F.A.Q.

The best way to choose optimal equipment? Certainly, the most natural and immediate answer is choosing the best (i.e. the highest performing and most valuable equipment available). But there are certain considerations that enable users to make the most suitable choice in the light of their specific needs and expectations. Ranging from the small T-Basic model with MRS airbrush − dedicated to the DIY segment − to the large, high-performance Cart Turbine CT-18 models − ideal for trade users painting large surfaces −, it’s not at all easy to find ones way around correctly, given the very many possible combinations of RIGO airbrushes, turbines and machines.

 

Let’s look at some aspects that will help us choose correctly:

- What products do we need or want to apply?

- How large are the surfaces we’re dealing with?

- What finish do we want?

- How skilled are we, and how much time do we want to spend improving our techniques?

- Last but not least: is this for work or play (hobby use)?

 

It is true that professional equipment of a high level with equally refined performance will always meet the expectations of both artisan and amateur. However, it is equally true that some HVLP systems of this kind may prove to be too complicated, too expensive, and over-performing for DIY users who (given their limited needs) would not be able to take full advantage of the potentials or fully appreciate the equipment’s performance ratings.

 

That said, there’s a golden rule that applies to all. The artisans’ choice is based on desired performance. They opt for high-end airbrushes and turbines, and the higher economic outlay will be repaid promptly (and fully), given the advantages that such systems will bring to the work at hand (raising our standards, extending horizons and savings both in time and paint products…). Non-trade users, on the other hand, make a reasoned choice based in their real needs and expectations, as well as presumed frequency of use and how deep their pockets are!

 

We should always bear it in mind that all Rigo equipment is combinable and interchangeable, so no choice of Rigo HVLP system can be considered really risky (apart from some exceptional cases). If we choose equipment that is too advanced with respect to our real needs, our skills can develop further. Conversely, should we choose equipment that we find underperforms, we can then upgrade it with accessories and other elements until it fully meets our expectations. Rigo is always ‘spot-on’.

White wine or red wine? Long hair or short? A seaside holiday or hiking in the mountains? These are the great dilemmas of life.... Does the cup go up or down? Or the tank up or down? Users have been puzzling over this for as long as spray-painting airbrushes have been around... There is no definitive answer that disregards personal preferences: if we look at the RIGO HVLP PRO series of airbrushes, all models enable high-level performance and meet the expectations even of the most demanding trade users. In fact, the lower-tank model ACT-AS and the upper-tank model ACT-S share most features, the two models differing only as to where the paint tank goes. But there are some technical features and considerations to be borne in mind that will enable us to make the best choice between these two models.

 

ACT-S top tank airbrushes allow adjusting the pressure of the air tapped from the delivery stream through a valve on the lid, and this means we can fine-tune descent of product from tank to nozzle, thus varying width of spray. With this airbrush, simply by adjusting the valve on the tank lid, we can obtain spray widths ranging from a minimum one or two centimetres to about 30 centimetres, with appropriate choice of air cap and nozzle diameter. However, this feature does not come with the ACT-AS lower tank model. Here, spray-width adjustment is obtained by setting the air and product available.

 

Another unique feature of upper-tank airbrushes is that they are more suitable for use with high specific gravity or high viscosity paint products, because gravity helps the product flow smoothly from tank to nozzle. These airbrushes, put simply, are less affected by proper/unsatisfactory dilution of the product. They are more tolerant of products that are poorly or unsatisfactorily diluted or that are particularly viscous.

 

We also see that choosing lower or upper tank is greatly influenced by the user’s training and technical background. Those who come from the decor sector, or who mainly work in this sector, will use almost always only upper tank spray guns. Users who come from industrial painting mainly choose the lower tank, because this option is more familiar to them.

 

Grossly oversimplifying matters, we can say that ACT-S upper-tank airbrushes are better because they can be appended. ACT-AS lower-tank airbrushes are better because they will stand upright on the floor! In fact, the RIGO turbines with which these airbrushes are used feature an accessory tray with airbrush support suitable for both models. So, the problem of where to place the airbrush has been already solved.

Indeed, solved before we even start!

At least for three reasons:

• Higher transfer efficiency. You will use a smaller varnish quantity compared to a traditional system.
• Limited overspray. Pressure is so low that the paint is gently applied without bouncing off on the surface, thus avoiding any product suspension in the air.
• No humidity in the device. The heat developed by air compression in the fans can eliminate humidity. No device is required to eliminate humidity or reduce its quantity. This results in a better finishing and a corresponding cost reduction.

Beginners do not need to get out of any bad habit, just as it occurs for expert painters. If you are accustomed to using high pressure guns, it will take some time for you to get accustomed to the HVLP system because the technique is a bit different. It is recommended to exercise with the material you intend to use for about an hour so that you get familiar with the various techniques described in the manual. For any question please dial the customer care number

The reason why turbines deliver hot air can be found out in their structure. Fans rotate at 18/22,000 rpm. in a motor. This will increase the speed rate of the air molecules coming into contact one with the other, thus giving origin to heat as a result of friction and compression. Dry air is also produced as a result of humidity evaporation.
This phenomenon helps avoiding any halo that could be seen only once the product has dried. No dehumidifier is required to dry air just as in the case of traditional compressors. The disadvantage of this heat could be represented by the tendency to let evaporate also the products, such as the diluents, which are mixed to the paint in order to facilitate the coming out of the varnish to the surface. If there is not enough diluent in the material to be sprayed, the drying process will cause the so called "orange skin" effect. This situation is solved by adding more diluent in order to balance the loss caused by the heat produced by the turbine.

You would still have humidity and oil leakages out of the compressor and you would not have the efficiency, practicality and flexibility a turbine could offer to you. A conversion spray gun enables you to paint at low pressures, but it is driven by a compressor that would cause many problems you would not have if you used a turbine.

The stage of a turbine can be compared to a fan moving an air flow. When speed increases, the air flow is also increasing. Let us assume that the fan speed is at the maximum. How can we further increase the flow? By adding a second fan near the first one so that it can work in sequence with it, thus doubling the flow. The more stages you add, the more air flow is developed.

A 3-stage turbine can deliver a higher pressure. As a matter of fact, the increase in bar/psi will break the particles of the covering product into smaller drops, thus achieving a better and more precise finish. The advantage also results in the possibility of spraying thicker products with a correct dilution and without any waste. Moreover, you can move more rapidly on a surface compared to a turbine with a lower pressure since paint can flow better. A 2-stage turbine requires more know-how and experience in order to achieve the same results of a 3-stage turbine.

 

 

 

You shall always check the filters of a turbine before starting any work in order to achieve maximum efficiency. If they are dirty, they shall be replaced.
Attention, not replacing filters causes the engine get burnt not being able to “breath”. This problem is being found regarding all types of the existing turbines for painting.