TomCrump

Regulating viscosity and air pressure can be difficult.

For many paints, thinning to the consitency of milk will provide the proper viscosity. There are tools to measure viscosity, but few of us have, or need them, for our hobby requirements.

When I first purchased my HVLP gun, I was dismayed by the amount of overspray that was being put out. Mentioning this to a friend, he suggested that I lower the air pressure. This worked for me.

I believe that Rustoleum says not to thin past 3:1. I didn't like the way that it sprayed at that viscosity, so I gradually increaded the solvent to 3:2 and even 1:1. I use acetone as the solvent.

For cleaning my guns, lacquer thinner is my choice, as it cuts most paints easily. It's not universal, though. For instance, epoxy may need a stronger solvent for clean up.