, I'll throw in the basic question - are you mixing according to the manufacturer's spec? No cheating. Too much reducer will cause finishes to lay down.

-Mike- snipped-for-privacy@alltel.net

The paint I'm using is Sherwin-Williams "PROCLASSIC waterborne interior acrylic gloss enamel". The can gives no recommendations on any sprayer other than an airless system. I have diluted it with water to the maximum viscosity that will still allow the siphon to operate and get a decent rate of flow.

I wonder if it would help to dilute it further to get a higher flow/thicker coat?

What does "not enough fluid" mean? And "dry spray"?

Thanks for more help on this! I hate to resort ot a clearcoat unless I have to.

Latex requires a heavy duty dedicated HVLP system. I would say a

Gloss paint work requires a continuous full wet coat. It is an art to apply a full wet coat without runs. A good automotive painter earns his keep.

(top posted for your convenience) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Keep the whole world singing . . . . DanG (remove the sevens) snipped-for-privacy@7cox.net

Wow, I'm a handyman with a compressor and a cup HVLP sprayer, not a crazy man with such a high-tech system! Perhaps it is impossible to achieve a glossy sprayed surface with such a paint.

Is there another paint that will work with my sprayer that can achieve a glossy finish?

What Dan said.

I have a 4 stage HVLP. The distributor claims it's ok to dilute up to

Dave

MVG wrote:

If the sprayer isn't strong enough, then you can't spray an alkyd based paint properly, either.

Dave

MVG wrote:

Curious. I've sprayed latex enamel with a Wow, I'm a handyman with a compressor and a cup HVLP sprayer, not a

Cutting it with water will know down the gloss. This paint is made to be used with an airless gun without any reduction..

I have had very good results spraying acrylic latex with the Critter sprayer. Amazing quality for only $40.

On 23 Mar 2005 15:54:41 -0800, the inscrutable "MVG" spake:

What does S-W say about thinners? Call the local dealer and ask.

Have you tried Floetrol?

Mask something off, spray it with a can, and let it dry. Now touch the masking paper. Feel the dry, gritty surface? That's dry spray. It happens worse when you spray at an angle.

Check your library for Andy Charron's books "Water Based Finishes" and "Spray Finishing". They'll clear up a lot of questions and give you the terminology you need to ask better questions.

Very informative... thanks!

The diluted paint when spread with a brush is still shiny. I think the trouble is in fact the paint being dried out in midair as it strikes the surface giving it a sandpapery texture which diffuses light, spoils the gloss. I'll try spraying with lower pressure and closer to the work, and perhaps a top water-based urethane finish. And I will check out that book.