The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop HVLP suggestions and previous experience

Greetings gang,

OK...so this Spring I will be media blasting the chassis of my 1964 Chevy C60 . Once that is done the painting begins. While I have a 5 HP, 30 gallon air compressor I want to transition over to a turbine based HVLP system. I plan on using the system for everything from Zero-Rust application on the frame and other chassis parts to the primer and color coat on the body.

From what I've read the turbine based HVLP systems are great because:

1) Almost no moisture and/or hydrocarbons (oils) to deal with...

2) Higher percentage of coverage because more material is applied to the area being painted...

3) More consistent results and from what I've read a little "easier" to use...easier being a relative word here based on experience of the user...

I would like to buy a complete turbine based HVLP system but have no idea what system to look at for my application. I don't want to go the cheap route...but then again I don't feel that I need the professional grade system that would kill my bank account. Further, I can go off a read all the vendors’ accolades about their respective systems but I really place significant value on present and past experience from the great folks and fellow restoration addicts here on the Stovebolt site .

As such, I would appreciate it if some folks could chime in and offer some suggestions and experiences?

As always...I greatly appreciate any feedback

Burgie,

I reached the same conclusions that you did and looked for an HVLP turbine system. I did not have a large air compressor and did not want to deal with water in the lines (or buying expensive systems to avoid this serious problem). I figure I saved about 30% on paint/materials by using an HVLP system.

The Accuspray 23K system produced an excellent finish on my Suburban (PPG DCC 2-part (3-part?), single stage Urethane). This model has a non-bleed spray gun.

I also used this system with an acrylic enamel on my engine, with excellent results.

The prices and service from the company at the above link were excellent. Ask them for advice on primer tip (Zero Rust tip) and finish tip.

If you have only used compressed-air spray guns, you will have to learn to hold the HVLP gun much closer to the surface to be painted.

Tim