Rating
Critter Spray Products 22032 118SG Siphon Gun
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$49.99
$35.95
$35.95
Average Customer Rating
5 out of 5 |
Product Features
- Compressor-mounted spray gun kit; produces 3 cfm at 90 psi
- Attaches to Mason jars filled with paints, stains, lacquers, and more
- Comes with glass Mason jar, metal spray gun, and stainless steel tube
- Includes siphon gun, tube, 16-ounce Mason jar, jar gasket, and instructions; compressor not included (3/4-horsepower minimum)
- Fits standard 16-ounce Mason jar--easily adaptable to fit other jars
Product Description
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Product Details
Brand: Critter Spray ProductsModel: 22032
UPC: 852391001018
Product Code: 22032
Product Accessories
52 Responses to “Critter Spray Products 22032 118SG Siphon Gun”
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on my 4th one
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I have two other expensive spray guns–have not used for 7 yrs, Critter does the job–Lg or small. Only problem is my cleaning —I do not do the best job. Gun must be CLEAN to work its best.
Wish I hadn’t wasted so much money on spray paint!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I used this gun for the first time today, and I am VERY Pleased! I wish it hadn’t taken me so long to try it out. You get much better control than spray paint, and the end is brilliant. The thin coats dry so quickly you can go back and recoat nearly at once. I had to dilute my latex paint in order to get it to spray at all–I probably used 1 2/3 cups paint and 1/3 cup water. But I sprayed 2+ coats of paint on a worn out buffet, and still have about 2/3 cups of paint mixture left in the jar! I can’t believe how small it used. Looking forward to using it for many more applications! (Starting with polyacrylic tomorrow!)
Not pleased with it’s latex preformance
Rating:1 out of 5 stars
I bought this unit based on the reviews on here and am disapointed with it’s ability to spray latex. I’m using the Behr Premium Plus Ultra and it won’t spray this product very well at all. I followed everyone’s advice on here as to mixing with Floetrol, thinning with water and straining the paint and it it just spits out paint. The paint is not atomizing very well at all. I spent several hours experimenting with different paint consistencies and PSI settings on my compressor. Time wasted that I could have spent really painting my 13 doors that needed to get done. I’ve owned several airbrushes during my lifetime building models. I be with you the basics of spraying paint, but this thing just isn’t working for me with the latex I have. So IMO it’s junk.
Secondly, trying to find pint sized mason jars in my area is next to impossible. Walmart, Kmart & Target either didn’t carry them or were sold out. Secondly they only sold them in packs of 12 and who wants 12? Nice thought on the mason jar but not entirely practical depending on where you live and the product selection in the stores around you.
Nice utility sprayer.
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
Works fantastic if you know how to spray. Not necessarily for beginners. Only issue is with the cork gasket ring – too hard to get replacements. I spray mostly polyurethane and it normally contaminates the gasket enough that I need to replace it regularly. Wish you could get the rings by themselves in quantities of 10 or so.
As with any sprayer, CLEAN IT WELL AND QUICKLY! Can’t stress that enough.
Lil Critter Sprayer
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
The simplest sprayer for small jobs I’ve found. Makes about three inch pattern. No tough small parts to clean up. It’s a dream of a sprayer for any sign shop.
Critter Sprayer
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
I’ve had the Critter for about a year. I bought the maintainance kit with it as well. The gaskets on the lid do not last. I bought rubber gasket material at a local huge box home improvement center and cut my own using the original as a pattern. Very simple to do. The sprayer works fantastic with latex paints when you reduce it with a excellent latex thinner. Question for the thinner at your favorite home improvement or paint store. I run mine at about 20 psi. Use a small more pressure for higher volume and wider delivery. I used a Minwax Polyshade today on a pine and birch bed side table. Polyshades have the varnish and stain combined in one can. It sprayed on nicely at 20 psi. I recommend applying several LIGHT coats with lacquer based varnishes as they run easily. Clean up is simple. Just attach another jar of the proper thinner/liquid to the sprayer, cover the breather hole, and shake it while you spray it clean. Adjusting the output is easily done by turning the output nozzle while spraying a test pattern on a piece of cardboard. I dislike the fact that you have to find a way to prop the jar up, otherwise it tips over simple. That’s simple to right by slapping together a home made jar holder cut to the diameter of the jar. I’m pleased with the buy. It lays down a nice end with just a small practice and tweaking.
Simple to use and clean spray gun
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
This last weekend we used the Critter to paint exterior doors. It was a 2yr ancient exterior latex paint. The paint had been sitting in my garage through two summers. I took it to Lowes and had them shake it excellent, then we added 8oz of Floetrol to the 1 gallon, and used the mixing attachment to my drill. I then strained the paint and place it into a couple of jars. I installed an inline airfilter on my airhose and ran the compressor at 40psi. The paint looks terrific. It was quick and simple. The spray pattern is alot like using a spraycan. Just keep the jar and gun level. Very pleased with this buy. We plot to paint several sticks of baseboard next weekend before we install. The cleanup took less then 5 minutes.
Fantastic product
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Worked better than i thought it would. Sprayed a fence with ancient latex paint. All i did was strained the paint and thin with water, worked perfect with no clogging.The mason jar is small but it went a long way before needing a refill. Clean up is fantastic. Much simpler than my more expensive airless sprayer.
low-priced simple to maintain spray gun
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
This spray gun is simple to use and simple to maintain. Does an adequate job using a variety of different finishes.
Critter Spray Gun
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I have been looking at this sprayer for years and years. Been using a Wagner spray gun with a fine spray tip. Including the fine spray HVLP system. That is on it’s last leg, but served my needs very well. I ordered the Critter gun because it was on sale and the price was to excellent to pass up. I have not regretted it once. The spray gun is fantastic! I have sprayed, lacquer, sanding sealer (alcohol based), Poly and water based poly and lacquer. This gun sprayed the water based end brilliant. I wish I bought it years ago. Even when this gun was $50 it would be worth it. Clean up is so quick and simple. Nothing like a HVLP gun or system. I would even spray a car with this gun it works so well.
I’m a qualified wood worker and this saves me so much time and I’m not wasting product cleaning the gun or with over spray. Lots of the lower priced HVLP systems say low overspray, but the air is always flowing so anything you have in the air is getting blown around so you have a shop full of end in no time. This gun avoids that. Pull the trigger you get air and end,. Let it go and it all stops. place some tape over the nozzle and breather hole and hang it up for next time. Just what I needed, so if you have struggled with taking apart a HVLP gun to clean it or are sick of the buzzing from a Wagner type sprayer then get this.
As for the cork seal rings, I just used a cereal box and cut my own rings. Lacquer does eat up the rubber and I can not find any cork rings around here. I set my 15 gallon compressor to 50 pounds and that gives me a 30 pound flow. That setting has been perfect for me on all finishes. I can control the flow by how far I squeeze the trigger.
Also I have not had the problem of the paint being stripped from the gun. My gun appears to be powder coated so maybe that problem was fixed by the company.
Simple, eazy to use, and cheap… who could question for anything more?
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
This thing is so simple it’s basically just an air gun spraying over a venturi tube attached to a mason jar. Nothing fancy or complex but WOW it works perfectly! I’ve used it to paint doors, fan blades, trim, etc. It spays latex with no issues just make sure you thin it out using Floetrol and water. Clean up is very simple. I forgot to clean it out once and all the paint had dried, well I spent about 10 min at the sink with a scrub pad and a paper clip and a few other tools and it came out looking like new. For the best results I use quite a few light coats and sand with 320 grit between each, then use 400 grit on the final coat and clear coat over that. All looks flawless, clean, and no brush marks, drips, or imperfections.
Fantastic small gun for latex
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
So far I’ve only used this gun for latex paint (Kilz primer and Valspar glossy), and I highly recommend it. I was amazed at the quality job it did. I’m using a small compressor at about 35-40 psi and although the compressor kept running most of the time, I was able to spray constantly until I ran out of paint. Very excellent product!
Simplest sprayer
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
This is the best spray gun for glazes and the wonderful thing is that it never clogs up.
Outstanding for the price.
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
First of all- this is a small capacity item- but that does not diminish the fact that its fantastic at its intended purpose. Do drips, runs or errors. Finished job looks qualified- even when done by a novice-me.
Can’t beat it for the money, and as excellent as much more $$$ guns
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I’ve had mine about a year now. Have re-sprayed all the farm shutters in the house, all the louver doors, several pieces of furniture with shellac and lacquer, and all of it looks fantastic. No problems spraying acrylic latex as long as you thin it a bit, and adding some Flotrol is a excellent thought. I spray latex at about 45-55 psi.
Don’t worry about tearing the paper gasket, the gun works just as well without it — mason jar lid seals well enough, and of course there is an air vent in the lid anyway.
I really loved using it when I refinished an ancient wooden file cabinet set, building up many layers of shellac and a final couple coats of polyurethane. The piece gleams now.
If you’ve ever used an airbrush, you already know how to use this gun. I also have a pro airless sprayer outfit, but I use the Critter with my nail gun compressor way more often. Cleaning the airless is a pain in the neck, but the Critter just rinses off; spray some solvent for whatever you are using through it, and place it away.
Outstanding!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
This is an incredible product. It performs as described by both the product class and the positive reviews. I used it to paint an antique metal lawn furniture set. I used an enamel latex paint that covered well and cleaned-up fantastic. The simple design works fantastic. I would recommend it to anyone who needs to paint small to medium jobs.
fantastic product, even for a novice
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I do a lot of home repair/improvement and generally learn as I go. I have done a lot of things the long/hard way and try, as finances allow, to get the right tools to help with jobs. Tools that can do more than one thing are simpler to justify and the critter was the right amalgamation of price, promise (excellent reviews for similar projects to mine), and amount of potential future use. Two doors and many feet of baseboard trim later, I am delighted with this buy! When the tool arrived, I filled the bottle with water first and tried it out just to amaze myself with the physics of air guns. That gave me a chance to conduct Conduct experiment with adjusting the nozzle, etc. Once I went to paint and a piece of extra masonite, I was able to quickly adjust things “just right” for my doors. I am using Kilz3 latex paint, which is extra thick–thicker than standard latex paint. My recipe was 1 cup paint, 1/4 cup flotrol, and about 1/3 cup cold water. I mixed this and strained it (excellent advice) and went to town. Side one of the two doors went well, but I wasn’t 100 percent satisfied. Side two of both doors was better. My working distince was about 8 inches and moving in small circles and overlapping, coverage eventually was excellent. My largest problem was keeping the working distance the same–go a small closer and the paint was a small thicker and dried more glossy than when I was further away. The end was smooth! I finished up using a 6 inch sponge roller 1 inch in diameter with a light coat of thinned paint to even out the shiny vs dull parts, which was mostly on the first sides of the door. The next day I went to baseboard trim, and It went fantastic. I painted about 50 feet of board in 5 minutes. The end is exceptional and it dried much quicker than doing it by brush. Having already installed several hundred feet of trim, and painting it all by hand, I wish I would have sprung for this earlier. The bottom line is that this tool is just like a tree — the best time to plant one is 20 years ago and the best time to buy this tool is before you start the project you are thinking you can handle with a brush.
The Criter sprayer
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
The critter is a fantastic product. I have 4 of them. Simple to use, simple to clean. Handy to keep glazes/paints/etc in mason jars. Down side is if you are spraying a material that might have some abrasive components, it wears out the brass pick-up nozzle. You may order a stainless steel nozzle if you can get the company that makes the critter (not simple to do).
Overall a fantastic product!
Why did I wait so long to buy?
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I’ve been looking at this for over a year and made my buy.Works fantastic and saves me so much time finishing my projects.Very much needed,wish I hadn’t waited so long to buy.
Critter Sprayer
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I ordered this sprayer for a quick way to end several jewelry boxes. The critter worked fantastic after a small practice spraying water and adjusting air pressures. The critter sprayed shellac very even with no runs. Clean up was very simple. Very satisfied and boxes look fantastic.
Like a huge airbrush
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
This spray gun works just like a large version of an low-priced air brush. The airstream blows over the top of a tube immersed in your finishing liquid (paint, varnish, etc.). The air flow over the tube causes a drop in air pressure at the top of the tube, drawing the liquid up the tube and into the airstream. I have used it for varnish and lacquer. It works. It will spray paint, etc. right out of the box, but making an optimal spray pattern requires some adjustments. My performance is that it takes a lot of trial and error to get the right amalgamation of air pressure (set by the compressor and regulator) and liquid flow (sort of adjusted by twisting the threaded brass nozzle at the top of the tube to place the orifice higher into the airstream). A third adjustment of the process available to Critter users is viscosity of the spray liquid, which can be altered by adding appropriate thinner. I am satisfied that it is simple to maintain and clean. I have the impression that there is a lot of spray “bounce” but I am comparing the transfer of the spray material to a qualified Kremlin gun, which costs thousands of dollars. I had to replace the sealing ring between the mason jar and the spray head nearly at once, but I cut one out of synthetic rubber very easily and it works fine.
Fantastic small surprise! Cheap, effective and simple to use and clean
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I read all the raving reviews, and figured how incorrect could it be? I already have a pancake compressor so the only expense would be the $40.00 from Amazon. The Critter is fantastic. After playing a small bit with diluting some latex based primer with water, I sprayed away on various wood trim I was replacing outside on the house (mostly looking for an excuse to try it). Smooth, even painting after just a few minutes of fiddling with the pressure and the nozzle thing on the spray gun. Very well focused delivery and virtually no over spray. Cleaned up in no time, and then followed with the actual paint over the primed pieces. Also latex, also eye-balled dilution with some water. Only problem was the nozzle clogged up a small bit. Had to keep an eye on it for build up. (It was honestly warm that day, but I worked in the shade). Fantastic piece of low-priced highly functional equipment! Air usage must be very low because the 6 gallon pancake compressor didn’t cycle on/off very much at all.
Fine Mist for Detailed Work
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
This is a wonderful sprayer. I’ve used it to paint doors, an armoire, a dresser and a couple of tables. It puts on a smooth end using latex paints if you thin the paint first. I cut mine by 25% with water. Keep a wet rag handy to wipe off any dried paint buildup from the paint supply tube tip. Build-up will reduce the amount of paint flow. I had my compressor set to 40 psi. Splattering is reduced by starting the spray away from the piece to be painted and then moving onto the painting surface. It doesn’t splatter much if you thin the paint first. Splatter are clumps of paint sprayed out of the sprayer usually upon first pulling of the trigger. That’s why you should first aim away from the work piece and then go onto it. I keep a small fine nap roller nearby to roll out the splatter if any should occur. Cleanup is a breeze. You can store paint in the jar. Just place a small layer of water on the top of the paint in the jar to keep it fresh, then place a lid on the jar. You can also place it in the refridgerator to store it for a small while. The one gasket that comes with it will eventually wear out. You can make another one easily out of cardboad, thick paper, or thin rubber. Don’t expect to production paint or do really large jobs, but for small jobs it’s fantastic.
Awesome
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Best gun on the market for small to medium jobs. I use it for furniture and produces qualified results. Better and cleaner than using brushes or rags.
Fantastic for artists and “makers”
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
So pleased with this product. Most of the complaints come from users who don’t be with you painting techniques, or dont bother to reckon about the process.
thicker paints have to be thinned slightly (duh) and ancient, globby paint will not work well in a siphon system (double duh). Its elementary that siphoning paint with air requires a certain viscosity to be sprayed. another issue is you cannot spray ‘down’ – and that’s due to a small thing called gravity.
keep the viscosity thin, hold the sprayer level and it works fantastic. Built well!
idiot proof
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I have used several spray guns with different levels of success. This is the best by far. It is simple to use. It puts product on in an square level. It is very simple to clean. I like a tool that is simple but works well. This is one of those tools.
Only adequate
Rating:3 out of 5 stars
I bought this for spraying glazes on pottery. It’s convenient to be able to use standard mason jars for glazes, though changeover isn’t as simple as you might reckon. The spray pattern is circular and can’t be adjusted. The week after I bought this I got one from Geil, and it is so, so, much better, at just a small more money. The Geil gun has been adapted to spray glazes, from an original paint sprayer. It has an modifiable spray pattern, and the fluid and air flows can be adjusted right at the gun.
Remarkable product
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I am a potter and I work in two studios. Each studio has a Critter Spray Gun and each Critter is used everyday by different potters to spray glazes on their work. To use an ancient Timex watch phrase; ” It takes a lickin’ and keeps on tickin’!” Everyone likes the Critter! It saves enormous time, effort and cost. This is especially right if you have small amounts eg., a pint of glaze. Rather than brushing or pouring you just fill the jar, spray and Voila!– you have a gorgeous even end on your work. It also is fantastic for large pieces and the identical jars are terrific. Simply a 5 star product.
Fantastic for spraying glaze on pottery
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Several people in our local studio use the Critter for spraying glazes on pottery. We store our glazes in jars so that changing from one glaze to another is a snap. Just attach a jar of water in between colors and spray to clear. Then attach the next jar of glaze and start spraying again.
I bought a roll of gasket material, traced and cut out substitution gaskets, since I had read the paper gasket included did not last. But, other potters said they don’t use the gasket at all, and haven’t had any problems.
If you use the Critter to spray glazes, be sure to buy a ventilator that specifies it blocks “particles”. Not all respirators or masks will do. Inhaling glaze particles can be perilous. Be sure to use the proper equipment.
Brilliant!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
This is the coolest spray gun ever. The simplicity of its design, ease of use, and simple cleanup make this small spray gun my new most favorite tool.
I tested the critter with some latex paint, which was a small thick out of the can, but after thinning it out a touch the paint went on perfectly and gave an exceptional end. Cleanup was a snap too… I place about a half inch of thinner in another mason jar and sprayed it through the Critter to clean the siphon and tip, ran it under some hot water and wiped it off and let it dry. Couldn’t be more simple, I keep thinking of more and more things I can use it for.
Simple, but effective
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I needed to spray some outdoor furniture with spar urethane that clearly said do not thin on the can. While I knew it could be thinned I wanted to try spraying this and was not sure that my hvlp guns had a large enough nozzle. I opted for the Critter instead. It did a fantastic job after some fiddling with the air pressure and siphon height to cut down on the overspray. While the Critter beyond doubt has more overspray than hvlp guns, the overspray can be reduced by using as low pressure as possible. This requires setting the nozzle height in the middle of the air stream (high). Beyond doubt use outside unless you have a spray booth.
Critter sprayer
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Simple is always better. Works impeccably, simple clean, simple adjust and you can have as many jars of glue or color as you want.
Buck for buck…the Best!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I just found the original paperwork for my first CRITTER buy, dated 9-27-95. So, I’ve had YEARS to see how this puppy works and holds up. It’s extraordinary – period. I can’t reckon of another tool of ANY sort that can compare with its intended use to cost to routine ratio. I have 3 units, currently, and have orderd others as gifts for family and friends. I’m kinda’ retired, now, but, in my business years…if I couldn’t have INVENTED this gem…I woulda’ LOVED to have been involved with its marketing and sales – WITH – a piece of the “action,” of course! Buy it…and Like it!
Fantastic
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I can’t believe how fantastic this spray gun works I brought extra mason jars, and all you have to do to change paints or stains is change jars. There isn’t anything it won’t spray. I keep a large paper clip on hand to clean the nozzle I’ve been using the Critter for over a year and saw the price at Amazon.com and chose to buy a spare one. You never know…
Low-priced and highly effective
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
A friend had one of these – we used it to paint some trim and molding pieces for a room in the house and I was blown away with its simplicity and quality. So, I bought one! It works fantastic using my cheap small pancake compressor.
Some tips:
- when using latex paint be sure to use some Floetrol (available at Home Depot) to condition the paint. This makes for a glass-smooth surface.
- fiddle with the air pressure before painting. Lower pressures work best for me on most materials.
- strain the latex paint first to avoid clogs and “boogers” that mar your surface.
- strongly consider buying the maintenance kit, including the small tube. We spent hours trying to find a substitute spring after it went down the drain while cleaning. The small tube works well in the smaller Mason jars.
- buy some spare CORK gaskets at a hardware store or canning supply store. They will not tear easily like the paper gasket included, and will not melt like the rubber gaskets do.
AWESOME!!!!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I like my critter….I use latex paint from Home Depot (BEHR) paint thinned down about 3/4 paint to 1/4 water……I believe that nearly all horrible looking furniture can look wonderful with a coat of cream paint, and shabby edges…..I paint all my flea market finds with the Critter. This is a super tool for the cost…..I would not be without this handy small guy!
Can’t beat it for the price
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
This is my first spray gun of any kind. I haven’t used any kind of end spay system since highschool shop class so I’m not going to be the best judge of comparative ease of use and quality through extensive personal knowledge. But, I have a critical eye and don’t tolerate sloppy end jobs.
That said, I am very pleased with this gun. I read reviews from the world over about various spray guns and this one stacked up pretty well in other peoples’ estimation so I chose to give it a go — not much of a gamble dollarwise. I can pretty much buy any tool I need (want?) and was looking at some $900 HVLP systems. My wife was ready to support whatever I chose to buy.
It seemed like the more expensive HVLP systems would work fantastic but might require a bit more maintenance, care, and storage space. This siphon gun has very small to clean and if you have plenty of gaskets, and keep it clean, you have nothing to worry about.
As for routine, I am very pleased with the results. I have been a roller/mini roller guy when it comes to paint applications over the years. I have been building cabinets for home and leisure activity for over 20 years and while I typically prefer a natural wood end, I chose this most recent project would be painted. I really like the results the Critter gave me. It took a bit of fiddling to set the spray nozzle and the compressor pressure for the best results but that’s right of any tool with moving parts.
I used basic Glidden latex highgloss paint, mixed at Home Depot. I have not used any other type of end yet, and may not in the foreseeable future as I am on a roll with paintgrade built-ins and am not likely to stop in the next year or so.
TIPS:
For paint: Buy Flowtrol and use medium paint strainers. The only problem I had was initially I neglected to strain the paint and eneded up with some paint chunks clogging things up. It was an simple fix — but easily avoided if you strain before.
Compressor: I used my 6 gal PorterCable pancake compressor I got with a end nailer a few years back. Make sure you drain the water from the tank on your compressor before you start.
Stand: I read a lot of reviews saying the gun keeps tipping over. It has a hook on top if you have a place to hang it. I don’t have such a place. I built a small box that fits the jar faily well and then attached the box to the center of a larger piece of 3/4 plywood (12″x12″). This allows me a place to place the gun down for a minute without it turning over.
Gaskets: Buy extra gaskets. They’re made of paper and you may use a few “learning” about how to deal with this tool.
Critter Spray Products 118SG / 22032 Siphon Gun
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Does exactly as stated in ad. Very simple to use, very quick learning curve. The product can spray in all information.
Best part is that you can store the paint in the jar, clean the gun in minutes.
Nice for the price
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
I was looking for something that would easily apply latex paints and came across this sprayer. I remember having a badger sprayer as a kid that worked really well on models, and this looked like a sprayer that worked the same way – only larger. The nicest thing is that you can use regular mason jars – and have several paints ready for spraying. Clean up is also very simple. I really like how this operates – it beats the heck out of my Wagner airless! The only reason for four stars is that they need to include more gaskets or offer a package of more here at amazon. You can only clean the first one you get so many times.
You still need to thin the paint just a bit before spraying, but I’d do that with the Wagner anyways.
I recommend this to anyone that is a DIY that doesn’t want to spend a ton on a paint sprayer. This one works very well for the money!
Surprisingly excellent peformer
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I bought my critter based on the advice of others, doubting that a simple siphon-type gun could perform as well as the more complex spray guns. Surprise- it does. I haven’t tried spraying latex paint, but I’ve had excellent luck spraying various varnishes and thin coats of shellac. The use of small Mason jars is one of the best features of the Critter; you can swap finshes, and keep a couple jars full of solvent for quick cleaning. A fantastic addition for any woodworker’s or boatbuilder’s shop.
Brilliant tool and excellent price
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I have used this product for several years and because I do not want to be without it, I have gotten another one as a backup. The only problem I have with it is myself and a terrible habit of not cleaning the gun after each use. I spray poly urethane in it mostly and I am worried that I might accidentally break it when trying to remove the lid after the poly dries. I will really use this one to spray a stain most of the time.
Fantastic small critter!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I bought this spray gun a while back hoping it would be a excellent alternative to hvlp conversion guns that usually require an expensive and large air compressor. Fortunately it has fulfilled my expectations and has been a very worthwhile buy.
At first I thought it would give me a very terrible orange peel end, but after using it mostly with latex house paint properly thinned out, I have yet to see an dreadful end from this sprayer. Although I personally haven’t used it spray solvent based liquid with it, I’m sure that it would be able to achieve an even greater end than with the thick latex house paint used.
Another fantastic thing about this sprayer is that it doesn’t take alot of air to run it. Even a pancake compressor could run it if needed.
Although it is a nice sprayer, it does have a couple negatives. First, the paper gasket will eventually fall apart with use, but I tighten the lid real tight and it hasn’t leaked yet with the paint I use (You can probably find a nitrile gasket that wont degrade like rubber at your local hardware store). Secondly, the balance of the sprayer causes it to fall to its side when not full of the material ( a minor nuisance but should be fixed). I recommend this product for spraying finishes on items such as furniture, doors, and windows; but definately not to paint a house because of its small spray pattern and paint cup capacity.
For those of you who wish to use this item for spraying latex remember to:
1. Use a latex thinning product such as floetrol as to not adversely affect the durability of the paint. If paint is neededed to be further thinned out, follow the paint manufaturers information on using water to further thin.
2. Use a paint strainer to strain all paint and paint additives in order not to clog the sprayer and have an artifact free end (Excellent practice with any sprayer).
3. Play with the air pressure on compressor (not to exceed 75 psi)and air nozzle on sprayer until you get a smooth end.
Highly not compulsory product!
Critter Spray Gun
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
A simple tool that works well. Worked well right out of the box spraying 1 lb blonde shellac. Cleans simple. Uses readily available mason jars.
Fantastic for the price
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
After using this spray gun with several different types of paints and stains, my only complaint is that the gasket is made of paper. If they were to use a excellent rubber gasket which wouldn’t fall apart, I would give this gun a 5 star rating. This spray gun is so simple to use and clean that I can overlook the fact that the paper gasket ripped in half. I like it.
If it weren’t for spitting globs of paint…
Rating:1 out of 5 stars
Sorry to be the wet blanket reviewer, but my Critter always spits at least one glob of paint (or stain or whatever) on the finished surface (usually more). Cleaning it doesn’t help solve the problem. Thinning the paint doesn’t solve it. You get excited during the painting because it looks like it’s working, and then BLOP, it shoots a couple of huge droplets of paint into the center of the work, so large that they won’t flow out. I find it unuseable for anything that requires an even end. It’s moderately OK for stain, which spreads out and soaks in, but forget painting, unless you want it to look globby. I also own a real paint gun by Binks and there is just no evaluation at all in quality of end. I wanted simple cleanup so terribly that I bought a product that doesn’t work.
Brilliant gun with one flaw…
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
The Critter gun is a superb choice for most small to medium jobs that would ordinarily require a spray can or brush. This gun works fantastic for spraying finishes on woodwork, patio furniture, etc. Simple to use and clean up. I highly recommend it.
That said, now for my gripes. There is one design flaw that is above all annoying. In their infinite wisdom, the folks at Critter chose to paint the frame of the gun. Rule number 1: paint does not adhere to base metal alloys. The dreadful bluish paint on the zinc-alloy gun flakes off and gets the world over. Its adhesion is so poor you can literally scratch it off with your fingernail. It contaminates your paint no matter how careful you are. My white enamel became a nice off-blue pastel color thanks to this. When you wipe down the gun with any petroleum-based solvent, the paint will smear. My advice: before using, soak the gun in a water-based paint stripper to remove the paint. Paint guns should not be painted. I shouldn’t have to tell them that, but here I am anyway.
Another nit to pick is that with a jar attached, the gun tends to tip over, especially when the jar is nearly empty. The gun could have been balanced better. Fortunately the gun has a hook to hang it from when you are not using it.
One other thing (though not the fault of Critter) – if you plot to shoot any solvent-based end, be sure to get the Mason jars with the cork or fiber gaskets. The ones with the rubber seals will dissolve, leaving you with a sticky mess and impure end.
On the other hand, the gun works so well, I still gave it 4 stars. You just have to be aware of its flaws.
Pleased spraying.
Nice product
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I have used several other spray guns for a long time and wanted a simple gun for my home that didn’t need a large compressor. I run this off a small 2 gal senco compressor and never have any problems. I’m very pleased with this product. I have only sprayed latex through it but see not reason why it wouldn’t do just fine with other mediums.
A HUGE SECRET
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
First things first. This small marvel will not teach you how use a sprayer, you must learn for yourself. This IS THE SPRAYER TO START WITH though. The critter has to be the largest secret on the market. I bought this a few months ago thinking “well I can always return it”, but it is all the Amazon review says.You can’t stand on your head and paint or do other wierd things and get excellent results with any sprayer. If you follow excellent spraying procedures this sprayer will save you ALOT of time and money. I had considered the pain of selling my carpentry compressor to buy a larger model that could run a “qualified” spray gun (meaning expensive),plus buying the spray gun. The critter probably saved me about $800.00! I use this sprayer for furniture refinishing and I now believe you could paint a car with it. It would take no more time or effort than rattle cans and its cheaper. Just remember you have to play with it first on scrap material and learn the feel for the adjustment and don’t reckon you can paint in just any position. I find that keeping the gun level to the ground works best.
Unbelievable
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I have used many many spayers. All the way from Wagner cheapo’s to VERY expensive systems.
This beats them all. No you are not going to paint a house with the critter. But if you want an brilliant end Urethanes etc and desire a clean-up time that is quicker than any brush. This is the system for you.
From an: Avid Woodworker
Get the Critter! Brilliant latex spraying!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
After many failed attempts, and hours of cleaning parts for my HVLP cup gun (which will make a lovely planter) I bought the Critter Siphon Gun. I was positive by other reviews, but was blown away on the day I used it for the first time!
My target was a pine amoire, that was to become satin black. I thinned the low-priced black latex with the proper amount of flowing agent (Floetrol, available at Home Depot), and adjusted for final viscosity with clean water.
I set the compressor at 35 psi, screwed on the simple to fill mason jar reservoir and went at it. The unit sprays a round pattern, which took a bit of getting used to. The trick is to apply a number of thin coats holding the gun 12-14 inches from the surface.
The results were incredible. No orange peel. Very small overspray. I do encourage users to wear a particle mask, approved for spraying latex paint. 3M makes a disposable for about $5. A more elaborate version with charcoal filters (replaceable) is available for about $30.
This small gun was incredible and cleaned up in about 4 minutes.