I have a Wagner small spray gun (small compressor connected by air hose to gun that contains the paint in a screw on can). I am using it (for the first time) to try and spray 2 chairs and a bench. I have to dilute the latex (Valspar Premium Interior/Exterior, excellent review in Consumer Reports, if I remember correctly) by 30% to get the viscosity measuring cup to drip out in 45 seconds. I have tried it with and without some Flotrel (sp?) - I did not notice any difference.
I have several questions:
- Is it OK to dilute latex that much (30%)
- Should I do several light coats (not full coverage, some of original finish showing through) or as heavy (wet) as I can without dripping?
- How long should I wait between coats - dry to lightly touch or longer?
- How long can I wait before cleaning the spray gun? I.e., can I leave the paint in there between coats?
- What else should I be asking?
I have already done some spraying - 2 coats. I find drips are a real problem - the latex needs to dry quite a long time (more than a couple of days) before I can sand them out - otherwise the latex acts like a rubber skin and the edge between sanded-down-to-the-wood and the paint will be like a hole in the paint with a distinct ridge.
Thanks.