Photo: Wagner Spraytech
What We Like
- Affordable
- Includes 2 paint cups
- Adjustable flow rate and spray pattern
- Two-stage indoor/outdoor rated turbine
- Includes a viscosity cup
What We Don’t Like
- Bulky design
Bottom Line
The Wagner Spraytech 0518050 is an affordable HVLP paint sprayer that is recommended for beginners and DIYers.
Introduction
HVLP paint sprayers waste very little paint in the form of overspray and this goes a long way in improving their economical advantage. In addition to this, Wagner Spraytech’s 0518050 is very affordable and this makes it easily accessible.
Despite this, it has some impressive features that are suitable for working mostly on small scale projects. Here’s a detailed review that explains all this.
Wagner Spraytech 0518050 Review
Photo: Wagner Spraytech
Performance & Coverage: Adjustable Flow Rate and Spray Pattern
The Wagner Spraytech 0518050 is a double duty HVLP sprayer and this means it is equipped with a two-stage turbine, which provides relatively high pressure for fine finishing. This motor is also rated for indoor/outdoor use, making it versatile and very durable.
That said, the turbine’s output can be controlled via a material flow control knob on the trigger, which can be twisted clockwise (+) to increase the pressure output or counterclockwise (-) to reduce the pressure output.
An increase in pressure increases the material flow to give you a wider spray, and this gives a maximum flow rate of 4.9 fl. oz. per minute, which translates to roughly 2.4 GPH.
On the other hand, a decrease in pressure decreases the material flow to produce a small, fine spray. The range associated with these settings gives you a 0.5 to 9-inch wide spray pattern to play around with.
The spray fan is adjustable and this is done by twisting the air cap. Twisting the wings to a vertical position produces an oval horizontal spray that is ideal for an up-and-down spraying motion.
Twisting the wings horizontally produces the exact opposite of the above, in which you get an oval vertical spray that is ideal for a side-to-side spraying motion.
The final adjustment is placing the wings diagonally and this produces a circular pattern, which is ideal for up-and-down or side-to-side spraying, and it works best when spraying smaller sections such as corners and edges.
These adjustments give you a lot of flexibility and allow you to work using the most optimized settings for every section of your project.
Other than that, the sprayer comes with two paint cups in a 1-qt (32 oz.) and a 1.5-qt (48-oz) size. These are meant for small and large projects respectively and can be used to easily switch between different paint colors.
Setup: Only a Few Minutes
This unit has two main sections: the spray gun and the turbine. The assembly process is done on the spray gun side, and it begins by inserting the suction tube into the intake opening.
The suction tube is angled mid-depth and therefore, you should align it depending on how you intend to spray. If you’ll be spraying upward, the angled end should point towards the rear of the gun while if spraying downward, it should point towards the front.
Fill the cup with paint and screw it tightly to the spray gun. Align the arrow on the spray gun with the unlock symbol on the turbine then merge the two sections by twisting the gun towards the lock symbol on the turbine.
If done properly, the tab below the trigger should lock the two sections together. Detailed assembly instructions are included in the user manual for clearer guidance.
Note: Do not tilt the sprayer to more than a 45º angle because the paint might flow into the turbine and damage it.
Operation: Use Thinned Material
Wagner Spraytech’s 0518050 performs best with thin materials and this includes sealants, varnishes, and stains. If you want to spray thick materials such as latex paint, thinning is required and this should be done according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Once this is done, there are some techniques that you need to follow for smooth and even spraying. First things first, pull the trigger partially to start the turbine before going to full throttle.
Position the sprayer perpendicular to the surface and spray while moving parallel at a constant speed for even spraying. Apply a thin first coat, then allow to dry before applying the final heavy coat.
Note: The closer the sprayer is to the surface, the lower the overspray. Therefore, you should maintain a distance of about 6-12 inches.
These guidelines are laid out in detail in the user manual for better guidance.
Portability: Very Lightweight
Weighing in at only 4.14 lbs., this HVLP sprayer is very lightweight, and it combines the spray gun and turbine into a single unit, meaning no additional components are required.
However, with either cup filled with paint, you will get some additional weight but this decreases the more you paint.
That said, the all-in-one design has one major problem and that is bulkiness. It is quite large and this might present a challenge if you want to spray in very tight spaces, such as under compact shelves.
Cleanup: Quite Easy
Cleaning this spray gun is quite easy but you need warm, soapy water or mineral spirit, depending on the type of material you sprayed.
Begin by unplugging the power cord then loosen the paint cup slowly to release pressure. With the pressure out, press the trigger to release any material in the pipeline back into the cup. Unscrew the container then pour the remaining paint into a storage can.
Pour the water or mineral spirit (depending on the material sprayed) into the cup to about 1/2 full then screw back the cup and plug in the sprayer. Spray the cleaning solution into a waste container while shaking the gun to agitate the solution inside.
Do this for about 20 seconds then undo the pieces.
Next, dismantle the gun by removing the air cap and nozzle, then clean the parts using the appropriate cleaning solution. Wipe the exterior of the cup and gun using a soft cloth then leave these parts to dry.
Other than that, you should also check the air filters in the turbine before every use. If they are too dirty, replace them using two Wagner 417323 air filters.
Price: Affordable
Since it costs well below $100, this sprayer model is very affordable. Despite this, you get several accessories, which includes two paint cups and a viscosity measuring cup.
In comparison, the manufacturer produces multiple HVLP sprayers but within the Control Series, the Wagner Spraytech 0417005 Control Spray and the 0518080 Control Spray Max are closest in terms of price and performance.
The Control Spray is cheaper but it only comes with a 1-qt container and has a slower maximum flow rate of 4.1 fl. oz. per minute.
On the other hand, the Control Spray Max is more expensive but with this, you get a separate turbine-and-spray-gun design, with a 20-ft hose connecting them. This design makes the gun less bulky and reduces hand fatigue by placing most of the weight on the floor.
Other than that, you get a 1.5-qt plastic cup and a 1-qt professional-grade metal cup.
Verdict
An affordable entry-level HVLP paint sprayer that is ideal for DIY projects by beginners.
Since it is very affordable, Wagner Spraytech’s 0518050 is the ideal sprayer for beginners because it won’t hurt their pockets. Despite this, it has all the necessary features that are required to learn the craft of painting while producing professional results.
Specs
- Product Name: Wagner Spraytech 0518050
- Product Brand: Wagner Spraytech
- Power: 300 watts
- Cup Size: 1 and 1.5 qt. (32 and 48 oz.)
- Maximum Flow Rate: 4.9 fl. oz. per minute (2.4 GPH)
- Weight: 4.14 lbs.
- Warranty: 1-year limited
Key Features
- 2-stage, indoor/outdoor rated air turbine.
- Adjustable spray fan with 3 spray patterns.
- Adjustable paint flow.
- Includes two paint cups (1 and 1.5-qt.) for working on small and large projects.
- Self-contained spraying unit (turbine and spray gun in one).
- A twist-to-remove mechanism for separating the turbine and spray gun.
- Angled suction tube.