Why Airless spray for marine application

[warwicksail]

I have just purchased 2 pac PU Marine Paint to repaint the very fadded hull on my westerly and have been advised to use airless spray system. this is not something ive used since working with my father painting and decorating.

Anyone know Why this is prefered over traditional compressed air methods?
Paul

 

[njthake]

airless spray

Paint spraying that uses compressed air transports the solvent and dry paint seperately onto the structure, then melting again and letting the solvent evaporate.

2 pack paints are wet in suspension and are transported by enertia to the structure, to settle and cure according to the chemical accelerator mix and ambient temperature.
Nick

 

[oldsaltoz]

I have just purchased 2 pac PU Marine Paint to repaint the very fadded hull on my westerly and have been advised to use airless spray system. this is not something ive used since working with my father painting and decorating.

Anyone know Why this is prefered over traditional compressed air methods?
Paul

Depends on who advised you.

It could be a requirement of the yard or location you plan to apply the coat to avoid over spray contamination.

Or.

It might be a manufactures specification or recommendation to help get the required finish.

 

[Bilgediver]

I have just purchased 2 pac PU Marine Paint to repaint the very fadded hull on my westerly and have been advised to use airless spray system. this is not something ive used since working with my father painting and decorating.

Anyone know Why this is prefered over traditional compressed air methods?
Paul

An airless system does use compressed air to drive the pumps that pump it however it is not the system used by motor car body builders where an air jet picks up the paint and carries it from the mixing nozzle.

The reason for the different systems is paint consistency IE the two pack paints are probably too thick to be used effectively in an air spray type system . Generally all ships paints are compounded for airless spray though it may be possible for some paints to be thinned down for use with airspray systems however the coat thickness would not be as recommended without applying many coats.

 

[oldsaltoz]

An airless system does use compressed air to drive the pumps that pump it however it is not the system used by motor car body builders where an air jet picks up the paint and carries it from the mixing nozzle.

The reason for the different systems is paint consistency IE the two pack paints are probably too thick to be used effectively in an air spray type system . Generally all ships paints are compounded for airless spray though it may be possible for some paints to be thinned down for use with airspray systems however the coat thickness would not be as recommended without applying many coats.

I have used airless sprays to apply antifoul, electrically driven diaphragm pump (no air). Paint loss with this system is minimal.

Have also spray painted several boats with a conventional air spraygun, number 2 tip and around 55 PSI air pressure. There is some paint loss using this method, perhaps 10%.

Avagoodweekend......

 

[misterg]

Since nobody else has mentioned it...

I assume you're aware of the (serious) health risks of spraying 2 pack paints? If not, find out!

My guess is that airless spraying is recommended to minimise the amount of paint carried away into the air whilst spraying (so you don't kill your neighbours or their livestock) and to avoid wasting expensive paint.

Andy

 

[VicS]

and have been advised to use airless spray system.

You do not say what paint you are going to use or who gave you this advice.

You should read the manufacturers instructions, material data sheet and safety data sheet.

Follow the advice from the manufacturer not someone who thinks they know.

For the record International say, "Do not spray" their "Perfection" 2 pack polyurethane. Blakes say their "Polygloss" 2 pack polyurethane can be air-sprayed and give details of the thinning required etc on the Material data sheet. They also advise on the types of respirator that should be worn on the Safety data sheet

 

[penberth3]

Since nobody else has mentioned it...

I assume you're aware of the (serious) health risks of spraying 2 pack paints? If not, find out!...

There's another hazard from the high pressures used for airless spraying. The equipment must be properly maintained and you must know what you're doing with it.