This subject was discussed a while ago and has got me thinking I need one.

Over here we don't have B+Q etc so I can't follow the recommended deals for the UK.

What are the critical factors determining a good HVLP kit? How many watts should the motor be? What should be the maximum viscosity be? What other points are there to consider?

I'd like to be able to spray bits and pieces in cellulose but to help the discussion with SWMBO I'll need to be able to use if for gloss paints and emulsions if poss.

I've looked at what's available over here and there's all sorts of specs at all sorts of different prices.

Has anyone got experience of these kits?

The viscosity is critical for a good finish, most come with a viscosity cup so its pretty foolproof.
Ive still got a unit my dad gave me about 30 years ago and still works a treat, saves firing up my large compressor and less overspray.
I spose you get what you pay for as regards specs.
Cheers,
Bob

I have three of these systems, one of which you could call semi-professional, there ok but as above are very sensitive to the viscosity plus due to the shear volume of air coming out of them tend to make one hell of a mess indoors with major overspray (everything in the garage will be painted) and the air will be filled with paint so a mask is essential. I’ve also found that due to this you can end up with a dulled finish as the paint dust settles on the almost dry paint so good airflow through the spray area is helpful. I put a thin mesh curtain over the open garage door and the two windows so that the wind/breeze could blow through but not the fly’s.

Not wishing to pee on your chips Mr Whippy but what your using is the exact opposite of the HVLP system Ive used. Overspray is minimal because your not getting the bounce back of the material from the surface as you would with a high pressure system, also less paint is used because of this.
Cheers,
Bob

Almost zero over spray with HVLP --- no bounce back plus it dosen't travel far -- other big advantage is HVL uses a lot less paint.

I bought absolutely the cheapest all in one kit out --- the spray gun is all plastic but is the same gun seems to be used by a lot of different brands some as part of outfits costing 8 times what I paid.

The Earlex HV1900 uses the same gun and has a similar size turbo compressor

http://www.screwfix.com/prods/92612/Power-Tools/Sprayers/Earlex-HV1900-HVLP-Spray-Kit-400W


See also

Silverline HVLP Spray Station 240V

http://www.transtools.co.uk/store/prod_4589/corded-power-tools/spray-guns/silverline-hvlp-spray-station-240v.html

[Edited on 17/7/08 by britishtrident]

The B&Q unit is identical to this Sealey one

http://www.justoffbase.co.uk/HVLP-Spray-Gun-Kit-400W-230V-Sealey-HVLP2000
Rescued attachment sly.jpg

So a 400 watt motor and a 50 sec DIN viscosity max are OK then?