Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

Happy to say this sprayer works as advertised. I have a larger (HVHP) sprayer for big projects, but I wanted something that would work for doing varnish on a boat, and small maintenance work around the house. It didn't disappoint, but let me specify the caveats. 1. Read the directions. 2. Read them again. 3. Pop quiz--what does it say to do after cleaning with mineral spirits? You get the idea. So, it takes a bit of getting used-to. The trigger is two-stage. Try it out with a the container filled with water. Play with the nozzle and get a feel for the spray direction. Play with the flow-control screw to understand how it will work with thin materials (oil-based whatever) or thick (latex) Next, pay really good mind to the condition of the paint you're using. Brand new can? Half empty? Mix well, thin well, strain often. Fill the spayer's container, and DO NOT LET IT SIT--get to work. I used this twice a day for 10 minutes a shot for 4 straight days with quality (InterlXX Schooner varnish) and thinner. It took a bit of getting used to. The first time, I didn't thin enough, and my flow rate was set high. (turned out a bit splotchy) Second time I thinned too much, and flow rate was too low. (insufficient coverage) Increased flow rate, and it ran, but only slightly. Shut it down and cleaned it (improperly) Next day, glops (UGH!!) Why? I didn't rinse the mineral spirits with water afterwards, as directed (small sidebar). I finally figured out that, for me, running mineral spirits into an empty large yogurt container (which I could strain and partially reuse) and following with warm tap water could get things cleaned up in 5 minutes or so. After I got a "system" down, it would deliver very good results. Is this the $50 alternative to a $600 hvlp turbine for furniture shops? No. Does it work for me? Mostly. I have to admit, the final finish was done by foam brush for consistency. I think if I had the time and money to keep buying expensive cans of varnish, I could have gotten better with the Wagner. Next, I used it with water-based dyes on yet another kayak. Worked GREAT. Super-consistent and fast. Cleanup was 3 cups of water shot through it between colors. Next, some old latex on the shed. THINNED HEAVILY. Works. (Not sure what the guy who said it was "slow" was doing) Not great, but I got the door painted, the trim and everything in 15 minutes. You want a perfect finish? Take the time to learn what setting works for what you're doing. I firmly believe that the majority of the negative reviews were from those who A) didn't read the directions, B) didn't clean the machine properly C) failed to thin adequately D) didn't bother to strain their finish. Painting takes a bit of finesse, folks. This thing isn't a free ride, but works as well or better than I had anticipated.