OK, so-

I have been painting parts with spray paint for a while. I painted a front bumper and various lips for my rsx.

I want to practice and gather parts for a paint gun setup, so I can possibly paint my dads old lexus for him. And also my girlfriends old talon.

I have read that getting a cheap junk gun wont last long and the results wont be great.

So is getting a sata gun a good choice. As a beginner, can you guys tell me which gun to get, (and where). And what corresponding comp essor for someone who is beggining and wanting to paint some spare parts.

Or, explain how I look for a gun for what my needs are, and find a compressor that fits well with that gun.

What other parts are needed for a paint gun setup?

I know some might say to search, I have- but I would just find it easier if someone could explain it me to me, who knows nothing about paint guns.

I know that you shouldnt mix a primer gun with a base/clearcoat gun. Is there anyway to startout with a good gun for a basecoat/clear and use a not so expensive gun for primer? Or possibly use spray paint for the primer?

 

Sata and Iwata are excellent guns, the Iwata LPH-400 will be slightly less of an air hog ( CFM-PSI requirements ) so it would be more ideal for home use and spraying at lower pressures. But a Sata will work fine as long as you set it up right and adjust it accordingly. Size 1.3 to 1.4 for base/clear, around 1.5-1.7 for high build, 2K primer, which I recommend only using 2K quality stuff. If you have a huge, heavy duty compressor then gun choice wouldn't matter, you will need a larger 2 stage, oiled, 220v compressor w/ filters and drying system. You can get away with a slightly less duty, smaller compressor but the next step up is going to have a much wider range of use, higher CFM rating, and better in the long run. If your serious, find a local auto paint supply store and ask them for advise and their catalog of equipment. All the equipment and materials to maintain everything is going to add up, be prepared. Check out ejwan's paint thread, you'll see more equipment, tools and materials that's needed.

 

If you never sprayed with a gun before, then I really wouldn't bother getting an expensive setup. The change of technique on going from a spray can to a gun is going to be a big enough step already, once you learn hand/gun control and sprayed enough, go for the expensive guns since you'll have the experience to take care of them. Why waste the money on expensive when your practicing? Spend the time to learn what your doing first, then once you can actually figure out why the expensive guns are better, then you can decide for yourself which gun you need, and not just buy what other people think.

Depending on your budget, its up to you to choose a compressor. If you got the cash, get an 80Gal 2 stage. It will do you good. But if low on cash, a 40-60 Gal 1 stage will due, you will have to pause while spraying an entire car depending on size, but if your taking the car apart to paint it, it shouldn't be a big deal to shoot it in pieces. (i.e. bumper, hood, fender).

You can get several hvlp guns on ebay like 3 for $99 bucks. arn't the best but definitely a step up from a spray can. Heck if you really low on cash and can't put out for a large compressor, consider an LVLP gun. requires heck of alot less pressure and you can spray longer with a small compressor. Good lvlp guns are just as good as those hvlp guns on ebay.

About getting cheap junk, well it all depends how cheap. I don't think I'd use one of those wagner electric spray guns from home depot at $40 bucks lol. I really wouldn't use any gun that was made mainly of plastic. Only cause i'm just use to dipping my guns in laquer thinner for cleaning. Laquer will eventually make the plastic brittle and crack, so on and so on..

Like powerflow says, you should get a bigger tip for high build 2k primer, many of the ebay kits come with different size tips.

But honestly depending on how much you plan to spray, I can't see anyone dishing out that much cash for a real high quality compressor. It just all depends on case by case, how much you'll use it, air tools, spray, sand etc. I even use a 2 stage turbine and a turbine hvlp bottom feed gun for mobile work. Now if you think those ebay guns at 3 for $99 is expensive. Try getting a capspray hvlp turbine gun. these cost me like $250 each.

In the end. All you need is:

Air supply: compressor or turbine.
Hose: ...
Spray gun: HVLP or LVLP, bottom fed or top fed.
and Paint

 

Another question is about painting at home.

I dont have a garage, but I do have a good size shed that I could use to paint parts in.

I would, if I got good enough, be able to paint an entire car, but I assume making my own non-perminant booth in my woods, pretty much enclose a car in a wood frame with plastic, and did my best to keep the dust down might not be as good of an idea, then to rent a paint booth.

My mom was worried about me wanting to paint an entire car, considering that we dont have a garage to do it in, and that I should look into renting a place. Has any of you guys done that before?


one more thing-

I go to a design school (RISD), which has a large paint room with regulated compressed air, and I am pretty sure I've seen a paint gun in there, but im sure it has mostly been used for wood finishes and what not (the booth is in the wood shop)

Should I look into using that gun, or should I get my own "cheap hvlp" to practice with?

 

Of course some kind of booth or enclosure would be best when painting a car. About painting your car outside, a few things you should consider:

1. What paint are you going to use? Two stage or single stage?
2. Cheap or expensive paint?
3. Laws about painting in your area?

Either kind of paint, I'd wait for a day with no wind at all, and hopefully not extremely summer hot. Using a fast reducer for fast flash, you could get away with spraying outside and hopefully the paint will dry fast enough to protect against dust. And if any dust does get on it, you can sand/cut/buff it off after the paint is dry. If it's a cheap paint something like a cheap single stage or even a cheaper Rustoleum paint job, you don't have to worry so much about stuff getting on the paint while drying because you can just sand and respray as you need without costing you tons for materials. And if you can get away with painting a car or two without cops or neighbors bugging you, then hell go for it. lol

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by spray2020 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Another question is about painting at home.

I dont have a garage, but I do have a good size shed that I could use to paint parts in.

I would, if I got good enough, be able to paint an entire car, but I assume making my own non-perminant booth in my woods, pretty much enclose a car in a wood frame with plastic, and did my best to keep the dust down might not be as good of an idea, then to rent a paint booth.

My mom was worried about me wanting to paint an entire car, considering that we dont have a garage to do it in, and that I should look into renting a place. Has any of you guys done that before?


one more thing-

I go to a design school (RISD), which has a large paint room with regulated compressed air, and I am pretty sure I've seen a paint gun in there, but im sure it has mostly been used for wood finishes and what not (the booth is in the wood shop)

Should I look into using that gun, or should I get my own "cheap hvlp" to practice with?</TD></TR></TABLE>

get your own gun, ask the trans and product designer what they like best. most of the time they can paint pretty good.

you can build a booth or rent one locally, i opted for the latter option. you will end up spending the same amount if not more by building one. not to mention the ventliation and all the craps.

get some quality gun, seriously. cheap hvlp are fine for primer but you are going to waste your expensive paint and time with a crap gun. iwata, sata, finex(cheap), devilbiss(even cheaper) just to name a few.

if you plan to buy a compressor, get the biggest one you can afford, at least 5 hp 60 gallon 240v single or best dual stage.