Overspray Advice
Ways to manage overspray when spraying a bookcase with the back on. October 14, 2006
Question
I'm having some major difficulty spraying a bookcase with the back on. The case is freestanding - everything needs finish except the bottom of the bottom. I'm not a full time finisher but I'm not a stranger to the process either. I finish my own cabinets, in pieces before assembly - doors, and drawers - with bottoms off. I can get a flawless finish spraying flat surfaces, but the inside of this bookcase is proving to be a bit of a problem. I’ve got massive overspray and generally rough results. Obviously the bounce-back is a problem. Does anyone have any tips?
How about the spray order - the inside first – sides - then back? Should I do two stages with masking? Should I dial back the gun? I'm spraying Becker's Bernyl Facett 25 sheen unthinned with a Kremlin Airmix 10-14 , fluid set to about 49 and air a hair under 10, and this setting has been so gentle on everything else. Any procedures or hints would be greatly appreciated.
Forum Responses
(Finishing Forum)
From contributor A:
Use retarder, then spray a light coat on the bottom first, then top. Then the right side (I'm left-handed), then back, then left side. Then do the bottom one more time.
From contributor B:
As contributor A said, use retarder and make sure everything inside is wet when you are finished spraying, not partially flashed off.
From contributor C:
Contributor A's procedure sounds good. I recently tried the new 09 & 06-092+ Ultra or Xtra tips on a tall closed back box, and had great results. They seem to flow about the same amount, but much finer droplets. There was very little overspray in the corners on my first try. One of our fellow finishers described them as double-atomizing tips. I use 5 on air - just barely enough to align the pattern edge. I use 40 on fluid for interiors, 50 for everything else. I think the 6 will be my choice for drawer boxes from now on.
From contributor D:
I am not familiar with the product you are spraying but if it is a lacquer based product, pre-cat etc., Mohawk makes an aerosol product called no-blush. Buy some and as soon as you finish spraying. Fog no-blush on the areas where you are getting overspray. It will melt it in like magic. You could also do the same with a cup gun and some MAK.
From contributor E:
I agree with contributor C. The Ultra tip (the last digit will end in 2 rather than 4 as standard tip does) will allow you to use less atomizing air (gray knob) therefore reducing the bounce back. A smaller tip may also enable you to lower the fluid pressure to 300 PSI (30 on the Red knob) and spray in control without the cloud. You did not mention what tip size you are using. That may be the issue by itself.
