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Originally Posted by Ebranste
I'm looking to repaint my 88 civic and I'm looking for some tips. Anyone know a good site that gives good info on spraying cars?
Also, as I'm looking for the right equipment, I came across a spray gun from my friend's pawn shop. He gave it to me, but we're not sure if it is for automotive use or otherwise.
It's says 'Thompson Industries Inc.' on it and 'Eletric Sprayit Division' . also says not to exceed 50 psi. Anyone know if this gun is ideal for auto spraying?
Also, since i'm on the subject, I've also got a friend who says she has 8 air compressors and is more than willing to part with one as they were inherited from a relative. What should I look for in a compressor for auto work/painting? Are there electric/propane/gas powered?...and which is most ideal for painting?
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Sounds like the gun you've got might be a little more trouble than its worth......you can get a paint gun that’s reasonably priced and that will work just fine, though. Expensive, brand name gravity feed guns are ideal for people who depend on them to perform day- day-out, or who are concerned with productivity- but really, a used siphon feed gun will do the trick. But you HAVE to keep it really clean- particlarly the needle, aircap, and fluid tip. These are pretty much standard components on any traditionally styled paintgun.
When you've found a gun you like- invest in a gun cleaning kit (they’re cheap), and make sure that you have the right wrenches to take the head assy apart for cleaning. Keep an old coffee can or some other metal container around to soak the gun parts in cheap laquer thinner.
Your best bet for a paintgun purchase is a well made used one. No doubt Devilbiss and SATA make top-of-the line stuff, but an old Binks Model 7 will do exactly what you want (these will also spray primer and single stage paint equally well). You can also buy asian made knock-offs of current generation guns. They will also do the job. Ultimately, the outcome of the finish on your car rests with thorough prep work, good spraying conditions, quality paint, and a confident sprayer- and doesn’t depend so much upon using a sophisticated spray gun.
As someone else here also mentioned, you’ll probably need to have a moisture trap or dryer of some kind—you can buy disposable ones at the paint store that thread “inline” where the air hose plugs into the gun body. You can also invest in a remote dryer of some kind- wowo are they expensive. And the cheaper models really don’t work all that effectively. Again, a well made used model could be your best option, if you’re able to find such an item. Your other option is to just go commando- no dryer- and drain the compressor tank OFTEN. There is a petcock at the bottom of the holding tank that will release moisture and other gunk that is being held inside the tank. You will want to open this up while there is pressure in the tank- more frequently if its humid, or when you are working the compressor hard. It either goes on the floor, or it ends up in your paint job.
The type of compressor is up to you. The tank can be as small as 20 gallons, but you will definitely enjoy having a larger tank. It may keep you from having to listen to a hammering compressor motor while you are concentrating on layin’ down some slick coats. I would stick with electric, here (you’ll definitely need a 230V outlet). You can go as small as a 4 hp rating, but as with tank size, this is a matter of bigger is better. Not necessary, but definitely better. It won’t take you long to recognize what I’m talking about- probably in the early seconds after you bring the compressor home and plug it in. The things are LOUD. You may prefer to locate the compressor behind a wall or in its own little structure or shed- just make sure that it gets lots of fresh, cool air. The larger the compressor, the less demanding of a job it has- this will also help contribute to good results. The more frequently a compressor motor runs, the hotter it gets. As the motor gets hotter, so does the air going into the tank rise in temp. As the air becomes hotter, its moisture content will rise accordingly- which can make for annoying little splats in your clearcoat, or weird patches of bumpiness as it tries to evaporate through the drying paint.
When I first started painting at home, I used a 4HP 20 Gallon Craftsman compressor. It ran almost continually while I painted, and barely kept up with a DA sander or airgun, but it did the job. I had some problems with moisture, but nothing that ever ruined a job. It all just depends on how picky you want to be about a first paint job.
Buy what you can afford- you’ll figure a way of working with it, but one thing worth mentioning here; if a compressor is in fact so small that you can’t empty out a full gun cup (or more) at 55-60 PSI without stopping to wait for the compressor- it’s not worth much to you. You will want to be able to make complete, wet coats of paint at a consistent pressure fro good results.