How to Spray HVLP Lacquer

A professional gloss finish is moderately easy to achieve when HVLP lacquer is applied over a base color on automotive refinishing projects. Most HVLP lacquers used in body shops are urethane or acrylic-based and are used to provide a hard, protective covering over water-based or solvent-based paint products. Once dry, lacquers provide a resilient, flat surface that protects color integrity and promotes a high-gloss shine. Correct HVLP lacquer application is vital to the success of any auto painting project.

Instructions

1

Make sure the surface being painted is free of grease and other oily deposits by soaking a piece of lint-free rag in degreaser. Circle the rag over the auto body panel to lift off deposits and dry with a clean piece of lint-free rag. Wipe a tack cloth over the panel to remove the final traces of dust or fibers. Apply the paint color first, allowing 15 minutes between each coat for curing.

2

Activate the lacquer according to the manufacturer's recommendations using a compatible hardener and reducer. Stir thoroughly and transfer the lacquer to the pot of the HVLP spray gun. Secure the lid tightly and plug the spray gun into an air hose line with a diameter of 3/8-inch.

3

Adjust the regulator on the HVLP spray gun until a pressure of 10 psi is achieved at the air cap. Point the spray gun to the top left-hand corner of the auto body panel with the gun tilted at a 30-degree angle to ensure complete fan coverage. Maintain a distance of six to eight inches from the face of the panel and squeeze the gun trigger to establish paint flow and atomization.

4

Move the spraying arm across the face of the panel, maintaining the same distance at all times. Move the arm fast enough to eliminate the risk of runs and sags. Change direction and move the gun slightly lower when the end of each arm movement is complete to achieve a lacquer overlap of 30 to 40 percent, keeping the material wet at all times. Continue working your way down the panel until a full, even coat has been applied.

5

Allow the lacquer to cure for three to five minutes before applying a full second coat. Remember to overlap each arm movement to keep the material wet, because this will help the lacquer to flow to a flat finish during the drying process. Empty the spray gun of waste lacquer once the panel has been painted and clean thoroughly with cellulose thinner.