Spray Guns

[Brad McGowan]

Was just wondering who is using what. I am trying to figure out what I would need to do a nice job without spending a small fortune on something that will see minimal use. Right now I am leaning towards a Harbor Freight HLVP Spray Gun.

 

[Greg Riutzel]

I've used the HF Pro HVLP spray gun a couple of years ago. For $75 it was ok and did a good job. The cleaning kit, an accessory, makes keeping it in shape easy with little waste.

 

[kphill]

I used to be a bodyman and painter for many years.. my go to is my old suction feed Sharpe or Devillebiss gun but I do have a harbor freight pro HVLP gun and it works well.. If you have a low volume air compressor go with the HVLP as it takes less air.. And practice with the gun before you shoot paint and it should come out good..

 

[dschwandt]

All the spray guns I have sit right on top of the cans! (insert smiley face here_______)

 

[Brad McGowan]

All the spray guns I have sit right on top of the cans! (insert smiley face here_______)

I can appreciate that, I am going to prime with rattle cans but plan on doing the color with a gun.

 

[kphill]

Also you may want to go to your local auto body supply store and buy a good resperator that has charcoal filters.. Todays paint can be nasty stuff.. Take that from this lung cancer survivor and former painter..

 

[Brad McGowan]

Also you may want to go to your local auto body supply store and buy a good resperator that has charcoal filters.. Todays paint can be nasty stuff.. Take that from this lung cancer survivor and former painter..

Great advice, I always wear a good respirator.

 

[kzintner]

Eastwood in eastern PA is another supplier with various levels of equipment.
https://www.eastwood.com/

 

[kmcconaughey]

All the spray guns I have sit right on top of the cans! (insert smiley face here_______)

Same here.

Old style:

For some paint cans the nozzle is bigger so the newer style is required.

Old style installed:

 

[Oak]

I use the el-cheapo Hazzard Freight HVLP gun for $15-20. It works pretty good for the money.

 

[kzintner]

The model I have used many times (with success)
https://www.eastwood.com/can-gun-one-spray-can-tool.html

 

[mgonitzke]

I use the el-cheapo Hazzard Freight HVLP gun for $15-20. It works pretty good for the money.

I too have been using one of those for 8 years. It is ugly and actually starting to show wear in some areas, but still works great. It does no better than the special $400 paint gun I bought to paint my sailplane. Seems like about the only thing spending more $$$ gets you is potentially less overspray. The quality of the finish is 90% the prep work you do and how accurately you mixed the paint for the temperature at application time.

 

[mgwin]

I use a "finish gravity spray gun" I bought at Lowes. It is smaller, and works fine for me for around $40 bucks. Rattle cans are ok until they start spitting gobs of paint and make a mess of a pretty paint job!

 

[kzintner]

Finally ready to paint the tower and hood. I have a HVLP from Eastwood. What is the mix ratio of paint to hardener?
Temperature, SE PA 60-70 deg, hopefully.
Thanks

 

[RayF]

Mix ratios depend on brand and type of paint... Google the paint manufacturer and type of paint.... and you should find the mix ratio.

 

[jdrong]

I can't help it; I have to state the obvious. The mix ratios should be on the back of the paint can and the hardener can.

 

[kphill]

Yes, check the can.. Enamel is usually 3 parts paint to 1 part reducer.. And if you are adding hardner don't spray it unless you are in a well ventilated area and use a charcoal filter resperator...

 

[Brad McGowan]

Do your homework on the dangers of using a hardener, use proper PPE. Having looked into it I have pretty much decided that I will not be using it when I paint.

 

[kphill]

Hardener is more for people who have the proper PPE like people who do it for a living use.. Myself I use a HVLP gun to keep the airborne spray to a minimum also wear painting coveralls and latex gloves as well as a respirator..And if you are spraying in a area without constant airflow like a paint booth you should use a air supplied respirator..

 

[Oak]

Do it right with hardener and use one of these.

https://www.amazon.com/6211PA1-Cartridge-Paint-Spray-Respirator/dp/B00QZ5I4KW