As with most every spray gun, even professional guns, the media being sprayed will usually need to be thinned to some degree; this gun is not any different. I have not used it for spraying latex paint, however I would expect it to do a fine job after diluting the paint with water.

Two things are very important to me as a craftsman: after working for weeks on a project, I need to apply a smooth even finish. With a little practice, the Criiter will provide this. The second desired feature, is to have an easy cleanup, so that I don't hesitate because of fear (laziness)to use the tool. Again, this sprayer is the easiest cleanup of any sprayer that I have used. The ability to store, have ready, my finishes is a big bonus.

This is not the type of spray gun that someone would use to paint a room, however for a door, railings, furniture, it will do what you expect it should do.


One of the best tools to have in a shop   November 1, 2002
 33 out of 33 found this review helpful

I have used this for all finishes from oil based interior and exterior primers, interior and exterior latex. Thinning is required but the finish is superb. The cost, quick color changes, ease of cleanup are great. It is a hassle working with the small jars but I mix enough for 2-3 jars. Then I'm good for 30 min of spraying. The other review about clogging was all wrong. The problem was in the paint not the Critter. When it clogs it means the paint needs thinning or straining. Old unstrained paint clogs any sprayer!


Surprisingly good peformer   September 30, 2005
 11 out of 11 found this review helpful

I purchased 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, however I've had good 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, keep a couple jars full of solvent for quick cleaning. A great addition for any woodworker's or boatbuilder's shop.


Fantastic   May 11, 2006
 5 out of 5 found this review helpful

I can't believe how great this spray gun works I brought extra mason jars, 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 decided to buy a spare one. You never know...


Great little critter!   August 16, 2005
 12 out of 12 found this review helpful

I purchased this spray gun a while back hoping it would be a good 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 purchase.

At first I thought it would give me a very bad orange peel finish, however after using it mostly with latex house paint properly thinned out, I have yet to see an awful finish 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 finish than with the thick latex house paint used.
Another great 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, however 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, 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 directions 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 finish (Good 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 finish.

Highly recommended product!