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+-- Thread: Do I need an air dryer for HVLP? (/showthread.php?tid=7358617)
Do I need an air dryer for HVLP? - matzner - 10-30-2020
Hi:
I finally gave in and bought the Harbor Freight "purple gun" HVLP sprayer for a princely $7.00. Of course when you add in paint filters, extra paint cups and cleaning kit a bit more.
So now I am wondering what kind of filter or air dryer I need to use the sprayer. My projects include patio furniture, a workmate and a grinder refurb. Someday I may even finish wood. But no cars.
What is the acquired wisdom as to anything I need between the sprayer and the compressor besides a hose and pressure regulator?
Thanks, and be well,
DM
RE: Do I need an air dryer for HVLP? - CEPenworks - 10-30-2020
I put one of these on my gun. I am like you I do small projects so I am not spraying for hours on end. One time over the past 5 years or so I had some water actually accumulate in the separator. I am in western NY and spray WB products in my basement.
https://www.harborfreight.com/oilwater-separator-68246.html
RE: Do I need an air dryer for HVLP? - fredhargis - 10-30-2020
The drier is always a good idea, and the HF one is plenty cheap. Do you posilutely need it 100% of the time, probably not....but it's cheap insurance.
RE: Do I need an air dryer for HVLP? - jteneyck - 10-30-2020
I think it depends upon where you are and what you want to spray. I live in WNY also, and also only spray WB products (and shellac) and have nothing more than the standard oil/water separator on the tank regulator and on the secondary regulator 20 ft from my gun, plus an inline filter at the gun inlet. I've never had a problem with oil/water contamination, even when I spray for an hour, but I can imagine this setup might not be sufficient in a more humid environment.
In any case, start simple and low cost, and add stuff only if your separator and/or filter fills up with water.
John