The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop HVLP paint gun recommendations wanted

Okay, I just burned out a bunch of brain cells reading on-line reviews... Most reviews were either too commercial or very old....

I am looking for a moderately priced, higher quality HVLP paint gun for doing my 60 Apache. I would like input on a currently available gun. Price is secondary but do not want a divorce. What I want is something I can learn to use with a little practice and it has to be user friendly. I will have a 60 gallon compressor that will be up to the job.
This will be a go to gun for everything from primer/sealer to paint and clear coat. Is that possible???

I am not willing to go into stores right now so this is really tough getting information. I would like to buy a gun this week without risking death. Worked too many years to retire so I can spend the kids inheritance. Yes, there are people close by me who have the virus.... It would probably kill me.
8 year veteran, not no pussy...… do not trust the VA Clinics much...

I have been using the cheap guns from Harbor Freight with good results. The mid price range. I also use my older Devilbess GTI if I shoot clear coat. Recently received the 3M Accuspray System which I haven't used yet. Looking forward to using that.

Like any paint job, the prep work under your topcoat is the key to getting a nice finish. If you haven't painted before, practice on a scrap piece of material.

If I had to buy today I would check out the 3M Accuspray.

Have Fun!

I've been using the Eastwood type of Rally kit? It's that budget gun/detail gun kit. Spraying primers and finish coats is doable as long as you change the gun tip size. I've been hearing decent things about the Black Widow gun at Harbor Freight.

Thanks, good stuff. I did actually pick up an old hood and fender just to practice on.

Make sure your air supply is clean and dry. Moisture in the lines is a no-no. John

I have a Devilbiss Finish Line 3, 1.3 mm tip which lays down paint pretty well. Reasonably priced..
Keep in mind the tip sizes differ for primer,base coat/clear coats. The paint data sheets will specify the size range required per paint system. You can switch out tip sizes.
Like Johnny N states clean dry air is paramount.
Not to preach but wear eye protection, the correct respirator and "tyvek" coveralls.
"Isocyanates" in the paint activator is odorless but can enter through eyes and skin in addition to you breath.
Take care of your lungs and knees...you will miss them some day.
Stay safe and have fun!!

I got a 3M Accuspray system Link as a Christmas gift, after a "subtle" hint.
I've used it for spraying primer so far, and it has worked well. The kit I got comes with 4 nozzle sizes and a starter supply of the PPS liners and lids. I just bought some "mini" (6 oz) liners and lids, which should be good for small jobs. The cleanup of the gun is real easy, only needing a couple ounces of solvent, although with the liners and lids, the expense is a little higher as they're one-time use. I can see the easy cleanup as a plus for the occasional user.
I did have one glitch. The first liner I used had a leak and I wound up with unmixed (fortunately) primer on my work table, so I'd suggest checking them before use if you go that way.
I would recommend that system. Not that expensive for the kit, but as I mentioned, the cost of liners and lids is a bit more. May offset the use of cleaning solvent though.

I picked up a Contours II HVLP gun from Eastwood 2 years ago and have had great results. I painted my sons Honda Civic SI with black base/clearcoat and the paint went on truly amazing. The best part is it uses about 5 CFM. I painted the car using a old 2HP Sears compressor with a 20 gallon tank rated at 7.8 CFM @90 lbs. never once ran out of air.

One recommendation I have is to buy a new airline and dedicate that to spraying only. I found out the hard way when I thought I was getting water in the paint (I had two water filters and a final desiccant filter at the gun) only to find that it was debris from the old hose I was using.

X2 on the dedicated air line. If you have ever used the hose on an air tool it may/will have oil in it. Guaranteed fish eyes.

Mark

X3