Spraying Clean Armor with the 3M Performance Spray Gun: A Game Changer for Wood Finishing
Hey there, fellow woodworkers! Have you heard about Clean Armor UV-cured wood finish? This stuff is seriously changing the game. It's like the superhero of wood finishes – VOC-free, cures crazy fast, and is tough as nails. And when you pair it with the 3M Performance Spray Gun, applying it is a breeze. Whether you're a Pro, a Solopreneur, or run a finish shop, this combo is a total winner.
Clean Armor: What's the Deal?
Clean Armor is a 100% solids finish that cures in minutes under UV light. No more waiting around for hours or days for your finish to dry! Plus, it's VOC and HAP free, so you can breathe easy knowing you're not inhaling any nasty fumes. It's also super durable and comes in a variety of sheens, so you can get the perfect look for any project.
They've got a whole line of finishes for different needs, from interior and exterior clear coats to sealers and grain fillers. They even have a special finish for pool cues and restaurant tables!
Why Clean Armor Rocks
Okay, let's get real. Clean Armor has some serious perks:
- Lightning-fast curing: Seriously, this stuff cures in minutes under UV light. That means you can move on to your next project faster than ever before.
- No more fumes: Clean Armor is VOC and HAP free, so you can say goodbye to those headaches and that nasty smell.
- Tough as nails: This finish can handle anything you throw at it – scratches, spills, even the sun's harsh rays.
- Eco-friendly: Clean Armor is non-hazardous and easy to clean up with isopropyl alcohol. Plus, it's a 100% solids coating, so there's no waste from evaporation and the coverage per gallon is an insane 1600 SF!
Why This Spray Gun is Awesome
Here's the lowdown on why this spray gun is so great:
- Lightweight and comfy: This gun is up to 50% lighter than those clunky metal spray guns, so your hand won't get tired after a long day of spraying, and you can get into some awkward positions for spraying those tight corners.
- Built to last: The impact-resistant composite body can handle even the toughest jobs.
- Versatile: You can use it with both pressure-fed and gravity-fed systems.
- Replaceable nozzles: Just swap out the nozzles to get the perfect spray pattern for any job. It's like having a brand-new spray gun every time!
Ready to get started? Here's how to spray Clean Armor with the 3M Performance Spray Gun:
- Prepare the surface: Ensure the wood surface is clean, dry, and free of dust and debris. Sand the surface smooth with fine-grit sandpaper (220 grit or finer) and remove any sanding dust.
- Make sure to work within the temperatures Clean Armor suggests. Optimal temperatures are around 75 degrees for both the finish and the pieces being finished.
- Choose the correct nozzle size: Clean Armor recommends using a nozzle size between 0.8 and 1.3 for optimal atomization. What I love about the 3M performance spray gun is that you don’t need to have multiple needles for each tip. With this setup, one needle fits all sizes. You simply buy different disposable heads for the gun that fit your needs. They are relatively inexpensive and reduce the amount of cleanup at the end of your job.
- Adjust the pressure: Set the air pressure between 16 and 35 psi, as recommended by Clean Armor.
- Thin the finish (if needed): If necessary, thin the Clean Armor finish with isopropyl alcohol (91-99%) up to 20%.
- Set up the spray gun:
- Attach the supplied airflow valve to the bottom of the gun.
- Attach the chosen nozzle to the spray gun, ensuring the locking collar is fully connected.
- Attach the 3M™ PPS™ Series 2.0 spray cup to the nozzle.
- Adjust the fan control knob (1.5 turns open for HVLP nozzles, 2.5 turns for Fine Finish nozzles from the closed position) and the fluid control knob (4 rotations open from the closed position).
- Test the spray pattern: Before spraying your project, test the spray pattern on a scrap piece of wood or paper to ensure proper atomization and coverage.
- Apply thin coats: Apply several thin coats of Clean Armor rather than one thick coat. Allow each coat to self-level before curing and applying the next coat.
- Cure the finish: Cure each coat with a UV lamp or in direct sunlight. Clean Armor finishes cure in 2 minutes with the proper wavelength (365-495 nanometers).
- Clean the gun: Immediately after use, clean the gun with isopropyl alcohol.
- Drain any remaining finish into the cup by inverting the cup, pulling the trigger, and tapping the cup on a table.
- Rinse the nozzle spout and flush cleaning solvent through the nozzle.
- Clean the atomizing head with solvent such as 90% IPA and a paper towel.
- Remove the nozzle, wipe the needle with a paper towel and solvent, and reattach the nozzle to protect the needle.
Important Application Tips:
- "When you see what you like... shine the light": Do not cure the product until you achieve the desired look, as curing locks it in place.
- Test on a sample piece: Before applying Clean Armor to your project, test the application and curing process on a test piece to familiarize yourself with the product and ensure desired results.
- Avoid indirect sunlight: Keep open containers of Clean Armor away from indirect sunlight (such as windows and open doors) to prevent premature curing.
- Perform a lighting test: To test if the existing lighting in your workspace will prematurely cure Clean Armor finishes, place some coating in a clear, plastic cup and leave it in your workspace. Check it every 10-20 minutes to see if the coating has cured.
Safety Precautions
When spraying Clean Armor and using UV curing lights, it is important to prioritize safety by taking the following precautions:
- Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear the same PPE you would when using a solvent-based system, including a respirator, safety glasses, and gloves. This will protect you from potential hazards associated with spraying and UV light exposure.
- Work in a Well-Ventilated Area: Ensure adequate ventilation in your workspace to prevent the inhalation of any fumes, even though Clean Armor is VOC and HAP free.
- Protect Your Skin and Eyes: Avoid direct contact of Clean Armor with your skin and eyes. If contact occurs, wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water. When using UV curing lights, wear appropriate eye protection to prevent damage from UV exposure.
- Dispose of Waste Properly: Cure any unused product and follow your state and local waste disposal ordinances for non-hazardous material. Clean Armor is non-hazardous and can be disposed of safely after curing.
Clean Armor products are generally safe due to their non-hazardous nature and lack of HAP and VOC. However, always refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provided with the product for detailed safety information and handling instructions.
The Bottom Line
Clean Armor and the 3M Performance Spray Gun are a match made in wood finishing heaven. This combo gives you a fast, easy, and eco-friendly way to get a durable and beautiful finish on your projects. So, ditch those old finishes and step up your woodworking game!
