Coming along in the kitchen remodel - we ordered paintable cabinets in primer. I'm thinking of spraying them myself with an HVLP sprayer. I've never used one, and would hate to screw up $9500 worth of cabinets. Is this doable for a beginner, or should I hire it out? Any tips or recommendations would be much appreciated!!

PS - Just the frames and doors/drawer faces need paint. Interior is colored melamine.

Al -

Do you have enough compressor to run an HVLP gun? Most of them need 13 plus CFM @ 40. Also, what kind of finish are you going with? Nice Garnet Red BC/CC??? :)

It should be like any other paint project, as long as you get a gun with nozzle sizes appropriate for the coating you're using. Unfortunately, unlike the automotive paints with the nice product sheets that tell you what mixes and nozzle sizes to use, I think you'll be on your own to figure out what works. Just plan on getting a similar type material to practice on, and then just test spray until you get it right.

I don't think my compressor would keep up. I'ts a 5hp 60 gallon single stage, I believe rated at 12 cfm. If I spray them, I'll rent a turbine type HPLV system.

Hugger Orange cabinets, of course!

Just checked my compressor - 11 CFM @ 90 PSIG. I assume less @ 40?

Next thing ya know there will be some guy over in the Body Shop forum asking if it's okay to paint his car with a brush. lol. Hey Al be sure to block sand first. :)

Seriously though I've thought about the same thing but I'd have take the doors off and outside along with the drawers. If you do it keep us posted.

Just checked my compressor - 11 CFM @ 90 PSIG. I assume less @ 40?

You should be OK at 40PSIG then.

There's some thinner out there you can get at paint stores that works real well. I forget the same, "Flo-"something.

typically, as you go lower in PSI, the CFM will be higher. I would guess as well that based on the numbers you gave, you would be okay.

al,
i think you will be able to do it....i make custom cabinets for a living...i would suggest that you build some sort of a rack to put the doors on...this way you could spray one side at a time....it makes for a much cleaner and neater job..plus you won't have any runs... also what kind of paint are you gonna use???lacquer,enamel,latex???find out what kind of primer it is...i would suggest lacquer(precatalyzed)...if you need any more help just pm me...good luck...
mike

You should be OK at 40PSIG then.

There's some thinner out there you can get at paint stores that works real well. I forget the same, "Flo-"something.

'Flo' & Eddie by the Fireside ??? (with appologies to Dr. Demento...)

The stuff is 'Floetrol' by the Flood Company - Hudson, Ohio.
Makes Latex and Enamels flow-out smoother than just out of the can.
I use it in a pressure sprayer and it gives a nice smooth finish to semi & gloss coats on woodwork and such.

Hope this helps;
John

I am leaning toward high quality acrylic latex, for the ease of cleanup and its quick drying. The only legit place I have to paint the doors etc. is in the kitchen itself. The will be nothing in the kitchen except the cabinets. What does everyone think about brush painting the frames and spraying the doors and drawers? Just a thought I had as it would save a bunch of masking work...

PS I believe the primer is alkyd, but I'll double check with the cabinet maker.

I wouldn't brush the frames and spray the doors. The brush strokes will show somewhat, and for what you paid for new cabnets I would try and spray the whole thing. It will look better in the end. Like painting a car, use a test peice of wood that is primed to set up your gun and if you make a mistake it is much easier to fix than a car. Let it dry, sand, and repaint. You will be suprised how the paint travels when you spray in a house so mask everything. Good Luck.

yeah, i agree...just bite the bullet and mask the boxes off and spray them...just like a car,its all about prep work...

1. Select proper paint.
2. Mask off everything you don't want painted.
3. Pour paint in a 5 gallon bucket and mix well.
4. Check your masking once again and remove all people and pets.
5. Drop an M-80 in the bucket and run!!!!!!!!!!!
6. Return in an hour and unmask.

1. Select proper paint.
2. Mask off everything you don't want painted.
3. Pour paint in a 5 gallon bucket and mix well.
4. Check your masking once again and remove all people and pets.
5. Drop an M-80 in the bucket and run!!!!!!!!!!!
6. Return in an hour and unmask.

Good info Codi, I'll let my wife know that's how I plan to paint the next room in our house when she asks me to. We'll see how that goes :)