Thread: paint gun

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When using HVLP spray equipment , the compressor you choose should be able to contiuously provide 15 to 18 CFM of air. You need to stop looking at hp and tank size when shopping for compressors. Compressors that are capable of these volumes are expensive. Look at the Max CFM's it can produce. HVLP spray equipment require more volume of air at lower pressure. The novice or guy spraying a couple of things a year should look for convensional spray guns that only require 8 to 10 CFM's continuously. So your choice of compressors has broadened and the price is considerably lower.

Ok...let's simplify. Let's say I know this guy (wink, wink) who is a novice and as a long term goal has a project car that he wants to paint. This process will be expanded over a long period of time...small bits at a time. A fender here...a hood there...a door everywhere. That being said, what equipment will "he" need to get and where can "he" get it?

- Gun(s)
- Compressor
- Compressor accessories
- Paint(s)
- Sanding Stuff
- Safety Equipment (I...uh, I meant "he" already has a respirator)

Basically I'm referring to brand name and model number stuff. "He" would appreciate your help...

Well Biggen, All I can give you is the CFM's as a guide. Check with Sears, Home Depot, Lowes before venturing off to more commercial sources. If you plan to start a bussiness I would look to Speed Air, Binks, DeVilbiss, Quincy just to name a few as they make some of the best. Do you have a Grangers in your area? Do your homework, compare. Good luck

Hey Chris z28 you are right-on in saying you have respect for good body/paint guys, I have a world of respect for the ones that can equal or better factory jobs because I had to self teach myself and I thought I would never learn how to work double crowned contour line areas ( I think thats what its called). A 5hp compressor will be ok for spot/panel jobs with a HVLP gun but the 5hp's that I have used won't come close to keeping up with a full repaint. One other thing, the pros will tell you to go with good quality compressors. I am a beginner/intermediate but know that there is alot of " junk " compressors out there.

Originally posted by shevy not heme
A 5hp compressor will be ok for spot/panel jobs with a HVLP gun but the 5hp's that I have used won't come close to keeping up with a full repaint. One other thing, the pros will tell you to go with good quality compressors. I am a beginner/intermediate but know that there is alot of " junk " compressors out there.

So I don't need a LOT of compressor if I'm planning on repainting my car a panel at a time. I'll still get the most compressor I can afford, but I just don't want to get screwed right in the middle of a job...

you don't want to paint one panel at a time, that's a bad Idea... if you paint in different temp, humidity, or have different air pressure, paint settles a little in the gun, alll those will affect color match

I would like to add 2 items:

1 you can paint panels separate if the paint is a straight color(no metallics) I have been doing this for40 yrs.

2. When you buy a compressor do not buy by hp. Look at the cfm. Some mfg's rate the hp at start up, which is when the capaciters kick in. Once running the true hp is seen, so compare by the full load amps.

Don hit the nail on the head,great advice. After all it is CFM not hp that moves the paint. Get the best cfm you can afford and a larger 240v unit if affordable. The cfm would be higher/more consistant and the running ( F.L.A.) amps lower with most 240v units.

Originally posted by Don Meyer
I would like to add 2 items:

1 you can paint panels separate if the paint is a straight color(no metallics) I have been doing this for40 yrs.

2. When you buy a compressor do not buy by hp. Look at the cfm. Some mfg's rate the hp at start up, which is when the capaciters kick in. Once running the true hp is seen, so compare by the full load amps.

Thanks for the info.

The color that I'm trying to find is called Nautic Metallic...and it's flaky! Now when you say that I shouldn't do metallic paints a panel at a time, would that include doing the whole car in one sitting, but allowing the compressor to "rest" in between sprays? I'll probably do the primer a panel at a time though...