Wagner models are sold at basically any home improvement store. Being popular does not mean it’s the best though. When it comes to paint sprayers, specific types fit specific needs.
The Wagner 518080 Control Spray Max HVLP Sprayer makes for a decent entry-level model. It’s cheap and only effective on certain projects. That’s why if you’re a professional painter or if you need the perfect results, I’d look at the Graco models. On the other hand, if you want a quick painting job for a really cheap price, look no further. It’s a good option for do-it-yourself homeowners.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| - Cheap (less than $100) | - Not ideal for huge projects like painting a house |
| - Relatively versatile and flexible for multiple usages | - Reportedly, a few people have had problems calculating the viscosity |
| - Gets the job done very quickly |
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Wagner 518080 Control Spray Max HVLP Sprayer: Technical Information
This HVLP sprayer has a two-stage turbine, which is what you would find in cheaper models. It makes painting easier. Generally, though, the three or four stage turbines are better and uses greater pressure, which ultimately results in a more refined finish. With a 3 or 4 stage turbine, you can move more quickly on the intended object while also having more room for mistakes. As a result, the two-stage turbine is generally for casual painters who want to spray outdoor furniture or other objects that don’t require the perfect result.
You can control the air pressure of this Wagner model, which basically means that you have the ability to control the amount of spray that comes out. With this feature, you can worry less about overspray. You’ll be very happy with this feature since overspraying is just one of the most common painting problems.
The 20-foot air hose is also long enough for almost any project for the beginner, providing them with enough length and freedom to keep painting without having to readjust or stop.
In addition to these, the Wagner 518080 has 3 different spray patterns (circular, horizontal, and vertical). These patterns are versatile enough for you to get the very best results for any situation.
Finally, it has a 1-quart metal cup and a 1-1/2 quart plastic cup, depending on the size of the job.
These features in the Wagner HVLP paint sprayer make it very simple and user-friendly. In other words, it’s a great choice for the casual or inexperienced spray painters.
Wagner 518080 Control Spray Max HVLP Sprayer: Thoughts by Other Reviewers
Most reviewers are happy that they bought this product. It has enough power, despite being light. Unlike other paint sprayers, it is also very easy to clean. The painting is very smooth, consistent, and clean. It isn’t ideal for large projects, but it does a superb job on smaller ones (like cabinets).
Nevertheless, there were a few complaints that I will highlight here.
Although the viscosity cup can measure the density of the paint, a few people tend to have problems actually calculating the right viscosity. It might take a bit of trial-and-error to get the results you would like. Some needed to dilute the paint in order to prevent overspray from happening. Others turned up the velocity to max and sprayed quickly to get fast results.
Also, when it comes to HLVP sprayers, there are both bleeder and non-bleeder types. The bleeder types like this model will have air constantly coming out once you turn on the sprayer. It doesn’t matter if you aren’t pulling on the trigger. A few have complained that this can cause dust to be blown onto the surface and that his can also lead to overspsray. Most have not had a problem though.
The 1-quart and 1-1/2 quart cups are intended for quick jobs. Even with a 1-1/2 quart cup, it’s not ideal for large projects or people who paint as a profession as they would need much larger sizes (and I’m talking about in the gallons). As a result, this Wagner model is perfect for people who want to do a quick job like a door or outdoor furniture.
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Wagner 518080 Control Spray Max HVLP Sprayer: Conclusion
As already stated, this paint sprayer is not recommended for the professional painter. Instead, its simple yet versatile functions make it perfect for a beginner. It’s light but powerful enough to do most jobs.
The Wagner 518080 Control Spray Max HVLP Sprayer is intended for quick finishes. Despite some minor problems, people still agree that this model is great for its incredibly inexpensive price. You just might need a bit of trial and error to get things started, but once you do, you will see quick and smooth results.
You can buy this cheapest on Amazon for $104.99. It’s my favorite online store as they are reliable and cheap.