Critter Spray Gun
Although I own an use an HVLP spray gun for medium and large project, especially when spraying lacquer, it comes with a certain overhead. Setting up the system, and then properly cleaning the gun takes time, time that makes it not a good option for small projects and home improvement projects. For the small jobs I turn to my Critter Spray Gun.
Before diving into what I like about the Critter, let me qualify my recommendation by stating that I am no expert when it comes to spraying finish. I can say, however, that the Critter is not going to lay down a finish the way a quality HVML sprayer will. For small projects on which the finished can be easily sanded, I find the Critter adequate. One other drawback with the Critter is that I need to adjust the regulator on my compressor (to around 30 lbs) to get a proper spray.
Where the Critter excels, however, is in its convenience one small jobs, and its ease with cleanup. For a reservoir, the Critter uses a standard one-pint mason jar, available at home centers and grocery stores. So why is this so cool? Because you can simply store the leftover finish in the mason jar. I keep several finishes in separate mason jars, and simply pop on the desired finish on the Critter, and store the remaining when I am done.
Using mason jars also come into play when cleaning the Critter. I keep several mason jars with appropriate solvents. After I finish spraying a finish, a replace the finish mason jar on the Critter with a mason jar containing the appropriate solvent. I give it a swish, and spray some of the solvent through the gun, and the gun is clean. How cool is that?
Again, the Critter is not a replacement for a quality HVLP system, but it cannot be beat when it comes to convenience.
You can find the Critter at the following online retailers:
