The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop First time Paint Questions

I got a set of Devilblis finish line guns for christmas and now need to shot primer. I bought some 2K Crossfire Epoxy primer from Napa but have some questions. First off before I spray, do I need to wipe the metal down with anything, ie thinner or acetone? Next, what size tip do I use in gun? Lastly, I saw a show where they said you can practice spraying on a piece of cardboard but don't remember what they said to spray, thinner or something else. Thanks for any advice.

MP16,
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Dan

To answer some of your specific questions. Yes you wipe the surface down before doing any sanding or painting. No you don't use acetone or laquer thinner. You use wax & grease remover (mineral spirits is a cheaper alternative). You wipe it on wet and wipe it off with a clean rag before it dries. Practice spraying is good. Use something with color so you can see your pattern & overlap. Better than 90% of any paint job is preperation. Be prepared to make mistakes. Don't be upset when (not if) you make some mistakes. No body gets it perfect the first time. Good luck.

Heck, I always plan on imperfections. Makes life easier!

Hey, Welcome to the fun world of paint and don't forget that the stuff you spray is hazardous to your health. Too bad you can't find someone to show you. A picture is worth a thousand words. When I was younger I watched my uncle who had a body shop.
Don't use lacquer to wipe down with cause you'll see the wipe marks. I've used enamel reducer cause it evaporates fast, but then that stuff is pricey. You might want to pick up some tack rags to wipe with right before you shoot just to get the lint and stuff you can't see off the surface.
I like to practice on metal because cardboard soaks up the paint and gives a slightly different result than shooting metal. Try a trash can or an old fender, hood,etc.
Just play with the adj.on the gun till you get the feeling you know what they are doing for you,and remember they work together even though their function is different.
Remember too that how you mix the paint,temperature and humidity all play into how the shoot and the outcome will be. Good luck