I got a paint question

[z71devildog]

Hi guys,devildog here. The question that I have is would it be ok to use a hvlp or a lvlp gun with a 20 gallon craftsman compressor? Or don't even try either one. And just go the spray bomb route. I'm trying to keep from going there because I don't want to spend 17 dollars a can for cub paint and have a cheap looking paint job on it any suggestions are much appreciated

[J-Mech]

As long as the output CFM of the compressor meets the requirements of the gun, yes you are fine. Otherwise, no. Painting with a gun isn't like using a spray can. It takes time to learn how to use/ set the gun correctly. There are a lot of variables in painting. I suggest: 1) Practicing on something before you paint with it. 2) Study up on how to paint with a compressed air gun. Your going to need a few other things to make it a good paint job, otherwise, your paint job could actually look worse than if you'd "rattle can" painted it. Good luck!

[z71devildog]

That's kinda what I was thinking j-mech. I've been studying and you tubing and such I'm sure I can get a good finish with a rattle can. I heard federal yellow from Napa is pretty close if not the same as cub paint. I've just haven't been to Napa to see how much that stuff is a can yet. Maybe I'll go this weekend. Thanks again

[J-Mech]

Don't misunderstand me, I'm not saying don't try it. Just sayin it takes practice to be good at it! LOL Good luck either way!!

[PaulS]

On our restore project EricR and I have been using a little rattle can painting (rims) and mostly gun painting. Rattle can painting is you have to use only what is in the can and it takes longer to dry. Air Gun painting gives a much better and durable paint job as you mix the thinner and hardner and then paint. I had a Sears compressor with a 15 gal tank that was very borderline for air gun painting. My neighbor had replaced his compressor and had the about 80 gal tank just sitting there so we got it and sat my compressor on top and piped into the big tank and have enough volume to paint all day. To get the best paint job volume is very important, pressure not so much as the better paint guns use a low pressure setting for best results. Also with a gun you must keep the moisture out so we installed 2 moisture barriers. One next to the tank and one next to the hose hookup.

[sawdustdad]

I still use rattle cans. With proper technique, I don't think you can tell the difference. I buy mine from the local IH dealer, under $10/can. The colors are correct, no guessing about that.

I have a large compressor and a spray gun, but as JMech has noted, it takes practice, and I tend to do a few items at at time, so the spray cans are much more convenient, no cleanup, no mess.

[z71devildog]

I agree with both sawdust and paul. I'm not really worried about rattling, I know I can do it I just have to take my time but I do know before I start the next project I'm definitely going to find a bigger tank and get the supplys and practice painting.thanks for the advice from everyone that posted.this is my first resto and I'm pretty excited how it's coming along.I just want to get it done before next spring.

[nikster]

Originally Posted by z71devildog

Hi guys,devildog here. The question that I have is would it be ok to use a hvlp or a lvlp gun with a 20 gallon craftsman compressor? Or don't even try either one. And just go the spray bomb route. I'm trying to keep from going there because I don't want to spend 17 dollars a can for cub paint and have a cheap looking paint job on it any suggestions are much appreciated

Well, here is my opinion?

I've gone to Ace hardware & purchased;

School bus yellow in a rattle can. Tuff durable stuff. Great results & hard to tell the difference from a cub yellow. I mean hard! Went to O'Riellys auto. & purchased acrylic enamel 'Clear Coat'. Sprayed 2 coats after lightly sanding with some super fine steel wool. Now it's got more protection.

Also Ace hardware & their Almond color Appliance enamel epoxy paint. Boy this is an almost duplicate match to a cub paint. After drying & again a light buffing with steel wool. Then again with 2 light coats of clear coat.

Now my cubs are NOT show tractors. They work cutting grass, plowing & throwing snow. If my wife thinks they look a lot better then that's good enough for me!

Nik,

[nikster]

Oppppps!

Not Ace for School bus yellow.

Dupli-Color School Bus Yellow purchased from O'Rilley Auto.