Rant: My new $400 spray rig clogged on its first real job

Bought a Graco X5 to speed up finishing on a big set of kitchen cabinets, but the tip clogged halfway through the second coat of lacquer. I had to stop and hand-sand the whole mess before switching back to my old HVLP. Anyone have a go-to thinner ratio for water-based lacquer to prevent this?

3 comments

3 Comments

nancybailey1mo ago

Used to run everything straight from the can with my airless. A clog like yours on a big job made me change my whole process. Now I always strain the finish, even if the can says it's pre-strained. I keep a separate, clean bucket just for mixing and thinning. For water-based lacquer, I start with about 10% thinner and add more if the spray pattern looks dry. That extra minute of setup saves hours of cleaning clogs.

johnp981mo ago

Pre-strained my butt. Learned that lesson the hard way too, now I treat every can like it's full of glitter.

the_angela1mo ago

Treating every can like glitter is the only way to go.