Spray Paint Overspray??

[IBBugsy]

After reading the recent thread on paint sprayers, I thought I'd ask a question that has been bugging me for years.

I only tried spray painting once. It was for a door. I did it in a garage with one of those Wagner paint spayers that my dad owned.

The door came out great but the overspray went everywhere.

I've heard great things about the Critter (http://www.amazon.com/Critter-Spray-...042335?ie=UTF8) but am worried about using one.

Tricks of the trade????

BTW, my "shop" is my garage, in case that helps.

[wardprobst]

Overspray is almost always an issue even when using HVLP (High Volume Low Pressure) equipment. That's why many shops use spray booths with exhaust fans to draw the overspray out quickly. Exhaust fans are typically explosion proof when used with flammable solvents. One advantage of the HVLP is less overspray but there is always some overspray. Temporary booths can be set up but it seems a lot of guys just bypass spray equipment rather than deal with the overspray. You can get real nice finishes with a good brush but it takes a bit of skill and practice.
Hope this helps,
DP

[dlminehart]

What DP said. HVLP sprayers tend to have less overspray because of the lower pressure . . . the paint doesn't bounce off the surface as much. But that means you only have about 10-20% going into the air rather than 40%. No way around it, so all you can do is prepare for it. I try to do my spraying outside on a still, warm day with few insects. Doing it indoors requires a spray booth of some sort, with fans venting the mist elsewhere.

[IBBugsy]

Thanks!

Just what I thought. I've toyed with the notion that maybe a 3-sided (with top) spray setup out of plastic or cloth would be adequate but expected it wouldn't be. Possibly with an air mover attached to the back to keep the air flow flowing inward from the opening would be adequate but, again, too complicated for me at this time.

Once I get a more "dedicated" shop (one that doesn't have to share space with a car) I could work something up. For now, I'll plan on doing my spray painting outside.