Earlex L0553 operating instructions Fitting the POD, Preparation, Thinning, Ideal Viscosity

Fig. 1

L0553 (04-08) (US-FR-ES).qxd 20/6/08 2:25 pm Page 5

FITTING THE POD

Fit the pod moulding (L0021) to the motor housing by pushing it into the recess in the base until it clicks into place. The pod is secured with the screw (L0116) provided. (Below)

PREPARATION

Preparation of the surface and thinning of the paint are the two most important areas to be concerned with to obtain the best results from your spray kit.

Ensure all surfaces are free from dust, dirt, rust and grease. If necessary rub down with sandpaper, or similar. Masking of areas is important to ensure you do not spray those areas you wish to remain untouched.

THINNING

Your spray kit is supplied with a viscosity cup. Viscosity is a technical term used to indicate if a product is very thin or very thick. If thin, the viscosity is said to be low, while if very thick the viscosity is said to be high. Viscosity is measured in seconds. In order to spray some materials they need to be “thinned” (diluted). Thinning is very important when spraying. Most paints etc are supplied ready for brush application and may need to be thinned (diluted) for spraying purposes. Follow the manufacturers guide for thinning in conjunction with a spray gun. If in doubt please contact the manufacturers of the paint. The viscosity cup supplied will help you determine the correct thickness of the paint. Paint is “thinned” by adding the substance which the paint is based upon. If a water based paint then water is added, if oil based then white spirit.

As some paints, wood preservatives and other sprayable materials contain particles that have differing qualities, please ensure that when filling the paint container of the spray gun, that the paint is filtered through either a funnel with a filter on it or through nylon tights or stockings. This will ensure that no large particles enter the paint container, so preventing blockages and providing you with trouble free spraying. Ensure that a face mask, gloves and goggles are worn at all times when spraying.

	IDEAL VISCOSITY
Water based paints and latex	25 - 60 seconds
Oil based paints	45 - 50 seconds
Wood preservatives	No dilution
Primers	45 - 50 seconds
Varnishes	No dilution
Aluminium paints	No dilution
Wood stains	No dilution
Automotive Paint	Manufacturer’s ratio

This gun can be used with products having a viscosity ranging from 25 to 60 seconds. Dip the viscosity cup into the material and fill up. Time how long it takes for the viscosity cup to empty (Fig. 1)

Using the above chart (or manufacturer’s instructions) as a guide determine if the material requires further thinning, if so then thin accordingly.

If the paint requires thinning, start with a 10% dilution of the paint. To do this, fill a 1litre container with the required paint. The viscosity cup supplied with the unit holds 1/10 of a litre, block the hole in the viscosity cup and fill up with the required thinner. Add the thinner to the paint and stir, measure the viscosity using the recommended viscosity chart above.

If the paint requires further thinning, dilute the paint by another 5% (5% will be equal to half a viscosity cup) with the required thinner and measure the viscosity, if the paint is not at it's recommended viscosity, repeat the above step.

Note: Some paints are outside the ranges listed above. Please contact our helpline for further information.

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