Mine was in a box for over 2 years because we thought we would screw it up and have to sand all of our finishes. After watching your video got it out and painted 2 7' tall cabinets and a table with amazing results! This weekend we're sanding and spraying an antique dresser, we'll spray the body with eggshell and leave the top natural and spray poly on it for a sealer. We are like you, just can't say enough about this little gun. Now we're looking around for other projects to paint with this. It has been a game changer for us.
Just got my critter sprayer and I was like, "Where have you been my whole life?" Ditto everything you say here and one more thing: VERY little overspray on this. Less than any gun I've ever used. Thanks for the video.
My harbor freight sprayer just broke a couple days ago and you sold me on this Critter. I just purchased one on amazon. The fact that the clean up is so easy on the critter is a huge plus, it was such a pain to take apart the harbor freight model and clean each piece individually after every project. I think this is going to save me so much time and money on my signs.
Man this "Critter" will be the answer I've been looking for to apply Poly. Thanks Eric for giving us the heads up. Amazing that this has been around so long and I never heard of it till now. Doc
Yea, me too. I've always hated spray guns cause they're complicated and a pain to clean up. This thing is fantastic, I think you'll love it. Glad to help..... Thank you for watching, I appreciate it, Eric
Big Thank-You to the FB group for recommending this Eric, and also to Eric for demoin' it for us. For me the finish process is the one part I dread with wood working. Hopefully with this product my attitude towards "finishing will change. So Thanks again to everyone who lead to this video being posted
Out standing, had asked about the gun awhile back, but ran across it from my Scroll Saw Site. Thanks for the info. This will be on my toy list. Like the lack of clean up time on the spray gun.
I was outside this morning spay sealing some signs. As I reached for my second spray can I thought this is going to get expensive. I finished what I was doing and then came and watched this video. The Critter Sprayer looks great and I have already placed my Amazon order for one. Thanks and keep the informative and entertaining video's coming.
Eric, you can use a product called Bloxygen. Spray for 2 seconds in your Mason jar after spraying the spar varnish on your sign. It puts a layer of inert gas on the varnish to prevent it from setting up. This way you can keep you mason jar full of varnish and never have to remove it. Saves steps and saves from ruining varnish
Thanks for those great tips on the sprayer. I've tried some different sprayers and the clean up was such a pita and took longer than the spray job. For my small turnings, wipe-on poly works great with no cleanup and I can bring them in the house to dry in the winter. I'll continue to use the w.o.p. for small stuff, but I'm getting the Critter for spraying pic frames and carvings with lots of nooks and crannies. It's on my Amazon wish list for now, but probably not for long. Your suggestion is an excellent one!
This is great Eric, I retired my custom cabinet business and always used an Accuspray 3 stage HVLP.. I am going to order one of these and will probably retire my perfectygood HVLP on my signs. Thank you sir for this video.
Very nice video! I have been procrastinating with buying one because my sign orders are not massive, but I make tons of other items I could also use this on. This seems to be one of those hidden in plain sight gems.
I had looked at the Critter spray gun in the past, but never followed up. But seeing it in action and seeing how a breeze it is to clean, I just ordered one through Lee Valley for 56.50$ CDN (they seem to be the only distributor for the Critter gun in Canada). I will now be able to spray oil based finish as I wouldn't use oil based finish with my HVLP gun because the cleaning is just awful. Thanks Eric!
Well, I guess that settles it. If all the glowing endorsements and amazing results on the FB group weren't enough, it now has the Rhoten Seal of Approval. I will be placing an order. Thank you for the video. Looking forward to the latest board prep video.
As different materials utilize different thinners/solvents for clean up I color code my jars with various colors of tape. Duct tape or electrician tapes work well. For example, lacquer is red, water based materials, blue. Thus when I spray lacquer the finish jar has red tape around the bottom, then when time for clean up it only takes a quick glance to locate the proper solvent identified also with red strip of tape. Simple, quick, no mix ups.
Cool new way to spray finish! Wonder if it would work spraying the black primer or if there isn't enough control to do that. Probably blow the layout letters off the board, but for spraying the edges and background.
I need to paint a nbf 35" five drawer file cabinet. Right now it's blue but I want to paint it red. I was cleaning my shed and found this spray gun. Should I just use home depot spray cans or should I purchase a compressor and use my jar sprayer? Also to clean it I just run thinner after?
It just depends on the quality of paint. If you have good pain you can use in a spray can, that should work. However, if you're looking for an excuse to buy an air-compressor (let's be honest, you can always y=use an air compressor) then this is your chance. To clean it out, just run thinner or water through it, depending on the base of your paint.
Great Video !! I know we talked about this about a year ago, and glad that you tried it :) I haven't tried it yet, but after seeing your video I'm gonna try it !! But here in Sweden we don't have the Helmsman Spar Urethane, so i use Boat Varnish. I hope this will work with the Boat Varnish, its a little bit thick, but it looks like glas after its done and holds up for many years. Thanks Eric for all the great videos you do. Have a great day. / Morgan
I'm sure you'll like the critter. Yes I used what we call chip board. Like shoe box cardboard. However I like these silicone seals much better www.amazon.com/dp/B012UP6WWC?ref=exp_makeawoodsign_dp_vv_d
What a great idea... Thank you Eric... Hey Eric have you ever used a Router Hood. I got a good one from Oneida Air Systems. What do you think my brother of them?
You're very welcome my friend, glad to help... I've never used a router hood. I think it wouldn't work well for me carving signs. It looks too restrictive for me. I also think it might hinder visibility.
I want one! I went to purchase on Amazon and only see one seller. It says it ships in 1 to 4 months. Can you find the link of who you got yours from and post it please? Thanks Dave. It looks awesome!
I bought this after seeing your videos on the critter. I use the same Hellman’s as you and am getting air bubbles or orange peel look. I set the pressure at 30 then 40. Any recommendations for a great finish.
I'm definitely not a finishing expert. However when I've run into bubbles or orange peel it is either a chemical reaction of some kind or temperature issue. You might google it or YT the issue. That's my go to when I'm trying to figure things out.
@@oldave100 hey thank you for responding so quickly , I was worried because it's a older video I may not get a response to my question . I want to buy a air sprayer to use on projects I am going to sell , over all you'd recommend this eh ? . I need it to apply paints and stains on a professional level , or I'm wasting money . I'm sure you understand , but it will be more than for just jobs around the household . I'm also hoping not to break the bank in buying a sprayer . Thanks for your time , and thank you for getting back to my first question so quickly .
You're welcome Chris. I would definitely recommend this sprayer. I love mine. So easy to use. By the way you can always email me directly as well, eric@makeawoodsign.com. Thank you for watching!!!
Well! :-) I've followed the raves & reviews on 4 Newbies FB page, and still wasn't convinced... My Dad had one of these things hanging on the wall of his shop - with a thick layer of spider webs & dust covering it! 20 years??? Nope! This things have been around for at least 40 years - or a version thereof. Reason I've been so reluctant is that I couldn't help but feel there is no real control over the spray pattern, or how much product you're siphoning up and blasting against the object you're trying to paint. Listening to the coarse sound of that gun just now... I still have doubts!! Compared to the fancy-pants tech, nozzles, yada yada yap that "real" spray guns have... Come on!!..... BUT - if its good enough for Eric Rhoten, it's by golly good enough for me! The savings over rattle cans is almost criminal! lol. Cleanup is stupid simple... Dang-it! I'm going to have to order one of these days! :-) I have one question, though. Do you think it's adaptable to using as the black primer applicator as well? Can you tweak it to give you that "short burst, fine mist" effect you preach about, so as not to get too much black on that needs to be sanded off again? If so, that would make it a slam-dunk.
Reading the paperwork that comes with it there are ways you can adjust the nozzle to adjust to different liquids so it might work with the primer or ink. Think I'll have to give it a go sometime soon.... even if it doesn't work for the black it so changed the finishing game for me, I love it...
I just spent $400 on a chainsaw.......and then I seen this. My wife is gonna kick me. lol. This is an awesome spray gun. The mason jars being used with it just absolutely sold it for me. That is so handy and easy to keep up on. Now the real question......can it spray tomato sauce on my pasta like that....lol
I haven't started any groups myself but there are several that have been started by people that kinda follow what we do. One of the biggest is Hand Routed Carvings 4 Newbies
Mine was in a box for over 2 years because we thought we would screw it up and have to sand all of our finishes. After watching your video got it out and painted 2 7' tall cabinets and a table with amazing results! This weekend we're sanding and spraying an antique dresser, we'll spray the body with eggshell and leave the top natural and spray poly on it for a sealer. We are like you, just can't say enough about this little gun. Now we're looking around for other projects to paint with this. It has been a game changer for us.
So glad it's working for you. It was definitely a game changer for me too. Thank you for watching and the feedback.
Just got my critter sprayer and I was like, "Where have you been my whole life?" Ditto everything you say here and one more thing: VERY little overspray on this. Less than any gun I've ever used. Thanks for the video.
😂😂I know exactly what you mean! It's my favorite gun I've used, for sure
My harbor freight sprayer just broke a couple days ago and you sold me on this Critter. I just purchased one on amazon. The fact that the clean up is so easy on the critter is a huge plus, it was such a pain to take apart the harbor freight model and clean each piece individually after every project. I think this is going to save me so much time and money on my signs.
I've stayed away from spray guns cause I hate the clean up. I think you'll love this gun, I do....
Man this "Critter" will be the answer I've been looking for to apply Poly. Thanks Eric for giving us the heads up. Amazing that this has been around so long and I never heard of it till now. Doc
Yea, me too. I've always hated spray guns cause they're complicated and a pain to clean up. This thing is fantastic, I think you'll love it. Glad to help..... Thank you for watching, I appreciate it, Eric
Big Thank-You to the FB group for recommending this Eric, and also to Eric for demoin' it for us. For me the finish process is the one part I dread with wood working. Hopefully with this product my attitude towards "finishing will change. So Thanks again to everyone who lead to this video being posted
You're welcome Bruce, yea it's definitely a game changer for me, I love it....
Out standing, had asked about the gun awhile back, but ran across it from my Scroll Saw Site. Thanks for the info. This will be on my toy list. Like the lack of clean up time on the spray gun.
I love mine, I'm sure you will too....
I was outside this morning spay sealing some signs. As I reached for my second spray can I thought this is going to get expensive. I finished what I was doing and then came and watched this video. The Critter Sprayer looks great and I have already placed my Amazon order for one. Thanks and keep the informative and entertaining video's coming.
Thank you for watching Chuck, glad to help. Have a great week, Eric
Eric, you can use a product called Bloxygen. Spray for 2 seconds in your Mason jar after spraying the spar varnish on your sign. It puts a layer of inert gas on the varnish to prevent it from setting up. This way you can keep you mason jar full of varnish and never have to remove it. Saves steps and saves from ruining varnish
I've never heard of Bloxygen. I'll have to check it out.... Thank you....
Very cool. Can't wait to get the Critter!!! Thanks, really like when you do product reviews.
Glad I could help I think you'll love it. Thank you again for watching, Eric
Thanks for those great tips on the sprayer. I've tried some different sprayers and the clean up was such a pita and took longer than the spray job. For my small turnings, wipe-on poly works great with no cleanup and I can bring them in the house to dry in the winter. I'll continue to use the w.o.p. for small stuff, but I'm getting the Critter for spraying pic frames and carvings with lots of nooks and crannies. It's on my Amazon wish list for now, but probably not for long. Your suggestion is an excellent one!
Thank you Stan, I appreciate you watching. Happy to help.
This is great Eric, I retired my custom cabinet business and always used an Accuspray 3 stage HVLP.. I am going to order one of these and will probably retire my perfectygood HVLP on my signs. Thank you sir for this video.
Glad we could help. I'm sure you're going to love it. Thank you for watching, Eric
Very nice video! I have been procrastinating with buying one because my sign orders are not massive, but I make tons of other items I could also use this on. This seems to be one of those hidden in plain sight gems.
You're welcome, yes I could see using it for tons of projects......
I had looked at the Critter spray gun in the past, but never followed up. But seeing it in action and seeing how a breeze it is to clean, I just ordered one through Lee Valley for 56.50$ CDN (they seem to be the only distributor for the Critter gun in Canada). I will now be able to spray oil based finish as I wouldn't use oil based finish with my HVLP gun because the cleaning is just awful. Thanks Eric!
Well, I guess that settles it. If all the glowing endorsements and amazing results on the FB group weren't enough, it now has the Rhoten Seal of Approval. I will be placing an order.
Thank you for the video. Looking forward to the latest board prep video.
LOL, Thank you Jeff. Glad to help..... You're going to love it....
Thanks Dave! You always have great information to share. Love your videos.
You're very welcome, Thank you for watching and the kind words.....
Thanks for the demo Eric!!! Definitely a game changer, can spray signs and flags in record time and get the same or better result than a brush!!
Glad to help Tex, you're going to love it....
As different materials utilize different thinners/solvents for clean up I color code my jars with various colors of tape. Duct tape or electrician tapes work well. For example, lacquer is red, water based materials, blue. Thus when I spray lacquer the finish jar has red tape around the bottom, then when time for clean up it only takes a quick glance to locate the proper solvent identified also with red strip of tape. Simple, quick, no mix ups.
Great idea.... Thank you
Ordered mine this morning.......it will be here Sunday!!
Great review!!
You're gonna love it buddy.
Great newsletter and demo on the critter gun Eric. Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks... Lol...
LOL, I'm learning all the time.....
Well that critter is now on my amazon wishlist :)
You're going to love it....
Cool new way to spray finish! Wonder if it would work spraying the black primer or if there isn't enough control to do that. Probably blow the layout letters off the board, but for spraying the edges and background.
don't know, might be worth a try. Probably have to play with the adjustments and the air pressure.
Hotrod Hog I was thinking the same thing, thanks for asking.
This looks like the answer to some of my problems!
Hope so.... Glad to help....
Great instructions as always. Thanks Eric
Thank you Alan, glad you liked it.
I need to paint a nbf 35" five drawer file cabinet. Right now it's blue but I want to paint it red. I was cleaning my shed and found this spray gun. Should I just use home depot spray cans or should I purchase a compressor and use my jar sprayer? Also to clean it I just run thinner after?
It just depends on the quality of paint. If you have good pain you can use in a spray can, that should work. However, if you're looking for an excuse to buy an air-compressor (let's be honest, you can always y=use an air compressor) then this is your chance. To clean it out, just run thinner or water through it, depending on the base of your paint.
That's awesome man! Thanks Eric.
Mine should be here today!!! Thanks for the great info Dave.
Terrific!!!
Great Video !!
I know we talked about this about a year ago, and glad that you tried it :)
I haven't tried it yet, but after seeing your video I'm gonna try it !!
But here in Sweden we don't have the Helmsman Spar Urethane, so i use Boat Varnish.
I hope this will work with the Boat Varnish, its a little bit thick, but it looks like glas after its done and holds up for many years.
Thanks Eric for all the great videos you do.
Have a great day.
/ Morgan
You're going to love it buddy. I've heard you can spray really thick products with it so hope it works for you. Talk to you buddy....
Thanks Buddy.
Well the Spray gun from Amazon don't ship to Sweden :(
But i have my old HVLP Spray gun in my garage, so i give it a try some day :)
Very interesting think we will give it a try
I think you'll love it....
How about setting up a jar with black primer?
Haven't tried that. Might work.....
Great video. It looks like I will be purchasing one of these now.
You won't be sorry, you're gonna love it
Great review just got my gun today I'm anxious to try it. The board you made the gaskets out of is that like a cardboard .
I'm sure you'll like the critter. Yes I used what we call chip board. Like shoe box cardboard. However I like these silicone seals much better www.amazon.com/dp/B012UP6WWC?ref=exp_makeawoodsign_dp_vv_d
@@oldave100
Thank you .
What a great idea... Thank you Eric... Hey Eric have you ever used a Router Hood. I got a good one from Oneida Air Systems. What do you think my brother of them?
You're very welcome my friend, glad to help... I've never used a router hood. I think it wouldn't work well for me carving signs. It looks too restrictive for me. I also think it might hinder visibility.
How long before you spray the second coat? Do you just leave it set up with the poly for the succeeding coats, or do you clean it again between coats?
We have found the Marsh ink to be superior to the primer. Have you tried buying the ink in bulk and running it thru the Critter?
Not yet but I'm thinking I will try it.
Hate to make you the guinea pig Eric Rhoten, but waiting to see how this goes for you !!
Wow... that's an interesting idea. When someone finds out can they let us all know?
Thanks for the great tip on the sprayer! Already in my Amazon cart. 👍 Ron, Littlewierdshop
You're gonna love it..... Thank you for watching....
I want one! I went to purchase on Amazon and only see one seller. It says it ships in 1 to 4 months. Can you find the link of who you got yours from and post it please? Thanks Dave. It looks awesome!
Here's the link on amazon where I bought mine www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00006FRPJ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
That's the same one I saw thanks. Hopefully it won't take as long as they say.
Eric, why are you not using sanding sealer on cedar, does it not bleed like pine?
Cedar doesn't bleed like the pine so no need to use the sanding sealer.
great video .....as usual .very informative.....keep them coming .
Glad you liked it, Thank you....
Could you use this gun with a pancake compressor? Thank you
The paperwork says you need 3/4 HP compressor or more that can produce 90PSI or more
Hi, would I get a nice enough finish on skirting/trim?
Absolutely.....
I'm surprised someone gave this a 1-star on Amazon!? Thanks for sharing buddy!
Also it's listed for $150 on Amazon, at least on the Amazon Canada website.
Don't know why anyone would not like this gun. I love it. It's in the $40 range here in the U.S. Hope you and the ladies are well buddy....
Will be purchasing one of those for sure!!!!!!!
They're great, I love the critter!!!
Thank you once again mine is on the order list and the video isn't even done lol. Reno Eric
You're welcome buddy...
I bought this after seeing your videos on the critter. I use the same Hellman’s as you and am getting air bubbles or orange peel look. I set the pressure at 30 then 40. Any recommendations for a great finish.
I'm definitely not a finishing expert. However when I've run into bubbles or orange peel it is either a chemical reaction of some kind or temperature issue. You might google it or YT the issue. That's my go to when I'm trying to figure things out.
Great Video. Thanks for the information. Heading to amazon
It will spray chalk paints too ?
I have never tried chalk paints out of the critter. I would think it would work but that's just a guess.
@@oldave100 hey thank you for responding so quickly , I was worried because it's a older video I may not get a response to my question . I want to buy a air sprayer to use on projects I am going to sell , over all you'd recommend this eh ? . I need it to apply paints and stains on a professional level , or I'm wasting money . I'm sure you understand , but it will be more than for just jobs around the household . I'm also hoping not to break the bank in buying a sprayer . Thanks for your time , and thank you for getting back to my first question so quickly .
You're welcome Chris. I would definitely recommend this sprayer. I love mine. So easy to use. By the way you can always email me directly as well, eric@makeawoodsign.com. Thank you for watching!!!
Dave, where can I find that mat board you refer to so I can make my own gaskets. That Critter is a game changer, Thanks.
I replied to via email. I now use the silicone seals
@@oldave100 What silicone seals are you using? The ones that come with the Critter or something else?
How did the camera do?
Just fine....
THANKS ERIC!!
Thank you!!!
I like this, I will be looking in Amazon for one. Thank you.
You'll love it. Thank you for watching!!!
Going to order one , thanks
I was going to ask you what that was called again. Looks pretty nifty
I do love it.... It was great to see you my friend. Thank you again for the great job on Rach's rocking horse.
I think that you can use just a liitle nylon instead a seal
Maybe, Thank You!!!
Hey my friend...change the heading for #220 or your new gun will never have any puppies!!! LOL
Good Eye Hope..... My sister straightened me out on that, she wanted to make sure I didn't use it on her cats....
Well! :-) I've followed the raves & reviews on 4 Newbies FB page, and still wasn't convinced... My Dad had one of these things hanging on the wall of his shop - with a thick layer of spider webs & dust covering it! 20 years??? Nope! This things have been around for at least 40 years - or a version thereof.
Reason I've been so reluctant is that I couldn't help but feel there is no real control over the spray pattern, or how much product you're siphoning up and blasting against the object you're trying to paint. Listening to the coarse sound of that gun just now... I still have doubts!! Compared to the fancy-pants tech, nozzles, yada yada yap that "real" spray guns have... Come on!!.....
BUT - if its good enough for Eric Rhoten, it's by golly good enough for me!
The savings over rattle cans is almost criminal! lol.
Cleanup is stupid simple...
Dang-it! I'm going to have to order one of these days! :-)
I have one question, though. Do you think it's adaptable to using as the black primer applicator as well? Can you tweak it to give you that "short burst, fine mist" effect you preach about, so as not to get too much black on that needs to be sanded off again?
If so, that would make it a slam-dunk.
Reading the paperwork that comes with it there are ways you can adjust the nozzle to adjust to different liquids so it might work with the primer or ink. Think I'll have to give it a go sometime soon.... even if it doesn't work for the black it so changed the finishing game for me, I love it...
I just spent $400 on a chainsaw.......and then I seen this. My wife is gonna kick me. lol. This is an awesome spray gun. The mason jars being used with it just absolutely sold it for me. That is so handy and easy to keep up on. Now the real question......can it spray tomato sauce on my pasta like that....lol
It's a great little gun. I think I may have to do that demo...... Thank you for the idea....
Just fyi other people said they have used it without the gasket with no proplem.
Thank you Jessica, I appreciate the info...
it's just like an airless paint sprayer
Ya, kind of. It works like a champ!
what's your face book group?
I haven't started any groups myself but there are several that have been started by people that kinda follow what we do. One of the biggest is Hand Routed Carvings 4 Newbies
that's cool how are your lungs?
Old but I'm still breathing...so far....
Critter sprayer is $240 on amazon nowadays 🫣 thanks for all of the videos! I’m just starting out, and your videos and store have been so helpful!
There's one listing that's $240, but other ones are $50. I don't know what's going on with that, but you can definitely find them for a decent price
Ok thanks! I’ll look around. Your link takes it to the $240. Thanks a ton!!
We'll fix that asap. Thanks Erin!