Paint gun recommendation

[Charles C.]

Can you recommend or can you direct me on how to choose the appropriate paint gun or guns for a Corvette hobbyist - for painting primer, sealer, lacquer and touch up. I would like to know the brands and models that have worked best for you.

There are so many available guns, recommendations would be greatly apprieciated. My price range would be $200 - $600.


Thanks
Charles

[Paul J.]

Re: Paint gun recommendation

Can you recommend or can you direct me on how to choose the appropriate paint gun or guns for a Corvette hobbyist - for painting primer, sealer, lacquer and touch up. I would like to know the brands and models that have worked best for you.

There are so many available guns, recommendations would be greatly apprieciated. My price range would be $200 - $600.


Thanks
Charles

Charles, with that price range you can buy the best, which in my mind is the Anest Iwata. I spoke to several painters and these are the guns that the pros use and will be more than what any hobbiest needs. The primary difference between these guns and the cheaper ones is not only the design, but also the materials used. The bad thing about these guns is that the tips are not interchangable, so you need a separate gun for each tip size.

Sata is also up there, but I have not talked to anyone who has used these guns before.

Some of the best and most popular guns for the hobbiest are DeVilbiss. They are not as expensive and you can use several tips for one gun. When I researched this a while back I asked for help on one of the web sites (I think it was spray gun world) and they were very helpful. I decided on the DeVilbiss Plus GFG670 kit, but did not purchase it at that time, and I'm glad that I did'nt because that may not be the best gun for me at this time. I like the Iwata guns a lot and will research this again before I buy a gun, which will be later next year.

I think that the expensive guns allow you to lay down a smooth, even coat much easier, and part of the reason the pros like them is that there is less buffing. For a hobbiest that is going to paint one car a year, I'm wondering if the expensive guns are worth it.

http://www.spraygunworld.com/

http://www.tcpglobal.com/spraygundepot/?gclid=CLfF8u2Rmp8CFRJinAodZjFUJA

http://www.spraygunplanet.com/spray2.html

I also searched the archives for you but could'nt find a specific thread. This has been discussed many times before. There are some experienced painters on this Board, maybe they'll comment.

Paul

[Doug F.]

Re: Paint gun recommendation

buy a nice used binks model 7 off of ebay or at a swap meet usually 50 to 100 bucks about the only thing that goes bad is the screw on cap/tip, [available at most paint stores ] gets worn and don't give you a good pattern, the late model devilbiss is good gun also, just make sure it is new enough not to have the copper oring under the tip, it is a crush fit and you are supposed to change it everytime you take off the tip and that's a pain, i've got a high dollar sata hvlp gun thats still almost new because i like my model 7's so much better.

[Dick W.]

Re: Paint gun recommendation

For over 30 years I would not use anything but DeVilbliss. I finally broke down and bought a SATA. WOW! What a change! Finest guns that I have ever used. Not cheap, but you get what you pay for.

[Cathy S.]

Re: Paint gun recommendation

The expensive guns are great, but buy a $20 harbor freight gun and play with it. I was really surprised at how well it performed. I just keep painting and painting with this cheap disposable tool. It's the ever ready *****, just keeps going.

[Chris S.]

Re: Paint gun recommendation

http://www.autobodytoolmart.com/devilbiss-paint-guns-c-916.aspx

It really depends on what you want and how good are you?
Do you want to spend 500.00 or 600.00 plus on a gun? Trust me it is a hard pill to swallow.
Also I own seperate guns for primer, clear and base coats
You also want at least one mini touch up gun and one air brush.
I would highly recomend having seperate guns.
As above check the links provided.
I have Sata's - they are top of the line - you can lay down clear and never buff it.
I also have Sharpe Finex, and DeVilbiss - and they work great too.
Many of the differences are construction.
Many high line guns are all SS (because of water borne) and like said above you have to buy tips and needles seperate.
I shot my frame is a Finex 1.4 mini touch up gun
I love it - I use it the most - it is little - great control - I can shoot little or big parts with it.
For base and clear guns look for 1.3 or 1.4 tips
For regular primer look for 1.8 tips
For slick sand or something similar I use 2.0 tips and up
you will also need a good cleaning kit and good air pressure regulators - dont skimp here either - digitals are great.
Most paints now shoot with 25 to 29 psi
Make sure to use an inline filter or drier - moisture is the enemy.
You can make your own disposable inline ones.
It really depends on what your doing and how much your going to use them and how good you are with painting
Also - Keep them clean ! esp when your not using them.

[Terry D.]

Re: Paint gun recommendation

Charles
As with most things it's the user not the piece of equipment that is at fault. You can have the best gun in the world and still do a lousy paint job. It sounds like you have never done this before, if true then you might consider playing around with a $100 gun to see if you can do the job. Painting is not something everybody can do. Be a shame to spend a $1000 on guns and accessories to find out your paint job looks like it was done with a brush. Also if you are going after a show paint job you need a good paint booth. Not cheap either. If you are after driver quality, this can be done on a windless day in your driveway if you have the right equipment and the right paint. Good Luck in which ever way you go.
Terry

[Michael M.]

Re: Paint gun recommendation

There are a lot of good guns out on the market. My personal preference is SATA. It's hard to beat German engineering.

[Paul J.]

Re: Paint gun recommendation

Charles
As with most things it's the user not the piece of equipment that is at fault. You can have the best gun in the world and still do a lousy paint job. It sounds like you have never done this before, if true then you might consider playing around with a $100 gun to see if you can do the job. Painting is not something everybody can do. Be a shame to spend a $1000 on guns and accessories to find out your paint job looks like it was done with a brush. Also if you are going after a show paint job you need a good paint booth. Not cheap either. If you are after driver quality, this can be done on a windless day in your driveway if you have the right equipment and the right paint. Good Luck in which ever way you go.
Terry

Charles,

Terry raises a good point. I've seen professional paint jobs that I could have done a better job.

I paint very seldom, and each time I practice on some of my "yard art" before I spray any expensive paint. I use a temporary paint booth, like the one that was discussed in an old Restorer article (although my design came from a fellow hobbiest, Bill McKenna). This arrangement gives you a good enough paint job to use as a starting point to wet sand/buff out your imperfections. Never discount the wonders of a good razor blade and nib file. Depending upon your ability, you can get excellent results.

Paul

[Tom A.]

Re: Paint gun recommendation

I've been using Sata guns professionally for years. You can't beat a Sata RP for a good all around gun. A 1.4 tip will take care of most of your paint needs and you can get a 1.8 for primers. They are also available with a built in digital pressure guage. The RP works much better on lacquer than a HVLP. Try online at Tools USA they usually have a pretty good price on Sata's.