Gravity Fed VS. Siphon Fed

[JMSP]

Just curious as to what your guy's thoughts are on a gravity fed HVLP vs a Siphon fed? I'm looking into picking up spray gun to spray some cabinet doors i made, and was just wondering if there was a major difference in terms of finish.

I'm new at spraying, only ton it a couple of times with friends tools. I would still like to get a nice finish on the cabinets though.

 

[sberry]

For general work like that pick up a cheaper siphon gun at HF or even Walmart to learn the basics. I still use one to do that type of work.

 

[JMSP]

For general work like that pick up a cheaper siphon gun at HF or even Walmart to learn the basics. I still use one to do that type of work.

The local store here has some gravity fed ones on sale too for pretty cheap. Is there a difference in finish between the two ? or is it more in the technique?

 

[ChrisLS8]

I don't like siphon guns cause if you aren't paying attention to the paint levels they spatter when they get low and changing the angle can also cause issues.

Gravity fed are the only ones I use now

 

[manwithtools]

Gravity feed are simpler and easier to clean. Siphon feed pretty well are not used anymore by anyone with any time behind a gun. Finish is all about atomization and technique.

 

[txvwnut]

Gravity it allows you to use all of the paint. The gravity spray guns(purple handle) that Harbor Freight sells are actually a decent gun for a beginner to learn on.

 

[Git]

Neither

Pressure pot or cup. What do you plan on spraying? If it is going to be something like latex paint, do yourself a favor and just buy a 'pressure' setup. Even Harbor Freight sells them. (I don't have any personal experience with these - I use a gun and pot from C.A.Technologies)

 

[manwithtools]

Neither

Pressure pot or cup. What do you plan on spraying? If it is going to be something like latex paint, do yourself a favor and just buy a 'pressure' setup. Even Harbor Freight sells them. (I don't have any personal experience with these - I use a gun and pot from C.A.Technologies)

What a PITA to clean that setup must be. Why all the hocus-pocus when a gravity cup will do all you need and is easy to clean.

 

[Jazz1]

I don't like siphon guns cause if you aren't paying attention to the paint levels they spatter when they get low and changing the angle can also cause issues.

Gravity fed are the only ones I use now

My reasoning as well for gravity feed. I rather not mix more paint than required or run out near the end of a panel. With gravity feed you know when empty without getting spatter.

 

[tncatadjuster]

Gravity feed is a gift of modern times use it.

 

[RV8guy]

What a PITA to clean that setup must be. Why all the hocus-pocus when a gravity cup will do all you need and is easy to clean.

Pressure pots are super easy to clean. I use one every week with no issues.

 

[Git]

What a PITA to clean that setup must be. Why all the hocus-pocus when a gravity cup will do all you need and is easy to clean.

A pressure pot is very easy to clean. With a hose that short, you probably have about 1 oz fluid in the line. Either let it drain back to the pot or you can turn the pressure off to the pot, crack the lid and cover the nozzle with a rag. Pull the trigger and the air pressure still going to the gun is forced any remaining liquid back down the line and into the pot. Then it is just a matter of rinsing everything off like you would with another type of gun

I also have a gravity gun, and it won't do "all you need" as you claim. I also had a 4 stage FUJI HVLP setup. Same thing. Won't spray latex unless you thin the **** out of it and then it looks like ****. Sold it to buy the pressure pot setup. That is why I asked the OP what he was planning on spraying his cabinets with.

Not to mention that with a pressure setup, you can spray at any angle, even upside down. With the actual gun being so small, you can get into smaller spaces. That is not a problem if you're spraying a car, but if you're spraying a piece of furniture or cabinet, it can make all the difference in the world

 

[sberry]

I am guilty of not having a gravity. I can see it feeding easier. I a so used to what I do and its instinctive. I do have a couple pressure pots. A big one and little one similar to the pics. I bought it for the pot and hoses, was going to use a good gun, the one came with it worked so well I used it. I figured if it lasted a couple jobs all was well, epoxy paint but now had it near 25 years. Still works. A touch up gun is nice for small amounts.

 

[JMSP]

not sure what topcoat im gonna use on the cabinet doors yet. the primer I'm using is Zennser BIN shellac based. Not sure if thats going to sway anyone's recommendations.

 

[Showkey]

Gravity

DEKUPS or similar product made by others..........solves all the issues:

https://www.autorefinishdevilbiss.com/products/devilbiss/disposable-cups/dekups-disposable-cups.aspx


If you on a tight budget they can be cleaned.........but remember cleaning cost time and money.......(solvents are not cheap)

 

[dnschmidt]

Gravity feed, these can spray anything if you use the proper tip size. If you can spray polyester surfacer (basically liquid Bondo) through one you sure as hell can spray latex through a 2.2mm tip. The DeVilbiss Finishline 4 comes with an assortment of tips easily capable of spraying latex. Unless you want your gun to look like the one Sberry showed, which I surely don't, go gravity.

Pressure feed is doable for latex paint since you clean it with water which is basically free. Cleaning a pressure pot with lacquer thinner is an expensive process. As you'll easily go through a quart of it to get it clean. The Binks model 7 and the DeVilbiss JGA were great guns for their times. Those times were over about 30 years ago.

 

[OccupantRJ]

I used a $10 HF purple gravity fed gun to spray my cabinet doors and was very satisfied with the results. I used Flotrol additive in the paint which made it level out nicely.