Spray guns.... Talk to me

[abovetherim]

Hi there peeps

I have a few bits that need painting for the 2 as well as a wing on my Panda. I have done plenty of painting with rattle cans and can get a reasonable finish but as I plan on doing the whole car at some point I thought I would take this opportunity to get used to proper spraying.

I am intending on using 1k acrylic base and clear though I haven't ruled out polyester gloss when I do the whole car. But I can't help thinking I would get a deeper shine with a base and clear combo.

So enough of the why and on to the question.
Can any of you recommend an affordable (for occasional use) spray gun for base and clear and one for primer?

For the primer I will probably need to spray hi build filler primer as well as standard primer.

I know I need pressure regulator and moisture trap but any tips on what pressure I should use for the different paints or any beginners top tips you have are much appreciated.

Jan

[C35Rob]

first, and most important question is what are the specs of your compressor?

[abovetherim]

Ha ha. I wondered how long before that was questioned. I was gonna put it in my first post, maybe I should have.

For these first few bits I'll just be using a decent 50 ltr tanked that a mate is willing to lend me. When I do the whole car Trev (BLZ80..... Something) has got an industrial 100 Ltr clarke jobby he will lend me. Unfortunately I don't know the cfm of either but if there is a min I need I will conform to that.

[C35Rob]

I use an LVLP gun designed for small compressors, it's just a cheap one, I think it was about £70 with two different set ups (1.3 for topcoat and 1.8 for primer) it's served me really well and I get a very respectable finish from it but as with all things in life if you pay more you will get more, but I couldn't justify spending £000's for a pro gun.

I painted this boot lid in my dirty, dusty garage, for example.



with this "cheapo" gun

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LVLP-Gravity- ... EoY4sBKTEw

I spray 2k, which is much better than 1k, it goes on really nice, dries hard as nails and doesn't need endless flatting and polishing like cellulose based (1k) paint does.

"they" say you can't spray 2k without an airfed mask, but that's just EU legislation, it's standard practice in the states to spray 2k with a "2k safe" respirator, which is what I do, but don't take my word for it, do your own research. the other benefits of 2k over celly is that it doesn't react with everything and anything under the sun. I do make sure I paint when all the neighbours are out at work, and make sure my mrs takes the kid out somewhere to stop them breathing in the fumes/complaining that there's overspray all over their washing hanging out to dry

If you do spray 2k I'd advise getting some "rocket accelerator" which drastically reduces the drying time, and also some silicone drops which stop you getting fish eyes, which can happen if you're spraying in a garage, or on a humid day, or with a poor (i.e amateur) water trap

get loads of mixing cups (the graduated ones, with the ratios on the side for mixing the paint), strainers and mixing sticks, use them once and ditch them.

there's loads of really good videos on youtube on painting, the "gunman" channel is particularly good, you'll find that the technique for using a gun is very different from using a rattle can!

[abovetherim]

Thanks for the input rob.
I had considered 2k but not sure if I want to chance it as I will be spraying in a structure I'm gonna build on my driveway.