On Wednesday, April 26, 2017 at 12:49:58 PM UTC-4, Leon wrote:

Hi Steve,

I assume you use this or one like this.

I have on many occasions considered using this type equipment in the
last 30 years. I had a terrible experience with a Wagner Airless
sprayer 30+ years ago.

Anyway, How much trouble is it to clean these/this sprayers?

Is this unit good enough to deliver a fine finish on relatively fine
furniture, bare wood?

I have to admit, Leon, I use no such thing, I just noticed that others were asking. Personally, I'm a Purdy guy, especially when it comes to clearcoats. I'll use a white bristle, but I especially like the Purdy OxO line for thinner clears like lacquers & varnishes.

I got my start in construction and real estate generally as a housepainter, and I did a lot of upscale homes in greater Boston. (What else was I supposed to do with a liberal arts degree??) Anyway, I have tried them, seen them used, and I have also worked in lumber yards/paint stores that sold them. I'm not speaking on behalf of the Rockler unit, but generally they can be trouble.

As an analogy, working with them is like using a 2 cycle engine-- if you're not using it all the time, the ethanol is going to tear up your carbs; the residue is going to clog your tips; if you ARE using them all the time, then you know what you're doing, how to clean, what degree to thin the fluid to, and what sort of stippling you'll get out of it. The challenge for most of us is getting to the point of being proficient or better at spraying with them.

Units like these, I know guys who use them all the time, but STILL backbrush their clearcoats. It's going to depend on one's proficiency and level of detail.

Maybe Rockler would be open to an in-store demo.