Pros
- Extremely fast and hassle-free cleanup compared to conventional spray guns
- Uses standard, inexpensive Mason jars for paint storage and quick color changes
- Produces smooth, drip-free finishes on furniture and cabinetry
- Durable metal construction with minimal parts to wear out or clog
- Low air consumption works with small workshop compressors
Cons
- Circular spray pattern cannot be adjusted into a wide fan
- Thicker latex paints and primers require careful thinning before use
- Requires a standalone air compressor that delivers at least 90 PSI
The Critter Spray Products 22032 118SG Siphon Gun is a uniquely simple pneumatic finishing tool designed for woodworkers, DIY hobbyists, and home restorers. By utilizing standard 16-ounce glass Mason jars as fluid reservoirs, this sprayer eliminates messy dedicated paint cups and streamlines small to medium finishing jobs. It offers an accessible alternative to both tedious hand brushing and expensive, complicated HVLP spray equipment.
In practical use, the 118SG produces a remarkably smooth and uniform finish when working with thin to medium-viscosity coatings such as stains, lacquers, shellacs, polyurethanes, and enamels. The gun generates a concentrated circular spray pattern between 1/2 inch and 3 inches in diameter, making it exceptionally well-suited for cabinet faces, spindles, furniture legs, and detailed woodworking. Viscous mediums like latex paint can also be atomized cleanly, provided they are thinned properly with water or paint conditioners.
The build quality is refreshingly solid, centered around a durable zinc-plated steel spray body with only two primary adjustments: air regulator pressure and fluid nozzle height. The real beauty of this design lies in maintenance. Instead of disassembling intricate nozzles and internal needles, cleanup is as simple as threading on a jar filled with solvent or warm water, spraying until clear, and wiping down the exterior tube.
Prospective buyers should keep in mind that this is a detail-oriented siphon gun rather than a broad-surface applicator. The lack of a fan-pattern adjustment means coating broad walls or expansive flat surfaces will take longer than with a full-size HVLP gun. Additionally, achieving optimal atomization requires an air compressor that can steadily supply 2 to 3 CFM at 90 PSI.
Overall, the Critter 118SG delivers exceptional value and performance for hobbyists and craftsmen alike. Its straightforward operation, lightning-fast cleanup, and reliable finish quality make it one of the most practical additions to any home workshop.
Model: 118SG (Part #22032)
Operating Pressure: Up to 90 PSI
Air Requirement: 2 to 3 CFM (minimum 3/4 HP compressor recommended)
Spray Pattern: 1/2-inch to 3-inch circular pattern
Cup Capacity: 16 fl. oz. (standard pint Mason jar)
Body Material: Zinc-plated steel with brass fluid tube
Compatible Coatings: Polyurethanes, lacquers, stains, chalk paints, milk paints, enamels, and thinned latex