Spraying Exterior Metal Latex Paint

chieffan

chieffan

Tractorologist
Member
I have 2 shipping containers that I need to get painted. Paint is solid on both, one is dark blue and the other is light grey. I have 2 gallons of paint as the title says. I bought a new paint gun set up fore latex paint (so they said). Plan is to mix both cans of paint in a 3 gallon pail and thin it down from there. I have sprayed enamel but never latex. Paint can say not to use more than a cup of water per gallon. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. I don't really want to do the job twice, and not concerned with a few runs as long as I don't get bleed through.
 
I have a Wagner electric spray guy that I run latex through and my only advice is don't thin anymore than you have you. If your gun sprays it as is without being thinned that's how I spray it.
If you get latex too thin it'll run like crazy and won't cover well.
Again all depends on how your gun sprays and what nozzles you have and how thick different paints are..
 
Just checked the gun and it has 3 nozzles with it, 1.5, 1.8, and 2.5. Think will start with the 2.5 first and go from there. Thanks for the info. Will see how thing go when the weather cools down some. 87° is a bit high to paint steel in the sun to my liking.
 
Bills advice is good on mixing! Don't thin at all if it sprays good, and if not thin as little as possible. I wouldn't go by the instructions. The biggest nozzle should be best for the thickest paint, but you have to judge by doing some test sprays. It might leave an undesirable texture so a little thinning and the next smaller nozzle might be what you need.

I'm also curious as to what paint you are using.

Hope it goes well, Rog!

DAC
 
MFDAC said:
Bills advice is good on mixing! Don't thin at all if it sprays good, and if not thin as little as possible. I wouldn't go by the instructions. The biggest nozzle should be best for the thickest paint, but you have to judge by doing some test sprays. It might leave an undesirable texture so a little thinning and the next smaller nozzle might be what you need.

I'm also curious as to what paint you are using.

Hope it goes well, Rog!

DAC
Click to expand...
I got it at Menards last spring. Might be Dutch Boy exterior metal, concrete, etc. Don't remember right off and it is out in the shop.
 
Last edited:
Roger I've use "Flood" paint additive though only for brushing and it works good for smoothing out brush strokes which its claim to fame.. Never used for spraying.
Lot of guys on here I believe used it so maybe they'll give some input.
Maybe worth looking into for what you're doing. Also may aid as thinner to a point.
1758026438779.jpeg
 
4getgto said:
Roger I've use "Flood" paint additive though only for brushing and it works good for smoothing out brush strokes which its claim to fame.. Never used for spraying.
Lot of guys on here I believe used it so maybe they'll give some input.
Maybe worth looking into for what you're doing. Also may aid as thinner to a point.
View attachment 98426
Click to expand...
Wow, Bill, I have used gallons and gallons of Penetrol for enamel through the years but never knew they made Floetrol for latex too!

If the latex version works as well as the oil based, it is wise to use it!

DAC
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top