Compressed Air In Residential And Commercial Painting

The benefits of using compressors are that they provide a production line with the capacity to automate its procedures and making the execution of a large number of jobs more efficient are good examples. 

These qualities are widely recognized and valued in large industries. However, compressed air also has substantial value in carrying out manual and/or domestic tasks.

The remodeling of commercial and residential spaces is an inherent need of man; Seeking the conservation and renovation of the places we inhabit is considered a sign of human refinement and development. Also in this area, we find air compressors; facilitating the painting process, making it faster and more efficient, reducing waste and clutter, and achieving higher quality, uniform finishes with less effort. 

Obviously, the performance of the compression equipment will be decisive in carrying out this task. But there are also several factors that can affect the final result. We will list some below as recommendations. 

Choose the type of gun according to your needs. There are some on the market that offer excellent features at a reasonable cost; Those with an adjustable nozzle, for example, that allow the amount and direction of flow to be varied with a simple turn, are an interesting option due to their versatility and easy operation. Remember to wash it between each application, to avoid clogging.

Prepare the surface to be covered; This must be free of dirt, rust or grease, to ensure the fixation and permanence of the product. Mask the areas that need to be preserved; protect floors, ceilings, furniture, and other items that may be susceptible to staining, remember that even using a precision gun, you are working with spray, which makes unwanted spraying of surfaces likely.

Protect yourself. Wear a mask, gloves, safety glasses, and appropriate clothing.

Prior to application, it is necessary to achieve an adequate density and viscosity using the correct amount of thinner, according to the base of the product and the manufacturer’s recommendations. Always prefer paints whose pigments are of quality; there are several brands on the market whose reputation is guaranteed. Consider that a better flow will be obtained with oil-based paints; however, it is possible to achieve professional finishes with vinyl, acrylic, and even latex-based. 

Prepare the paint making sure that the mixture is homogeneous and does not contain lumps or other external agents that could clog the valve. Place it in the gun container at 2/3 full capacity. 

Turn on the compressor and let the pressure rise. Regulate the compressor pressure between 12 and 25 LPP (or as recommended by the gun manufacturer) to avoid fluctuations in flow. Check that the hose coupling is tight.

Test by emitting a small spray of paint onto an object or surface to make sure the settings are adequate. Try to keep the sprayer 5-10 inches away from the surface and use wide strokes, side to side. If necessary, apply a second coat, repeating the procedure and making sure the first coat is completely dry.

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