how long can water borne finish remain in the gun

Bill615 · Dec 4, 2011

I bought an Earlex 5500 a few weeks ago. I ran a couple of test pieces with General Finishes water borne stain and I was happy with the results. Being just a couple of small scrap pieces, I cleaned up the gun right away.

Now I am ready to start spraying the face frames and side skins for my cabinets. I will be doing the doors in a couple of weeks. I only have room to spray a couple of pieces at a time, but I would like to spray at least six pieces in the same day. I need to allow at least two hours for the stain to dry before I move.

Can I leave the material in the gun for that amount of time? I don't want anything to dry out and muck up the parts between coats. Similar question for the water borne poly that I will be using over the stain.

NiteWalker · Dec 4, 2011

Not sure about stain, but I use crystalac 2001 (my go to finish) and I leave it in the gun for hours on end with no problems. I usually clean the gun out at the end of the day, but I've accidentally left some in the gun overnite a few times and there was still no problems; it sprayed just fine.

You might get a small bit at the tip dry; just wipe the tip after spraying and you're good. If you forget to wipe it, it comes right off with a flick of the fingernail.

Bill615 · Dec 4, 2011

Thanks. I think I have found a way to rig up a drying rack in another area. I have some swivel hooks to hang them with and I think I can move them there without disturbing the finish. I think I will be able to several top coats in the same day also.

Thanks again.

how long can water borne finish remain in the gun

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