latex stain spray question

[big bubba]

putting up lattice under porch deck & will spray w/latex stain. understand that some thinning will be necessary for the spray pattern
so talking to the paint specialist @ lowes, rather than using water as the thinner, they recommended their latex base thinner (water base).
1st i've heard on that one. went w/their advice but haven't tried yet. so......what's your take? thx in advance

 

[marchanna]

Brush on paints when sprayed often require a flow enhancing medium. This is because atomization of the paint can cause the particles to dry or to start curing before contact with the surface to be painted.

 

[big bubba]

Brush on paints when sprayed often require a flow enhancing medium. This is because atomization of the paint can cause the particles to dry or to start curing before contact with the surface to be painted.

thanks, & agree actually my question was not the need for thinning, but any advantage of "latex thinner" vs water in that process

 

[marchanna]

Water evaporates too quickly in the air and can cause sags and runs on vertical surfaces resulting from a quick skin-over

 

[big bubba]

Water evaporates too quickly in the air and can cause sags and runs on vertical surfaces resulting from a quick skin-over

never considered, hey thanks on that, lots of surface area on lattice, so will proceed w/your advice

 

[marchanna]

No problem. Glad to help. I have a little experience in this area.

FYI [true] latex is a very heavy molecule. It will not build too heavy of a film before it sags if it doesn’t have sufficient viscosity. You need high pressure to spray and atomize high viscosity. Too quick of a skin over on thick applications will result in sags.

 

[RNeumann]

The product we use is Penatrol. I have now clue why you’d use that on some outdoor lattice. Not exactly needed for that......

 

[big bubba]

No problem. Glad to help. I have a little experience in this area.

FYI [true] latex is a very heavy molecule. It will not build too heavy of a film before it sags if it doesn’t have sufficient viscosity. You need high pressure to spray and atomize high viscosity. Too quick of a skin over on thick applications will result in sags.

so....having said that, i purchased a lvlp cheap sprayer from HF for the job should i have gone higher pressure/volume sprayer for job? have air compressor to handle both thinking simple is best for non commercial work, don't make living at it (i'd starve) thanks

 

[marchanna]

I’m assuming you’re going to apply rather light coats, enough to just wet the surface. Assuming that you should be okay, but there is there risk, depending on how well it soaks in, that you will get blotchiness. If you are applying an opaque stain, let it tack up before you apply a second coat.

It’s always recommended to do a test run on a scrap piece so you can get the feel for it first.

 

[big bubba]

good point using solid pigment dark stain so sounds ok thanks for helping me think the project out
learn something every day as i loose brain cells. best regards