Apollo hvlp 1050vr: Function and Form
Editors Note: Apollo Review in APC ’12
In our ongoing quest to make sure that the paint industry fully understands that there is much more to spraying than straight up airless blasting in the 3-4000 psi range, we are pushing a little further into hvlp spray technologies in 2012 by initiating testing on Apollo hvlp equipment.
We have done alot of research and testing in the spectrum of hvlp turbines. Most of us paint contractors come from airless spraying backgrounds, where we are accustomed to spraying in high pressure ranges all the time. Going down to the 3-10 psi range with a precision gun is counter-intuitive, but can really create a pleasurable spray experience with minimal overspray and a fine finished product.
The most recent entry into our shop and field based testing is the Apollo 1050VR. We have tested numerous hvlp rigs, but this one gives reason for pause. It is smart, pretty and built.
If you can imagine a compact turbine with a filtration system that looks like the air cleaner on a ’68 Firebird – in a good way, with one of the prettiest guns you ever saw on the other end of the hose, that would be close to the visual appeal of this rig. The major sprayer manufacturers all seem to have an hvlp line, but what makes Apollo different is that they are a small company that specializes in hvlp only. They do one thing, and we will see how well they do it.
We have been testing this unit since December of 2011 and our full review will be published very soon. Stay tuned.
And by all means, if you have had the pleasure of running an Apollo, please speak up!
About the Author (Author Profile)
Scott Burt is a contractor and freelance writer whose column "From the Field" has appeared in American Painting Contractor magazine (www.paintmag.com) since 2008. His writing and projects also appear in other print and digital venues. This site is an extension of Scott's publication work, and he encourages readers to leave comments and questions about articles published here. Hope to hear from you! Scott's Google ProfileComments (17)
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Sites That Link to this Post
- Graco 9.5 Finish Pro hvlp w/TurboForce and Edge gun | Topcoat Review | June 21, 2012
- Kremlin Partners With Apollo in hvlp Technology | Topcoat Review | July 17, 2012
Hi Scott. Really looking forward to hearing your feedback in the Apollo! Thx,
We’ve put some footage on youtube and the Apollo will be part of an upcoming series.
Hi Scott
Is there a link somewhere here for the YouTube apollo video?
Also, getting closer on your 440 multi finish reviews?
Thanks!
Hi Damon
Here is the apollo vid: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1-gf99Sc5s&list=UUz6Fq5bMtZ6C6Fa0bR681-w&index=2&feature=plcp
And here is a link to a MultiFinish update we did this week, also with a video embedded: http://topcoatreview.com/2011/10/product-of-interest-titan-multifinish-440-air-assisted-sprayer/
What types of work are you considering these rigs for?
Thanks Scott
Primarily for repaint and remodel work. Both cabinets and millwork. Primarily with Advance and other waterborne paints, though possibly some alkyd as well. I like the control of hvlp though there’s certainly a lot that can be done with an airless and FFT.
Honestly, aaa is the best of all worlds. The Titan MultiFinish or Graco 395 can do it all. If you definitely need hvlp, the Apollo is a great unit.
Hey Scott,
Thanks for your article on the Apollo. I’ve got a Titan Multifinish which I just love. The only graco products i’ve ever owned have been the proshot and proshot fine finish. Not to sure about Graco quality but definitely convenient. After reading your article I think I’ll go for the Apollo 1050 vr instead of the Graco 9.5. It’ll be my first HVLP. Yeah it does look like a hot rod. Can’t wait.
cheers,
J
Jonathan Ives
Fine Residential Painting
Shoreham, Vt
Thanks Jonathon. Yes, the 1050vr continues to impress. Every mfr is different. Apollo is like a really good microbrewery, you know the type. Glad to hear the thumbs up on the MultiFinish as well. Thats a great rig. Hope all is well.
Hi Scott,
Thanks for your review of the 1050vr. I was sorely disappointed with a previous HVLP sprayer I purchased (Fuji SE4) because it would not spray latex at all. Either very orange peely, or had to thin it down so much it was like spraying water, and then it just ran. So what caught my attention in your review was that you said this unit can spray latex without thinning. I do a fair amount of large kitchens with a lot of cabinets, on site, and in California, due to air quality laws and customer concerns, we use mainly latex, or hybrids like Advance. HVLP’s seem too slow most of the time(we also are spraying all the trim/doors/windows in these large San Francisco Victorian homes), but I am thinking of getting one just to do touch ups, or for small projects. I like the portability of them, and the low amount of overspray, which seems ideal when spraying in homes that are occupied, where you just have one bookcase to do or something.
So my question is, will the Apollo really spray latex without super amounts of thinning, and also, do you find it fast enough to make it worthwhile?
Thanks,
Sam
San Francisco, CA
Hi Sam, yes and yes. The apollo 1050vr will spray unreduced latex without a problem. The only thing that feels slow about it is that you are limited to a quart cup (in this configuration, but I believe a pressure pot is also available). But if its a small project (less than a gallon), its a very efficient way to finish. And clean up is so much easier than flushing a pump and hose.
Hi Scott!
This is Dan from Premier Painting in Mass.
I Very much enjoy your site as a painter, I love a good tools like Festools, and other good quality sprayers.
I have one question please, have you tried the Titan HVLP Turbine 115? I am trying to see if there is a big different between the Titan and the Apollo 1050VR.
Regards,
Dani.
Hi Scott,
I just found your website while searching for reviews of the Apollo 1050VR. I was wondering if you had issued your review of the unit and if so how do I find the review. I read the “Function and Form” article and saw the You-tube video. I run a small furniture shop and want to get into sprayed finishes.
Thanks
Paul
Hi Paul, the review that I wrote for APC magazine is here: http://digital.turn-page.com/i/89623/10 ; let me know if it does not work for you, or if you have further questions.
Hi Scott, I am also interested to learn if you have any experience with the Titan 115 (6 stage HVLP). Did you publish your final review on the Apollo 1050vr, if so can you post a link? Thanks
Hi Grant, we just recently received the 6 stage Titan for testing. Hope to have run it through its paces by Fall. If you follow our facebook, twitter, youtube, etc, I am sure you will see bits and pieces of test footage as we start to work with it.
Here is a link to the review I wrote on the Apollo in American Painting Contractor magazine: http://digital.turn-page.com/i/89623/10