Critter Spray Products 22032 118SG Siphon Gun

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, but 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, and have ready, my finishes is a big bonus.

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


One of the best tools to have in a shop   November 1, 2002
BWB (Gainesville, FL USA)
40 out of 40 found this review helpful

I have used this for all finishes from oil based interior and exterior primers, and interior and exterior latex. Thinning is required but the finish is superb. The cost, quick color changes, and 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!


Get the Critter! Excellent latex spraying!   September 15, 2003
21 out of 21 found this review helpful

After many failed attempts, and hours of cleaning parts for my HVLP cup gun (which will make a lovely planter) I purchased the Critter Siphon Gun. I was encouraged 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 inexpensive 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 amazing. No orange peel. Very little 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 little gun was amazing and cleaned up in about 4 minutes.


Inexpensive and highly effective   April 27, 2006
Brendan Schilling
18 out of 18 found this review helpful

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 great using my cheap little 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 short tube. We spent hours trying to find a substitute spring after it went down the drain while cleaning. The short 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.


Great little critter!   August 16, 2005
R. Mendoza
15 out of 15 found this review helpful

I bought 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, but 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, 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 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!