Paint Guns

[jlmoulto]

So, I am wondering about purchasing a spray gun to paint my bike, amongst other small projects (not looking to paint a car or anything). Problem is I have a really small compressor that only provide for 4.2CFM. One of those 1 1/2 hp compressors that come with the brad nailer compressor kit.

I found these guns and wondered if it could handle jobs like painting a gas tank, etc while providing a decent finish. The CFM is like 2.8. Anyone with expertise that could help...Note I am pretty green with painting equipment.

http://www.bosstoolsupply.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=3685

http://www.bosstoolsupply.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1432

http://www.bosstoolsupply.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=5898

[sagent]

I have got to figure that anything is better than a rattle can job But I am not sure what you need. I am also particularly interested because I have a whole lot of plastic to paint on my kat.

[earlfor]

Re: Paint Guns

I have various spray guns and I've found that an 8 oz. cup detail gun works best for small things such as motorcycle tanks. With the multi part, catalyzed automotive paints, you will only need a quarter tohalf fan pattern and about half the paint spray volume the gun is capable of and a pressure of 25-30 psi. Your small compressor should be able to handle that without any problem. You can get a detail gun at any Home Depot or Lowes for about $30.

Earl

So, I am wondering about purchasing a spray gun to paint my bike, amongst other small projects (not looking to paint a car or anything). Problem is I have a really small compressor that only provide for 4.2CFM. One of those 1 1/2 hp compressors that come with the brad nailer compressor kit.

I found these guns and wondered if it could handle jobs like painting a gas tank, etc while providing a decent finish. The CFM is like 2.8. Anyone with expertise that could help...Note I am pretty green with painting equipment.

http://www.bosstoolsupply.com/index.asp?ageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=3685

http://www.bosstoolsupply.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1432

http://www.bosstoolsupply.com/index....OD&ProdID=5898

[Jethro]

I recently went to a real deal paint shop for some 3 part paint to do brake calipers, master cyl- stuff that get's real nasty with chemicals and I've had bad luck with rattle cans on. The paint shop sold me a small spray bottle with these little canisters (chargers) that draw right off a small glass jar. You can even use the jar itself to mix your paint/ reducer and hardener in. I asked them if this was appropriate for my $80 in paint supplys, they said, "Heck, we'll use those to paint entire body panels in the shop- works as good as any paint gun I've used!" I asked if it was possible to paint the whole bike with one- they said of course.

[earlfor]

I believe what you're referring to is a "Pre-Val". Its a cannister of compressed gas the scres onto a glass jar that holds the paint and has a nozzle like a spray can. It will do about the same quality job as a spray can. It doesnt compare to the paint surface you can achieve with a detail spray gun and compressor. But then, without some practice :-), the mess you can achieve with a spray gun exceeds that possible with a spray can. LOL

Earl

I recently went to a real deal paint shop for some 3 part paint to do brake calipers, master cyl- stuff that get's real nasty with chemicals and I've had bad luck with rattle cans on. The paint shop sold me a small spray bottle with these little canisters (chargers) that draw right off a small glass jar. You can even use the jar itself to mix your paint/ reducer and hardener in. I asked them if this was appropriate for my $80 in paint supplys, they said, "Heck, we'll use those to paint entire body panels in the shop- works as good as any paint gun I've used!" I asked if it was possible to paint the whole bike with one- they sai

d of course.

[jlmoulto]

So Earl, you thinking that this gun might be the one?

http://www.bosstoolsupply.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1432

[earlfor]

Yep, that is all you need for motorcycle size things. You can paint your car with it too, but you would have to mask and paint one panel at a time. :-)
Thats all I use though for the bikes.

Earl

So Earl, you thinking that this gun might be the one?

http://www.bosstoolsupply.com/index....OD&ProdID=1432

[jlmoulto]

Thanks Earl.

Only problem around here is that I may have to order it in, however no big deal really...cost will be quite low to ship I am sure.

One thing I noticed about that gun is that the grip seems weird. Perhaps, it is the picture, but I am trying to get my head around gripping and using the trigger. I have mental gymnastic pictures and if you could see me, you would know that was not possible!!!

[earlfor]

The underside of the housing rests on top of your hand between your thumb and finger. The trigger blade (on top of the gun) is pressed with your 1st finger. (Its much more relaxing to use than the large guns with pistol grips)
Its pretty much like holding a big pencil. :-)

Earl

Thanks Earl.

Only problem around here is that I may have to order it in, however no big deal really...cost will be quite low to ship I am sure.

One thing I noticed about that gun is that the grip seems weird. Perhaps, it is the picture, but I am trying to get my head around gripping and using the trigger. I have mental gymnastic pictures and if you could see me, you would know that was not possible!!!

[jlmoulto]

Ah...so if I have this right, I don't use the "ring" on top of the gun.

So, hopefully only one last question. I assume this gun can apply most car finishes including flake?

[earlfor]

the ring is for hanging it up. :-)

Yep, spray metallics also. It doesnt have an auto agitator, so you periodotically have to shake the gun a bit to keep the particles suspended.

Earl

Ah...so if I have this right, I don't use the "ring" on top of the gun.

So, hopefully only one last question. I assume this gun can apply most car finishes including flake?

[SqDancerLynn1]

I would prefer the gravity feed cup. LESS paint waste. Any paint gun will out do a spray can

[jlmoulto]

So to be certain before I order, this is my compressor...when I said small, I meant small!

http://www.bosstoolsupply.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=5820

[earlfor]

According to the ad, it flows 2.5 cfm @ 90 psi. Then it should flow 3.75 cfm @ 45 psi and 7.5 cfm @ 30 psi. The detail gun will need 30 psi and 3 to 4 cfm. You should be just fine.

If its very humid where you are, you might want to look into getting an inline water separater/filter to keep water mist out of the spray.

Earl

So to be certain before I order, this is my compressor...when I said small, I meant small!

http://www.bosstoolsupply.com/index....OD&ProdID=5820

[earlfor]

The one thing I dont like about the gravity feed guns is you cant crawl under something and spray up. :-) They do use a little less paint though for a cycle tank, it probably isnt a consideration.

Earl

I would prefer the gravity feed cup. LESS paint waste. Any paint gun will out do a spray can