Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

This Critter Spray Gun has been a pleasant surprise. It's a fun tool to use, which says a lot. Spray projects are something I tend to dread, so having a tool that makes it less stressful is very important to me. With this review, I am comparing the Critter to the HomeRight C800766 Finish Max Fine Finish Sprayer. I was underwhelmed by the Home Right product, but the Critter Gun has exceeded my expectations. I have learned that paint spraying really is an art, and also that it takes patience. The quality of my painted projects with the Critter is good, but it's not professional, by any means. For instance, the vanity and cabinet drawers that I sprayed look good, but they are far from flawless. To get a flawless finish, it's important to sand betweens coats, and also do quick passes -- rather than trying to get really full coverage on each coat (because that leads to clumps and/or drips). What do you need to get started using the Critter Gun? - air compressor. If you do not have an air compressor already, and you plan on doing a lot of DIY work around your house, then I believe an air compressor is a wise investment. You can buy a cheap, tiny one from somewhere like Harbor Freight, or you can buy a compressor combo kit (which would include a nail gun and a staple gun) from Home Depot (that's what I did a couple years ago; I have felt it was a worthwhile investment). - 1/4" coupler kit. This should cost you $5 or $6 at your local home improvement store. - buy a box of basic Mason Jars from Wal-Mart or Fleet Farm. The 12 jars I bought at Wal-Mart cost about $8. To save time for a large painting project, you can fill up several Mason Jars at once -- then you can shift out an empty Mason Jar to a fresh one mid-project, as needed. Pros (vs. Home Right Sprayer): - setup and cleanup are faster and easier with the Critter. - more consistent output of paint. This is a big one. With my Home Right sprayer, I was constantly getting derailed by paint clogging in the unit (even after diluting and straining the paint). - the Critter is slightly cheaper (assuming you already have an air compressor). - the Critter has far less issues with paint dripping on the project. Cons (vs. Home Right) - the Critter does not allow you to cover as much ground as quickly as the Home Right (and other sprayers, such as Wagner). While the paint spray is consistent, it is a small stream of paint. So, you need more passes per project. Tips: - others have commented about the flimsy gasket that comes with the Critter, but I have not had any issues with the gasket (after about 10 uses of the gun). I have been careful with the gasket, so as not to rip it. - do strain your paint first. You can buy a cheap strainer at Home Depot or any paint store. Ideally, choose one that has an elastic band that would hold the strainer in place on top of the Mason Jars. - I have used the Critter with both oil-based primer, latex-based primer, and latex paint. The latex paint goes on slick and easy, because it is thinner than primer. The oil-based primer was the toughest of the three liquids I have used. It did leave minor bumps on the project, but that might have been user error on my part. - use Floetrol (sold at all big box home improvement stores) to thin out latex-based paint. - use Penetrol (same maker as Floetrol) to thin out oil-based paint. These paint additives help the paint/primer go on more smoothly. - I have experimented with different PSI (pressure) settings on my air compressor. I have used anywhere from 30-90 PSI. The thicker the paint/primer you are applying, the more pressure you need (in my experience). Just test out different pressure levels on cardboard or paper that you have laid down for the project. - ideally, have your subject pieces laid flat down on the ground, rather than vertical against a wall. This helps you avoid drips. - great lighting really helps. Ideally, utilize shop lights above you. This helps you see where you have already sprayed vs. what else on the project needs to be sprayed. - I have been doing two coats of primer and one or two coats of the finish paint color.