Spray Finishing
by Andy Charron
Softcover
200 x 250mm
165pp
Published by The Taunton Press, Connecticut, USA.
R.R.P.$34.90
ISBN 1-56158-114-3
As reviewed in The Australian Woodworker Issue 71
Have you ever wanted to finish your woodworking project with a professional spray job but didn't know how to?
At last there is a thorough guide to spray finishing equipment, techniques and materials, written for amateur woodworkers as well as the small and medium sized professional workshops.
Spray Finishing was written by Andy Charron, a professional woodworker who started researching spray systems out of sheer ignorance and a pressing need to speed up his finishing time.
The first chapter of the book explains why spray finishes are considered to be forgiving in that they require less surface preparation, are faster to apply, and are generally more versatile. Any finish that can be brushed or wiped on, can be sprayed, but not all finishes that can be sprayed can be applied with a brush or cloth.
The consistency possible with spray finishes is cited as another major benefit. There is much greater control over the thickness and rate of application.
Chapter Two, 'Choosing a System', outlines the pros and cons of the alternatives for the three essential components of a spray system - the gun, the cup which holds the finish, and the power system (turbine or compressor). The guide should prove invaluable to anyone considering the purchase of spray equipment.
To further explore the nature of spray systems and their various components, the book goes on to explain the difference between suction, gravity and pressure feed tips, external vs. internal mix, and bleeder vs. non-bleeder guns. It also compares compressed air, airless and HVLP systems for power.
Overall the analysis comes down in favour of HVLP for woodworking finishes because of the reduced overspray and bounceback from the workpiece surface, but the background information should enable readers to select the system most suited to them. A discussion of, various spray booth options explains the difference between dry and wet recovery systems as well as the importance of accessories such as filters, lighting and fan motors. The author identifies key issues in planning a dedicated spray room and details the proper maintainance of the system. Safety equipment is also covered.
The book then covers the setting up of a spray system, including the basics of thinning and other techniques such as filling the gun, setting adjustments and troubleshooting.
The second half of the book deals with the spray equipment in use. There are techniques for colouring timber, the variety of stains and pigments available and the methods used to apply them. A number of spray-on top coats such as lacquer, conversion finishes (ie. cross-linked finishes), shellac, water-based and oil-based varnishes are discussed. The specialty applications mentioned include shading and toning, and using spray gear to apply contact cement in lamination work. The final chapter deals with cleaning and maintenance of the equipment.
In addition to the informative reading Spray Finishing also contains troubleshooting anecdotes from the author's personal experience, diagrams showing system set-ups, charts with pipe diameters for varying length, power and volume of systems, recommended hose sizes and other practical details.
If you have ever considered the use of spray finishes, then Spray Finishing provides the no-nonsense information necessary to confidently shop for a new system, expand on an existing set-up and use spray gear for that finish you always wanted.
Photos: Black & White
Contents
Introduction
To Spray or Not to Spray
Advantages of spray finishing
Other
considerations
Choosing
a System
Conventional spray guns
Air sources for conventional systems
HVLP systems
Air sources for HVLP systems
Setting
Up a Spray System
Spray booths
Spray rooms
Open rooms
Air sources
Safety equipment
The
Basics of Spray Finishing
Thinning the material
Filling the gun
Selecting the fluid tip and air cap
Adjusting the gun
Spraying:
general techniques
Troubleshooting
Coloring
the Wood
Dye stains
Pigmented stains
Gel stain
Paint
Pigmented lacquer
Working
with Top Coats
Lacquer
Conversion finishes
Shellac
Water-based
finishes
Oil-based varnishes
Specialty
Applications
Shading and toning
Specialty painting
Using spray
cans
Spraying contact cement
Cleaning
Up
Which solvent works best?
Cleaning a spray gun
Cleaning
a pressure-feed system
Gun lubrication
Troubleshooting
Spray schedules
Glossary
Index