The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop Rookie painting questions

I would like to try my hand at painting. I have a craftsman paint gun (Model unknown) It is a suction type. I tried spraying some acrylic lacquer with it and it does not seem to spray quite right. It seems to be drying too fast because it has a sort of bumpy texture. I also tried shooting primer with it and it is even more textured. I tried adjusting the air/paint valves as well as the pressure but can't seem to get it right.

Any suggestions?

Also, what type of paint is easier for an amature? Enamel? Lacquer? What kind of primer?

You need a regulator at the gun to slow the air down some, I think around 40psi is good for suction style. The gravity fed(HVLP) gun has far less overspray & waste of material. I am a novice also, doing mine 'cause no one wants to paint it at any price it seems. I have had good luck w/acrylic enamel using a hardener-its solvent resisitant, not deadly(some paints require fresh air apparatus)& seems fairly forgiving. Most like the base coat/clearcoat method but I have a hard time w/clear. Search for "basics of basics"(?) here or go to autobodystore.com, they have a forum & FAQ. Brian

I would say either you have too much pressure, you're paint isn't thin enough, you're moving too fast, or a combination of all. When I use a siphon type gun, which I now only use for primer, I run it about 40psi at the gun. I use a gravity feed HVLP gun for topcoating. I like the fact that I can actualy use all the material in the gun and not leave that little bit in the bottom of the cup.

When I started painting I used acrylic enamel all the time, because it's a single stage, and it was about the cheapest way to go. I like to use base/clear as much as I can, but I'm using ac.enam. on my '48.

I also tried painting with a Sears gun and had nothing but problems. I never could get it to spray an even coat. I finally just gave up and took the $100 loss and threw it in the garbage can. Bought a HVLP gravity feed from Harbor Freight for only about $70 and it works great. Sears has good hand tools but many of there power tools have been nothing but headaches for me. Cecil.........

I second that.

I gotta get an HVLP gun. I'm using an old Binks 69. It kinda sucks but not nearly as bad as my old Sears gun. I smashed it 25 years ago. lol...

Hey inky, Jim from hdle.
Was talking to a guy at the local cruise on sat with the same situation. Since we are both "back yarders" we had a lot to talk about. I've been practicing quite a bit (and that's what it takes) and I think the problems I've had have come from not putting enough paint on. My dad alwasy said if you don't get any runs, you're not putting enough on. Where I get runs, the paint usually looks pretty good. Use a hvlp gun, follow the mixing directions, use a decent product, get the pressure right and get it WET. Sounds easy but that's where the practice comes in. Count on color sanding at least some if not all of your job and shaving some runs. The guy I was talking to this weekend had a LOT of orange peel and some overspray. He will be doing some color sanding.
On a related matter, a body shop guy was there also and said he uses a color sanding disc which is expensive but he says he can do a whole car with one disc. Anybody hear of it?
Good luck
Jim

I agree about not applying enough paint. Don't be afraid to get a drip. They can always be sanded out. I think that most people don't thin their paint enough. I thinned mine more than recommended just to be sure that it would flow out smoothly. It did... I got a couple drips but only when I wasn't paying attention.

Just painted some small stuff including the wheels on the burb and the only thing different I can see is the fact I can pay more attention to the smaller stuff cause I don't have so much to do at once. I am sure I get more paint on these things. By the way, the stuff I did today looks great in spite of doinf it outdoors in 5000% humidity and 90 degree temps.
Jim

I think the problem is my paint gun. I've tried all sorts of pressures, needle settings, and air settings as well as different viscosities. The best I could do was marginally acceptable, and that was on a small part. As a kid, I helped a friend of my dad's, who was a professional body man, and never had this problem. Of course he had good equipment.

I am planning to get a HVLP gravity feed gun and see how that works.

Marginally acceptable is unacceptable when it comes to the 'Bolt.

Jim,
Good to hear from you! Also, thanks for the advise. Any progress on the engine rebuild?

Sounds like it might be a little dryer in your neck of the woods...LOL
Our humidity hasn't been below 8000% in weeks.

I had to pitch my old Sears gun. I got a Hausvile Campbell HVLP(I can't remember how to spell it) and I have been pleased.

Turn your compressor pressure all the way up then use a separate filter and regulator to drop the pressure. When the air is compressed to a higher pressure (100 psi) then expanded to 40psi it is no longer saturated at 100% relative humidy. You also need at least a 5Hp compressor that can keep the air tank at ~100 psi while you are painting.

Inky
should have kept my mouth (or fingers) shut. Painted the bumpers and running boards yesterday and got some tiny air bubbles or something in the clear. May have to do them over.
Motor may be running today and I go to get the tires mounted also. If I get it out of the garage I'll post a pict.
Jim
Definitely get a HVLP gun and try it.
j

I am having trouble with my single stage paint running on me. I use to paint in the old days, but can't get a good handle on this new stuff.
Any suggestions?

Oldcarman, I am no painter by any means. But I have tried my hand on it now. Be sure that you follow the flash time and wait for whatever it says before you paint over it again. Give it 15 minutes or whatever it says and the runs will stop, it did for me atleast. Good Luck

Thank you ArcticCat, and everyone. Have received many good comments. I look forward to improving with doing and spending lots of money. Ha.
Can't just stand there like a calf looking at a new gate! I'm kind of a die hard. Also am fighting high humidity and lots of rain here in Alabama. It's been a "fun" year 2005. Y'all keep up the good work. Bill