Im looking for some advice for painting my cars. I have never painted a car before but I am experienced with rattle can work on smaller things and know basic technique.

Specifically I need suggestions for buying an air compressor, guns, and buffer. I dont have the budget for professional quality tools and am not looking for a show quality paint job. Has anyone used any Harbor freight or similar quality tools for painting of their cars?

Im a total beginner and would like to practice and learn as I go without spending $1000's on tools.

I am also not sure if I should try single stage to base/clear. I would like to try a darker silver color or even Acura Jade Green but I'm afraid for my first job a metallic paint may be too big of a jump.

any advise and experience is appreciated.

 

115 views and no one has any opinions?

 

I would start out at least with a $50-$100 spray gun, for primer you need a 2 mm tip and for base/clear you need a 1.4 mm tip. You just need to learn how to use it, should be some info on youtube. I would stay away from harbor freight, its usually more hassle than they are worth. they do have a good hammer/dolly kit though.

You will need a air compressor that can consistently run a 4-6ish cfm. Also a good Idea to get a inline water trap.

I dont really like single stage paint really, its not much more work/money to do a base/clear system. White/lighter colors dent to hide imperfections better. If its layed on decent enough you really shouldnt need to buff it out.

Painting is defiantly one of those things that you just need to do in order to get better. good luck.

 

First of all, you need a good sized air compressor. You can't have a small one where you need to take breaks in between so it can fill up. That will make for a shitty paint job.

As for a paint gun, if you want something cheap and effective get the Devilbliss startling line guns. It comes with a primer gun and a paint gun with different tips for 150-200 dollars depending where you find it. I've used them and they are sweet for the price. BUT PLEASE KEEP THEM CLEAN! Once they get clogged they're done for. That is the most important thing about paint guns, keep THEM CLEAN!!!!!!!!! Every time you're done spraying clean clean clean. That kit comes with brushes. Use acetone or guncleaner they sell at local paint shops.

As for buffers, I have a dewalt buffer and it's the best. I got mine for 220$ brand new with warranty from a local paint shop. I dislike harbor freight buffers, they do end up breaking BUT I think they have a warranty so if you wanna keep getting a new one that's up to you lol.

I would NOT! do a metallic paint job your first try. do a solid color like black/white first and get the hang of it. metallics take skill, depending on the weather/pressure everything comes into play when painting. Practice on a fender or something before you try to tackle a car.

The thing about painting is if you want good results you have to make sure everything is REALLY CLEAN! the prep really makes or breaks a paint job. Do good prep work before anything! use glass cleaner to wipe the car down after you have it masked up and ready to go. remember PREP IS VERY IMPORTANT! VERY!

Please message me if you have any specific questions I'll gladly answer them.

 

Thanks for your input guys. Id rather keep comments open here than through PM because there probably are people out there who want to know the same answers.

What compressors do you recommend? I have been searching craigslist and have found 20- 40 gal ranging from 4.5-6.5 CFM for decent prices ($100-200)

 

i have a 60 gallon compressor i use to spray in my garage that pushes roughly 12 CFM that works great. but you have to remember when your spraying its like using a blow gun for a long time. so your compressor will run dry and have to fill up often the smaller the tank is. i personally wouldn't recommend anything smaller then a 60 gallon. but that's just preference. also, make sure you get an oil free one. if your new to this dealing with oil in your line is just gunna be a problem you wont know how to deal with and itl just be easier to have an oil free compressor.

onto guns. ive never had an issue with a harbor freight gun. i personally have a craftsman i use at the house for most things. tip size does make a difference. but you can always compensate for not having the "proper" tip. not the right way, but you can do it.

as far as spraying goes.. that just takes practice. you can be told how to do it a billion times but until you do it and figure out your own technique you wont really be able to understand... if that makes sense. general rule for distance is stretch your thumb and pinky out. and use about that for your gun distance. when spraying metallics don't forget your dust coat at the end. never spray your first or second coat for coverage. and when spraying clear don't spray it on to the point that its flat as your spraying. that's when it runs.

single vs. base/clear is kind of preference one less step, don't have to worry about clearing. but its longevity kinda blows compared to base/clear.

i have a dewalt and a milwaukee buffer. i like the milwaukee better because of the weight. but both are great and have never broken or failed me. mikita buffers are also good. they feel the same as a dewalt and if i remember right they are a bit more expensive.

my advice would be buy a good compressor. buy cheap base and clear to practice on a few things with. get a craftman or devilbliss gun and try it a few times. your tool and practice cost will be roughly a grand depending on if you buy new or used tools. and materials to do your car shouldent be more then 5-700$. plus when it turns out awesome you can use it as advertisement and make money doing it.