bran3b

I am going to teach myself to paint my own cars, starting with something other than the Shark. What would be the best paint gun for a beginner, gravity, suction or pressure feed?

Thanks,

Rod Underwood

I had always used the suction type until recently and I purchased a HVLP gun set and really like it. If I was just starting, I would go that way. You do need to make sure you know which way is up, since if you turn them sideways, the paint will spill more easily than with the old suction type. There are lots of them out there, I purchased on ToolKing.com. They have a large selection and it was the best price I could find.

The tip size will be important depending upon what you're intending to spray and how thick you like to paint.

I got a set with two different guns plus a touch up gun since I was not only intending to spray cars, but some trailers that I was building as well. I use an industrial paint on the trailers and it's considerably thicker.

CLEAN YOUR GUN, CLEAN YOUR GUN, CLEAN YOUR GUN!!! Did I mention, CLEAN YOUR GUN!

Good Luck,
Rod

crackerfeet

DO NOT BORROW A GUN THAT HAS BEEN USED FOR ANYTHING BUT PAINTING CARS!! Dont ask!

Keep in mind if you get an HVLP gun you will need a large compressor or else you are waiting an awful lot. I started with a borrowed suction gun that was doing a dreat job till it spit yellow latex house paint all over the side of my Jeep. Then I bought and finished the job with and HVLP, gun works great just need more air.

BC

Maybe try the new RVP. They are supposed to be a hybrid.

Rod Underwood

Yep,
CLEAN YOUR GUN, CLEAN YOUR GUN, CLEAN YOUR GUN!!! Did I mention, CLEAN YOUR GUN!

Rod

BC

What he means is buy stock in lacquer thinner.

bran3b

Rod, so is it important to clean the gun?

Thanks for the help. I hope to pick out a gun this weekend. will make sure to get HVLP or RVP, but will have to do more homework on RVP.

Rod Underwood

Yes, indeed, you have it exactly. Actually 5 gallons of cleaner thinner is relatively cheap and is good to have around in general. Just be careful, it is HIGHLY volatile.

Rod

Rod Underwood

I "lost" a couple of guns years ago before I accepted this simple rule. Now I clean them at least once AFTER I think they're clean. Nothing is as discouraging as finding that you don't have a good working gun. You can work around or "fix" almost anything else, but not a bad gun.

Let me know how you like the RVP if you go that way, I've never used that system.

Rod

BC

RVp is just for reduced pressure. Maybe a 40 gallon tank and 10.3scfm instead of 60 gallons dual stage and 18 scfm!

Herr-Kuhn

We just painted my S4 Audi this summer and my Brother had access to a new HVLP 3M set of guns. They really break up the paint well. It all depends on what you are painting...base/clear or single stage. For single stage it is not as critical. His guns feed from above and the paint is stored in a small disposable plastic liner with a built in filter. Suction guns are used less and less now....they make a good primer gun these days....hammer it on heavy and let it cure, then wet-sand.

Remember, there is always the water bucket, 2000 grit paper and a lot of elbow grease to get you out of a bind

BC

Thsoe 3m guns, IIRC, are very expensive. YOu need multiple moderatlye priced guns for a prof. job. One expensive one makes me nervous.

greg928GTS

Get a very good respirator and take care not to breathe fumes at any time, even when cleaning.