Ch0pp3r, thanks for the clarifications; it's always nice to have the proper information. While it is pretty evident that you love the new HVLP technology, I feel no incentive to change or to relearn the skill of painting when I'm only starting to get passable results.

P-51B, thanks for the suggestion. Unfortunately, my shop is in a house that was built over 30 years ago (I rent the place because there's no space at home for me to build), and spare parts for the plumbing installation have been unavailable for God knows how long. If I remove the trap from under the sink, there's a real risk that I'll break it, as rust has practically welded it shut, and I'd rather replace my spray gun than (a) flood the shop and (b) reinstall the sink and all associated hardware...

Cheers,

Juan M. Villaveces