Professional woodworker Andy Charron completely explains why spray-finishing is a lot less trouble than it used to be. He takes the mystery out of equipment, finishes, methods of application, coloring wood, specialty items, cleanup and troubleshooting, and explains technological breakthroughs such as water-based finishes and HVLP (high volume, low pressure) systems that offer new options.

Youll learn how to achieve a perfectly sprayed finish. Charron shows you how to choose the right system and how each system works and gives a variety of techniques for using them. Youll discover how to set up spray booths and rooms for maximum efficiency, how to choose the right equipment, including compressors, spray guns, filters and complete systems. Charts, sources of supply and a handy material, equipment and application reference are also included.

Introduction

CHAPTER 1: To Spray or Not to Spray

Advantages of spray finishing
Other considerations

CHAPTER 2: Choosing a System

Conventional spray guns
Air sources for conventional systems
HVLP systems
Air sources for HVLP systems

CHAPTER 3: Setting Up a Spray System

Spray booths
Spray rooms
Open rooms
Air sources
Safety equipment

CHAPTER 4: 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

CHAPTER 5: Coloring the Wood

Dye stains
Pigmented stains
Gel stain
Paint
Pigmented lacquer

CHAPTER 6: Working with Topcoats

Lacquer
Conversion finishes
Shellac
Water-based finishes
Oil-based varnishes

CHAPTER 7: Specialty Applications

Shading and toning
Specialty painting
Using spray cans
Spraying contact cement

CHAPTER 8: Cleaning Up

Which solvent works best?
Cleaning a spray gun
Cleaning a pressure-feed system
Gun lubrication

Troubleshooting

Spray schedules

Glossary

Index